Air Pump Assembly Noise Reduction via Labyrinth Casing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air pump systems used in vehicle seat control systems often generate significant operating noise, which can be bothersome for passengers, while also requiring effective cooling to prevent overheating of the components.
Innovation Solution
The air pump assembly incorporates a pump module surrounded by a casing with airflow passageways that change direction, utilizing a labyrinth-shaped design to minimize noise transmission and maximize cooling airflow, including sound-absorbing materials in the cover to balance noise reduction and airflow efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cooling fan is added to provide cooling airflow, then overheating is prevented, but operating noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a casing as an intermediary structure that surrounds the pump module and contains the cooling fan. This casing directs airflow through controlled passageways while containing and managing the noise generated by the fan, thus providing cooling while mitigating noise transmission to the passenger compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a casing with airflow passageways that acts as a flexible shell structure. This casing is configured to guide cooling air while also serving as a noise barrier, balancing the dual requirements of thermal management and noise reduction.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the pump module is tightly enclosed in a casing, then noise transmission is reduced, but cooling airflow efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The casing is segmented with multiple airflow passageways distributed across its structure. These passageways are strategically positioned to allow sufficient cooling airflow to reach the pump module while the solid portions of the casing maintain noise containment. The segmentation enables simultaneous achievement of noise reduction and cooling efficiency.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If sound-absorbing materials are added to the cover, then noise reduction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the noise reduction function with the existing casing structure by integrating sound-absorbing materials into the cover or casing. This combination approach achieves noise reduction without requiring completely separate noise control components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 solution effectively reduces operating noise and ensures adequate cooling of the air pump components, enhancing passenger comfort by minimizing noise and maintaining efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
the airflow passageway is configured so that air flowing through the passageway changes direction at least one time to reduce the transmission of noise from the air pump assembly
Implementation Method 2
the unit can incorporate a cooling fan that provides cooling airflow
Data Source
AI summary
An air pump assembly includes a pump module having an outer surface and a casing at least partially surrounding the pump module. The casing has an inner surface defining a cavity sized to snugly receive the pump module such that the outer surface of the pump module is in substantial engagement with the inner surface of the casing and is substantially prevented from moving with respect to the casing when the pump module is received within the cavity. At least one airflow passageway is defined between the inner surface of the casing and the outer surface of the pump module. The airflow passageway is configured so that air flowing through the passageway changes direction at least one time to reduce the transmission of noise from the air pump assembly.