Air pump system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflatable systems lack the ability to automatically control and adjust air pressure, leading to potential over-inflation or under-inflation issues, which can result in damage or discomfort, and are not optimized for supplementary inflation, causing noise and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An air pump system with a housing, one-way valve, main pump, air pressure control assembly, and supplementary pump, which automatically senses air pressure and adjusts operation based on set thresholds, allowing for precise inflation control and supplementary inflation to maintain optimal pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single inflation pump is used for both primary and supplementary inflation, then device complexity is reduced, but noise increases and inflation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the inflation system into two separate pumps: a main pump for primary inflation and a supplementary pump for fine-tuning. This segmentation allows each pump to be optimized for its specific function, with the supplementary pump being smaller and quieter, thereby reducing overall noise and vibration while maintaining system complexity at an acceptable level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between the main pump and supplementary pump based on the inflation stage. The control unit activates the main pump for rapid initial inflation and then switches to the supplementary pump for precise pressure adjustment, optimizing performance across different operational phases.
2Device complexity
If manual pressure control by pressing the inflatable member is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and control accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a pressure sensor that continuously monitors the air pressure inside the inflatable member and provides feedback to the control unit. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic adjustment of the pumping operation to achieve and maintain the target pressure, dramatically improving control accuracy compared to manual pressing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the manual mechanical method of pressure control (pressing the inflatable member) with an automated electronic control system that uses a pressure sensor and microcontroller to precisely regulate air pressure, eliminating the imprecision and inconvenience of manual methods.
3Device complexity
If no pressure sensing mechanism is implemented, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to automatically control inflation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor provides real-time feedback on the internal pressure of the inflatable member, enabling the control unit to automatically determine when to start, stop, or switch between pumps. This feedback mechanism is the foundation of the automatic inflation control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to automatically monitor and adjust the inflation process without requiring user intervention. The pressure sensor and control unit work together to self-regulate the pumping operation, achieving the target pressure autonomously.
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 ensures safe and comfortable inflation levels by preventing over-inflation damage and under-inflation discomfort, providing convenient and accurate control of air pressure in inflatable members.
Implementation Method 1
an air pressure control assembly for sensing an air pressure of the interior cavity... a movable membrane configured to generate displacement due to air pressure of the interior cavity and an external air pressure of the inflatable member
Implementation Method 2
a first one-way valve configured to open or close the first vent... a valve control assembly for selectively opening or closing the one-way valve
Data Source
AI summary
An air pump system includes a housing defining a first vent in fluid communication with an interior cavity of an inflatable member, a first one-way valve configured to open or close the first vent, a main pump having a main pump inlet and a main pump outlet, a valve control assembly for selectively opening or closing the one-way valve, an air pressure control assembly for sensing an air pressure of the interior cavity and generating a first air pressure signal when the air pressure reaches a first threshold air pressure, and generating a second air pressure signal when the air pressure reaches a second threshold air pressure, and a control device in electrical communication with the main pump, valve control assembly and the air pressure control assembly.