Waterproof Panel-Mounted Air Pump for Vessel Inflatables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inflatable devices require inefficient and inconvenient methods for inflation, particularly in marine and land vessels where power sources are not readily available, leading to laborious and time-consuming inflation processes.
Innovation Solution
A permanently installed, waterproof air pump station with inflow and outflow connections, sealed to prevent water ingress, integrated into marine or land vessels, allowing for quick and easy inflation and deflation of inflatables using a low-voltage DC power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If portable electric pumps are used for inflating devices on vessels, then inflation can be performed with electrical power, but the pump requires storage space and must be manually handled (taken out and plugged in), which is inconvenient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The air pump is merged with the vessel structure by permanently installing it within a compartment in the vessel. The pump, housing, and compartment form an integrated assembly where the pump is permanently mounted rather than being a separate portable device that needs to be handled and connected each time.
Solution Approach 2:
The air pump is pre-installed and pre-positioned within the vessel compartment before use is needed. The housing and mounting structure are prepared in advance, so when inflation is required, the user simply needs to access the pre-positioned pump through the compartment opening rather than setting up equipment at that moment.
2Productivity
If manual pumps are used for inflating large devices, then no electrical power is needed, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical pumping action is replaced with an electrically-powered air pump. The electrical pump uses electrical energy to drive the pumping mechanism, eliminating the need for manual physical effort while achieving faster inflation speeds suitable for large devices.
3Ease of operation
If the air pump station is permanently installed in the vessel, then it is readily available for use, but it must be waterproof to prevent water ingress
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible waterproof gasket is used to seal the interface between the rigid housing and the vessel compartment. The gasket deforms to accommodate slight variations in mounting surface flatness and provides a continuous waterproof barrier around the perimeter where the housing meets the compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing system combines multiple materials with different properties: the rigid housing provides structural support, the flexible gasket provides sealing compliance, and the mounting flange provides mechanical attachment. This composite approach addresses both the structural and waterproofing requirements simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus, systems and methods for providing a low voltage DC-powered, waterproof, panel- mounted air pump for use with leisure inflatables. The present air station pump apparatus, systems and methods are configured for permanent installation directly into a marine or land vessel (e.g., a boat or recreational vehicle (RV)), are for use in harsh outdoor environments, and are sealed and encapsulated to provide a waterproof installation.