Valvular conduit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foam generators and pumps are complex and costly due to multiple parts, with valvular conduits like the Tesla valvular conduit not optimized for ease of construction and manufacture, leading to increased production costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A simplified valvular conduit design, specifically 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 as a unitary element by injection molding, enabling efficient mixing of fluids and generation of foam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional foam generators use screens and porous 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 screen is embedded directly in the housing walls, and the porous sponge is positioned within the housing cavity, eliminating the need for separate supporting structures and reducing the total number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the porous sponge, supports the screen, and directs fluid flow. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated components for each function.
2Productivity
If Tesla valvular conduit is used for foam generation, then mixing efficiency improves, but construction complexity increases if not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The Tesla valvular conduit elements (screen, porous sponge, housing) are merged into a single integrated foam generation assembly that can be constructed as one unit, simplifying the construction process while maintaining the mixing efficiency benefits of the Tesla valvular design.
3Productivity
If multiple separate parts are used in pump assembly, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but manufacturing cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pump assembly uses a minimal number of unitary elements that are injection molded as single pieces. The foam generation assembly is integrated into the housing, reducing the total number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby increasing assembly speed.
4Reliability
If diaphragm members are used in pump design, then sealing function is achieved, but construction complexity and sealing engagement difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is integrated into the overall pump housing and valve assembly design rather than using separate diaphragm members. The housing itself provides the sealing surfaces, and the valves are designed to engage directly with the housing features, simplifying construction while maintaining reliable sealing.
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 design reduces manufacturing complexity and costs by using fewer parts, while effectively mixing fluids and generating foam with reduced upstream resistance and increased downstream resistance, enhancing the efficiency of foam generation in dispensers.
Implementation Method 1
each mixing portion configured to split flow downstream from an upstream main channel into a first channel and a second channel separate from the first channel, the first channel merging with the second channel into a downstream main channel with the first channel directing flow through the first channel where the first channel merges with the second channel in a first direction and the second channel where the second channel merges with the first channel directing flow through the second channel in a second direction different than the first direction
Implementation Method 2
The present inventors have appreciated that previously known pumps incorporating such foam generators suffer the disadvantages that they are formed from a number of parts, leading to increased cost for manufacture and assembly. The present inventors have also appreciated that foam generators which utilize such screens and sponges for foam generation typically require supporting structure such as housings which increase the complexity of manufacture and increase the number of parts required to form a foam generator. U.S. Pat. No. 1,329,559 to Tesla, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference, teaches what is known and is referred to herein as a 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
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.