Method for inflating an inflatable member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inflatable mattresses lack the ability to adjust inflation levels accurately and safely, leading to potential discomfort or damage due to insufficient or excessive air pressure, and they often rely on a single pump that is not optimized for supplementary inflation, causing noise and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method for inflating inflatable members that includes a main pump, a supplementary pump, and an air pressure control system, which automatically senses and adjusts air pressure using one-way valves and a control device to prevent over- or under-inflation, ensuring optimal comfort and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single inflation pump is used for both primary and supplementary inflation, then the device structure is simple, but the pump generates additional noise, electronic inefficiencies and vibrations during supplementary inflation
Solution Approach 1:
The inflation system is divided into two separate pumps: a main pump for primary inflation and a supplementary pump for fine-tuning. This segmentation allows each pump to be optimized for its specific function, with the supplementary pump being smaller and quieter, thereby reducing noise and vibrations during supplementary inflation while maintaining structural efficiency
2Device complexity
If no pressure gauge is provided, then the device structure is simple, but controlling the inflation degree is neither convenient nor accurate
Solution Approach 1:
An air pressure control assembly with a pressure sensor is integrated into the system to provide real-time feedback on the internal cavity pressure. The control device receives this feedback and automatically adjusts the supplementary pump operation to maintain the desired pressure level, enabling precise and convenient inflation control without requiring manual pressure gauge reading and adjustment
3Productivity
If the inflatable member is inflated to a fixed predetermined degree, then the inflation process is simple, but alterations of inflation degrees are not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static, fixed-inflation approach to a dynamic, adjustable inflation system. The control device can modify the inflation degree by operating the supplementary pump based on pressure feedback, allowing the inflatable member to adapt to different user needs and conditions while maintaining efficient inflation through automated control
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 method allows for precise control of air pressure, preventing discomfort and damage by automatically supplementing air when necessary, thus enhancing the functionality and flexibility of inflatable members.
Implementation Method 1
an air pressure control assembly for sensing an air pressure of the interior cavity, generating a first air pressure signal when the air pressure reaches a first threshold air pressure and generating a second air pressure signal when the air pressure reaches a second threshold air pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A method for inflating an inflatable member includes providing an inflatable member including an outer surface defining an interior cavity, a housing defining a first vent in fluid communication with the interior cavity, a first one-way valve configured to open or close the first vent, a main pump having a main pump inlet and a main pump outlet, a valve control assembly for selectively opening or closing the one-way valve, providing an air pressure control assembly for sensing air pressure of the interior cavity, generating a first air pressure signal when the air pressure reaches a first threshold air pressure and generating a second air pressure signal when the air pressure reaches a second threshold air pressure, and providing a control device in electrical communication with the main pump, valve control assembly and air pressure control assembly.