System and method for improved pressure adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air bed systems require numerous iterations and extended time to achieve desired pressure settings, with inefficiencies in hose configurations and pump operation leading to inaccuracies in pressure adjustment.
Innovation Solution
An air bed system with a pump and pressure sensing mechanism that calculates a pressure target, adjusts pressure within the pump manifold, and compares actual chamber pressure to desired settings, using control logic to iteratively refine the pressure adjustment factor for precise and rapid pressure control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pump is turned off for pressure measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the time required for pressure adjustment increases
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure transducer is positioned within the pump housing to sense pressure in the pump chamber, serving as an intermediary measurement point. This allows pressure measurement without turning off the pump, as the transducer continuously monitors pressure in the fluid path between the pump and air bladder.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure transducer continuously monitors pressure in the pump chamber while the pump operates, eliminating the need to interrupt pump operation for measurements. This maintains continuous useful action by keeping the pump running throughout the pressure adjustment process.
2Measurement precision
If multiple iterations of pressure sensing and adjustment are performed, then pressure accuracy is improved, but the number of iterations and time required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system calculates a target pressure value based on the desired pressure setting and current actual pressure before beginning adjustment. This preliminary calculation determines the exact pressure change needed, allowing the pump to make a single precise adjustment rather than multiple iterative adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure transducer provides continuous feedback on the actual pressure in the pump chamber, which is compared to the target pressure. This feedback loop allows the system to monitor progress and determine when the desired pressure has been achieved, reducing the number of iterations needed.
3Device complexity
If a single hose configuration is used, then device complexity is reduced, but pressure measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The single hose serves multiple functions: it provides the fluid path for pressure adjustment and contains the pressure transducer for measurement. The pump housing itself serves as the measurement chamber, eliminating the need for separate measurement hoses while maintaining measurement capability.
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
This solution significantly reduces the time and number of iterations needed to achieve desired pressure, enhancing accuracy and user convenience by eliminating the need to turn off the pump for pressure measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure transducer positioned within a chamber of the valve assembly. Once the user selects the desired air pressure within the air bladder, the pressure transducer first senses a pressure in the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A method for adjusting pressure within an air bed comprises providing an air bed that includes an air chamber and a pump having a pump housing, selecting a desired pressure setpoint for the air chamber, calculating a pressure target, adjusting pressure within the air chamber until a pressure within the pump housing is substantially equal to the pressure target, determining an actual chamber pressure within the air chamber, and comparing the actual chamber pressure to the desired pressure setpoint to determine an adjustment factor error. The pressure target may be calculated based upon the desired pressure setpoint and a pressure adjustment factor. Furthermore, the pressure adjustment factor may be modified based upon the adjustment factor error determined by comparing the actual chamber pressure to the desired pressure setpoint.