Tabletop Inflation System With Silent Compressor And Duckbill Clamp
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual inflation of packaging airbags is laborious, time-consuming, and noisy, necessitating a more efficient and portable inflation system for protecting fragile items during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A compact air inflation system comprising a silent air compressor, air pressure regulator, and a duckbill type clamp assembly with a solenoid, which allows for easy mounting and efficient inflation of airbags while minimizing noise and labor, featuring a portable design and economical manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual air pump is used to inflate airbags, then labor effort is required, but inflation process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical pumping with an electric air compressor system. The compressor is connected to the airbag through tubing and a valve mechanism, allowing automated inflation without manual labor. The system uses electrical power to drive the compression process, eliminating the need for manual pumping effort while significantly increasing inflation speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a valve assembly that automatically controls the inflation process. When activated, the valve opens to allow compressed air to flow into the airbag, and automatically closes when inflation is complete or if rupture occurs. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for continuous manual operation and provides automated service.
2Productivity
If traditional air compressors are used, then inflation efficiency is improved, but noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a silent compressor as an intermediary device between the power source and the airbag inflation process. This silent compressor uses alternative compression technology (such as diaphragm or membrane-based compression) that generates minimal noise compared to traditional piston-type compressors, thereby mediating between the need for efficient inflation and the requirement for quiet operation.
3Reliability
If airbag is ruptured, then protection function is compromised, but unidirectional flow valve prevents air leakage from other cavities
Solution Approach 1:
The airbag system is divided into multiple independent air cavities, each equipped with its own unidirectional flow valve. This segmentation ensures that if one cavity is ruptured, the damage is isolated to that specific cavity only. The unidirectional valves on other intact cavities prevent air leakage, maintaining their inflation and protective function. This modular segmentation approach contains failures and preserves overall system reliability.
4Weight of moving object
If compact housing is used, then portability is improved, but space for components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the air compressor, tubing, valve assembly, and other components are compactly integrated within a housing. The tubing is routed through channels in the housing, and the valve assembly is positioned to minimize space requirements. This nesting of components within each other and within the housing structure achieves a compact, portable design while accommodating all necessary functional elements.
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 system provides rapid, noise-reduced, and labor-efficient inflation of airbags, ensuring effective protection of fragile items during transportation, with a focus on portability and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
an air compressor housed in a compact housing
Implementation Method 2
the distal end of the lower clamp can be operably coupled to a pull type solenoid for pivoting the lower clamp relative to the upper clamp
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an inflation system comprising a housing; a clamp assembly, the clamp assembly having an elongated upper clamp and an elongated lower clamp, the upper clamp having a proximal end and a distal end, the lower clamp having a proximal end and a distal end, the upper clamp is mounted to the housing, the lower clamp is pivotally mounted along a lateral axis, the lateral axis is perpendicular to length of the lower clamp and between the proximal end and the distal end of the lower clamp, the proximal end of the upper clamp and the proximal end of the lower clamp protrudes from an opening in the housing; an upper cushion coupled to the proximal end of the upper clamp; a lower cushion coupled to the proximal end of the lower clamp such that the lower cushion and the upper cushion faces each other, the lower cushion and the upper cushion forms a passageway; and an air hose having a nozzle at one end wherein a portion of the air hose and a portion of the nozzle are retained in the passageway.