Modular Pump Assembly for Dual-Mode Inflation and Deflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable products often require different types of air pumps, leading to inconsistency, cumbersome operation, and inconvenient inflation due to the lack of a universal pump system that can efficiently handle both inflation and deflation using electronic or manual means.
Innovation Solution
A pump system with a modular design that includes a pump assembly and mounting assembly, allowing for selective operation modes (inflation, deflation, or off) using a single pump, featuring a control panel, impeller chamber, motor, and disc configuration to direct air flow, and a mounting assembly with a fixing ring and check valve for secure attachment to inflatable products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different types of air pumps are used for different inflatable products, then each product can have optimized performance, but inconsistency and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly is designed with a universal mounting interface that can be attached to various inflatable products regardless of their shape or size. The mounting assembly includes a fixing ring that can securely attach to different valve types, and the pump housing can be positioned at various orientations, making the same pump assembly suitable for multiple product types while maintaining optimized performance
2Ease of operation
If a single pump is used for both inflation and deflation, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly incorporates a rotatable control panel that can be positioned in different orientations to select between inflation and deflation modes. This dynamic repositioning mechanism allows a single pump to perform multiple functions by changing its operational configuration rather than requiring separate pumps for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The same pump assembly with motor and impeller is used for both inflation and deflation operations. The mounting assembly and control panel enable this single device to handle different operational modes, reducing the need for multiple specialized pumps while maintaining ease of operation
3Ease of operation
If the pump assembly is made removable and detachable, then ease of operation and storage improve, but reliability of connection may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate components: a removable pump assembly and a mounting assembly that remains attached to the inflatable product. The pump assembly can be detached for storage or replacement while the mounting assembly stays in place, providing both ease of operation and maintained connection reliability through the permanent mounting structure
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly is pre-installed on the inflatable product with a fixing ring and valve plug mechanism before the pump assembly is attached. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the pump assembly is connected, it forms a reliable and stable connection without requiring complex attachment procedures each 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 efficient and convenient inflation and deflation of various inflatable products using a single pump system, improving user experience and extending the service life of inflatable products by providing a versatile and easy-to-install solution.
Implementation Method 1
an impeller disposed within the impeller chamber; a motor disposed within the pump housing and operable to operate the impeller, the impeller configured to direct air from the air inlet to the air outlet of the pump cover
Implementation Method 2
a check valve positioned within the fifth vent. The fifth vent may be configured to selectively receive a valve plug
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to pump systems having multiple, diverse applications and uses for use with inflatable products. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to pump systems where inflation or deflation of the associated inflatable product may be accomplished in more than one way while using a single pump. For example, by utilizing electronic means or, alternatively, manual means to inflate or deflate an inflatable product.