One-Hand Valve-Coupler Lever Mechanism for Tire Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve-coupler systems require two hands to attach and seal to a valve stem, making operations cumbersome, especially when one hand is needed to hold a bicycle or tire.
Innovation Solution
A valve-coupler system with a lever that extends below the valve body, allowing one-hand operation by configuring the lever and valve-coupler opening orthogonally, enabling attachment and sealing, and incorporating a seal actuator for quick detachment and gas flow control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional valve-coupler system is used, then the sealing function is reliable, but the operation requires two hands which reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing actuation function and the valve opening function into a single integrated lever mechanism. The lever simultaneously performs both functions when actuated, eliminating the need for separate operations and enabling one-hand operation while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever is designed as a multi-functional actuator that can perform multiple operations: sealing the valve-coupler to the valve stem, opening the gas inlet valve, and controlling gas flow. This universal design allows a single component to replace multiple separate mechanisms, improving ease of operation without sacrificing functionality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If one hand is needed to hold the bicycle or tire, then the stability of holding is improved, but the ability to operate the valve-coupler is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the sealing and valve-opening functions into a single lever actuation, allowing the user to perform both operations with one hand while the other hand securely holds the bicycle or tire. This integration resolves the conflict between stable holding and operational capability.
3Reliability
If continuous pressure is applied to maintain gas flow, then the gas flow is maintained, but the ease of operation is reduced due to continuous effort required
Solution Approach 1:
The gas inlet valve is designed to remain open automatically once actuated by the lever, without requiring continuous pressure application. The valve mechanism itself maintains the open state, allowing the user to release the lever after initial actuation. This self-sustaining feature eliminates continuous effort while maintaining reliable gas flow.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve-coupler system has a lever that extends under a length axis of the valve body to enable one-handed operation. The valve-coupler body has an opening that is configured over a valve stem and a seal actuator having a lever that can be rotated about a pivot with a single hand to create a seal around the valve stem. Additionally, a valve-coupler may have a gas inlet valve that can be activated by the same single hand to open the valve and allow gas to flow into the valve stem. The inlet valve may be configured in line with the lever whereby the inlet valve is opened when the lever is rotated about the pivot to contact the inlet valve. The inlet valve may be configured on the valve body for manipulation by a user's finger or thumb. The inlet valve may be on the top of the valve body.