Automatic inflation management device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable objects, such as boats and paddleboards, require manual or electric pumping to inflate, which can be inconvenient and lack automatic pressure management, leading to potential over- or under-inflation.
Innovation Solution
An automatic inflator device is coupled to the inlet valve of an inflatable object, featuring a housing with a power source, pump, pressure sensor, and control board that automatically regulates air pressure, allowing for remote control and pressure relief, and can be solar-powered for energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual or electric pumping is used to inflate the inflatable object, then the inflatable object can be inflated, but the process is inconvenient and lacks automatic pressure management
Solution Approach 1:
The inflator device automatically monitors internal pressure via a pressure sensor and activates the pump when pressure drops below a threshold, enabling the system to inflate and maintain the inflatable object without continuous manual intervention. The device serves itself by detecting its own operational needs and responding autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensor continuously monitors the internal pressure of the inflatable object and provides feedback to the control system. When pressure falls below the predetermined threshold, the control system activates the pump to restore pressure, creating a closed-loop feedback control system that maintains optimal inflation automatically.
2Reliability
If continuous pumping is used to maintain inflation, then the inflatable object remains inflated, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous pumping, the system uses periodic action by activating the pump only when the pressure sensor detects that internal pressure has dropped below the threshold. This on-demand operation maintains reliable inflation while minimizing energy consumption by keeping the pump inactive during normal pressure conditions.
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 device efficiently manages and maintains optimal air pressure in inflatable objects, providing convenience and ensuring safety by preventing over- or under-inflation, while being energy-efficient and capable of remote monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The power source may include a solar panel
Implementation Method 2
a pressure sensor that converts a measured internal air pressure of the inflatable object into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic inflator device includes a housing that houses various operational components of the automatic inflator device such as a power source that is electrically coupled to a pump. A coupling portion attached to the housing selectively secures the automatic inflator device to an inflatable object, such as an inflatable watercraft, where the automatic inflator device may remain secured even while the inflatable object remains fully operational, such as while the inflatable object is in use. The pump may be selectively energized to pump air into the inflatable object via a fluid conduit. For example, the pump may be energized or de-energized based on user input or automatically based on a measured pressure of the inflatable object. Optionally, the automatic inflator device may be incorporated into an inlet valve of the inflatable object as the inflatable object is originally manufactured.