An air pump with an electromechanical switch assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air pumps for inflatable products rely on manual operation termination, which is inaccurate, and self-closing pumps with pressure sensors and solenoid valves are costly and complex.

Innovation Solution

An air pump with an electromechanical switch assembly that includes a handwheel, clamp ring, bidirectional torsional spring, pressure valve assembly, and linkage assembly to automatically control inflation and deflation based on internal pressure, using a simple structure without pressure sensors or solenoid valves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual operation termination is used, then the structure is simple, but the control accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestructureVSAvoidcontrol accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The pump system performs self-control through the electromechanical switch assembly that automatically detects when the inflatable product reaches the desired pressure level and shuts off the pump without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring its own operational state and making autonomous decisions to terminate pumping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex electronic pressure sensors and solenoid valves with a mechanically-based electromechanical switch assembly that uses a flexible membrane, lever, and switch contact to detect pressure and control pump operation, substituting sophisticated electronic sensing and actuation systems with a simpler mechanical detection and control mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If pressure sensor and solenoid valve are used, then the control accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoidstructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pressure detection function and the pump control function into a single integrated electromechanical switch assembly, where the flexible membrane simultaneously serves as both the pressure-sensing element and the actuating mechanism that opens or closes the pump, eliminating the need for separate pressure sensors and control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible membrane in the electromechanical switch assembly performs multiple functions: it acts as the pressure-sensing element, the mechanical actuator that moves the lever, and the trigger for the electrical switch, thereby consolidating what would traditionally require separate pressure sensor, actuator, and control circuit components into a single multi-functional element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If pressure sensor and solenoid valve are used, then the control accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs inexpensive mechanical components such as a flexible membrane, lever, and basic electrical switch contact in the electromechanical switch assembly, replacing costly electronic pressure sensors and solenoid valves with affordable mechanical and electrical elements that achieve the same control function at lower manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 air pump provides accurate and automatic inflation and deflation control with a simple design, eliminating the need for manual operation and complex components, ensuring precise pressure regulation.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic component, which may be a bidirectional torsional spring... The elastic component may be configured to rotate the clamp ring between a first position and a second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsional spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 2

The pressure ejector rod may be movably arranged in the valve chamber and may cooperate with the linkage assembly to trigger the linkage assembly to start when the pressure ejector rod moves up or down

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS20260009402A1An air pump with an electromechanical switch assembly

Publication Date: 2026.01.08 INTEX MARKETING

AI summary

An air pump for an inflatable product may include an inflation-and-deflation control assembly, a pump assembly, a pressure valve assembly, and a linkage assembly. The pressure valve assembly may detect the pressure inside an inflatable chamber of the inflatable product. Once a pressure threshold is reached within the inflatable chamber, the pressure valve assembly may activate the linkage assembly. The linkage assembly may cause the inflation-and-deflation control assembly to deactivate the air pump and place the air pump in a closed or sealed position.