Integrated CO2 Generator with Speed Control Valve

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional carbon dioxide generators using fermentation reactions face challenges in controlling production rates and are affected by temperature, while neutralization reaction-based devices struggle with excessive pressure increases, making them difficult to install and operate safely.

Innovation Solution

A carbon dioxide generator with an integrated design featuring a speed control valve and pressure equilibrium gas passage pipe, allowing for controlled generation and discharge of CO2, preventing excessive pressure buildup by connecting upper and lower containers through a dropping hole and gas passage system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If neutralization reaction is used to generate CO2, then high purity CO2 is produced and temperature resistance is improved, but pressure control becomes difficult and explosion risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCO2 purity and temperature resistanceVSAvoidPressure control and safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into an upper container and a lower container separated by a partition wall. The upper container holds the acid solution while the lower container holds the carbonate/bicarbonate solution, preventing direct contact and uncontrolled reaction. This segmentation allows controlled CO2 generation while maintaining safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A three-way valve is introduced as an intermediary control mechanism to regulate the flow of acid solution from the upper container to the lower container. This valve mediates the reaction process, allowing precise control over CO2 generation rate and preventing pressure buildup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Device complexity

If simple parallel bottle design is used, then device complexity is reduced, but installation difficulty and initial operation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveStructure simplicityVSAvoidInstallation ease and initial operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated device structure. The upper and lower containers are vertically stacked and connected through a partition wall with integrated valve mechanisms, combining storage, reaction control, and gas collection functions in one compact unit. This eliminates the need for separate parallel bottle arrangements and complex initial setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If fermentation reaction is used, then device simplicity is improved, but production rate control and ethanol contamination become problems

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDevice simplicityVSAvoidProduction rate control and CO2 purity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The biological fermentation process is replaced with a chemical neutralization reaction system that offers precise mechanical control through the three-way valve. This substitution eliminates ethanol contamination risks and allows exact control over CO2 production rates while maintaining relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 safe, efficient, and controlled generation of high-purity CO2 at desired rates, preventing explosions and allowing for easy operation and repeated use by refilling materials.

Implementation Method 1

generating carbon dioxide by a neutralization reaction between an acid solution and a base solution containing a salt of carbonic acid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNeutralization reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a pressure equilibrium and gas passage pipe which forms a path for movement of the carbon dioxide generated in the lower container to the upper container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3541176B1Carbon dioxide generator
Publication Date: 2023.05.10 KIM BO KYEONG
  • EP3541176B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3541176B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3541176B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is an integrated-type carbon dioxide generator comprising: an upper container accommodating an acid or aqueous solution thereof and including an oulet pipe through which a carbon dioxide gas is discharged; a lower container located under the upper container and accommodating a base containing a salt of carbonic acid or aqueous solution thereof; a dropping hole area formed in a bottom surface of the upper container such that the acid or aqueous solution thereof is supplied from the upper container to the lower container by gravity; a speed control valve that is externally manipulable and configured to open and close the dropping hole area; and a pressure equilibrium and gas passage pipe configured to form a path through which carbon dioxide generated in the lower container is transferred to the upper container.