Vortex ring generation device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vortex ring generation devices face challenges in stably transferring vortex rings over distance without increasing the device size, as increasing the size of the vortex ring requires increasing the amount of air pushed out, which in turn requires a larger diaphragm and thus a larger device.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates a plurality of gas chamber units, each with a movable member that pushes air out of an air chamber, and these movable members are coupled together to form a single movable body driven by an actuator. This configuration allows for a larger amount of air to be released without increasing the size of individual movable members or the device as a whole.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the size of one diaphragm is increased to push out more air for stable vortex ring transfer, then the vortex ring can be stably transferred to a distance, but the overall size of the vortex ring generation device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestable transfer of vortex ringVSAvoidsize of vortex ring generation device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the single diaphragm into multiple smaller diaphragms (first diaphragm and second diaphragm) that work together. Each diaphragm has its own air chamber (first air chamber and second air chamber), allowing the system to achieve the required air displacement volume without increasing the size of individual diaphragms or the overall device footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If the amount of air pushed out is increased to enlarge the vortex ring size for stable transfer, then the vortex ring can be transferred stably, but the device size must be increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveamount of air pushed outVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines multiple air chambers (first air chamber and second air chamber) that communicate with each other and share a common release port. The air pushed out by both diaphragms merges into a single vortex ring, achieving the required air quantity without proportionally increasing device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention arranges the air chambers and diaphragms in a spatial configuration where they communicate through shared passages and a common release port. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple air sources to contribute to a single vortex ring without requiring a linear increase in device size.

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

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 solution effectively increases the amount of air released as vortex rings without enlarging the device, maintaining the compact size while enhancing the airflow capacity.

Implementation Method 1

A vortex ring generation device for releasing an airflow in a form of a vortex ring from a release port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVortex ring formation: Vortex Ring

Data Source

PatentEP4148334B1Vortex ring generation device
Publication Date: 2025.05.28 DAIKIN INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP4148334B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4148334B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4148334B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A vortex ring generation device (10) includes a plurality of gas chamber units (A) each having an air chamber (S). Each gas chamber unit (A) includes a fixing member (11) and a movable member (12). The movable members (12) of all of the gas chamber units (A) are coupled together to form one movable body (M). The vortex ring generation device (10) further includes an actuator (13) connected to an end portion of the movable body (M) and configured to drive the movable body (M), and a communication path (C) allowing the air chambers (S) of the plurality of gas chamber units (A) to communicate with each other.