Rotatable-Outlet Inflator for Flexible Inflation and Deflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflators lack flexibility in airflow direction and functionality, limiting their versatility in inflating and deflating various inflatable items efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A high-volume, low-pressure inflator with a rotatable outlet and fan housing portion that allows the air outlet to be positioned in multiple directions, enabling efficient inflation and deflation of inflatable objects by adjusting the outlet's orientation relative to the handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the outlet position is fixed relative to the handle, then the device structure is simple, but the versatility and adaptability for different inflatable items is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet is made rotatable relative to the handle, allowing it to change position dynamically. The outlet can rotate about an axis to achieve multiple orientations (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270° positions), enabling the inflator to adapt to different inflatable items and configurations without requiring multiple separate devices.
2Ease of operation
If the outlet is fixed in a single position, then the device structure is simple, but the ease of operation for different inflation scenarios is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet is made rotatable relative to the handle, allowing it to change position dynamically. The outlet can rotate about an axis to achieve multiple orientations (e.g., 0°, 90°, 180°, 270° positions), enabling the inflator to adapt to different inflatable items and configurations without requiring multiple separate devices.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fan housing portion is fixed, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the adaptability to various inflation needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fan housing portion is designed to be rotatable relative to the connection portion, allowing the outlet to be positioned in multiple directions. This rotational capability enables the same device to handle various inflation scenarios (e.g., inflating from different sides or orientations) while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process through modular design.
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 inflator provides enhanced versatility and efficiency in inflating and deflating a variety of inflatable items by allowing the air outlet to be rotated to different positions, improving usability and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
a motor housed in the housing
Implementation Method 2
a fan configured to draw air in through the inlet and blow air out through the outlet
Data Source
AI summary
An inflator includes a housing, a handle formed by the housing, a motor housed in the housing, a trigger configured to activate the motor, an inlet having an inlet axis that is generally parallel or concentric with a longitudinal axis of the motor, an outlet which is transverse to the inlet and a fan configured to draw air in through the inlet and blow air out through the outlet. The inlet is generally transverse to the handle.The position of the outlet is rotatable relative to the handle.