Variable-Power Air Mattress Pump for Fast Setup and Lower Noise
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air mattresses require a lengthy preparation time to reach the necessary pressure for initial operation or restart, and the noise from motorized diaphragm type pumps can be uncomfortable for patients, especially during pressure adjustments and alternate inflation/deflation cycles.
Innovation Solution
An air mattress system with a controller that adjusts the power output of the air supply/discharge pump to maximize efficiency and minimize noise, using different power levels for rapid inflation, alternate inflation/deflation, and pressure adjustments, with the pump strategically positioned to reduce disturbance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a high-capacity supplying and discharging pump is provided separately to inflate all air cells rapidly from pressureless state, then the inflation time is reduced, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump power output is dynamically adjusted based on the operational state of the air mattress. During initial inflation from pressureless state, the pump operates at high power output to rapidly inflate all air cells. During normal alternate inflation/deflation operation, the pump operates at low power output. This dynamic power adjustment allows a single pump to provide high-capacity inflation when needed while maintaining low noise and energy consumption during routine operation, eliminating the need for separate high-capacity and normal pumps.
2Reliability
If a motorized diaphragm type pump is used for alternate inflation and deflation of air cells, then the bed user is protected from bedsores, but the pump generates noise that disturbs the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The pump operates at low power output during normal alternate inflation and deflation cycles, significantly reducing the noise level and making it less disturbing to patients. The low power output is sufficient for the slower, alternating inflation/deflation operation required for bedsore prevention. When rapid inflation is needed, the pump temporarily increases to high power output, but this occurs only occasionally and does not significantly impact overall noise exposure for the patient.
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 allows for rapid air mattress inflation, reducing preparation time and minimizing noise during normal operation, enhancing usability and comfort for patients.
Implementation Method 1
an air supply/discharge pump for performing air supply and air discharge for each of the air cells
Implementation Method 2
the diaphragm is moved reciprocatedly by reciprocate drive of the diaphragm by means of a linear motor for making linear motion
Data Source
AI summary
When, at the initial operation of an air mattress having inflating and deflating functions or at restarting after maintenance, many air cells need to be filled with a large amount of air, the air supply/discharge pump is operated at a driving force (the first power output) close to the maximum driving capacity thereof in order to inflate the air cells as soon as possible. In the normal operation in which the bed user is lying on the bed, when the air supply/discharge pump needs to be driven in order to cause alternate inflation and deflation or in order to prevent the user from touching the bottom, the air supply/discharge pump is driven at a second or third power output lower than the first power output. Thereby, it is possible in the air mattress having inflating and deflating functions to achieve rapid pressure adjustment and alleviate bed user's discomfortable feeling due to the operation noise of the pump upon the pressure adjustment.