Air manifold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air bed systems lack a mechanism to control deflation speed, leading to noise issues during slow deflation, which can disturb users, especially during sleep, and do not allow for quick deflation when needed.
Innovation Solution
An air bed system with a manifold that includes non-valved vents for slow deflation and a valved exhaust port for quick deflation, controlled by a controller to manage valve operations, allowing for quiet slow deflation at night and faster deflation during the day.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single exhaust port is used for deflation, then the structure is simple, but the deflation speed cannot be controlled and noise is generated during sleep
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust port is segmented into multiple independent exhaust channels (first exhaust channel and second exhaust channel), each with different cross-sectional areas. This allows the system to select different deflation speeds by opening different channels, resolving the contradiction between operational control and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different exhaust channels based on operational requirements. The controller selectively opens the first exhaust channel for slow deflation during sleep and the second exhaust channel for fast deflation when awake, making the deflation process adaptive to user needs.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a small vent is used for deflation, then noise is reduced during sleep, but deflation time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the exhaust channel configuration based on the user's state. During sleep, the first exhaust channel with smaller cross-sectional area is opened to minimize noise. When the user is awake and needs faster deflation, the second exhaust channel with larger cross-sectional area is opened to reduce deflation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the effective exhaust area parameter by selecting different exhaust channels. The first exhaust channel provides a smaller area for quiet operation, while the second provides a larger area for rapid deflation, allowing the system to optimize between noise and time based on operational context.
3Loss of time
If a large exhaust port is used for quick deflation, then deflation time is reduced, but noise is generated during sleep
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust system is segmented into multiple channels with different characteristics. The second exhaust channel provides a large cross-sectional area for rapid deflation when needed, while the first exhaust channel provides a smaller area for quiet operation during sleep, eliminating the need to choose between speed and noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which exhaust channel to open based on the operational context. The controller can open the second exhaust channel for fast deflation when the user is awake and needs quick deflation, or open only the first exhaust channel during sleep to minimize noise.
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 quiet and slow deflation during sleep and quick deflation when noise is less of a concern, improving user experience by reducing noise disturbance and allowing for automatic pressure adjustments without waking the user.
Implementation Method 1
air pumped from the air pump into the manifold can flow out of the manifold through both the first vent and the first outlet when the pump is operating and air can flow from the first inflatable air chamber through the first vent to the atmosphere when the pump is not operating
Data Source
AI summary
An air system for use in an air bed system can include a manifold and one or more valves. The manifold can define an inlet, an outlet, and a vent fluidically connected to atmosphere. A method of operating an air bed system can include deflating an air chamber through the vent in a first valve configuration and through the vent and an exhaust port in a second valve configuration.