Vortex ring generating device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vortex ring generation devices face instability and short outreach due to the generation of straight flow within the vortex ring, leading to premature disappearance and dispersion of scent components when used for aroma transfer.

Innovation Solution

A vortex ring generation device with a casing and extrusion mechanism, where the discharge port diameter, cylinder length, and flow rate are optimized to 0.045 ≤ D ≤ 0.060 m, 0.15 ≤ L ≤ 0.35 m, and 3 ≤ U ≤ 5 m/s, respectively, to stabilize the vortex flow and enhance outreach, using multiple vibration plates to accelerate gas discharge and reduce volume, thereby generating a stable vortex ring with a long outreach.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a vortex ring is generated using conventional devices, then the vortex ring can be produced, but the straight flow generated inside the vortex ring causes instability and short outreach

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevortex ring stabilityVSAvoidvortex ring outreach
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by precisely controlling the discharge port diameter (0.045 ≤ D ≤ 0.060 m), cylinder length (0.15 ≤ L ≤ 0.35 m), and discharge flow rate (3 ≤ U ≤ 5 m/s) to optimize vortex ring formation. These parameter adjustments eliminate straight flow generation while maintaining vortex ring stability and extending outreach to 1.5-5 meters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the discharge port diameter is increased to enhance vortex ring formation, then the vortex ring can be generated more easily, but the scent component dispersion increases and outreach is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevortex ring formation stabilityVSAvoidscent component dispersion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the discharge port diameter within a specific range (0.045 ≤ D ≤ 0.060 m) to balance vortex ring formation stability with scent component delivery efficiency. This parameter control prevents excessive dispersion while ensuring reliable vortex ring generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Length of moving object

If the discharge flow rate is increased to extend vortex ring outreach, then the vortex ring can travel farther, but the straight flow increases causing the vortex ring to disappear prematurely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevortex ring outreachVSAvoidvortex ring stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes an optimal discharge flow rate range (3 ≤ U ≤ 5 m/s) that extends vortex ring outreach to 1.5-5 meters while preventing straight flow generation. This parameter optimization ensures both long outreach and sustained vortex ring stability without premature disappearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 device achieves a stable vortex ring with an outreach of 1.5 ≤ A ≤ 5 m, effectively delivering scent components up to 5 m away, ensuring consistent and efficient aroma transfer.

Implementation Method 1

an extrusion mechanism (16) that is configured to extrude gas in the gas passage (13) such that the gas in a vortex ring shape is discharged from the discharge port (14)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVortex ring formation: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

the plurality of vibration plates (18) enable the volume of the gas passage (13) to be reduced and the discharge flow rate thus obtained to be accelerated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3842702B1Vortex ring generating device
Publication Date: 2023.06.28 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP3842702B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3842702B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3842702B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A vortex ring generation device (10), including an extrusion mechanism (16) that extrudes gas in the gas passage (13) in a casing (11) such that the gas in a vortex ring shape is discharged from the discharge port (14), is configured such that when V (m3) represents an extrusion volume, D (m) represents a diameter of the discharge port (14), L (m) represents a length of a cylinder having the diameter D and the volume V, and U (m/s) represents a discharge flow rate, relationships of 0.045 ≤ D ≤ 0.135, 0.15 ≤ L ≤ 0.35, and 3 ≤ U ≤ 5 are satisfied.