Foam discharge device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing foam discharging devices can only form simple-shaped foam objects, lacking the capability to create elaborate three-dimensional designs.

Innovation Solution

The foam discharging device incorporates ejection-port forming wall portions with varying height positions and adhesive properties, allowing for the formation of complex shapes by controlling the flow and adhesion of foam, enabling the creation of detailed three-dimensional designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If conventional ejection ports with uniform structure are used, then the device is simple to manufacture, but the foam objects can only have simple shapes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoam object shape complexityVSAvoidejection port structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different types of ejection ports (first type with first wall portion, second type with second wall portion) that have different adhesive properties at different locations. This allows the foam to form different shapes at different ejection ports, enabling complex three-dimensional foam objects while maintaining a manageable overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The ejection port structure is segmented into multiple types (first type and second type) with different wall portions and adhesive properties. This segmentation allows each segment to contribute differently to the final foam shape, enabling complex three-dimensional designs through coordinated action of multiple simpler components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Manufacturing precision

If ejection ports with varying adhesive properties are implemented, then elaborate three-dimensional foam designs can be created, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoam shape definitionVSAvoidejection port fabrication
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the adhesive parameter of the ejection port wall portions by using different materials or surface treatments (first wall portion with first adhesive property, second wall portion with second adhesive property). This parameter change enables precise control over foam formation without requiring complex manufacturing processes, as the adhesive difference can be achieved through material selection rather than complex fabrication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 the production of foam objects with intricate designs, such as flowers and butterflies, by varying the height and adhesive properties of the ejection ports, resulting in more elaborate and defined shapes.

Implementation Method 1

have different adhesive properties with respect to the foam body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP3444198B1Foam discharge device
Publication Date: 2022.07.20 KAO CORP
  • EP3444198B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3444198B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3444198B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A foam discharging device includes: a storage portion that stores a liquid agent; a foamer mechanism (21) that changes the liquid agent into foam to generate a foam body; and a discharging portion (20) that discharges the foam body. The discharging portion (20) includes a foam passing chamber (209) that allows the foam body to pass, and one or a plurality of ejection-port forming wall portions (82) that extend downward below the foam passing chamber (209), are formed into a closed-loop shape in plan view, have the inner space communicating with the foam passing chamber (209), and have the lower edge (821) having an ejection port (83) formed thereon. At least part of the ejection-port forming wall portion (82) has a bottom end portion formed into a shape that has a thickness reduced toward the lower side. The ejection-port forming wall portion (82 includes a first portion (for example, an ejection-port forming wall portion (82a)) and a second portion (for example, an ejection-port forming wall portion (82b)). The height position of a lower edge of the first portion is higher than the height position of a lower edge of the second portion.