Buoyancy-Driven Lifting Units for Gas Transfer in Liquid Containers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for supplying gaseous substances into containers filled with liquids, such as aquariums or ponds, are energy-intensive and inefficient due to the use of pumps.

Innovation Solution

A container design featuring two lifting units connected via an energy transmission device, with ventilation devices and height-adjustable cover elements, allows for the efficient introduction and circulation of air without pressurizing against the water column, utilizing a seesaw-like movement to maintain a constant water level and reduce energy expenditure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If pumps are used to supply gaseous substances into the container, then the gaseous substances can be forced into the liquid medium, but the energy consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidgas supply reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the natural buoyancy of rising gas bubbles to drive the lifting units in a seesaw motion, which automatically opens ventilation valves to draw in more gas. This self-sustaining mechanism eliminates the need for external pumps or power sources while maintaining reliable gas supply to the liquid medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical pump system with a buoyancy-driven mechanical system. The natural buoyant force of rising gas bubbles substitutes for the mechanical pumping action, converting a powered mechanical system into a passive physics-based system that achieves the same gas transfer function with minimal energy input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of energy

If pumps are used to supply gaseous substances, then gas can be introduced into the container, but the energy efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidgas transfer rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The seesaw motion of the lifting units creates a continuous cycle of gas intake and release. As bubbles rise and push one lifting unit up, the connected unit goes down to intake more gas, ensuring uninterrupted gas transfer. This continuous cyclic action maintains high productivity without the energy losses associated with starting and stopping pump operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic seesaw motion of the lifting units to transfer gas continuously. The rhythmic up-and-down movement of the connected lifting units creates periodic opening and closing of ventilation pathways, achieving sustained gas transfer rates comparable to continuous pump operation but with significantly lower energy consumption due to the passive buoyancy-driven mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Use of energy by moving object

If lifting units are used to introduce gas without pressurization, then energy consumption is reduced, but the water level may fluctuate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidwater level stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connected lifting units function as counterweights in a seesaw arrangement. When one unit rises due to gas buoyancy, the other unit descends, and vice versa. This counterbalancing mechanism ensures that the overall displacement of water remains balanced, maintaining stable water level in the container while still achieving effective gas transfer through the lifting units.

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 significantly reduces energy consumption by allowing air to be introduced into the liquid without pressurization, maintaining a consistent water level and enhancing the visual effect of rising air bubbles while improving water quality.

Implementation Method 1

The intake of air on the respective lower side of the body and the resulting buoyancy result in a seesaw movement of the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

at least one sealing element is arranged between the edge of an opening and the wall of a lifting container and that the openings for receiving the lifting container in the container older soil are formed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3054767B1Container which is filled with a liquid medium and method for feeding gaseous substances into the container

Publication Date: 2018.11.28 SCHLEEF JOCHEN

Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a container (1), which is filled with a liquid medium, comprising a device for feeding gaseous substances. At least two reciprocating units (4, 5) are associated with the container (1). The reciprocating units (4, 5) are connected to each other by means of an energy transfer device (8). According to the invention it is essential that the reciprocating units (4, 5) each have at least one aerating device (12, 13) for receiving the gaseous substance from the environment of the lower region of the container (1) and at least one height-displaceable cover element (10, 11) and that the bottom of the container (1) has openings for transferring the gaseous substance into the container (1).