Quick Air Vent Float Bore Geometry for Faster Bubble Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing quick air vents experience impaired venting dynamics due to tilting of the cylindrical float and stagnation of air bubbles in the round longitudinal bore, leading to reduced efficiency in air venting.

Innovation Solution

The air vent design is improved by replacing the round longitudinal bore with a polygonal bore, such as a rectangular bore with inwardly projecting sharp-edged or rounded longitudinal edges, and adjusting the center of gravity to minimize tilting and friction, allowing air bubbles to rise without getting stuck.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a round longitudinal bore is used in the float, then air bubbles can rise smoothly, but air bubbles tend to get stuck in the bore and worsen venting dynamics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventing efficiencyVSAvoidventing dynamics
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the symmetric round longitudinal bore with an asymmetric polygonal bore (rectangular, triangular, or pentagonal cross-section). This asymmetric shape prevents air bubbles from completely adapting to the bore contour, eliminating the stagnation effect while maintaining smooth bubble rise and improving overall venting dynamics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Device complexity

If the float is hung eccentrically by a molded hook, then space requirements are reduced, but the float tilts and creates friction against the chamber wall

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidventing dynamics
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a counterweight element attached to the float at a specific position to balance the eccentric hanging arrangement. This counterweight compensates for the tilting moment generated by the eccentric hook, preventing the float from tilting against the chamber wall and reducing friction, thereby improving venting dynamics while maintaining compact space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 design enhances the venting behavior by preventing air bubbles from adapting to the bore contour and reduces friction, resulting in improved air venting dynamics and reduced spraying tendency.

Implementation Method 1

when there is a water column in the chamber, is pushed upwards by the buoyancy force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy force: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

a rising air bubble can rise directly in the center of the float until it is diverted outwards

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Data Source

PatentEP2505886B1Quick ventilator with modified swimmer
Publication Date: 2013.06.12 AFRISO EURO INDEX MBH
  • EP2505886B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2a
  • EP2505886B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~2d

AI summary

The vent (1) has a cup-shaped housing (2) with round chambers (4, 5) that are connected to a heating system via a lower chamber opening (6). A float operated vent valve (14) vents the chambers. A cylindrical shaped float (10) is vertically movable in the chambers and held at the valve. A connecting channel is provided with a downwardly open vertical longitudinal channel section that is formed as a longitudinal bore hole with a polygonal bore hole cross-section and inwardly projecting longitudinal edges. An outwardly recessed insertion bevel is provided on opposite sides of the channel section.