Air Mattress Pump Control for Fast Inflation and Lower Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current air mattresses require a lengthy preparation time to inflate to a predetermined pressure, leading to wasteful waiting time for nurses, and the noise from motorized diaphragm type pumps can be uncomfortable for patients during pressure adjustments and alternate inflation/deflation cycles.
Innovation Solution
An air mattress system with a controller that manages the air supply/discharge pump's power output, allowing rapid inflation from zero to maximum pressure and reducing noise levels by adjusting the power output based on operational modes, such as normal use, alternate inflation/deflation, and back-raising operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a high-capacity supplying and discharging pump is provided to rapidly inflate air cells from pressureless state, then the preparation time is reduced, but the cost increases and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump's power output is dynamically adjusted based on operational mode. During initial inflation from pressureless state, the pump operates at maximum power output to rapidly inflate all air cells. During normal alternate inflation/deflation, the pump operates at reduced power output, thereby reducing noise while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power output parameter of the pump according to different operational states. The controller switches between first power output (maximum capacity) for rapid inflation and second power output (lower than first) for normal operation, optimizing both time efficiency and noise reduction.
2Reliability
If a motorized diaphragm type pump is used to supply and discharge air for alternate inflation and deflation, then the bed user is protected from bedsores, but the driving noise becomes hard on the ears for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates at different power levels depending on the operational phase. During alternate inflation/deflation cycles for bedsore prevention, the pump runs at reduced power output, significantly lowering the driving noise while still maintaining the necessary air supply and discharge functionality to protect bed users from bedsores.
3Productivity
If the pump operates at maximum capacity to rapidly inflate air cells, then the preparation time is reduced, but the operation noise becomes uncomfortable for patients
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts pump power output based on operational requirements. Maximum power output is used only during initial rapid inflation when no patient is present. During normal operation with patients present, the pump operates at reduced power output, balancing productivity needs with patient comfort regarding noise levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump alternates between different power output states depending on the operational phase. The controller periodically switches between first power output (maximum capacity) for rapid inflation and second power output (lower than first) for normal operation, thereby managing both inflation speed requirements and noise control.
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 enables quick preparation of the air mattress for use, reducing waiting time and minimizing uncomfortable noise levels for patients during operation, enhancing usability and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
an air supply/discharge pump for performing air supply and air discharge for each of the air cells
Implementation Method 2
a controller that controls the air supply and the air discharge for each of the air cells by the air supply/discharge pump to control increase and decrease of air pressure inside the air cells
Implementation Method 3
In the diaphragm type pump, the diaphragm is moved reciprocatedly by reciprocate drive of the diaphragm by means of a linear motor for making linear motion, to thereby supply air to the air cells and discharge air from the air cells
Data Source
AI summary
When, at the initial operation of an air mattress having inflating and deflating functions or at restarting after maintenance, many air cells need to be filled with a large amount of air, the air supply/discharge pump is operated at a driving force (the first power output) close to the maximum driving capacity thereof in order to inflate the air cells as soon as possible. In the normal operation in which the bed user is lying on the bed, when the air supply/discharge pump needs to be driven in order to cause alternate inflation and deflation or in order to prevent the user from touching the bottom, the air supply/discharge pump is driven at a second or third power output lower than the first power output. Thereby, it is possible in the air mattress having inflating and deflating functions to achieve rapid pressure adjustment and alleviate bed user's discomfortable feeling due to the operation noise of the pump upon the pressure adjustment.