Built-in Air Pump With Automatic Pressure Replenishment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing built-in air pumps for inflatable devices do not effectively maintain a constant air pressure over time, requiring manual intervention for air replenishment, which can be inconvenient and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A built-in air pump system with a controller that activates an air replenishing pump based on time, using a movable air passage switch and a magnetic core to control air flow, ensuring consistent pressure within the inflatable device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual air replenishment is used, then the device structure is simple, but the operation convenience deteriorates and time loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air pump system automatically monitors its own air pressure levels and triggers replenishment operations without user intervention. The controller detects when air pressure drops below the threshold and activates the air pump to replenish air, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminate manual operation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a pressure sensor that continuously monitors air pressure and provides feedback to the controller. When the sensor detects pressure below the preset threshold, it sends a signal to the controller, which then activates the air pump. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures automatic response to pressure changes and maintains optimal pressure levels.
2Loss of time
If manual air replenishment is used, then the device structure is simple, but time loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system proactively monitors air pressure levels and initiates replenishment operations before the user would need to intervene. By continuously tracking pressure and automatically triggering the air pump when thresholds are approached, the system performs the replenishment action in advance, preventing time loss and ensuring continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic monitoring and replenishment system ensures continuous operation by eliminating interruptions. The pressure sensor continuously tracks air pressure, and the controller automatically activates the air pump when needed, maintaining uninterrupted useful action without the time losses associated with manual intervention and ensuring the inflatable device remains properly inflated at all times.
3Extent of automation
If automatic pressure control is implemented, then operation convenience improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions within a single component: it receives pressure signals from the sensor, processes the pressure data, determines when replenishment is needed, activates the air pump, and monitors the replenishment process. By consolidating these multiple functions into one universal controller, the system achieves high automation while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the pressure monitoring, control logic, and pump activation functions into an integrated control unit. The controller is combined with the pressure sensor and air pump in a coordinated system where these components work together as a unified automatic pressure control mechanism, reducing the number of separate control elements and simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining high automation.
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 automatically maintains a constant air pressure within the inflatable device, enhancing user convenience and operational efficiency by automatically replenishing air as needed.
Implementation Method 1
an air passage switch, located in the first accommodating chamber, is moveable between a first position and a second position
Data Source
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AI summary
A built-in air pump comprises a housing body and a panel. The panel couples to the housing body and defines an opening. A main pump body couples to the housing body and defines a first accommodating chamber in fluid communication with the opening and with a first and a second venting port. An air replenishing pump has an air replenishing pump body that is located adjacent to the main pump body. The air replenishing pump body couples to the housing body and defines a second accommodating chamber having therein the air replenishing pump. An air passage switch, located in the first accommodating chamber, is moveable between a first and a second position. A controller is in electrical connection with the air replenishing pump and configured to activate the air replenishing pump based on a time determination. An inflatable body including the built-in air pump assembly is also disclosed herein.