Single-Fan Built-In Air Pump for Dual Inflation and Deflation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional built-in air pumps for inflatable products require complex structures and high production costs due to dual fans and motors for inflation and deflation functions, making them unsuitable for small products and increasing mounting space.
Innovation Solution
A built-in air pump design utilizing a single centrifugal fan with dual channels and air holes that allows for both inflation and deflation functions, simplifying the internal structure and reducing volume by using a single fan and motor, along with a control mechanism to manage air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If dual fans and motors are used for inflation and deflation functions, then both inflation and deflation functions are achieved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single fan to perform both inflation and deflation functions. The fan can switch between suction mode (for inflation) and exhaust mode (for deflation) through a valve mechanism that redirects airflow paths, eliminating the need for separate fans and motors for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the inflation and deflation systems into a single integrated unit. Instead of having separate fans and motors for each function, the design combines both functions into one fan system with a unified control mechanism, reducing overall device complexity and component count.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual fans and motors are used for inflation and deflation functions, then both functions are achieved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces production costs by implementing a single fan that performs both inflation and deflation functions. This eliminates the need to manufacture, assemble, and maintain two separate motor-fan assemblies, thereby reducing material costs, assembly complexity, and production time.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging the inflation and deflation systems into one integrated fan unit, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation directly lowers production costs while maintaining both functional capabilities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual fans and motors are used for inflation and deflation functions, then both functions are achieved, but air pump volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves compact size by using a single fan for both inflation and deflation functions. This multi-functional approach eliminates the space required for a second fan and motor assembly, significantly reducing the overall volume of the air pump while maintaining both operational functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The consolidation of inflation and deflation functions into one fan system merges what would otherwise be two separate voluminous components into a single compact unit, directly reducing the air pump's overall volume and making it suitable for space-constrained applications.
4Volume of moving object
If deflation function is removed to reduce air pump volume, then volume is reduced, but use experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains both inflation and deflation functions within a compact single-fan design, ensuring that user convenience is not compromised by volume reduction. The valve mechanism enables rapid switching between suction and exhaust modes, providing full functional capability in a smaller package.
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 enables efficient and compact air pump operation for both inflation and deflation, reducing production costs and mounting space, making it adaptable for small inflatable products while maintaining user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a suction end of the centrifugal fan abuts against the first channel, and an exhaust end of the centrifugal fan abuts against the second channel
Data Source
AI summary
A built-in air pump with rapid inflation and deflation for an inflatable product includes a first channel, a second channel and a centrifugal fan. A first air hole and a third air hole are formed in the first channel. A second air hole and a fourth air hole are formed in the second channel. The suction end of the centrifugal fan is abutted against the first channel, and the exhaust end of the centrifugal fan is abutted against the second channel. When in inflation, the first air hole and the second air hole are communicated with the outside of the inflatable product, and the third air hole and the fourth air hole are communicated with an inner cavity of the inflatable product.