Air Bed Pressure Adjustment Using Manifold-Based Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air bed systems require numerous iterations and extended time to achieve a desired pressure, with inefficiencies in single-hose configurations that rely on frequent pump shutdowns for pressure measurement, leading to inaccuracies and prolonged inflation/deflation cycles.
Innovation Solution
An air bed system with a pump, pressure sensing means, and control device that calculates a pressure target and adjustment factor, allowing continuous pressure monitoring and adjustment without pump shutdowns, using a pressure adjustment method that approximates chamber pressure based on manifold pressure relationships during inflation and deflation cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pump is shut down frequently for pressure measurement in single-hose configurations, then pressure can be monitored, but the time to reach desired pressure increases and accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
A second hose is introduced as an intermediary component to connect the pressure transducer directly to the air bladder. This allows the pressure transducer to measure actual bladder pressure without requiring pump shutdowns, eliminating the trade-off between measurement accuracy and time loss.
2Manufacturing precision
If numerous iterations of pressure adjustment are performed, then desired pressure can be reached, but the process becomes inefficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback by constantly monitoring actual air bladder pressure through the pressure transducer connected via the second hose. This real-time feedback allows the control system to make precise adjustments without numerous iterations, improving both accuracy and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical iterative adjustment process with an electronic control system that uses sensor feedback and automated pump control. This substitution eliminates the need for repeated manual or mechanical adjustment cycles.
3Device complexity
If a single hose configuration is used to minimize hoses, then device complexity is reduced, but pressure monitoring efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the hose functions into two separate hoses: one dedicated to air transfer between the pump and bladder, and another dedicated to pressure sensing. This functional segmentation allows each hose to perform its specific role efficiently without compromising the other.
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 significantly reduces the time and number of iterations needed to reach a desired pressure, enhancing accuracy and efficiency by eliminating the need for pump shutdowns during pressure measurement, thus improving user convenience and system performance.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure transducer positioned within a pump housing manifold... the pressure transducer first senses a pressure in the chamber
Implementation Method 2
a pump and valve assembly in order to inflate or deflate the air bladders as necessary... air is added or removed from the bladder as necessary based upon feedback from the sensed pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adjusting pressure within an air bed comprises providing an air bed that includes an air chamber and a pump having a pump housing, selecting a desired pressure setpoint for the air chamber, calculating a pressure target, adjusting pressure within the air chamber until a pressure within the pump housing is substantially equal to the pressure target, determining an actual chamber pressure within the air chamber, and comparing the actual chamber pressure to the desired pressure setpoint to determine an adjustment factor error. The pressure target may be calculated based upon the desired pressure setpoint and a pressure adjustment factor. Furthermore, the pressure adjustment factor may be modified based upon the adjustment factor error determined by comparing the actual chamber pressure to the desired pressure setpoint.