The air pump for an inflatable product and an inflatable product with a built-in air pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Built-in electric air pumps in inflatable products are complex, costly, and inconvenient for maintenance, with limited application range and cost-effectiveness due to permanent installation, requiring replacement of the entire product upon malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A compact air pump assembly with a pump body, impeller, and knob switch that can be easily attached and detached from the inflatable product, allowing quick switching between inflation and deflation states without complex air passage switching devices, and can be used independently or with a shell for flexible application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If air passage switching devices are used to switch between inflation, deflation, and neutral states, then the air pump can perform multiple functions, but the structure becomes overly complicated and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The air pump utilizes the dynamic rotation of the impeller to automatically switch between inflation and deflation modes. The impeller's rotation direction determines the airflow path, eliminating the need for complex mechanical switching devices. This dynamic operation allows the pump to transition between states based on rotational direction rather than physical passage switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The air pump achieves multi-functionality through a universal design where the same pump body and impeller mechanism can perform both inflation and deflation operations. By controlling the impeller rotation direction, a single device structure accomplishes multiple functions without requiring separate air passage switching mechanisms for each mode.
2Ease of operation
If the air pump is permanently fixed inside the inflatable product, then it provides convenient operation, but maintenance becomes difficult and the entire product must be replaced upon malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The air pump is designed as a separable component that can be detached from the inflatable product. The pump body is configured to be removable through an opening in the product, allowing it to be segmented from the main structure. This enables independent maintenance or replacement of the air pump without discarding the entire inflatable product.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening in the inflatable product serves as an intermediary access point that facilitates both operation and maintenance. During operation, it allows the pump to be positioned correctly; during maintenance, it enables the pump to be removed and reinstalled, mediating between the need for fixed installation and the need for accessible maintenance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the air pump is permanently installed, then it is fixed for a single inflatable product, but the application range is limited and cost-effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The air pump transitions from a static fixed installation to a dynamic removable configuration. The pump can be installed in different inflatable products by utilizing their respective openings, allowing the same pump unit to adapt to various applications. This dynamic installability enhances versatility while maintaining stable operation during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The air pump is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple inflatable products. The standardized interface and removable design allow the same pump to be applied across different product types, expanding its application range and improving cost-effectiveness through reuse.
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
Simplifies operation and reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating the need for complex switching mechanisms, enabling flexible use across various inflatable products and improving user experience with quick and effective inflation and deflation capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
An impeller is located in the air outlet space and when it rotates, air enters the air inlet and is transferred through the inlet space through the opening to the outlet space and out of the pump body through the air outlet
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c~2
Figure 3
AI summary
An air pump is delineated for an inflatable product that can be selectively connected thereto. The inflatable product includes a shell located on a side wall. The shell includes an internal chamber for selective placement of the air pump and an air valve for selective communication with the air pump. When the air pump is located in the internal chamber it can be moved to switch between a first position and a second position. The air pump includes an air inlet and an air outlet such that the air inlet is in communication with the air valve in the first position to deflate the inflatable product and the air outlet is in communication with the air valve in the second position to inflate the inflatable product. The air pump can also be used externally via manual connection between the air inlet or the air outlet and other inflatable products.