rynhardt wrote:I've also been thinking about building my own pump, geared especially toward travelling. Some features that I'd like:
1. Compact when packed in luggage. Ideally a closed cylinder with the piston, handle, shaft and tube all packed neatly inside. Maybe use a foot strap instead of a plastic base to stand on. I don't mind a bit of assembly once I arrive at my destination.
2. Easy pumping. Go for a smaller diameter piston and a longer cylinder to reduce the pumping force needed at higher PSI. Consider single action pump where pumping is done only on the down stroke. Having to pull up against the pump tends to hurt my back more.
3. Easy maintenance. Maybe have a replacable paper filter on the intake. Use something like silicon for the hose, not the corrugated crap that is usually sold. Make it easy to replace the piston O-ring seal. Make it easy to lube the inside once I arrive at my destination, and easy to clean out lube/sand once I go back home and pack everything back inside.
I reckon I can build a basic single-action pump from easily sourced material such as PVC drain pipe, aluminium tube, plumbing fittings and a large O-ring.
There's 2 -3 avenues here.
1. Good travel pump ( occasional usage)
2. portable downwinder pump ( niche market)
3. Better pump for everyday use ( mass market)
Years ago I sketched out and idea for nr. 3 : dual cylinders with smaller diameter and longer stroke. Ability to switch between dual cylinder, dual action for high volume pumping to single cylinder for high pressure. Pretty basic.
Your idea above is good start to travel pump. Basic problem with today's pump during travel is volume to pack. Mostly the bulky diameter.
Removable/foldable handle, use fabric foot strap or folding. Smaller dia and longer cylinder. Shorter corregated inflation tube. Silicon will just blow up like a balloon.