Inflation system and device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable consumer goods often require either lung-power for inflation, which is slow and tiring, or a separate pump that takes up space, adds weight, and requires a power source, lacking a convenient and portable inflation mechanism.
Innovation Solution
An inflatable air mattress system with an inflating bladder and a connector that allows air to be forced from the bladder into the mattress using a spring-secured mechanism, eliminating the need for external pumps and reducing user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate pump is used for inflation, then inflation speed and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity, weight, and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump functionality is merged with the storage bag to form an integrated inflation system. The storage bag includes a pump chamber with a piston that can be manually operated to inflate the air mattress, eliminating the need for a separate pump device. This combination maintains ease of operation while reducing device complexity and storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage bag serves multiple functions: it stores the deflated air mattress, contains the pump mechanism for inflation, and provides a carrying handle for portability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate pump and storage devices, reducing overall complexity while maintaining operational ease.
2Device complexity
If lung-power is used for inflation, then device complexity is reduced, but inflation speed and user effort are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mechanism is integrated into the storage bag, providing a simple mechanical device that increases inflation speed without requiring complex external equipment. The piston-based pump delivers faster inflation than lung-power while maintaining minimal device complexity through the integrated design.
3Productivity
If a separate pump is used for inflation, then inflation speed is improved, but weight and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump mechanism is combined with the storage bag structure, eliminating the need for a separate pump device. This integration reduces the total weight of the inflation system while maintaining adequate inflation speed through the manual piston mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage bag performs dual functions as both storage container and pump housing, eliminating redundant components and reducing overall system weight. The integrated design ensures that no additional weight-bearing structures are needed for separate pump and storage systems.
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 efficient and portable inflation of inflatable products without the need for separate pumps or power sources, improving user convenience and reducing storage and transport burdens.
Implementation Method 1
a closing spring for capturing air within the inflating bladder
Implementation Method 2
the inflating bladder is configurable to force a quantity of air from the interior of the inflating bladder, through the connector, and into the air chamber
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable air mattress system comprises an inflatable air mattress defining an air chamber and including an inlet passageway, an inflation valve mounted to the inflatable air mattress, and a connector. The valve defines a passageway that includes a lip and a valve member. The valve member includes a seal movable between a closed position wherein the valve member is at least partially covering the lip. In an open position, inflation air can pass through the passageway and into the air chamber of the mattress. The inflatable air mattress system includes an inflating bladder including an interior portion defined by at least one wall of flexible fabric having a first end and a second end. The first end includes a wide opening securable by a closing spring, the second end includes an outlet adapted to connect to the connector.