Inflatable Camping Awning With Integrated Pump for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable camping structures require bulky, noisy, and inconvenient standalone air sources for inflation, which are cumbersome to transport and store, and often necessitate multiple air sources for different components, with unreliable pneumatic connections.
Innovation Solution
An integrated pump module is positioned within an elongate support member of the inflatable structure, allowing for inflation and deflation without external air sources, and includes a removable battery for power, enabling compact storage and adaptability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a standalone powered pump and source of power are used to inflate larger inflatable structures, then inflation capability is achieved, but the system becomes bulky, noisy and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pump module and power source into an integrated unit that is incorporated directly into the elongate support member of the inflatable camping structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate standalone pump and power source components, thereby reducing overall bulk while maintaining full inflation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump module is positioned within the elongate support member, effectively nesting the inflation mechanism inside the structural component itself. This nesting approach allows the pump and power source to occupy space that would otherwise be structural, reducing the overall volume of moving parts without compromising structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If a standalone powered pump is used for inflation, then inflation function is provided, but the system occupies valuable storage space
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the pump module with the elongate support member, the invention eliminates the need for separate storage of inflation equipment. The pump and power source are permanently integrated into the structure, occupying space that would otherwise be structural, thereby freeing up valuable storage space in the camping vehicle or accommodation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate support member serves dual functions: providing structural support for the camping structure and housing the pump module with power source. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall storage space requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inflatable structures are used, then camping functionality is enhanced, but multiple air sources are required which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
Each inflatable camping structure incorporates its own integrated pump module within its elongate support member, making each structure self-sufficient. This universal design allows multiple inflatable structures to be used simultaneously without requiring multiple separate air sources, as each structure carries its own inflation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention divides the inflation system into independent modular units, with each inflatable structure containing its own pump module. This segmentation allows each structure to operate independently regarding inflation, simplifying the overall system complexity when multiple structures are used together.
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 integrated pump module provides a self-contained inflation system, reducing bulk and noise, allowing for efficient inflation and deflation of multiple components using shared air reserves, enhancing convenience and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
a pump module configured to inflate the inflatable means
Implementation Method 2
a pump module configured to inflate the inflatable means
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6A~6B
AI summary
A camping assembly (110) comprising a primary inflatable camping structure in the form of an awning (112). The awning (112) may be releasably secured to a side of a caravan (102) or to the side of a tent/trailer tent/folding camper. The awning (112) comprises a plurality of elongate inflatable elements (114) or air poles. The awning (112) is provided with an embedded or integrated pump module (80) for inflating the inflatable elements of the awning (112). In this embodiment, the pump module (80) is disposed at a lower end (119) of the first upright inflatable element (114a).