Built-In Double-Blower Pump Assembly for Low-Leak Inflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing built-in air pumps for inflatable products, such as air mattresses, face issues like complex construction leading to high costs and reliability problems, as well as significant air leakage due to complicated air passages and exposed vents, which can get contaminated with water or dirt.
Innovation Solution
A pump assembly with a double-blower system where one blower is used for inflation and the other for deflation, both housed within the mattress, utilizing separate and independent air inlets and outlets to minimize airflow resistance and contamination, with a protective net to keep the motor cool and the components simple for easier production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single blower is used for both inflation and deflation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity is insufficient due to the need for structural transformation of air ducts
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is segmented into two independent blowers: a first blower for inflation and a second blower for deflation. Each blower has its own dedicated air inlet and air outlet, eliminating the need for structural transformation of air ducts. This segmentation allows both inflation and deflation operations to occur independently and simultaneously, greatly improving productivity while keeping each blower's structure simple.
2Ease of operation
If vents are exposed to the environment during use, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to contamination by water or dirt
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet and air outlet are equipped with grilles that act as protective barriers. These grilles allow air to pass through while preventing water, dirt, and other environmental contaminants from entering the pump unit. This maintains reliable operation by protecting internal components while still enabling proper airflow for inflation and deflation functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complicated air passages are used for structural transformation, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to airflow loss and air leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The air passage system is segmented into separate, dedicated pathways: a first air inlet connected to the first blower for inflation, and a second air outlet connected to the second blower for deflation. This segmentation eliminates the need for complicated structural transformation of air ducts, reducing airflow resistance and leakage. Each blower operates through its own optimized air passage, minimizing air loss while maintaining full adaptability for both inflation and deflation functions.
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 design enhances airflow efficiency, reduces air leakage, and simplifies production while maintaining a compact and reliable structure, achieving faster inflation, higher pressure, and reduced production costs.
Implementation Method 1
the first blower fluidly coupled to the air inlet
Implementation Method 2
the second blower fluidly coupled to the air outlet
Data Source
AI summary
A pump assembly is provided for use with an inflatable product. The inflatable product has a chamber having an air inlet and an air outlet. The pump assembly has a pump unit that is positioned inside the chamber for inflating and deflating the chamber, the pump unit having at least one motor that is operatively coupled to a first blower and a second blower, with the first blower fluidly coupled to the air inlet and the second blower fluidly coupled to the air outlet. The chamber is inflated by intake of air through the air inlet to the first blower and then into the chamber, and the chamber is deflated by drawing air from the chamber to the second blower and then out of the chamber through the air outlet.