Valvular conduit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foam generators and pumps are complex and costly due to multiple parts, requiring supporting structures and complex manufacturing processes, and lack efficient configurations for ease of construction and reduced part count.
Innovation Solution
A valvular conduit, preferably a Tesla valvular conduit, is used as a foam generator with a plug member coaxially received within a sleeve member, featuring passageways that allow free upstream flow but increase resistance downstream, integrated into a foaming pump assembly formed from minimal unitary elements via injection molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional foam generators use screens and sponges with supporting structures, then foam generation function is achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the foam generation function with the pump housing into a single integrated structure. The housing itself forms the foam generator by defining passageways that create turbulence when liquid and air mix, eliminating the need for separate screens, sponges, and supporting structures. This merging of functions directly reduces part count and manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective foam generation.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple parts are used in foam generators and pumps, then functional requirements are met, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump housing is designed to integrate multiple functions: it serves as both the structural housing for the pump mechanism and the foam generator. The housing defines internal passageways that mix liquid and air streams to create foam, eliminating the need for separate foam generation components. This single-part design reduces both the number of parts and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the pump, defines fluid passageways, creates turbulence for foam generation, and serves as the mixing chamber. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing overall part count.
3Ease of manufacture
If Tesla valvular conduit is configured for easy construction, then manufacturing simplicity improves, but flow control effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The housing defines different passageway configurations in different locations to achieve specific flow control functions. The passageways are designed with varying cross-sectional areas, lengths, and turbulence-inducing features at specific locations to optimize mixing and foam generation while maintaining ease of construction through the integrated housing design.
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 configuration simplifies manufacturing, reduces costs, and enhances the efficiency of foam generation by integrating the valvular conduit into a foaming pump assembly with reduced parts, allowing for effective mixing and resistance control of fluid streams.
Implementation Method 1
passageway interior walls configured to mix gas and liquid streams on passage downstream therethrough
Implementation Method 2
Tesla valvular conduit which provides for relatively low resistance flow in one direction through the conduit yet high resistance flow in an opposite direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A valvular conduit, preferably a Tesla valvular conduit, in which a plug member is coaxially received within a bore in a sleeve member and in which passageways are defined between the plug member and the sleeve member within interior walls configured to permit mixing of fluid flowing through the passageways in at least one direction, preferably, the relatively free passage of fluid through the passageways upstream but increased the resistance to downstream flow of the fluid through each passageway.