Portable Air Compressor Adaptive Inflation and Hose Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air compressors often overinflate or underinflate inflatable objects due to fixed inflation settings, and their housings and hoses are unstable or inconveniently secured, leading to inefficient inflation and operational difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A portable air compressor with adjustable inflation rates based on target air pressure thresholds and a stable, conveniently secured air hose system, featuring a user interface for setting inflation rates and a housing design that allows upright standing and easy hose attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a constant inflation rate is used, then the air compressor can operate simply, but it cannot accurately inflate objects with different target air pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The air compressor dynamically adjusts the inflation rate based on the target air pressure of the inflatable object. The controller modifies operational parameters of the compression mechanism in real-time, transitioning from a static constant-rate system to a dynamic adaptive system that optimizes inflation accuracy for different pressure requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (inflation rate, compression cycle duration, motor speed) based on the detected target air pressure. By varying these parameters according to the specific inflation needs, the system achieves precise control across different pressure ranges without requiring multiple dedicated devices.
2Productivity
If the air compressor uses a high inflation rate, then it can quickly inflate objects, but it may overinflate objects with low target air pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The air compressor employs periodic compression cycles with variable durations and intervals. Instead of continuous high-rate inflation, the system uses controlled periodic bursts of compression followed by pause periods, allowing precise accumulation of pressure while preventing overinflation. This periodic action enables both speed and reliability by adjusting the frequency and duration of compression cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback control where the controller continuously monitors the inflation process and adjusts the compression rate based on the difference between current and target pressure. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that high inflation rates are applied only when needed and automatically reduced as the target pressure approaches, maintaining both productivity and reliability.
3Ease of operation
If the air hose is loosely secured to the housing, then it is easy to attach and remove, but it becomes unstable during pumping operations
Solution Approach 1:
The hose securing mechanism provides dynamic stability, remaining loose enough for easy attachment and removal but engaging firmly once connected. The mechanical feature allows the hose to be casually inserted and removed while automatically providing sufficient restraint during operation, adapting its effective security level based on the operational state.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary mechanical feature (such as a clip, channel, or engagement structure) mediates between the housing and air hose, providing a balanced solution that satisfies both ease of operation and stability requirements. This intermediary element allows simple attachment while maintaining hose stability during pumping operations.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the housing has a complex shape for stability, then it can stabilize during operation, but it becomes difficult to store and transport
Solution Approach 1:
The housing utilizes dynamic stabilization features such as extendable feet or adjustable support elements that deploy during operation to provide stability but retract or fold during storage. This allows the housing to achieve operational stability without permanently increasing its storage volume, resolving the contradiction between stability and portability.
Solution Approach 2:
Stabilization features are designed to nest within or collapse into the housing structure when not in use. The support elements, feet, or stabilizing components are configured to be stored within the housing volume during transport, only extending or deploying when needed for operation, thus maintaining compact storage while providing stability during use.
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
Ensures accurate inflation rates for various objects and provides a stable, convenient operation by adjusting inflation rates and securing the air hose, enhancing efficiency and usability.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor, a piston... The electric motor is powered by the electric battery. The piston is coupled to and driven by the electric motor
Implementation Method 2
The piston is configured to compress air within a piston cylinder
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for a portable air compressor comprising an electric battery, an electric motor, a piston, and an air hose. The electric motor is powered by the electric battery. The piston is coupled to and driven by the electric motor. The piston is configured to compress air within a piston cylinder. The air hose has a first end attachable to an air outlet of the piston cylinder and a second end attachable to an inflatable object. The portable air pump is configured to inflate the inflatable object to a target air pressure. When the target air pressure is below a predetermined pressure threshold, the portable air pump inflates the inflatable object at a first inflation rate. When the target air pressure is above the predetermined pressure threshold, the portable air pump inflates the inflatable object at a second inflation rate greater than the first inflation rate.