Wireless Hydration Pump Control for Helmeted Riders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable hydration systems with bite valves and hoses are not well-suited for activities like motorcycling and auto racing, as they require manual adjustment and can be cumbersome, leading to reliability and comfort issues when used with helmets.
Innovation Solution
A portable, wirelessly-controlled hydration system with a control assembly featuring wireless transceivers, computing devices, and a fluid pump, allowing for hands-free operation and adjustable fluid delivery parameters via a user interface, preventing interference with other devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional portable hydration systems with bite valves and hoses are used, then the system provides basic hydration functionality, but the system requires manual adjustment and becomes cumbersome when used with helmets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bite valve system with an electronically controlled pump system. The pump is activated by a button or sensor, eliminating the need for manual bite valve manipulation. This substitution of mechanical operation with electronic control resolves the contradiction by improving ease of operation while managing device complexity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic activation through sensors that detect when the user needs hydration, eliminating the need for manual adjustment. The pump automatically delivers fluid based on sensor input, making the system self-regulating and reducing the burden of manual operation while maintaining manageable complexity through automated functions.
2Reliability
If conventional hydration systems are used with helmets, then the system can be worn during activities like motorcycling, but the system requires frequent adjustments and causes comfort issues
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic pump system replaces the mechanical hose and bite valve assembly, reducing the number of moving parts that require adjustment when wearing a helmet. The streamlined design with fewer mechanical components improves reliability while enhancing ease of operation during helmeted activities.
3Extent of automation
If wirelessly-controlled pump system is implemented, then hands-free operation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wireless control system replaces manual mechanical operation with electronic control through buttons or sensors. This substitution achieves hands-free operation (increasing automation) while managing complexity through integrated electronic components that consolidate control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to accept multiple input methods (buttons, sensors, wireless communication) through a single integrated controller. This multi-functionality approach increases automation while managing device complexity by consolidating control mechanisms into a universal interface.
4Adaptability or versatility
If programmable control with wireless transceivers is added, then adjustable fluid delivery parameters are achieved, but the risk of interference with other devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses programmable parameters for fluid delivery (flow rate, duration, pressure) that can be adjusted based on user needs. This adaptability is achieved through software control while managing electromagnetic interference through proper frequency selection and shielding, resolving the contradiction between versatility and harmful interference.
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
The system provides a reliable, comfortable, and easy-to-use hydration solution that does not require frequent adjustments, ensuring continuous hydration without manual interaction, even when wearing a helmet.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid pump operably connected to the first control assembly and comprising input and output ports, operation of the fluid pump being controlled by the first computing device, the input port of the fluid pump being operably connected to the second end of the input tube, the output port of the fluid pump being connected to the first end of the output tube, the pump being configured to pump fluid from the fluid reservoir through the fluid input tube, the pump and the fluid output tube to the mouth of the user
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are various embodiments of systems, devices, components and methods for providing hydration to a user from a fluid reservoir or bladder, where the fluid is provided on demand by the user activating and controlling a user interface that communicates wirelessly with a control assembly operably connected to a pump and the fluid reservoir.