Allison Calle

City College of New York

9/11/2025

Writing for Engineering

Introduction:

What is it?

A bubble gun is a toy created in the 1950s. The purpose of this toy is to entertain children and adults at any time. The function is to dispense multiple bubbles without the hassle of placing your bubble wand into the solution and blowing it each time. The main design is for the user to press the trigger for the toy to start working and blowing bubbles. Over the years designs have shifted into styles such as animals or main characters from movies or shows. However, the overall interior function has stayed the same. 

What is the history?

Bubbles have been popular for a long time. Before it became the bubble gun sensation we know today it started with a simple design.

• In the 17th Century there were recordings of people having clay pipes to blow bubbles. (Shown in Figure A)

• In 1918 the bubble was improved drastically since it became popular with children. Turned into plastics and cheaper.  (Shown in figure B)

• In the 1940s the pipe was still popular but also the bubble wand. The wand was used with people’s own bubble solution. They would use bars of soap or dish soap with water to have fun.
• In the 1950s/1960s the first battery operated bubble gun was invented. This was a crazy commotion since it wasn’t expensive and easier to use than the bubble wand and pipes.

• 2000s it started to become into different characters and were sold everywhere with characters in shows and movies. This attracted mostly children for entertainment.

• Now slowly the audience shifted from children to anyone. Age doesn’t have a limit on who can enjoy it. They are now used for fun events such as pop ups, weddings and festivals

(Figure A) (National Trust, n.d.)

(Figure B) (Hayes, 2020)

Diagram

(POP ART: A Bubble-Blowing Robot – IAAC Blog, 2021)

Peristaltic pump: makes the soap from the container travel to the bubble wand where there bubble leaves.

Battery Holder: a place to put two double A batteries, the power

Motor: it helps the fan rotate to create wind

Circuit Actuator: Connects the power to the motor

Fan: the tool that creates the wind

Bubble Out: a wand before the bubble is released

Soap Film Charger: Soap is being hold before it covers the wand

Soap Container: the bottle that holds the soap solution

Trigger: a button you press to use the bubble gun

Conclusion

How does it work?

The bubble gun gets its power by two double A batteries most of the time. It may vary depending on the design of the gun. It will always tell you on the packaging. After the batteries are inserted in the battery holder, soap must be added to the container. To a kid the bubble works by the press of the trigger. However, there is more than the outside shows. When the person presses the trigger the batteries start to work and give the signal to the circuit actuator. When the circuit becomes active it makes the motor move. This helps the peristaltic pump work. The pump then starts getting the soap from the soap container and pumps it to the soap film charger. Which covers the wand in the bubble out. When the soap is being pumped to the soap film charger the motor is giving the power to the fan for it to start rotating. Once the wand is covered with soap and the fan is creating wind the bubbles start to come out. 

Why is it better?

The bubble is better than the manually blowing bubbles with the bubble wand or pipe. The Bubble gun is faster and consistent. It requires minimal effort when trying to enjoy them. With the minimal effort it outputs more bubbles than the average person can blow. 

Where to find it?

These days you can find it in most stores such as Walmart, Target and 99 cents stores. They are very popular in the summer time and have many discounts.

How much does it cost?

The price of the bubble gun may vary depending where you purchase it. If you buy it in the 99 cent store it can be very low from $3 – 7$. Once you start purchasing in bigger well known stores such as Walmart or Target they range from $15 – $35. This is because with those more expensive prices the bubble gun is bigger and faster compared to the original design. Like down below the gun works the same way just that they have increased every part of the gun to make it powerful.

(Walmart – Robot or Human?, n.d.-b)

References

Alibaba.com: Hong Jing HJ-LED0402, LED Bubble Gun Toy for Kids, made from durable plastic, suitable for ages 14 and up. Connect with suppliers for bulk orders and custom branding. (n.d.). https://www.alibaba.com/product-introduction/Hot-Sale-Led-Toy-Cheap-Bubjble_60770485064.html

George, G., & George, G. (n.d.). Toyard Toy Suppliers provide custom and wholesale toys for Kids. Toyard Toy Suppliers Provide Custom and Wholesale Toys for Kids. https://www.hi-toyard.com/blog/post/the-evolution-history-of-the-bubble-gun.html

Hayashi, A. N. (2017, September 7). Bubble Gun Teardown! by Natsuki Hayashi. Making Studio. https://makingstudio.blog/2014/09/14/bubble-gun-teardown/

Hayes, K. (2020, July 10). Really? They still sell these type of toy bubble pipes for kids? B105. https://b105country.com/really-they-still-sell-these-type-of-toy-bubble-pipes-for-kids/

Katiyar, P. (2023, May 10). Bubble Fun- the rise of bubble gun toys in the market! Party Glowz. https://www.partyglowz.com/blogs/articles/bubble-fun-the-rise-of-bubble-gun-toys-in-the-market?srsltid=AfmBOoojQi4FbfrIcIQoYUnn09L6lzj6B5_oLmqVcSPP247pm5PBf3jM

Kitty Hawk Kites. (n.d.-a). Fubbles Animal Bubble blasters – DINO. https://store.kittyhawk.com/products/fubbles-animal-bubble-blasters?srsltid=AfmBOopNfO3JielldGUVBzHkHz6ufkauJHiiWd24HKIRctoOXSo9AxjQ

Kitty Hawk Kites. (n.d.-b). Fubbles Animal Bubble blasters – SHARK. https://store.kittyhawk.com/products/fubbles-animal-bubble-blasters-copy-1?srsltid=AfmBOord_seQSxtzTT7LRh38ZOFl5rrvsAirmZ_SqIqn-F1c7GR7zoka

LED Bubble Gun. (n.d.). https://www.deluxe.com/products/. https://www.deluxe.com/products/promotional/led-bubble-gun/39928/

National Trust. (n.d.). Bubble blowing pipe 670228. National Trust Collections. https://www.nationaltrustcollections.org.uk/object/670228

POP ART: a Bubble-Blowing Robot – IAAC blog. (2021, November 29). IAAC Blog. https://www.iaacblog.com/programs/pop-art-bubble-blowing-robot/

Robot or human? (n.d.). https://www.walmart.com/ip/LARGE-BUBBLE-BLASTER/6825811606?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&wl13=2003&gclsrc=aw.ds&adid=222222222776825811606_117755028669_12420145346&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=501107745824&wl4=pla-394283752452&wl5=9004403&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=local&wl12=6825811606&veh=sem_LIA&gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=12420145346&gbraid=0AAAAADmfBIpiv89Mp4Yczw86sTt5ekfBB&gclid=Cj0KCQjw5onGBhDeARIsAFK6QJaS1qzPGuctKS3QxYratyRKiaRkRkfHgjHrB17dvJtmoInK52Z-Uj0aAhwrEALw_wcB