Air Passage Unit With Switching Valve for Pool Inflation and Exhaust
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing massaging pools require multiple connections and disconnections of air passage units, making the inflation and suction processes cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An air passage system with a switching valve and control mechanism that allows for synchronous connection and disconnection of air connecting openings through a fastening structure, enabling a single air pump to supply air to both the air cavity and pool cavity, with a compact and easy-to-operate control mechanism for inflation and exhaustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple air passage units are used for inflation and suction, then the air supply function is complete, but the operation process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple air passage units into a single integrated unit that can switch between different connection states. The switching valve integrates the functions of multiple separate connections, allowing one air passage unit to perform both inflation and suction operations by switching its connection state, thereby reducing operational steps and improving ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The air passage unit incorporates a switching valve that dynamically changes the connection state between different ports. This dynamic switching capability allows the same air passage unit to be connected to different air connecting openings based on the operational mode (inflation or suction), making the system adaptable and reducing the need for multiple fixed connections.
2Ease of operation
If different ports are used for inflation and suction, then the air flow control is precise, but the connection process becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The air passage unit is designed with multi-functionality through the switching valve, which allows a single universal interface to connect to different air connecting openings based on the required operation. The switching valve enables the same physical connection point to serve multiple functions (inflation or suction) by internally redirecting the air flow path, eliminating the need for users to manage multiple different ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The switching valve acts as an intermediary between the single air passage unit connection and the multiple air connecting openings. It mediates the connection by internally routing the air flow to the appropriate destination (inflation or suction port) based on the operational mode, simplifying the external connection while maintaining precise internal flow control.
3Ease of manufacture
If two pump bodies are used with separate air passage units, then the inflation and suction functions are independent, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The air passage unit is segmented into functional modules controlled by the switching valve, which can independently direct air flow to different destinations. This segmentation allows the system to maintain independent inflation and suction functions through internal routing while presenting a unified, simple external connection interface, thereby simplifying assembly without sacrificing functional independence.
Data Source
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AI summary
An air passage unit (2) for a massaging pool (1002) comprises an air passing portion (21), a first air connecting portion (22), and a first fastening structure (223). The first air connecting portion (22) comprises two first air connecting openings (221, 222) in communication with the air passing portion (21). The two first air connecting openings (221, 222) are disposed on the first fastening structure (223) so as to enable the two first air connecting openings (221, 222) to be synchronously connected to or detached from the massaging pool (1002) through the first fastening structure (223) being connected to or detached from the massing pool (1002). An air passage system comprises an air pump (1) and an air passage unit (2). The air passage unit (2) comprises an air passing portion (21), a first air connecting portion (22) and a control mechanism (3). When the air passage unit (2) is in inflated state, a first air passing passage (211) is in communication with external air, and a second air passing passage (212) is in communication with the first air connecting portion (22). When the air passage unit (2) is in exhausted state, the first air connecting portion (22) is in communication with the first air passing passage (211) through the control mechanism (3), and the second air passing passage (212) is in communication with the external air through the control mechanism (3).