Soft-Start Switching Control for Quiet Pulsed Air Massage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing massage devices struggle to provide a gentle kneading effect due to complex motor and gear requirements, and pneumatically adjustable devices lack a massage function with variable air pocket adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A soft-start control method and device using a microprocessor to control a switching device, such as a valve, to achieve gradual and optimal on/off states with fine-tuning for fluid volume variation, reducing noise and enhancing massage efficacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a motor and gears are used to drive rollers for massage, then pressure application is achieved, but the device becomes complex and cannot produce gentle kneading effect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional motor-gear-roller mechanical system with a pneumatic system using air pockets, switching devices, and fluid pressure control. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components while achieving the desired massage pressure through controlled air pressure variations in the fluid receiving device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs pneumatic principles by using air pockets as fluid receiving devices that can be inflated and deflated through controlled air supply and discharge. The switching device modulates air flow to create pulsating pressure effects that produce gentle kneading massage without requiring mechanical rollers or gears.
2Stability of the object's composition
If air pockets are slowly adjusted to a fixed state for pneumatic adjustment, then stability is achieved, but massage function with pulsed movements is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through the switching device that continuously alternates between allowing air into the air pockets and discharging air from them. This creates rhythmic pulsating movements that provide massage function while maintaining overall system stability through controlled cyclic operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the static fixed-state air pocket system into a dynamic system where air pocket volume continuously varies through controlled inflation and deflation cycles. The switching device enables real-time adjustment of air pressure and volume to create adaptive pulsating massage effects while maintaining stability through feedback control.
3Speed
If switching device turns on/off instantaneously for fluid control, then response speed is high, but noise increases and operation becomes rough
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by gradually transitioning the switching device between fully on and fully off states rather than instantaneous switching. The control unit progressively adjusts the switching device through intermediate states, preparing the system for the final state change and thereby reducing noise and mechanical shock while maintaining fast overall response.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements cushioning by using the gradual transition capability of the switching device to soften the impact of pressure changes in the air pockets. The control unit manages the transition timing and rate to cushion the mechanical effects of switching, reducing noise and rough operation while maintaining effective fluid control.
Data Source
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AI summary
A soft-start control method and a soft-start control device are provided. The soft-start control device includes a microprocessor, a control unit, a drive circuit board, a switching device, and a fine-tuning program. The control unit sends a forward continuous signal to the switching device to gradually bring the switching device into a completely turned-on state, and the control unit sends a reverse continuous signal to the switching device to gradually bring the switching device into a completely turned-off state. The fine-tuning program calculates the average turned-on time and/or the average turned-off time of the switching device to obtain a value constituting a control interval for optimal turning-on operation and/or a value constituting a control interval for optimal turning-off operation.