Foaming Nozzle Hole Layout for Uniform Fine Bubble Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional foaming nozzles struggle to generate fine, high-quality bubbles in liquids due to their radially widespread steam distribution, leading to inhomogeneous bubble sizes and difficulty in maintaining fine bubbles over time.

Innovation Solution

The foaming nozzle features spouting holes with precise circular and elongated circular cross-sections, arranged differently on the same plane, with specific angles and orientations to create interfering gas flows that generate cavitations and produce consistent, minute bubbles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If steam is spouted radially in multiple directions from multiple spouting holes, then the steam can cover a wider area of the liquid surface, but the bubble size becomes inhomogeneous and fine bubbles cannot be maintained over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteam coverage areaVSAvoidbubble size uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by directing steam at different locations with different purposes: central spouting holes create fine bubbles through vertical injection, while peripheral spouting holes provide radial coverage. Each location has optimized hole characteristics (number, size, shape) to achieve its specific function, resulting in both wide coverage and uniform fine bubbles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The spouting holes are segmented into different groups with distinct functions: central holes for fine bubble generation and peripheral holes for area coverage. This segmentation allows each group to optimize its performance for its specific role, resolving the contradiction between coverage area and bubble uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If multiple spouting holes are arranged on the bottom of the chip body, then steam can be distributed widely, but the bubble size becomes inhomogeneous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesteam distributionVSAvoidbubble size consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the chip body bottom have different hole configurations. The central region has holes optimized for fine bubble generation (smaller diameter, vertical orientation), while peripheral regions have holes for broader distribution. This local differentiation ensures both wide steam distribution and consistent fine bubble size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Area of stationary object

If steam is injected in a radially widespread structure, then the foaming process can cover more liquid area, but it becomes difficult to generate effective cavitations for fine bubbles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoaming coverage areaVSAvoidcavitation generation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The foaming function is segmented into two mechanisms: central holes generate fine bubbles through cavitation caused by high-velocity vertical steam injection, while peripheral holes provide radial steam distribution for area coverage. This segmentation enables both effective cavitation and wide foaming coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a single radial injection pattern, the patent inverts the approach by using vertical injection at the center for cavitation generation, then adding peripheral radial holes for coverage. This inverted structure prioritizes cavitation efficiency first, then expands coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This design allows for the easy generation of sustainable, high-quality foam by unskilled users, reducing foaming time and water usage while maintaining bubble quality, even after extended periods.

Implementation Method 1

The cavitations can be effectively generated by interfering gas (air) with different speed in the liquid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCavitation: Cavitation

Implementation Method 2

the high-temperature steam is spouted from the steaming-nozzle to these liquids, and the above milk and beverages, etc. are heated without using the fire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal convection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP2351502B1Foaming nozzle
Publication Date: 2016.04.06 SS&W JAPAN
  • EP2351502B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2351502B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2351502B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A foaming nozzle which allows even an unskilled person to easily generate fine sustainable high-quality foam by spouting a high-pressure gas generated by a high-pressure gas generating device to a liquid to be foamed. A foaming nozzle is connected to a gas generating device for generating a high-pressure gas which has a pressure higher than an atmospheric pressure and spouting the high-pressure gas from the tip of the nozzle, and the foaming nozzle foams, while stirring, a liquid located in the direction of the spouting. The foaming nozzle has formed in the tip thereof at least two kinds of spouting holes for spouting the high-pressure gas. At least one kind of spouting hole is formed in a shape different from the shape of the other kind of spouting hole so as to spout the high-pressure gas at a speed different from the speed of the high-pressure gas spouted from the other kind of spouting hole.