Inflatable Board with Integrated Removable Pump Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflatable sports equipment, such as stand-up paddle boards, require cumbersome and time-consuming manual or mechanical inflation processes, lacking efficient and automatic inflation mechanisms, especially for transportation and use in various locations.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a removable and automated pump unit within the board, featuring an inlet and outlet valve system, pressure controller, and a housing that can be easily installed and removed, allowing for automatic inflation and pressure control, along with a support box for secure fixation and protection from water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual or mechanical inflation is used for conventional boards, then the board can be inflated, but the process is time-consuming and strenuous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inflation with an automated electric compressor system. The compressor unit (6) with motor (8) and piston (10) automatically inflates the board without manual pumping, dramatically reducing inflation time and physical effort while maintaining effective inflation capability.
2Reliability
If the compressor unit is permanently glued into the board, then it is fixed securely, but replacement and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the inflation system into a removable compressor unit (6) and a fixed housing (19) with support box (16). The compressor unit can be completely removed from the board by pulling it out through the opening (17), enabling easy replacement and maintenance while maintaining secure operation during use through the support box structure.
3Productivity
If the board is made longer for better performance, then performance improves, but transport convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the board deflatable and foldable. The inflatable structure allows the board to be collapsed into a compact form for easy transport, then inflated to full size for optimal performance during use, adapting the board's physical state between storage and operational conditions.
4Ease of operation
If the pump unit housing is open for easy access, then operation is convenient, but water protection is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the housing into an open top for valve access and a removable cover (13) that seals the sides and bottom. This allows easy manual operation of inlet/outlet valves while protecting the compressor mechanism from water exposure during board 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
Enables easy and automatic inflation anywhere, maintains consistent pressure, facilitates maintenance, and allows for the board to be used with reduced weight and space for carrying accessories, enhancing usability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a pump unit (6) integrated in the board (1), in particular consisting of a compressor (7)
Implementation Method 2
a pressure control which, in conjunction with a preferably adjustable pressure regulator, independently controls the function of the compressor (7) and/or the inlet and outlet valve of the pump unit (6)
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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AI summary
A piece of inflatable sports equipment, preferably for water sports, is provided with a board (1) which can be inflated with a gaseous medium, preferably air, by means of a pump unit (6) having a compressor (7). The pump unit (6) is integrated together with the compressor (7) in the board (1) and preferably comprises assemblies (8, 9, 11) which drive the compressor and are installed together in a housing (12) which can be removed from and inserted into the board (1) and fastened therein. Inflation of the board can therefore be carried out anywhere and at any time during use of the board, since the means necessary for this are installed in the board itself.