Multi-Port Bubble Machine Manifold Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor-driven soap bubble producing toys are limited in volume due to the presence of only a single soap bubble aperture, which restricts the production of soap bubbles.
Innovation Solution
A soap bubble machine with multiple soap bubble ports, a single soap bubble solution manifold, and mechanically linked wipers that can deliver soap bubble solution and blow air simultaneously across all ports, increasing the volume of soap bubbles produced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single soap bubble aperture is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent soap bubble ports (first port, second port, etc.), each capable of producing bubbles simultaneously. This segmentation allows the system to increase total bubble output by operating multiple ports in parallel rather than relying on a single port, directly addressing the productivity limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
A single solution supply system with a manifold serves multiple soap bubble ports simultaneously. The manifold distributes bubble solution to each port through separate feed tubes, allowing one solution supply mechanism to support multiple bubble production locations. This multi-functional approach increases productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple soap bubble ports are added, then the productivity increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple soap bubble ports are merged into a single integrated system that shares common components. The first and second ports (and additional ports) share a single solution supply system with one pump and a common manifold, and share a single air blower system. This merging approach allows multiple ports to operate simultaneously while avoiding the need for separate motors, pumps, and air blowers for each port, thus increasing productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A single air blower is designed to supply air to multiple ports simultaneously through a distributed air supply system. This universal air supply mechanism serves all bubble ports, allowing the system to maintain multiple bubble production locations while using only one air blower motor, thereby reducing overall device complexity compared to having dedicated air blowers for each port.
3Productivity
If a single wiper mechanism is used, then the ease of manufacture is high, but the productivity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The wiper system is segmented into multiple independent wipers (first wiper, second wiper, etc.), with each wiper dedicated to a specific soap bubble port. This segmentation allows each port to have its own bubble solution application mechanism, enabling simultaneous bubble production at multiple ports and increasing overall productivity without requiring a single complex wiper to serve all ports.
Solution Approach 2:
A single solution supply system with a manifold provides bubble solution to multiple ports through separate feed tubes. The manifold acts as a universal distribution point that routes solution to each port's dedicated wiper, allowing one solution supply mechanism to support multiple bubble production locations. This approach increases productivity while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing compared to alternative configurations.
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 machine can produce a larger volume of soap bubbles simultaneously by delivering soap bubble solution and blowing air through multiple ports, overcoming the limitations of single-port machines.
Implementation Method 1
A single tube, via the pump, pulls soap bubble solution from the reservoir and, through a manifold, such as a single input to three output manifold, delivers soap bubble solution to multiple output tubes
Implementation Method 2
An air blower blows air to all of the ports through an air manifold
Implementation Method 3
Air is then blown outwardly through an aperture port to form the desired soap bubble
Implementation Method 4
a wiper or a swiper, such as in the form of a wire or blade, that travels across a soap bubble aperture coating it with soap bubble solution to form a film
Implementation Method 5
coating it with soap bubble solution to form a film which is then exposed to an air stream to create the soap bubble
Implementation Method 6
Air is then blown outwardly through an aperture port to form the desired soap bubble
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a plurality of soap bubble making ports in a housing where each of the ports includes a ring-shaped soap bubble outlet. A single tube, via the pump, pulls soap bubble solution from the reservoir and, through a manifold, delivers soap bubble solution to the output ports of the manifold and then to each of the plurality of soap bubble making ports. A plurality of mechanically linked wipers is respectively located at each soap bubble making port to form a film at the soap bubble making port. An air manifold splits air received from the air blower respectively to each soap bubble making port. When a motor-driven shaft rotates, soap bubble solution is delivered to all soap bubble ports; causes all wipers to rotate and causes air to be blown through all of the soap bubble ports to creates multiple soap bubbles at the same time.