Variable Dead Air Volume Compressor for Tire Sealant Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for sealing and inflating inflatable objects, such as motor vehicle tires, face issues with tire sealant solidification in the valve and supply lines during filling, leading to clogging and reduced pump capacity, which is not adequately addressed by existing solutions like spring-loaded outlet valves or electrical switching mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A reciprocating piston compressor with a variable dead air volume that can be adjusted based on operating modes, using a pressure chamber with a movable piston valve and adjustable spring force to control the flow rate and temperature, preventing sealant solidification without reducing compressor performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the volume flow of the air compressor is reduced to prevent sealant solidification, then the air temperature at the compressor outlet is reduced, but the pump capacity for inflating the tire is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The dead air volume is made variable through a movable piston that can be positioned at different locations in the cylinder. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to change the compression chamber volume based on operating mode: a larger dead air volume during sealant delivery to reduce flow rate and temperature, and a smaller dead air volume during tire inflation to maximize pump capacity.
2Productivity
If the performance of the air compressor is increased to improve pump capacity, then the volume flow is increased, but the sealant solidifies and clogs the tire valve
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the dead air volume based on the operating mode. During sealant delivery, the movable piston positions to create a larger dead air volume, which reduces the volume flow rate and prevents sealant solidification. During tire inflation, the piston positions to minimize dead air volume, maximizing pump capacity without causing clogging since the valve is not in the flow path.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the air temperature at the compressor outlet is reduced to prevent sealant solidification, then the sealant delivery is improved, but the heating effect for sealant processing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable piston dynamically adjusts the dead air volume to control the temperature of the compressed air. During sealant delivery, a larger dead air volume is created, which reduces the compression ratio and resulting air temperature, preventing sealant solidification. The system accepts reduced heating effect during this mode since the primary goal is to maintain sealant fluidity for successful delivery.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for reduced volume flow and air temperature during sealant delivery without compromising pump capacity, preventing valve clogging and enhancing the sealing process while maintaining transportability and reducing production costs.
Implementation Method 1
a movable piston that can be moved by a spring in the direction of the piston axis
Implementation Method 2
the piston and cylinders delimit a compression space
Implementation Method 3
a reciprocating piston compressor driven via a crank mechanism
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for sealing and inflating inflatable objects, in particular for sealing and inflating motor vehicle tires. The device comprises a compressor unit as the compressed gas source which is designed as a reciprocating piston compressor (10) driven by a slider crank mechanism. The device further comprises a reservoir for an automatic sealant to be filled into the inflatable object and a valve and distribution unit interconnecting the reservoir and the compressor unit, said unit allowing the operation of the device alternatively in the two operating modes "inflate" and "convey sealant", the reciprocating piston compressor (10) having a variable dead air volume (9) the content of which can be varied depending on the particular operating mode.