Air Bag Massage Control Using Valved Single-Pump Air Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air massage devices are limited in their ability to vary the expansion speed of air bags due to constant air supply from a single pump, making it impossible to provide a slow and gentle massage, and are impractical for downsizing as they require multiple pumps.
Innovation Solution
An air massage device with multiple air bags, a single air pump, and solenoid valves controlled by a microcomputer to adjust air supply per unit time, allowing for varying expansion speeds and modes such as slow and normal, enabling flexible treatment options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single air pump is used with constant air supply performance, then the device structure is simplified and downsizing is enabled, but the expansion speed of air bags cannot be varied and slow massage is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
An air supply valve is introduced as an intermediary component between the air pump and air bags. This valve controls the amount of air supplied per unit time to each air bag, enabling variable expansion speeds without requiring multiple air pumps with different performance characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The control part changes the air supply parameters (amount of air per unit time) by controlling the opening/closing of air supply valves. This allows the same air pump to achieve different expansion speeds by adjusting the air supply rate, thereby enabling both fast and slow massage modes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple air pumps with different air supply performances are used, then various expansion modes can be achieved, but the device size increases and downsizing becomes unrealistic
Solution Approach 1:
A single air pump is designed to perform multiple functions by controlling the air supply valve. The same air pump can provide both fast expansion (normal mode) and slow expansion (slow mode) by adjusting the air supply rate, eliminating the need for multiple specialized pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The air supply valve acts as a mediator that enables one air pump to serve multiple expansion mode requirements. By controlling the valve opening degree and timing, the system achieves variable expansion speeds without increasing the number of air pumps.
3Measurement precision
If air supply valve opening degree is adjusted according to air pump performance, then precise control of air bag expansion speed is achieved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control part monitors the air pump's air supply performance and adjusts the air supply valve opening degree accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures precise control of air bag expansion speed while automating the control process to minimize operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically adjusts the air supply valve based on the air pump's performance characteristics without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates to achieve the desired expansion speed, simplifying user operation despite the underlying control complexity.
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
Enables a range of treatment modes, including slow and gentle massage, while reducing the need for multiple pumps, improving space efficiency and cost-effectiveness by allowing a single air pump to provide different air supply performances.
Implementation Method 1
an expansion of the air bag is performed by supplying air into the air bag from an air pump
Implementation Method 2
a control part for changing an amount of the supplied air into each of the air bags per unit time according to an electric input value into the air pump to open and close each of the air supply valves
Data Source
AI summary
Provide is an air massage device including a plurality of air bags; an air pump 31 for supplying air into each of the air bags; solenoid valves 32 for switching on-off of air supply into each of the air bags; and a control part for changing an electric input value into the air pump 31 and an amount of the supplied air into each of the air bags per unit time to open and close each of the solenoid valves 32 so as to correspond to this change of the amount of the supplied air.