Valve Stem Puller Pivoting Connector Detent Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inflating the inner tube of a tire with a valve stem that protrudes through a hole in the tire rim is challenging due to the need for precise alignment and positioning of the valve stem during inflation, as it can become misaligned or pushed back into the tire.
Innovation Solution
A tool with an elongated handle and a pivotally mounted stem connector, where the air inlet nipple serves as a detent mechanism to securely hold the stem connector in alignment, allowing for simple pivoting without axial movement or magnets, ensuring the valve stem remains aligned and accessible for inflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a magnet is used to hold the stem connector in the recess, then the stem connector can be releasably held in position, but the device complexity increases due to additional components and axial movement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet nipple is integrated with the detent mechanism, serving dual purposes: providing air inlet functionality and acting as the holding element for the stem connector. This merging eliminates the need for separate magnets or complex axial movement mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable holding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The air inlet nipple performs multiple functions: it serves as the air inlet passage and simultaneously functions as the detent element that engages with the stem connector to hold it in position. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while ensuring reliable operation.
2Reliability
If axial movement and sliding mechanisms are used to position the stem connector, then the connector can be held in place, but the ease of operation decreases due to complex movement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet nipple and detent mechanism are combined into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for separate axial movement and sliding mechanisms. This simplification allows for easier operation while maintaining reliable positioning capability through the integrated detent action.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for the detent mechanism, then the holding function can be achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet nipple is merged with the detent mechanism into a single integrated component, eliminating the need for precise alignment between separate detent components. This integration reduces manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining the holding function, as the nipple's geometry itself provides the detent action.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve stem puller or holder, comprising an elongated handle with a clevis at one end, the clevis being formed by two side portions, and a hollow, partly cylindrical stem connector pivotally mounted between the side portions and movable between a first position in which the stem connector is coaxial with said handle and a second position in which the axis of the stem connector is at a large angle to the handle. The stem connector has an inner end in the form of a nipple configured to receive air pressure supply means, and the base of the handle between the side portions has a spring mounted detent element positioned so as to interact with the inlet of the nipple to releasably hold the stem connector in place.