Shared Pump Valve Control for Independent Therapy Inflation Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump assemblies for therapeutic inflatable cell apparatus lack the ability to simultaneously control multiple units with different inflation/deflation sequences, limiting their operational flexibility and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A pump assembly with a common pneumatic pump unit, cycle control valves, and control means that allows simultaneous operation of multiple inflatable cell apparatus with different inflation/deflation sequences, utilizing a rotatable valve member and static valve member to regulate air flow and pressure, and a control system that adjusts positions based on sensor feedback for precise control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single pump unit is used to control multiple inflatable cell apparatus, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to perform different inflation/deflation sequences simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the control function by introducing separate cycle control valve means for each inflatable cell apparatus. Each valve means can independently control its assigned apparatus through different inflation/deflation sequences while the pump unit remains shared. This segmentation allows multiple apparatus to operate simultaneously with different sequences without requiring separate pump units.
Solution Approach 2:
The cycle control valve means act as intermediary components between the single pump unit and multiple inflatable cell apparatus. These valves receive air from the common pump and distribute it to different apparatus according to their specific sequence requirements, enabling the pump to serve multiple functions through the mediating valve mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pump units are used to control each inflatable cell apparatus independently, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single pump unit is designed with universal capability to serve multiple inflatable cell apparatus simultaneously. By combining the common pump with multiple cycle control valve means, the system achieves multi-functionality where one pump can independently control different apparatus through different operational sequences, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated pump units.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple control functions into a single integrated assembly comprising one pump unit and multiple cycle control valve means. This consolidation allows the pump to be shared across multiple apparatus while maintaining independent control capabilities through the valve mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while preserving operational flexibility.
3Productivity
If a common pump unit serves multiple valve means, then resource efficiency is improved, but precise control over pressure and timing for each apparatus becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control function is segmented into independent cycle control valve means, each responsible for a specific inflatable cell apparatus. This segmentation ensures that pressure and timing control for each apparatus is handled independently, preventing interference between apparatus while sharing the common pump resource. Each valve can precisely regulate its assigned apparatus according to specific sequence requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensor means that detect pressure and timing conditions in each inflatable cell apparatus and provide feedback to the control means. This feedback mechanism allows the controller to adjust the operation of cycle control valves in real-time, ensuring precise pressure and timing control for each apparatus even though they share a common pump unit.
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 simultaneous operation of multiple inflatable cell apparatus with distinct inflation/deflation sequences, improving flexibility and efficiency by allowing for simultaneous inflation/deflation of multiple units, including pressure therapy garments and support mattresses, with precise control over pressure and timing.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic pump unit... air is pumped to an air outlet to feed air to the at least two valve means
Implementation Method 2
the cycle control means comprises a rotatable valve member which is adapted to be rotated to predetermined angular positions
Data Source
AI summary
A pump assembly (200) for therapeutic inflatable cell apparatus, the assembly comprising a common pump unit (210), control means (160), and, first and second valve means (201;202), each valve means comprising a cycle control valve means, said cycle control valve means being provided with at least one fluid passageway and each valve means being adapted to be positioned to predetermined conditions so as to regulate fluid quantity in respective therapeutic inflatable cell apparatus, each valve means is adapted to perform at least one respective inflation/deflation sequence, and the assembly being such that, in use, on air being required by a valve means at a particular instance during the respective inflation/deflation sequence, the control means activates the common pump unit and air is pumped to an air outlet to feed air to the at least two valve means, and the pump assembly being such that the first and second valve means are operable both singularly and simultaneously.