Multistage Pump Micro Bubble Generator for Hydrotherapy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing micro bubble generation devices for hydrotherapy and spa systems are structurally complex and costly, and those using the Venturi effect require delicate tuning to maintain air suction, making them inefficient and expensive to manufacture and maintain.

Innovation Solution

A device that generates micro bubbles by using a multistage pumping unit with a second pump to mix air directly into the water flow, leveraging the swirling motion created by the impellers to form micro bubbles, eliminating the need for external mixers or valves and the Venturi effect, and incorporating a control system to manage air flow and prevent accumulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If Venturi effect is used to draw air into water flow, then air suction is achieved, but the device requires delicate tuning operations and has structural complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair suction stabilityVSAvoiddevice structural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the air injection function with the existing pump structure by introducing air through the pump inlet rather than using a separate Venturi device. This integration eliminates the need for delicate tuning of Venturi effects while maintaining reliable air suction, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If external mixers and special valves are used to generate micro bubbles, then micro bubble generation is achieved, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicro bubble generationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pump is designed to perform multiple functions: water circulation, air injection, and micro bubble generation. By making the pump universal and eliminating the need for separate mixers and special valves, the invention reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable micro bubble generation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple separate components are used for air injection and mixing, then air mixing function is achieved, but the device structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair mixing functionVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines air injection, mixing, and micro bubble generation functions into a single integrated pump system. Air is injected through the pump inlet and automatically mixed with water during the pumping process, eliminating the need for separate mixers and reducing the overall device complexity while maintaining reliable air mixing function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution simplifies the device structure, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances micro bubble generation efficiency with a robust and cost-effective design, ensuring consistent operation and reduced maintenance requirements.

Implementation Method 1

leveraging the swirling motion created by the impellers to form micro bubbles

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSwirling motion: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

The water with the gas dissolved therein are fed to the tank through a saturation and mixing device, wherein micro bubbles are formed due to the swirling motion generated inside it

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Implementation Method 3

Gas injection occurs by Venturi effect due to the passage of the water fed to the tub

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3170490B1Micro bubbles generating device for hydrotherapy systems
Publication Date: 2017.11.22 SACITH
  • EP3170490B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3170490B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (100) for generating micro bubbles in a hydrotherapy system, said device (100) comprising a first pump (110) comprising a multistage pumping unit (111) and a motor (112) operatively connected thereto, at least one intake pipe (120) intended to be connected to a water supply, at least one discharge pipe (130) intended to be connected to a tub (200) of a hydrotherapy system. The device (100) also comprises a second pump (140) configured to generate an air flow, a supply conduit (141) for supplying said air flow, wherein said supply conduit (141) is connected at one end to an outlet of the pump (140) and at the opposite end to a first stage (111a) of said multistage pumping unit (111) of said first pump (110), said first stage (111a) featuring a minimum head within the multistage pumping unit (111). The invention also relates to a hydrotherapy system comprising the device above and a tank connected thereto through at least one intake pipe and one discharge pipe.