Electrolytic Microbubble Generation Without High-Pressure Pumps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing micro-bubble generating devices require a separate device for high-pressure gas and liquid injection, leading to a large and complex system.

Innovation Solution

A micro-bubble generating system that uses an electrolytic bath to generate primary bubbles through electrolysis, which are then pulverized by a venturi structure to produce smaller secondary micro-bubbles, eliminating the need for external high-pressure pumps and enabling system miniaturization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a separate high-pressure pump is used to inject gas and liquid simultaneously, then micro-bubbles can be generated, but the system size becomes large and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicro-bubble generation capabilityVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the gas injection function and liquid circulation function into a single micro-bubble generation chamber. The gas injection hole is integrated directly into the chamber structure, eliminating the need for separate high-pressure pumps and complex injection systems. This merging of functions reduces system complexity while maintaining reliable micro-bubble generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the liquid circulation pump to serve dual purposes: circulating liquid through the system and providing the liquid component for micro-bubble generation. The gas is injected through a built-in hole in the chamber rather than requiring a separate gas injection system. This self-service approach eliminates auxiliary high-pressure equipment and simplifies the overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If separate devices are used for gas and liquid injection, then micro-bubbles can be generated, but product cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicro-bubble generation capabilityVSAvoidproduct cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the gas injection hole directly into the micro-bubble generation chamber structure, combining what would otherwise require separate gas injection equipment and liquid circulation equipment into a single integrated unit. This reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained, thereby reducing overall product cost while maintaining reliable micro-bubble generation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If separate high-pressure equipment is connected to the micro-bubble generating system, then gas and liquid can be injected simultaneously, but the system cannot be installed in home appliances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicro-bubble generation capabilityVSAvoidsystem size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses existing household equipment (liquid circulation pump) to provide liquid flow for micro-bubble generation, and incorporates a simple gas injection hole in the chamber rather than requiring external high-pressure gas equipment. This self-service approach eliminates the need for large external equipment, reducing system volume to a size suitable for installation in home appliances like water purifiers and refrigerators while maintaining micro-bubble generation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 system simplifies and miniaturizes the micro-bubble generation process, reducing costs and enabling installation in household appliances like water purifiers and refrigerators, while enhancing the sterilization and cleaning effectiveness of the micro-bubbles.

Implementation Method 1

an electrolytic bath 12 having an electrolyte (for example, dilute hydrochloric acid (HCl) or sodium chloride) solution and generating primary bubbles through electrolysis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrolysis: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 2

a micro-bubble generating device 20 connected to an outlet end of the water supply hose 13 to generate minute bubbles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3556456B1Microbubble generating system
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP3556456B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3556456B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3556456B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A micro-bubble generating system according to an embodiment of the present invention may include an electrolytic bath configured to generate primary micro-bubbles; a water supply hose which is connected to an outlet end of the electrolytic bath; and a micro-bubble generating device which is connected to the outlet end of the water supply hose to generate secondary micro-bubbles having a smaller diameter than the primary micro-bubbles.