Pump-Valve Integrated Mechanism for Lumbar Support Airbag Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump-valve systems for automobile seat lumbar supports occupy significant space and are complex to assemble, with limited flexibility in switching between inflation and deflation modes, affecting comfort.
Innovation Solution
A compact pump-valve integrated mechanism with a motor-driven air pump connected to a valve base via a U-shaped air pipe, featuring an electromagnetic valve that controls air flow through a check valve and air deflation hole, allowing for quick and flexible inflation and deflation of airbags.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the air pump and control valve are arranged vertically, then the pump-valve system can be assembled, but the installation space occupation increases and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the air pump and control valve into a single pump-valve integrated mechanism. The air pump body and control valve body are connected through a connecting hole, allowing both components to occupy a compact horizontal space rather than requiring separate vertical arrangement. This merging reduces both installation space and assembly complexity by treating the pump and valve as a unified assembly unit.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a simple on/off control valve is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the flexibility in switching between inflation and deflation modes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve is designed with a movable valve core that can dynamically switch between different positions. The valve core can be moved to connect different air channels (first air channel for inflation, second air channel for deflation) based on control signals. This dynamic positioning capability enables flexible switching between inflation and deflation modes while maintaining a relatively simple valve body structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve serves multiple functions through its different valve core positions: it can control inflation by connecting the first air channel, control deflation by connecting the second air channel, and maintain pressure by blocking both channels. This multi-functionality achieves mode switching flexibility without proportionally increasing device complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If the pump and valve are integrated horizontally, then the installation space is reduced, but the air channel connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air channels of the pump and valve are integrated into a unified air channel system. The first air channel connects the pump's air outlet to the valve's first air inlet, while the second air channel connects the pump's air outlet to the valve's second air inlet. This merged air channel design eliminates the need for separate complex routing and reduces connection points, thereby reducing air channel connection complexity despite horizontal integration.
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 solution provides a compact and efficient mechanism for rapidly inflating and deflating airbags, enhancing comfort by simplifying the assembly process and improving control over airbag pressure.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic valve is provided between the air nozzle, the air deflation hole, and the check valve
Implementation Method 2
A check valve is provided inside the branch air channel
Data Source
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AI summary
A pump-valve integrated mechanism includes an air pump driven by a power source. A main air channel provided inside the valve base is connected to the air pump and has a decompression structure. The main air channel is connected to an air inflation structure which includes a branch air channel and an air nozzle. A check valve is provided inside the branch air channel. The branch air channel between the check valve and the air nozzle is provided with an air deflation hole. An electromagnetic valve is provided between the air nozzle, the air deflation hole, and the check valve. During air inflation, the electromagnetic valve controls the check valve to become connected to the air nozzle, and the air deflation hole is closed. During air deflation, the electromagnetic valve controls the air nozzle to become connected to the air deflation hole and the check valve is closed.