Air mattress and pump combination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inflatable air mattresses with internal pumps are rendered unusable if the pump fails, requiring replacement of both the pump and the valve, leading to unnecessary expenses and inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
An integrated inflatable mattress and pump system featuring a pocket in the bladder for housing an electric pump that can operate in both inflation and deflation modes, with a switch and locking mechanism allowing for easy removal and replacement of the pump without deflating the mattress, and a valve for controlling air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an internal pump is integrated into the mattress, then convenience is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the entire mattress becomes unusable if the pump fails
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is segmented from the mattress system through a removable pocket design. The pump can be independently removed from the mattress without damaging or rendering the mattress unusable. This segmentation allows the mattress to remain functional even when the pump fails, resolving the reliability issue while maintaining the convenience of an integrated pump design.
2Ease of operation
If the pump is permanently integrated into the mattress, then convenience is improved, but repairability deteriorates because both the pump and controller must be replaced when the pump fails
Solution Approach 1:
The pump is divided into a separable component housed in a removable pocket with locking mechanisms. This segmentation enables independent replacement of the pump without affecting the mattress or controller, improving repairability while maintaining the integrated appearance and functionality during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pump integration transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic removable design. The pocket includes locking mechanisms that secure the pump during operation but allow for easy removal when replacement is needed. This dynamic design enables the pump to be permanently integrated during use but temporarily removed for maintenance, resolving the repairability issue.
3Ease of repair
If the pump is made removable, then repairability is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for locking mechanisms and pocket structures
Solution Approach 1:
The complexity is segmented into modular components: a pocket structure, locking mechanisms, and the pump itself. Each component is independently designed and manufactured, which simplifies the overall system despite the added functionality. The segmented design allows for standardized production of each component, offsetting the complexity through manufacturing efficiency.
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 the mattress to remain functional even if the pump fails, allowing for the replacement of only the pump while retaining the valve, reducing waste and maintenance costs, and maintaining usability with standard bedding.
Implementation Method 1
An electric air pump, sized to fit substantially within the pocket, is operable in a forward mode for pumping air onto the inflatable bladder, and a reverse mode for pumping air out of the inflatable bladder
Implementation Method 2
This pocket has a valve therein for controlling the flow of air into and out of the bladder
Data Source
AI summary
An inflatable mattress and pump combination has an inflatable bladder having a sidewall, and a pocket formed in the sidewall. A valve is disposed in the pocket for controlling the flow of air into and out of the bladder. An electric air pump, sized to fit substantially within the pocket, is operable in a forward mode for pumping air onto the inflatable bladder through the valve, and a reverse mode for pumping air out of the inflatable bladder through the valve. A switch with a forward, reverse and neutral positions, allows the user to selectively operating the pump in the forward and reverse modes, the switch opening the valve in the pocket when in its forward and reverse positions.