Inflatable Pressure Control with Stored Comfort Settings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure control systems for inflatable devices require users to recall preferred pressure settings, which can be arbitrary and lack rapid adjustment, making them impractical for devices with large volumes, such as mattresses, especially for posture control applications.
Innovation Solution
A control device with a plurality of control elements that allows users to adjust pressure based on tactile feedback, using a pressure controller with sensors and a microcontroller to automatically establish preferred and additional pressure settings without the need for indicia, enabling rapid and precise pressure adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional pressure control systems with discrete settings are used, then the device provides predefined pressure levels, but the user cannot quickly adjust to preferred pressure and must recall arbitrary settings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure adjustment mechanisms with electronic sensors and digital control systems. Pressure sensors continuously monitor the actual pressure, and a microprocessor compares it with the desired pressure from memory, automatically controlling the pump and valve to achieve the target pressure without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system stores the user's preferred pressure settings in memory and automatically retrieves and applies them without requiring the user to recall or manually adjust settings. The controller autonomously maintains the desired pressure by monitoring sensor data and adjusting the inflation/deflation mechanisms as needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete pressure settings are provided, then the system offers various pressure levels, but the settings are arbitrary and do not provide rapid adjustment for large volume devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static discrete pressure settings to dynamic continuous pressure control. The controller can adjust pressure in real-time based on sensor feedback, allowing smooth transitions between pressure levels and rapid adaptation to user needs, especially important for large volume devices like mattresses.
Solution Approach 2:
Pressure sensors provide continuous feedback to the controller about the actual pressure in the device. The controller compares this feedback with the desired pressure from memory and automatically adjusts the pump and valve operations to eliminate any deviation, enabling rapid and precise pressure adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If manual pressure adjustment is used, then the user can control pressure, but it requires user recall of settings and lacks precision for posture control applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual pressure estimation with electronic pressure sensing. Pressure sensors provide precise measurement of the actual pressure, and the microprocessor uses this data to automatically control the pressure, eliminating the imprecision of manual adjustment and user recall.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the user's desired pressure setting and the actual pressure in the device. It translates the stored pressure preference into precise control signals for the pump and valve, ensuring the actual pressure matches the desired pressure with high accuracy.
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 users to easily and quickly adjust the firmness and posture of inflatable devices by allowing pressure adjustments based on tactile feedback, improving user experience and practicality, especially for larger volumes like mattresses.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor adapted to sense the pressure in the inflatable device and provide an output signal responsive to the sensed pressure
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, the invention provides a method for a user to adjust a pressure in an inflatable device. The method includes acts of adjusting the pressure in the inflatable device with a control device to a pressure preferred by the user, where the pressure preferred by the user has a first value, and establishing a first setting corresponding to the pressure preferred by the user with the control device, and automatically establishing a second setting corresponding to a second pressure having a second value once the first setting is established, where the second value differs from the first value by a predetermined amount.