Household inflation pumps have long been acknowledged as utilitarian devices, serving their purpose dutifully. However, they carry with them a few shortcomings that cannot go unnoticed - noisy and bulky nature coupled with an inherent capability to frustrate even the most patient of users.
Driven by the desire to address these issues, we were entrusted with reimagining this typically overlooked accessory and crafting a premium mobile pump that not only respects the consumer but also Mother Earth. Embracing this challenge wholeheartedly, we embarked on an engineering journey that resulted in the creation of a one-of-a-kind auto-stop feature – ASAP: Auto-Stop Air Pump.
This revolutionary innovation intelligently ensures inflation halts at optimum pressure levels, regardless of what product is being inflated. ASAP stands tall as a beacon of technological advancement within its category; crafted to instill peace-of-mind in consumers while keeping environmental concerns at its core.
Year: 2023
Sector: Lifestyle, Tech
Materials: Stainless Steel, ABS-PC, PMMA, PU
Process: Extrusion, sandblasting, engraving, injection moulding, CNC
Disciplines: Market research, industrial design, mechanical design, CMF, sourcing
Creative Direction
How to redesign a portable air pump? What does premium mean for such a device?
Our primary goal was to create a battery-powered premium air pump that would set new standards in versatility and adaptability. Aiming to redefine what makes a pump truly premium, we recognized that true premium quality lies not only in its functionality but also in its ability to seamlessly adapts to different contexts and cater to diverse target segments.
With this vision in mind, we envisioned a product capable of effortlessly serving both water and mountain enthusiasts; an air pump that should be handy, compact yet astonishingly powerful. This meant to maintain a relatively small form factor while ensuring an unparalleled high flow rate and air pressure.
Crucially, we sought paramount convenience with a brand new innovative auto-stop function as the ultimate plug & play feature - enabling users to swiftly embark on their desired activities with utmost ease and safety – no effort spared; no time wasted.
Design
By choosing an axial impeller instead of radial, we aimed to provide a higher flow rate, ensuring swift and efficient inflation. We crafted the device to carry industrial-grade attributes such as reliability, accuracy, and durability – characteristics that guarantee longevity even in demanding environments. Simultaneously, our aim was for it to captivate casual consumers by offering portability and ease of use.
The pump's ergonomic design allows for comfortable grip during operation while being conveniently carried in pockets intended for water bottles. Its stable structure ensures it remains steadfastly upright without any risk of tipping over or succumbing to shocks.
Aesthetically, the elongated monolithic form accentuates the airflow dynamics—both minimalistic yet sturdy in appearance. To prevent accidental rolling during storage or transport, we incorporated one flat facet into its transitional silhouette seamlessly aligning functionality with elegance.
Designed For Repair
Unlike most air pumps that are permanently sealed, rendering them impossible to disassemble for repair or recycling, we have meticulously engineered our product with a focus on easy repairability and efficient material sorting.
The decision not to use any sort of glue was pivotal in achieving this objective as we carefully handpicked a singular type of screw specifically suited for both the chamber and the lids. By adopting this meticulous approach, our design ensures that every component can be effortlessly accessed and repaired whenever necessary, thereby extending the lifespan of the product while significantly reducing electronic waste.
Proof of concept prototype. 3D printing with clear resin allows us to detect early on in the mechanical design process components or parts intersection and assess the device internals architecture.
Innovative Auto-Stop Feature
During our extensive market research, it came to our attention that users often experienced a sense of uncertainty and concern when inflating their products, fearing the possibility of over-inflation and potential explosion. It was this insight that inspired us to develop a truly innovative auto-stop feature that would alleviate these worries entirely.
We designed ASAP as an air pump that eliminates the need for users to manually set the pressure or be burdened with thoughts of over inflation. Through the integration of strategically positioned valves and highly sensitive pressure sensors, the device intelligently assesses the optimal pressure required for each individual product being inflated. In doing so, it effortlessly halts its operation at precisely the right moment, ensuring both user safety and peace of mind throughout every inflation process.
Interface
The extansive OLED display enhances user experience by presenting information with utmost clarity and crispness. The pressure is presented in PSI with great accuracy. During stand-by moments the battery level is communicated, providing peace of mind to users throughout their day-to-day tasks.
Its readability is a testament to its unassuming yet professional nature, effortlessly accommodating users both during bright daylight hours and in dimly-lit environments at night.
The interface embodies a careful balance between functionality and elegance, meeting the needs of individuals who value detailed readings while appreciating simplicity in design.
Accessories
The nozzles are securely attached in place through a twist and push system, ensuring utmost stability and efficiency during inflation.
The pump boasts a variety of nozzle options to accommodate different valve types with ease: the widely used Boston and pinch valves for small air toys and inflatable pools; the C7 /Leafield valve preferred for kayaking or canoes and the H3-HR / Halkey-Roberts valve, commonly used for air mattresses.
Product Specifications
Pump:
• Flow: 700L/min
• Pressure: 1.5 PSI
• Automatic Stop at optimum inflation
• Automatic motor speed control
• Smooth start & stop inflation
• Auto-sleep mode
• Flow: 700L/min
• Pressure: 1.5 PSI
• Automatic Stop at optimum inflation
• Automatic motor speed control
• Smooth start & stop inflation
• Auto-sleep mode
Battery:
• 1400mA Powerbank
• USB-C Power Delivery
• Number of cycle until 0.5 PSI: 8
• Number of cycle until 1.0 PSI: 4
• Number of cycle until 1.5 PSI: 2
• Charge time: 3h
• 1400mA Powerbank
• USB-C Power Delivery
• Number of cycle until 0.5 PSI: 8
• Number of cycle until 1.0 PSI: 4
• Number of cycle until 1.5 PSI: 2
• Charge time: 3h
Hardware:
• Pressure sensor
• OLED Display day and night reading
• Dual Torch-light
• Sleep mode: 60 days
• Variants: Space Black, Chrome, Champagne, Sapin, Azure.
• Pressure sensor
• OLED Display day and night reading
• Dual Torch-light
• Sleep mode: 60 days
• Variants: Space Black, Chrome, Champagne, Sapin, Azure.
Credits
Project lead: Ludovic Depoid
Head of engineering: Frédéric Vautard
Lead designer: François Hurtaud
Creative director: François De Martrin-Donos
Mechanical engineer: Alan Chow
Design Analyst: Gavein Hidam
Sourcing executive: Karen Lam
Copy-writing: Karis Lim
Photography: Pak Chung, Mak Hoi Tung
Head of engineering: Frédéric Vautard
Lead designer: François Hurtaud
Creative director: François De Martrin-Donos
Mechanical engineer: Alan Chow
Design Analyst: Gavein Hidam
Sourcing executive: Karen Lam
Copy-writing: Karis Lim
Photography: Pak Chung, Mak Hoi Tung
