Radial Flow Generator Housing for Smooth Air Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow generators face issues with air flow directionality, dust accumulation, and usability across varying temperatures, leading to inefficient air distribution and potential health concerns in contaminated environments.
Innovation Solution
The flow generator design includes a guide wall with a rounded curvature to direct air flow radially, featuring spiral-shaped fan passages with increasing cross-sectional areas to reduce noise and flow resistance, and inclined portions to manage air flow direction and rotation force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If air is introduced into the culture medium to promote cell growth, then cell proliferation is enhanced, but foam is generated which reduces medium volume and may lead to medium loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful foam into a beneficial anti-foam agent by adding a small amount of silicone oil to the culture medium. The silicone oil selectively accumulates at the air-liquid interface of the foam, disrupting foam stability and causing collapse, thereby eliminating medium loss while preserving the beneficial effect of aeration on cell growth
2Loss of substance
If antifoam agents are added to eliminate foam, then medium loss is prevented, but the antifoam agents may be toxic to cells or interfere with downstream processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using an amphipathic silicone oil that selectively localizes at the air-liquid interface of foam bubbles rather than dispersing throughout the bulk medium. This localized action eliminates foam with minimal presence in the medium, reducing potential toxicity to cells and interference with downstream processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the culture medium by introducing silicone oil with specific properties (amphipathic character, low surface tension). These parameter changes enable effective foam control while maintaining cell compatibility, as the silicone oil concentration can be optimized to be effective against foam yet non-toxic to cells
3Use of energy by moving object
If large volumes of air are used for cell culture, then adequate oxygen supply is achieved, but foam generation increases leading to medium loss and potential contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces silicone oil as an intermediary substance that mediates between the aeration system and the culture medium. The silicone oil acts at the air-liquid interface, preventing foam formation and medium loss while allowing adequate oxygen transfer to continue, thus maintaining culture system stability during high-volume aeration
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 ensures smooth air flow directionality, reduces noise, and maintains rotation force, enhancing air distribution efficiency and usability across different temperature conditions while minimizing dust accumulation.
Implementation Method 1
the silicone oil is thought to act by reducing the surface tension at the air liquid interface
Implementation Method 2
the silicone oil is thought to act by reducing the surface tension at the air liquid interface as a result of the hydrophobic effect
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a flow generator. A flow generator according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may include: a suction portion into which air is suctioned; a fan introducing the air introduced into the suction portion in an axial direction to discharge the air in a radial direction; a fan housing in which the fan is installed and which guides the air discharged from the fan; and a cover surrounding the fan and the fan housing. The fan housing may include: a housing plate supporting the fan; a guide wall protruding from one surface of the housing plate to surround at least a portion of an outer circumference of the fan; a first fan passage provided between at least a portion of the outer circumference of the fan and the guide wall; a second fan passage which is provided between the outer circumference of the fan and the cover and through which the air passing through the first fan passage flows; and a discharge portion located outside an outer surface of the guide wall to discharge the air passing through the second fan passage.