Air Pump Valve Switching for Stable Inflatable Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable products face challenges in maintaining consistent internal air pressure due to expansion and deformation, leading to inefficient inflation and deflation processes, and lack of automatic pressure regulation, resulting in user inconvenience and potential damage.
Innovation Solution
An air pump control system comprising an air pump, a switching driving device, an air pressure sensor, and a central control unit that adjusts the air pump's operation based on internal pressure readings to maintain stable pressure, using electromagnetic valves and wireless communication for efficient inflation and deflation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual pressure sensing method is used during inflation, then no additional sensors are needed, but the inflation pressure control is neither convenient nor accurate and has extended inflation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pressure sensing method (pressing the inflatable product) with an electronic air pressure sensor that automatically detects internal air pressure values. This substitution enables accurate and rapid pressure measurement without manual intervention, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time loss.
2Strength
If thermoplastic rubberized fabric is used for inflatable products, then the material provides durability and flexibility, but expansion and deformation occur after inflation leading to pressure attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the air pressure sensor continuously monitors the internal pressure of the inflatable product and sends signals to the control unit. When pressure drops below the preset value, the system automatically activates the air pump to supplement air, thereby maintaining stable internal pressure despite the natural attenuation caused by the flexible thermoplastic rubberized fabric.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the inflatable product to automatically regulate its own pressure through the integrated sensor-control-pump mechanism. The product self-detects pressure changes and self-corrects by activating the air pump when needed, eliminating the need for manual re-inflation and maintaining pressure stability over time.
3Productivity
If built-in electric pump is used for inflation, then inflation speed is faster and convenience is improved, but automatic pressure regulation is lacking requiring repeated manual inflation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates an automatic feedback control system that combines the built-in electric pump with an air pressure sensor and control unit. The sensor continuously monitors pressure and provides feedback to the control unit, which automatically regulates the pump's operation to maintain the preset pressure value, thereby adding automatic pressure regulation capability to the fast inflation system.
Solution Approach 2:
The built-in electric pump is enhanced to serve multiple functions: rapid inflation, automatic pressure maintenance, and pressure regulation. By integrating it into a comprehensive control system with sensor and controller, the pump transitions from a simple inflation device to a multi-functional component that handles both speed and precision requirements.
4Force
If high inflation pressure is applied to achieve proper support, then support force is sufficient, but the inflatable mattress expands and deforms and becomes easy to break
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback control mechanism where the air pressure sensor monitors the internal pressure and provides real-time data to the control unit. The control unit compares the detected pressure with the preset target pressure and automatically regulates the air pump's operation, ensuring the inflatable product reaches and maintains the optimal pressure for support without exceeding it, thereby preventing expansion, deformation, and structural damage.
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 system ensures stable internal air pressure, prevents over-inflation and ineffective deflation, and reduces power consumption by automatically adjusting the air pump's operation, enhancing user experience and product longevity.
Implementation Method 1
an air pressure sensor, which is used for detecting an internal air pressure value of said inflatable body, and adapted to generate an internal pressure signal associated with said internal air pressure value
Implementation Method 2
a switching driving device connected to said air pump and adapted to drive the switching between two or more air passages
Data Source
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AI summary
An air pump control system includes an air pump for inflating or deflating an inflatable body; a switching driving device connected to the air pump for driving the switching between two or more air passages; and an air pressure sensor for detecting an internal air pressure value of the inflatable body, and sending an internal pressure signal to a central control unit, which is connected to the air pump, the switching driving device, and the air pressure sensor. The central control unit sends a driving signal to the switching driving device to activate the switching between the air passages, and sends an activation or deactivation signal to the air pump according to the detected internal air pressure value and a pre-set inflating air pressure value, to control the activation or deactivation of the air pump. An air pump control method adapted to the above air pump control system is provided.