Dual-Chamber Air Pump for Rapid Inflation

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing air pumps for inflatable objects, such as traction kites and stand-up paddle boards, are either bulky, slow, or lack the capability to achieve adequate pressure, failing to match the lightweight and compact benefits of the inflatable objects themselves.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight and compact air pump with two compressible chambers, a large chamber for rapid low-pressure inflation and a small chamber for high-pressure inflation, utilizing check valves and hoses to efficiently transfer air to the inflatable object, allowing for split inflation sequences to achieve sufficient structural support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a large T-handle air pump is used for rapid inflation, then inflation speed is improved, but the pump becomes bulky and has an awkward shape that can damage other packed items

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinflation speedVSAvoidpump size

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pump is divided into two separate chambers: a large chamber for rapid low-pressure inflation and a small chamber for high-pressure inflation. This segmentation allows each chamber to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall pump compact and lightweight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If small foot/hand pumps are used, then the pump becomes compact and lightweight, but inflation speed becomes slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepump sizeVSAvoidinflation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The pump is divided into two separate chambers: a large chamber for rapid low-pressure inflation and a small chamber for high-pressure inflation. This segmentation allows each chamber to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall pump compact and lightweight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operating parameters by using two different chamber sizes to provide two distinct inflation modes: rapid low-pressure inflation from the large chamber and high-pressure inflation from the small chamber, achieving both compactness and high inflation speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If large bag-like pumps are used, then inflation capacity is improved, but pressure capability becomes limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinflation capacityVSAvoidpressure capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The pump is divided into two separate chambers: a large chamber for rapid low-pressure inflation and a small chamber for high-pressure inflation. This segmentation allows each chamber to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall pump compact and lightweight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different parts of the system have different properties: the large chamber is designed for high-volume low-pressure inflation, while the small chamber is designed for high-pressure inflation. This local differentiation resolves the contradiction between inflation capacity and pressure capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Productivity

If electric pumps are used, then inflation speed is improved, but the pump becomes large and heavy or small and slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinflation speedVSAvoidpump weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The pump uses the user's own body weight and manual compression to generate the force needed for inflation, eliminating the need for heavy electric motors and power sources. The dual-chamber design allows rapid inflation through efficient use of manual input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables rapid and efficient inflation of inflatable objects to adequate pressure, maintaining the lightweight and compact benefits while being human-powered, suitable for various applications like traction kites, rafts, and sports balls.

Implementation Method 1

The small chamber has an inlet that connects to the large chamber via a check valve, where the check valve allows air to flow from the large chamber to the small chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCheck valve mechanism: Valve

Implementation Method 2

an opening that can either be closed or have a one-way valve to prevent air from exiting the large opening on the large chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOne-way valve mechanism: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS11566609B2Portable air pump with rapid inflation

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 BASELINE BIOSCIENCE INC

AI summary

An improved human-powered air pump allowing rapid low pressure and high pressure inflation has an expandable/collapsible first and second chamber featuring and airflow path via a one-way valve. Said first chamber features an air intake. Said one-way valve allows air to flow in a downstream direction. Said pump features an outlet configured to receive air from said second chamber and connectable to an inlet of an inflatable object to feed air thereto from said pump.