Air Pump Channel Switch Assembly for Single-Motor Chamber Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inflatable beds require multiple motors for inflation and deflation due to their multi-chamber design, leading to increased cost.

Innovation Solution

A low-cost air pump with a channel switch assembly that utilizes a reversing motor, driving gear, and driven gear to successively drive inflation-and-deflation and channel switch assemblies, reducing the need for multiple motors by using a single reversing motor for both functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple motors are used for inflation and deflation of multi-chamber inflatable products, then the inflation and deflation functions can be achieved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinflation and deflation functionVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The single motor is designed to perform multiple functions by integrating the inflation and deflation operations into one motor unit. The motor controls both the inflation process (filling chambers with air) and the deflation process (releasing air from chambers) through a unified drive mechanism, eliminating the need for separate motors for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the inflation and deflation drive mechanisms into a single integrated motor system. The motor's rotation can be controlled to drive either inflation or deflation operations, merging what were traditionally separate motor functions into one unified component, thereby reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If a single motor is used for both inflation and deflation, then cost is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovecostVSAvoidswitch assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switch assembly is divided into distinct functional modules: a channel switching mechanism that directs airflow paths, and a chamber selection mechanism that identifies which chamber to inflate or deflate. This segmentation allows each module to handle specific tasks independently, making the overall complex system more manageable and maintainable.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The channel switch assembly acts as an intermediary component between the single motor and the multiple chambers. It mediates the motor's rotational output by directing it to the appropriate chamber or function, thereby simplifying the control logic and reducing the apparent complexity of the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If multiple motors are used, then channel switching is simplified, but the quantity of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel switchingVSAvoidnumber of motors

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The single motor is designed to perform multiple functions by integrating the inflation and deflation operations into one motor unit. The motor controls both the inflation process (filling chambers with air) and the deflation process (releasing air from chambers) through a unified drive mechanism, eliminating the need for separate motors for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the inflation and deflation drive mechanisms into a single integrated motor system. The motor's rotation can be controlled to drive either inflation or deflation operations, merging what were traditionally separate motor functions into one unified component, thereby reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20260009393A1An air pump with a channel switch assembly

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 INTEX MARKETING

AI summary

An air pump may include a pump assembly, a switch assembly, an inflation-and-deflation switch assembly, and a channel switch assembly. The switch assembly may include a motor that drives the inflation-and-deflation switch assembly and the channel switch assembly to an inflation, deflation, or sealed position. The inflation-and-deflation switch assembly selectively communicates an inlet-and-outlet port of the air pump with an inlet or an outlet of the pump assembly. The channel switch assembly selectively opens or closes an inflation-and-deflation port of the air pump.