Bubble Generating Assembly with Cam-Driven Follower Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated bubble making devices are slow to produce bubbles, messy, difficult to manufacture, and expensive, leading to user boredom and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A bubble generating apparatus with a housing, motor, and air generating device, featuring a bubble generating assembly that rotates along a cam surface to transition between loading bubble solution and aligning with an air stream for bubble formation, reducing mess and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing automated bubble making devices are used, then bubble production is automated, but the devices are slow to produce bubbles and cause user boredom
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble generating assembly is pre-loaded with bubble solution before the bubble-making process begins. The follower member is positioned in advance to ensure immediate access to bubble solution when air flow is activated, eliminating the delay experienced in existing devices that require setup time before bubble production can start.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus maintains continuous bubble production by keeping the bubble generating assembly constantly loaded with bubble solution and the air generating device continuously operational. The follower member remains engaged with the cam surface throughout operation, ensuring uninterrupted transition between loading and bubble generation positions, thereby eliminating idle waiting periods.
2Extent of automation
If existing automated bubble making devices are used, then bubble production is automated, but the devices are messy
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble solution reservoir is separated from the main housing and positioned in a dedicated basin. Excess bubble solution is extracted and collected in the basin rather than being dispersed throughout the device, allowing for easy containment and cleanup. This extraction of the liquid component from the mechanical assembly reduces messiness while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The follower member acts as an intermediary between the bubble solution and the bubble generating assembly. It controls the transfer of bubble solution in a controlled manner, preventing uncontrolled spilling or leakage that would create mess. The cam surface serves as an intermediary mechanism that guides the follower member's motion precisely, ensuring clean operation.
3Extent of automation
If existing automated bubble making devices are used, then bubble production is automated, but the devices are difficult and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is divided into distinct modular segments: the housing, the bubble generating assembly, the air generating device, and the basin for excess solution. Each component can be manufactured independently using simple processes and then assembled. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the automated bubble production function.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam surface and follower member create a self-regulating mechanism that automatically controls the loading of bubble solution and the timing of bubble generation without requiring complex electronic controls or sensors. This mechanical self-service system simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for expensive control circuits, microprocessors, and associated components, thereby reducing both complexity and cost while preserving automation.
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 apparatus rapidly produces bubbles with minimal mess and reduced manufacturing costs, enhancing user experience and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a motor and an air generating device operably coupled to the motor... an air stream generated by the air generating device flows through the loaded bubble generating device
Implementation Method 2
each of the follower members transition from the raised position to the lowered position by rotating about the second axis and falling downwardly due solely to gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A bubble generating device that includes a housing having an outer surface and a motor and fan device positioned in the housing. The fan device may be operably coupled to the motor so that the motor, when activated, causes the fan device to rotate to generate an upward air stream within the housing. The bubble generating device may also include a trough for containing bubble solution and a spout protruding beyond the outer surface of the housing and configured such that bubble solution fed into the spout flows into the trough. A bubble generating assembly may be operably coupled to the motor, so that when the motor is activated the motor causes bubble generating members of the bubble generating assembly to move into contact with the bubble solution in the trough and then into alignment with the upward air stream to generate bubbles from the bubble solution.