Unitary Fluid Flow Apparatus for Inflating and Deflating Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fluid flow systems for inflating and deflating vehicle seat bladders require two separate devices, a diaphragm pump and an electronic valve, which occupy space and add weight, negatively impacting fuel economy due to the need for distinct controls and increased weight.

Innovation Solution

A fluid flow apparatus with a housing containing an inlet, fill, and exhaust port, a pumping device, a motor-driven shaft capable of rotating in two directions, a clutch, and a centrifugal member that engages a seal to switch between inflation and deflation modes, allowing the same device to handle both functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a diaphragm pump and electronic valve are used to inflate and deflate bladders, then the bladders can be effectively controlled, but the system occupies more space and adds weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebladder control effectivenessVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the functions of a diaphragm pump and electronic valve into a single integrated unit. The diaphragm pump includes an inlet port for fluid intake, an outlet port for fluid delivery to the bladder, and an exhaust port for fluid discharge. The pump chamber is formed within the same housing that contains the valve mechanism, merging two previously separate devices into one compact assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The diaphragm pump is designed to perform multiple functions: it can deliver pressurized fluid to inflate the bladder through the outlet port, and it can also exhaust fluid from the bladder through the exhaust port to deflate the bladder. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate inflation and deflation devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a diaphragm pump and electronic valve are used, then inflation and deflation can be achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinflation and deflation capabilityVSAvoidnumber of devices

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the diaphragm pump and electronic valve into a single integrated device. The pump housing contains both the pump chamber and valve mechanism, with the diaphragm separating the inlet and outlet ports while the valve controls fluid flow to and from the bladder. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated diaphragm pump performs both inflation and deflation functions through its multiple ports and internal valve mechanism. The same device can deliver pressurized fluid to inflate the bladder and exhaust fluid to deflate the bladder, providing universal functionality that reduces system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If separate diaphragm pump and electronic valve are used, then distinct inflation and deflation controls are possible, but fuel economy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedistinct control capabilityVSAvoidfuel economy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the diaphragm pump and electronic valve into a single integrated unit with shared housing and fluid pathways. This merger reduces the total weight of the system while maintaining the capability for distinct inflation and deflation controls through its multiple ports and internal valve mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated diaphragm pump provides universal functionality for both inflation and deflation operations. By consolidating multiple functions into one device, the system reduces overall weight and component count, thereby improving fuel economy while preserving operational control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces the need for multiple devices, saves space, and improves fuel efficiency by enabling both inflation and deflation with a single apparatus, minimizing weight and control complexity.

Implementation Method 1

The centrifugal member engages the seal member when the shaft rotates in the second rotational direction to move the seal member to the unseated position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentUS10107279B2Unitary fluid flow apparatus for inflating and deflating a device

Publication Date: 2018.10.23 LEAR CORP

AI summary

The subject invention provides a fluid flow apparatus for transporting a fluid to inflate and deflate a device including a pumping device and a housing defining a chamber, an inlet port, a fill port, and an exhaust port. A seal member is movable between a seated position closing the exhaust port and an unseated position. A motor has a shaft rotating in each of a first and second rotational direction. A clutch is disengaged from the shaft as the shaft rotates in the first rotational direction and is engaged with and rotates with the shaft as the shaft rotates in the second rotational direction. A centrifugal member is mounted and rotates with the clutch when the shaft rotates in the second rotational direction and engages the seal member to move the seal member to the unseated position for permitting the fluid within the chamber to escape through the exhaust port.