Built-In Airbed Pump With Single Valve Airflow Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional airbeds require separate inflation and deflation mechanisms, often using reversible motors and multiple valves, which are costly and inefficient for both purposes.
Innovation Solution
A built-in pump system with a single direction fan motor and a single valve, controlled by a rotating knob that aligns openings to direct airflow for inflation and deflation, allowing efficient use of a non-reversible motor and enabling easier storage by mounting the valve on the side of the airbed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a reversible motor is used to control both inflation and deflation, then the motor can perform both functions, but the cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the airflow control into separate paths by introducing a diverter valve that can direct airflow to different outlets. This allows a single-direction motor to be used while still achieving both inflation and deflation functions through segmented airflow control rather than requiring a reversible motor.
Solution Approach 2:
The diverter valve acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the single-direction motor and the dual functions of inflation/deflation. By introducing this intermediate element, the system achieves versatility without requiring the motor itself to be reversible, thus reducing motor complexity while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves are used for inflation and deflation, then both functions can be controlled, but the cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single valve perform multiple functions by equipping it with a diverter mechanism. The same valve can direct airflow for both inflation and deflation operations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated valves for each function. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of valves while maintaining full operational versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the inflation and deflation control functions into a single integrated valve assembly with a diverter. Instead of having separate valves for each function, the system merges both control paths through one valve mechanism, reducing component count and simplifying the overall valve system while preserving both functional capabilities.
3Device complexity
If the valve is mounted on the back of the pump housing, then the pump structure is simple, but the airbed folding and storage efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the valve from the traditional back-mounted position to the side of the pump housing. This spatial repositioning in a different dimension allows the airbed to fold more efficiently against the housing, improving storage efficiency without significantly complicating the pump structure. The side mounting creates better geometric alignment for folding operations.
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
This solution allows for cost-effective, efficient inflation and deflation using a single valve and motor, facilitating easier storage and operation by utilizing a single direction motor and side-mounted valve, enhancing the usability and storage efficiency of airbeds.
Implementation Method 1
a fan connected to the fan motor is blowing air into the airbed or is sucking air out of the airbed
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A built-in pump (20) for an airbed (A). A single mechanical control (26) turns on and off operation of a fan motor (32), opens a single valve (68) used with the pump, and selects whether a fan (52) connected to the fan motor (32) is blowing air into the airbed (A) or is sucking air out of the airbed through the valve. The single valve (68) is mounted on the side of the housing (22) for the pump (20). This feature permits the airbed (A) to be folded against the back of the housing (22), allowing more efficient folding and storage.