Inflator Pressure Compensation for Precise Target Fill Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflators require manual monitoring of pressure to determine when a desired fill pressure is reached, lacking automated control for precise pressure regulation.
Innovation Solution
An inflator with a pressure sensor, motor, battery pack, and controller that automatically adjusts power to the motor based on pressure signals, temperature compensation, and remote input to achieve and maintain target pressure values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual pressure monitoring is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and pressure regulation accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated feedback control by using a pressure sensor to continuously monitor outlet pressure and feed this information back to a controller. The controller compares the monitored pressure against a target pressure value and automatically adjusts motor operation to maintain precise pressure regulation, eliminating the need for manual monitoring while achieving high precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically detecting pressure conditions and regulating its own operation. The controller autonomously determines when to start or stop the motor based on pressure sensor feedback, without requiring external manual intervention, thereby maintaining precision while managing complexity internally.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated pressure control is implemented, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions: it monitors pressure sensor signals, compares readings against target values, determines motor operation timing, and manages overall system control. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional controller, the patent achieves precise pressure regulation without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pressure monitoring and adjustment with an automated electronic control system. The electronic controller uses software logic to determine motor operation timing based on pressure feedback, substituting electronic automation for manual mechanical operations while achieving superior precision.
3Manufacturing precision
If motor operation continues until exact target pressure is reached, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to frequent on-off cycling
Solution Approach 1:
The controller determines motor operation timing in advance by calculating the time delay needed to reach target pressure based on current pressure readings and pressurization rate. This preliminary determination allows the motor to be turned off at the optimal moment to achieve exact target pressure without unnecessary cycling or extended operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts motor operation based on real-time pressure conditions and pressurization rates. Rather than using fixed timing, the controller continuously monitors pressure changes and adapts motor control decisions to current system state, enabling precise pressure achievement while minimizing unnecessary operation time.
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 precise and efficient inflation to target pressures, reducing user intervention and ensuring consistent fill quality across various environments and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor operable to generate a pressure signal related to a value of an outlet pressure of the inflator
Data Source
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AI summary
An inflator includes an inflator housing, a pressure sensor operable to generate a pressure signal related to an outlet pressure of the inflator, a motor within the inflator housing, a battery pack removably coupleable to the inflator housing, and a controller electrically coupled to the motor and the battery pack. The controller is configured to receive the pressure signal from the pressure sensor, determine a rate of pressurization change based on the pressure signal, determine a static pressure value based on the rate of pressurization change, and determine a motor time delay based on a target pressure value, the static pressure value, and the rate of pressurization change. The controller is also configured to generate a control signal when the motor time delay substantially equals zero. The control signal is operable to cause power to the motor to be turned off to stop a pressurization condition of the inflator.