Air Pump Intake Control Valve Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air pumps have a complex structure with numerous parts, leading to a complicated installation procedure and high manufacturing costs, as well as being inconvenient to use.
Innovation Solution
An air pump design featuring a simple air intake structure with a lifting mechanism and air intake control valves positioned at the bottom for efficient air intake, coupled with an exhaust structure for air expulsion, reducing complexity and improving usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional air pump design with multiple control valve flaps and exhaust holes is used, then air pumping functionality is achieved, but the structure becomes complicated with numerous parts resulting in high manufacturing cost and complicated installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the air inlet control valve flaps and exhaust control valve flaps into a single integrated control valve structure. This consolidation reduces the number of separate parts, simplifies assembly procedures, and lowers manufacturing costs while maintaining the dual functionality of controlling both air inlet and exhaust passages.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously controls both the air inlet passage and exhaust passage. By making the control valve universal in its function, the patent eliminates the need for separate control mechanisms, thereby reducing part count and simplifying the overall device structure.
2Ease of operation
If air intake control valves are positioned at the bottom side, then air intake convenience is improved, but the structure requires reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional air intake position from the top or side to the bottom side of the device. This inversion improves air intake convenience by allowing easier access and more natural airflow direction, while the integrated control valve design minimizes the structural reconfiguration needed to accommodate this positional change.
3Reliability
If multiple separate control valve flaps are used for air inlet and exhaust holes, then precise control is achieved, but the number of parts increases leading to complicated installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple control valve flaps into a single integrated control valve that manages both air inlet and exhaust passages. This merging maintains precise control over both passages through coordinated valve flap movement while significantly reducing the total number of separate parts, thereby simplifying installation.
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 simplified air intake structure at the bottom side allows for convenient air intake and tight sealing during exhaust, resulting in a more straightforward installation and reduced manufacturing costs while maintaining efficient air pumping functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the airbags are moved to suck in air through the air inlets and to force air out of the exhaust holes
Implementation Method 2
the airbags are moved to suck in air through the air inlets and to force air out of the exhaust holes
Implementation Method 3
air intake control valve means movably set between the air inlet of each airbag and the at least one air inlet of the lifting mechanism to control the air passage
Data Source
AI summary
An air pump operably by a motor to pump air is disclosed to include a body, an airbag unit, which is mounted in the body has multiple airbags each having an air chamber and an air inlet, a lifting mechanism rotatable by the motor to move the airbags to pump air, a plurality of air intake control valves movably set between the air inlet of each airbag and respective air inlets of the lifting mechanism to control the air passage between the air inlet of each airbag and the air inlets of the lifting mechanism subject to the operation status of the airbags, and an exhaust structure coupled to the airbag unit for exhaust of air from the airbags.