Built-In Spring-Driven Air Pump for Manual Airbed Inflation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional airbeds require external pumps for inflation, which can be inconvenient due to storage issues and slow inflation times when using manual pumps.

Innovation Solution

An airbed system with a built-in manual air pump that includes a tube-like construction with a compression spring and a bellow, connected to a valve assembly that allows for efficient inflation without repeated manual pumping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If external manual air pumps are used for inflation, then inflation can be achieved without electric power, but inflation time is long and requires repeated manual operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidinflation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the air pump and air valve into a single integrated built-in air pump assembly. The pump chamber, compression spring, bellow, and valve mechanism are merged into one compact unit that is integrated into the airbed structure, eliminating the need for separate external pumps and reducing inflation time through continuous pumping action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The compression spring is pre-compressed and stored within the pump chamber, ready to provide continuous pumping force. When activated, the spring automatically expands to drive the bellow, creating a preliminary stored energy mechanism that eliminates the need for repeated manual stepping and enables faster continuous inflation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If external air pumps are used, then inflation capability is provided, but storage space is required and portability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinflation capabilityVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The built-in air pump assembly is nested within the airbed structure itself. The pump chamber, spring mechanism, and valve components are contained within the airbed's internal space, allowing the inflation system to be stored within the product it serves, eliminating separate external pump storage requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The built-in air pump assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both the inflation pump and the air valve, and can be integrated into various airbed configurations. The same assembly provides both the pumping mechanism and the sealing valve function, reducing the overall number of components needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If built-in manual air pumps require repeated stepping, then inflation can be achieved, but ease of operation is reduced and user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinflation efficiencyVSAvoiduser convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The compression spring automatically performs the pumping action without requiring continuous user intervention. Once activated by initial compression, the spring self-expands to drive the bellow and inflate the airbed, eliminating the need for repeated manual stepping and providing a more convenient user experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The pump mechanism utilizes periodic compression and expansion of the spring to create rhythmic pumping action. The spring compresses and expands in regular cycles, driving the bellow to repeatedly draw air into the airbed automatically, transforming manual intermittent stepping into continuous periodic inflation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 built-in air pump enables faster inflation of airbeds without the need for external pumps, addressing storage and time constraints while providing a convenient and efficient inflation mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

a compression spring located within the inner cavity of the tube-like construction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic potential energy storage and release: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The compression spring may act upon the bellow to cause it to contract and/or expand

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical energy conversion: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

a bellow connected to a side surface of the tube-like construction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVolumetric displacement: Pump

Data Source

PatentUS20250031863A1Air bed having an improved built-in air pump

Publication Date: 2025.01.30 BELGRAVIA WOOD LTD

AI summary

Disclosed herein is a valve assembly disposed on a top surface of an air mattress and connected to a built-in air pump. The built-in air pump can comprise: a tube-like construction defining an inner cavity between the top surface and the bottom surface; a compression spring located within the inner cavity and attached to the top surface and the bottom surface; a bellow connected to a side surface of the tube-like construction, the bellow providing an air pathway from the inner cavity to the interior volume of the air mattress; a top end cap attached to a top portion of the compression spring and abutting the top surface; and a bottom end cap attached to a bottom portion of the compression spring and abutting the bottom surface.