Radial Slit Bubble Generator for Higher Microbubble Yield

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bubble generators face challenges in achieving high microbubble generating efficiency, as they often rely on cavitation effects that are not sufficient to produce a substantial number of microbubbles in water flows.

Innovation Solution

A bubble generator design featuring a tubular main body with radially extending slits and protruding columns, where the columns' protrusion gradually reduces towards the upstream side, creating vacuum areas downstream and further enhancing vacuum formation with recesses on the downstream surfaces, leading to increased water flow velocity and microbubble generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If columns protrude from the inner peripheral surface to form slits, then microbubble generation is enhanced through flow restriction and vacuum area creation, but the structural complexity of the bubble generating part increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicrobubble generation efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity of bubble generating part
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bubble generating part is segmented into multiple columns that protrude from the inner peripheral surface, creating multiple slits between them. This segmentation allows the water flow to be divided into multiple streams, each creating vacuum areas downstream, thereby enhancing microbubble generation efficiency while maintaining a modular structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The columns are designed with varying protrusion amounts in the radial direction, creating a three-dimensional structure where the protrusion amount gradually reduces from the periphery toward the upstream side. This dimensional variation optimizes flow restriction and vacuum area formation without requiring additional complex components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Speed

If the protrusion amount of columns gradually reduces from the periphery toward the upstream side, then flow velocity increases due to compression, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewater flow velocityVSAvoidprotrusion amount gradient precision
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the columns have different protrusion amounts, with the periphery having greater protrusion than the upstream side. This local quality variation creates a gradual compression effect on the water flow, increasing flow velocity while allowing for practical manufacturing tolerances through the integral molding process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If recesses are provided in the downstream-side surfaces of columns, then vacuum areas are enhanced for improved microbubble generation, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicrobubble generation efficiencyVSAvoidstructure complexity of columns
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The recesses are integrated directly into the downstream-side surfaces of the columns, merging the vacuum enhancement feature with the existing column structure. This integration allows the recesses to be formed as part of the integral molding process, enhancing microbubble generation without requiring separate components or assembly steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If multiple vacuum areas are created downstream from slits and around recesses, then microbubble generation efficiency improves, but pressure loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicrobubble generation efficiencyVSAvoidpressure loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The recesses are designed with controlled depth and dimensions to create vacuum areas that are sufficient for microbubble generation without causing excessive pressure loss. The partial vacuum effect achieved through the recesses provides adequate cavitation conditions while minimizing energy waste

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 significantly improves microbubble generation efficiency by creating multiple vacuum areas, resulting in a higher number of microbubbles produced without the need for additional pressure sources, such as pumps, and allows for the generation of nanobubbles using tap water.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum area is created downstream from the restrictor according to Bernoulli's principle, and gases dissolved in the water are released due to a cavitation effect (effect of reduced pressure) so that microbubbles are generated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCavitation: Cavitation

Implementation Method 2

a vacuum area is created downstream from the restrictor according to Bernoulli's principle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBernoulli's principle: Bernoulli Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3915672A1Bubble generating device
Publication Date: 2021.12.01 SHIBATA OU
  • EP3915672A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3915672A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3915672A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The purpose of the present invention is, in a bubble generating device provided with a bubble generating unit for generating minute bubbles in water flowing through the inside of the cylindrical main body unit, to improve the bubble generating efficiency of the bubble generating unit. Provided is a bubble generating device provided with a cylindrical main body unit and a bubble generating unit disposed within the main body, wherein: the bubble generating unit is provided with slits extending radially centered on one point within the main body unit in a cross-sectional plane of the main body unit, and a column part protruding from the inner peripheral surface of main body unit and formed on the peripheral edge of the slits; and the amount of protrusion of the column part is gradually reduced toward the upstream side from the peripheral edges of the slits, and the column part has a recessed part formed on the downstream surface.