Ultrafine Bubble Generation Using Sophorolipid and In Situ Gas Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a lack of methods for generating ultrafine bubbles without using a bubble generation device.

Innovation Solution

The generation of ultrafine bubbles is achieved by combining sophorolipid with a specific mass ratio of acidic and lactonic sophorolipid, a free fatty acid or its salt, and a gas generation component, such as carbon dioxide, oxygen, or chlorine gas, in water without external gas introduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional bubble generation methods are used, then bubbles can be generated, but equipment is required which increases device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebubble generation deviceVSAvoidmethod implementation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses the water heater's existing heating function to generate bubbles through thermal effects, allowing the device to serve itself for bubble generation without requiring separate bubble generation equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical bubble generation systems with a thermal field-based approach, using heating elements to create bubbles through temperature-induced phase changes and thermal convection rather than mechanical agitation or pressurization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If surfactants are added to generate fine bubbles, then bubble generation is improved, but harmful chemical substances are introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefine bubble generationVSAvoidsurfactant chemicals

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the heating function, which could simply warm water, into a dual-purpose tool that simultaneously generates fine bubbles through thermal effects, eliminating the need for harmful surfactants while maintaining productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of water through controlled heating, using temperature variations to induce phase changes and thermal convection that naturally generate fine bubbles without requiring chemical additives

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If gas is pressurized to generate bubbles, then fine bubbles are produced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebubble size controlVSAvoidgas pressurization energy

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes phase transitions of water induced by localized heating to generate fine bubbles, leveraging the natural phase change from liquid to vapor rather than requiring mechanical pressurization of gas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs thermal vibration and convection currents created by heating elements to generate and disperse fine bubbles throughout the water, replacing high-energy gas pressurization with lower-energy thermal agitation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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

Ultrafine bubbles are produced in water, enabling long-lasting effects due to their small size and electrical charge, without the need for specialized equipment.

Implementation Method 1

a gas generation component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a sophorolipid containing acidic sophorolipid and lactonic sophorolipid in a mass ratio of 78:22 to 100:0, and (b) a fatty acid or salt thereof

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface tension reduction: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS12478928B2Ultrafine bubble generator and ultrafine bubble generation method

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 SARAYA CO LTD

AI summary

The invention relates to an ultrafine bubble (UFB) generator and a method for generating UFB. The invention also provides an ultrafine bubble-containing liquid and a production method of the liquid. An ultrafine bubble generator is prepared by combining (A) a sophorolipid containing acidic sophorolipid and lactonic sophorolipid in a ratio (mass ratio) of 78:22 to 100:0, (B) a free fatty acid or salt thereof, and (C) a gas generation component.