Microbubble Apparatus Segmentation for Clogging Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro bubble generating apparatuses are inefficient and impractical for large-scale production due to high costs and clogging issues with small orifices, which prevents their use with fluid dispensing fittings like hydrotherapy jets and shower heads, leading to premature wear and maintenance burdens.
Innovation Solution
A micro bubble generating system that includes a shell with a well for retaining a liquid and a micro bubble apparatus that provides a pressurized mixture of a second liquid and dissolved gas to create micro bubbles, featuring a housing body with fluid passages that increase velocity and prevent clogging, allowing for efficient micro bubble production and use in various applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If small orifices and screens are used to generate micro bubbles, then micro bubble production is achieved, but debris and contaminants clog the small orifices requiring expensive prefiltering and continuous cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bubble generation function into multiple separate components: a saturation chamber where gas dissolves in liquid, and a separate micro bubble generation apparatus with multiple orifices. This segmentation allows the saturation chamber to handle bulk liquid while the micro bubble apparatus receives pre-saturated liquid, reducing clogging risk at the orifices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary saturation of liquid with gas in a saturation chamber before the liquid reaches the micro bubble generation apparatus. This preliminary action ensures that micro bubbles form easily at the orifices without requiring the orifices to be extremely small, thereby reducing clogging issues while maintaining micro bubble production efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If electrolysis between two electrodes is used to produce micro bubbles, then micro bubbles are generated, but the process becomes costly when large numbers of micro bubbles are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrolysis method (electrical/chemical process) with a mechanical saturation and pressure-based micro bubble generation system. Gas is dissolved in liquid under pressure in a saturation chamber, then released through controlled orifices to form micro bubbles mechanically, eliminating the need for continuous electrolysis and reducing energy costs for large-scale micro bubble production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters from electrolysis (electrical current, electrode potential) to pressure-based saturation and decompression. By controlling pressure changes in the saturation chamber and micro bubble generation apparatus, the system efficiently produces large quantities of micro bubbles without the high energy consumption of electrolysis.
3Quantity of substance
If small orifices are used in hydrotherapy jets and shower heads, then micro bubbles are produced, but the small orifices cause excessive back pressure leading to premature wear on system components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure management function from the micro bubble generation function. The saturation chamber operates at higher pressure to dissolve gas in liquid, then the pressurized saturated liquid is delivered to the micro bubble generation apparatus where pressure is released through multiple orifices. This segmentation allows micro bubble formation without requiring extremely small orifices that would create excessive back pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the pressure parameter distribution along the fluid path: high pressure in the saturation chamber for gas dissolution, then controlled pressure release at the micro bubble generation apparatus. This parameter management allows adequate orifice size that minimizes back pressure while still producing micro bubbles efficiently.
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 effectively generates and sustains micro bubbles for therapeutic benefits, including improved cleaning and sanitizing, reduced muscle tension, and enhanced skin oxygenation, while preventing clogging and maintaining system efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
providing a pressurized mixture of a second liquid and a dissolved gas into the well so as to create a micro bubble cloud within the first liquid
Implementation Method 2
a first fluid passage for increase a velocity of a pressurized mixture of a liquid and a dissolved gas in a direction towards a fluid flow
Implementation Method 3
an orifice member... including a second fluid passage being disposed at an angle with respect to the first fluid passage for generating a plurality of micro bubbles from the mixture
Data Source
AI summary
A micro bubble generating system includes a shell having a well for retaining a first liquid to immerse an object. A micro bubble apparatus is provide to the shell for providing a pressurized mixture of a second liquid and a dissolved gas into the well so as to create a plurality of micro bubbles within the first liquid for engaging the object.