Built-In Electric Air Pump Snap-Fit Assembly Without Screws
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional built-in electric air pumps have complex assembly procedures due to the use of screws, leading to low production efficiency and increased weight and cost.
Innovation Solution
A built-in electric air pump design featuring a press-fit element and snap-fit connections for components, eliminating the need for screws and simplifying assembly, while maintaining component fixation and reducing weight and size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If screws are used to fix accessories in the electric air pump, then component fixation is reliable, but assembly procedures become complex and production efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional screw fastening system with a snap-fit connection system. The press-fit element with its pressing portion and the corresponding receiving structure eliminate the need for screws, thereby simplifying assembly procedures and improving production efficiency while maintaining reliable component fixation through elastic deformation and friction of the snap-fit connection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the screw fastening components from the air pump assembly. By eliminating screws and their associated fastening mechanisms, the design achieves simpler assembly procedures and higher production efficiency, while the functional integrity is maintained through the alternative snap-fit connection mechanism
2Reliability
If screws are used to fix accessories in the electric air pump, then component fixation is reliable, but the weight and size of the air pump increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screw fastening system with a snap-fit connection system that uses elastic deformation and friction to secure components. This substitution eliminates the need for heavy screw fasteners and reduces the overall weight of the air pump while maintaining reliable component fixation through the press-fit element's pressing portion engaging with the receiving structure
3Reliability
If screws are used to fix accessories in the electric air pump, then component fixation is reliable, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the screw fastening system with a snap-fit connection system that is simpler and more cost-effective to manufacture. The press-fit element with its pressing portion and the corresponding receiving structure can be integrated into moldings, eliminating the need for separate screw fasteners and reducing production costs while maintaining reliable component fixation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the fastening function directly into the structural components through the snap-fit connection. The press-fit element's pressing portion is integrated with the housing structure, and the receiving structure is formed as part of the component design, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system that reduces part count and production cost
Data Source
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AI summary
A built-in electric air pump, adapted to be attached to an inflatable body, is provided. The built-in electric air pump includes a pump housing defining therein an accommodating cavity; a pump cover and a switching device disposed in the accommodating cavity; an air valve in fluid communication with the switching device; and an operating switch operably connected to the switching device. The operating switch is configured to drive the switching device to switch between a first position in which the pump is in an inflation state and a second position in which the pump is in an exhaust state. The built-in electric air pump further comprises a press-fit element, disposed in the accommodating cavity and including a first end biased to press against the first limiting structure, and a second end biased to press against the pump housing, such that the press-fit element and the pump housing limit a position of the pump cover in the accommodating cavity.