Motor-Driven Fan Bubble Apparatus with Gravity Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated bubble making devices are messy, difficult to manufacture, and challenging to use, lacking efficiency in generating bubbles while minimizing mess and cost.
Innovation Solution
A bubble generating apparatus featuring a motor-driven fan system with a bubble solution dispenser and support member that automatically activates the motor when the solution container is positioned for dispensing, eliminating the need for pumps and valves, and incorporating a drip tray for excess solution collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated bubble making devices are used to generate more bubbles, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the bubble solution reservoir and pumping mechanism from the main device body, extracting these functions to a separate reusable container system. This eliminates complex pumps, valves, and reservoirs while maintaining automated bubble generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fan assembly serves multiple functions: it generates airflow for bubble formation, rotates to distribute bubble solution evenly across generating surfaces, and enables continuous operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate pumping and distribution mechanisms.
2Productivity
If automated bubble making devices are used to generate more bubbles, then productivity is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the bubble solution storage and delivery function to a separate container, the main device becomes simpler to manufacture with fewer precision components. The separate container can be manufactured independently using simpler processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable or easily replaceable bubble solution containers that can be manufactured cheaply and discarded or refilled when empty, eliminating the need for expensive, complex liquid handling systems in the main device.
3Productivity
If automated bubble making devices are used to generate more bubbles, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically rotates the bubble generating assembly and distributes bubble solution without user intervention. The system self-regulates the bubble making process, eliminating the need for users to manually manipulate complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating mechanism ensures that all bubble generating surfaces are evenly exposed to both bubble solution and airflow, creating uniform bubble production conditions throughout the rotation cycle, which simplifies operation.
4Productivity
If existing automated bubble making devices are used, then bubble generation capacity is improved, but harmful factors increase due to mess
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of excess bubble solution into a beneficial feature by using the rotation to evenly distribute solution and incorporate a drip tray that collects and recycles overflow, turning mess into controlled fluid management.
Solution Approach 2:
The drip tray captures excess bubble solution that would otherwise create mess, allowing it to be recovered and returned to the container for reuse, eliminating waste and cleaning requirements.
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 efficiently generates bubbles with reduced mess and manufacturing complexity, allowing for easy reuse of bubble solution and user-friendly operation.
Implementation Method 1
a fan device operably coupled to the motor to generate an air stream
Implementation Method 2
a support member configured to support a bubble solution container containing a bubble solution, the support member alterable between a non-dispensing position wherein the bubble solution does not flow out of the bubble solution container and a dispensing position wherein the bubble solution flows out of the bubble solution container
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for producing bubbles. The apparatus may include a motor, a fan device operably coupled to the motor to generate an air stream, and a bubble generating assembly operably coupled to the fan device so as to be rotated. The apparatus may also include a bubble solution dispenser for dispensing bubble solution onto bubble generating devices of the bubble generating assembly. Furthermore, a support member may be provided for supporting a container of the bubble solution. The support member may be altered into a dispensing position whereby the bubble solution can be dispensed from the container into the bubble solution dispenser. When the support member is in the dispensing position, a switch that activates the motor may be actuated into a closed state. The support member may include an actuation member that engages the switch when in the dispensing position.