Foam Generator with Inverted Straw Cover to Prevent Solid Jamming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foam generators lack effective mechanisms for preventing undissolved solids from jamming the bubble mechanism and ensuring a tamper-resistant seal between the bubble generator and the container.
Innovation Solution
A foam generator design featuring a bubble generator with a liquid piston and air piston mechanically connected, an inverted straw cover for fluid channeling, and a locking sleeve with a latching rim to secure the bubble generator to the container, along with mixing screens and a nozzle for directing foam, which includes an annular fluid collection trough to prevent undissolved solids from jamming and a tamper-resistant locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an inverted straw cover with fluid channel is used to draw liquid upward, then liquid flow is improved, but undissolved solids may jam the bubble mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid channel is segmented into multiple pathways with different orientations. The inverted straw cover includes a first fluid channel extending upward at an angle and a second fluid channel extending horizontally, creating multiple routes for liquid flow that can accommodate undissolved solids without jamming the mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The straw cover is inverted with channels that draw liquid upward from below rather than dispensing downward. This inverted configuration allows undissolved solids to settle in the collection trough below the intake rather than being forced through the mechanism, preventing jams while maintaining liquid flow.
2Reliability
If a locking sleeve with latching rim is used to secure the bubble generator, then tamper-resistant seal is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses a simple latching rim with discrete latching points rather than a continuous complex locking system. The rim includes multiple spaced-apart latching points that engage with corresponding features on the container, providing secure attachment without excessive structural complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If mixing screens are used to generate foam, then foam consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing screens are porous structures with multiple openings that facilitate the mixing of air and liquid to generate consistent foam. The screens provide a simple yet effective mechanism for creating uniform bubble distribution without requiring complex mixing components.
4Reliability
If an annular fluid collection trough is used to collect undissolved solids, then jamming prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inverted straw cover serves multiple functions: it acts as the liquid intake structure, provides the fluid channels for liquid flow, and incorporates the annular collection trough for undissolved solids. This multi-functionality prevents jamming without adding separate dedicated components, reducing overall device complexity.
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 design effectively prevents undissolved solids from jamming the bubble mechanism and ensures a secure, tamper-resistant seal, while simultaneously generating a consistent flow of foam through the mechanical coordination of air and liquid pistons and the use of mixing screens.
Implementation Method 1
The inverted straw cover has an inverted straw cover fluid channel that draws liquid from the container upward beginning at an inverted straw liquid intake located below the liquid piston intake of the bubble generator input stem
Data Source
AI summary
A foam generator includes a container having a liquid. The container includes a container neck. A bubble generator is mounted to the container. The bubble generator has a liquid piston and an air piston that are mechanically connected together to simultaneously dispense the liquid and a flow of air. The liquid piston extends into the container as a bubble generator input stem. The liquid is received into the bubble generator input stem at a liquid piston intake of the bubble generator input stem. The air piston and the liquid piston feed both air and liquid to a mixing chamber that provides both air and liquid to a pair of mixing screens mounted on a bubble generator output stem. The bubble generator output stem is oriented below the bubble generator input stem. An inverted straw cover fits over the liquid piston intake of the input stem.