Acoustic Sensor Fluid Dispenser for Targeted Insect Repellent Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for protecting individuals from insect bites and stress caused by noise are limited by the need for large amounts of repellents and lack of portable, effective solutions that can respond to specific environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising sensors, processing stages, and dispensers that detect biometric properties and ambient sounds, determining if they are within predetermined ranges, and release appropriate fluids, such as insect repellents or stress-reducing scents, using piezo-electric or thermally actuated dispensers integrated into wearable devices or clothing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If large amounts of repellent are applied to the skin for effective insect protection, then protection effectiveness is improved, but unpleasant odours and allergic skin reactions increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsect protection effectivenessVSAvoidunpleasant odours and allergic skin reactions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic sensing of acoustic signals (mosquito wingbeat frequencies) and triggers repellent dispensing only when mosquitoes are detected, rather than continuous application. This periodic action maintains protection effectiveness while minimizing the amount of repellent used and reducing associated odours and skin reactions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-regulated dispensing where the sensor detects mosquito presence and automatically triggers the dispenser to release appropriate amounts of repellent. This self-service mechanism ensures protection is applied only when needed, reducing overall repellent usage and minimizing harmful side effects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If conventional stress-reducing devices such as aromatherapy oils or candles are used, then stress reduction is achieved, but instant access and portability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestress reduction effectivenessVSAvoidinstant access and portability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges the sensing function (acoustic sensor for noise detection), processing unit (for stress assessment), and dispensing mechanism (for aromatherapy delivery) into a single portable device. This integration enables instant access to stress-reducing aromatherapy whenever and wherever needed, eliminating the limitations of separate conventional devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The portable device serves multiple functions: it acts as both an insect repellent system and a stress-reduction aromatherapy device. The sensor can detect both mosquito wingbeat frequencies and ambient noise levels, and the dispenser can release different fluids based on the detected condition, providing universal protection against both insects and stress

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If targeted and responsive fluid dispensing is implemented, then repellent usage efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepellent usage efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual application of repellent with an automated sensing and dispensing mechanism. The sensor detects mosquito presence acoustically, the processor analyzes the signals, and the dispenser automatically releases repellent, eliminating the need for manual judgment and application while improving efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the state of repellent dispensing from continuous or manual application to controlled, parameter-based release. The dispenser adjusts the amount and timing of repellent release based on detected parameters such as mosquito density and proximity, optimizing efficiency while managing system complexity through electronic control

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

Provides efficient and targeted protection from insects and stress reduction by releasing chemicals only when needed, minimizing exposure and enhancing user comfort with portable, wearable solutions.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor for sensing one or more ambient sounds

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic detection: Sound

Implementation Method 2

using piezo-electric or thermally actuated dispensers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezo-electric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

using piezo-electric or thermally actuated dispensers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal actuation: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9675987B2System and method for dispensing fluid in response to a sensed property

Publication Date: 2017.06.13 TILLOTSON JENNY

AI summary

A system for dispensing fluid in response to a sensed property such as an ambient sound comprises a sensor (2) for detecting one or more properties, a processing stage for determining if the one or more sensed properties is/are within a predetermined range and/or above and/or below a predetermined level and dispenser (6) for dispensing a fluid into an area surrounding the system if the one or more sensed properties is/are determined by the processing stage to be within a predetermined range and/or above and/or below a predetermined level and/or value.