Manual Directional Control Valve for Compact Inflatable Pump Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflation and deflation pumps for inflatable products, such as air mattresses, have complex structures, are large, and costly, necessitating a more simplified and cost-effective solution.
Innovation Solution
The air assembly features a directional control valve that allows users to manually switch between inflation, deflation, and closed states, with a pump that is activated during inflation and deflation and deactivated in the closed state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a check valve and directional control valve are used to coordinate for inflation and deflation, then the pump can achieve reliable inflation and deflation control, but the structure becomes complex and the size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the check valve and directional control valve functions into a single integrated valve assembly. The valve body includes both the check valve mechanism and the directional control valve mechanism working together in one unified structure, eliminating the need for separate coordinated valves and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliable inflation and deflation control
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a check valve (preventing reverse flow) and a directional control valve (controlling airflow direction for inflation and deflation). This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving the same reliability as the coordinated valve system
2Reliability
If a check valve and directional control valve are used to coordinate for inflation and deflation, then the pump can achieve reliable inflation and deflation control, but the production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the check valve and directional control valve into a single integrated valve assembly, the patent reduces the number of separate parts that need to be manufactured and assembled. This integration simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces component inventory requirements, and lowers production costs while maintaining the reliable inflation and deflation control function
3Reliability
If a check valve and directional control valve are used to coordinate for inflation and deflation, then the pump can achieve reliable inflation and deflation control, but the pump size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the check valve and directional control valve into a single compact valve assembly significantly reduces the overall pump size. By eliminating the space required for separate coordinated valves and their interconnections, the patent achieves a more compact pump design that maintains reliable inflation and deflation control in a smaller volume
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
This configuration results in a more compact, less complex, and cost-effective air assembly that simplifies the process of inflating, deflating, and closing inflatable products.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller disposed within the impeller chamber; a motor disposed within the main body chamber and operably coupled to the impeller, the impeller configured to direct air from the air inlet to the air outlet of the pump cover
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to air assemblies having an inflation, a deflation, and a closed state for use with inflatable products, such as air mattresses. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to air assemblies where the configuration of the air assembly can be changed manually by a user by operating a directional control valve to inflate, deflate, or close the inflatable product. The directional control valve may also activate a pump in the inflation and deflation states and deactivate the pump in the closed state.