Pulsed Pressure Control Using Switching Paths for Rapid Air Bag Massage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing massage devices lack the ability to provide pulsed up-and-down movements due to the use of complex motors and gears, and air bags in these devices are unable to adjust rapidly, limiting their massage functionality.
Innovation Solution
A pulsed pressure control system utilizing a supply unit, switching unit, first and second paths, and a return path to instantaneously change the volume of a fluid receiving device, such as an air bag, by controlling fluid flow through a solenoid valve or electromagnet, enabling rapid inflation and deflation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If motors and gears are used to drive rollers for massage, then pressure application is achieved, but device complexity increases and gentle kneading effect cannot be produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical system (motors, gears, rollers) with a pneumatic system consisting of a compressor, control valve, and air bag. The compressor generates compressed air that is regulated by the control valve to inflate the air bag, which then applies pressure to the user's body. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical transmission components while achieving the desired massage pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using compressed air as the working medium. The compressor generates high-pressure air that is controlled through a valve to inflate an air bag. The pneumatic system provides smooth, adjustable pressure application without the mechanical complexity of traditional motor-driven rollers, directly addressing both the need for pressure application and the reduction of device complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If air bags are adjusted to a fixed state, then pressure stability is achieved, but massage function is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through the control valve that rhythmically opens and closes to regulate compressed air flow to the air bag. This creates pulsating pressure variations that simulate manual massage movements. The periodic inflation and deflation cycles provide both stable baseline pressure and dynamic massage effects, simultaneously achieving pressure stability and adaptability for different massage needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static, fixed-state air bag into a dynamic system capable of rapid pressure adjustments. The control valve enables real-time modulation of air pressure, allowing the air bag to transition between different pressure levels and states. This dynamic capability provides adaptability for various massage intensities and patterns while maintaining overall pressure stability through controlled regulation.
3Speed
If fluid is supplied rapidly to the fluid receiving device, then response speed is improved, but pressure control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control valve as an intermediary component between the compressor and the air bag. This valve acts as a mediator that regulates the flow of compressed air, controlling both the rate of inflation and the pressure level. By positioning the control valve in this intermediate position, the system achieves rapid response through direct fluid supply while maintaining simple pressure control through the valve's inherent flow regulation capability.
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 achieves a massage-like effect by repeatedly expanding and collapsing the fluid receiving device, providing a pulsed massaging effect through rapid fluid circulation.
Implementation Method 1
a supply unit outputs a fluid according to a pulsed control signal specifying a preset pressure and flow rate
Implementation Method 2
the pressurized fluid will be instantaneously released to the fluid receiving device through the second path such that the interior volume of the fluid receiving device is changed
Implementation Method 3
the switching unit is in the form of a switch, and the switching unit is located between the first path and the second path
Data Source
AI summary
A pulsed pressure control system includes a supply unit, a switching unit, a first path, a second path, a fluid receiving device, and a return path. The first path and the return path are different paths connected between the supply unit and the switching unit. The second path is connected between the switching unit and the fluid receiving device. During pressurization, the switching unit cuts off communication between the first and second paths to increase the volume of, and eventually pressurize, the fluid on the first path, and then the switching unit is switched on to allow communication between the first and second paths to instantaneously release the pressurized fluid to the fluid receiving device through the second path. During pressure release, the switching unit allows communication between the second and return paths to allow the fluid to flow back to the supply unit through the return path.