Bubble Concentration Adjustment via Parallel Flow Path Mixing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bubble concentration adjustment devices fail to effectively adjust the concentration of bubbles in a bubble-containing liquid, limiting their application in industrial processes.

Innovation Solution

A bubble concentration adjustment device with multiple flow paths, a flow rate ratio control unit, and a bubble generating unit that allows precise adjustment of bubble concentration by controlling the flow rate ratio of liquids through these paths, along with a scale display unit for indicating concentration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single flow path with a bubble generating device is used, then the device structure is simple, but the bubble concentration cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidbubble concentration adjustment capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid flow path is divided into multiple parallel flow paths (first flow path and second flow path), with bubble generating devices provided in each path. This segmentation allows independent control of bubble generation in each path, enabling adjustment of overall bubble concentration by controlling the flow rate distribution among the parallel paths.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple flow paths with bubble generating devices are used to adjust bubble concentration, then bubble concentration can be adjusted, but the device structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebubble concentration adjustment capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple flow paths are merged into a common flow path downstream, allowing the liquid flows from different bubble generating devices to combine. This merging approach enables bubble concentration adjustment through flow rate control while avoiding the need for completely separate systems, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If flow rate ratio control is implemented to adjust bubble concentration, then bubble concentration can be precisely controlled, but the control system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebubble concentration control precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention controls the flow rate parameter of liquid in each parallel flow path to adjust bubble concentration. By changing the flow rate parameter (e.g., using flow rate control valves or pumps), the bubble concentration can be precisely controlled since bubble generation is directly related to liquid flow rate through the bubble generating devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If a common inlet is used for multiple flow paths, then the system structure is simplified, but the flow rate distribution control becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem structureVSAvoidflow rate distribution control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

While using a common inlet for multiple flow paths to simplify structure, the invention introduces individual flow rate control mechanisms (such as control valves or flow controllers) in each parallel flow path. This allows local adjustment of flow rate in each path, enabling independent control of bubble generation while maintaining the structural simplicity of a common inlet.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables precise control of bubble concentration in a gas-liquid mixture, allowing for efficient use in various industrial applications such as cleaning, medical treatment, and water purification while maintaining flow rates.

Implementation Method 1

a bubble generating unit provided in at least one of the flow paths, the bubble generating unit being capable of generating bubbles having a diameter of less than 1 μm in the liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCavitation: Cavitation

Implementation Method 2

a bubble generating unit provided in at least one of the flow paths, the bubble generating unit being capable of generating bubbles having a diameter of less than 1 μm in the liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 3

a flow rate ratio control unit for changing a flow rate ratio of the liquid flowing through the plurality of flow paths so as to enable adjusting the concentration of the bubbles by mixing the liquid flowing out of the plurality of flow paths

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid flow control:

Implementation Method 4

the flow rate ratio control unit changes the flow rate ratio in accordance with the concentration of the bubbles indicated on the scale display unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP4691617A1Bubble concentration adjustment device and tank system
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 THE BIZSER CO LTD
  • EP4691617A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4691617A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP4691617A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D

AI summary

A bubble concentration adjustment device and a tank system that allow adjustment of a bubble concentration in a bubble-containing liquid are provided. The bubble concentration adjustment device includes a plurality of flow paths for transporting a liquid, at least one of which is provided with a bubble generating unit capable of generating bubbles having a diameter of less than 1 µm in the liquid. The device further includes a flow rate ratio control unit for changing a flow rate ratio of the liquid flowing through the plurality of flow paths so that the bubble concentration can be adjusted by mixing the liquid flowing out of the plurality of flow paths.