Air Scenting Device with One-Way Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air scenting devices in portable toilets are susceptible to theft and damage from washing liquids, as they can be easily removed and are often damaged when the interior walls are cleaned.
Innovation Solution
A washable, theft-resistant air scenting device made from water-insoluble and non-absorbent Ethylene Vinyl Acetate copolymer (EVA) material, which is saturated with air scenting liquid and wrapped around a stationary member like a vent pipe, using one-way self-locking mechanisms to secure it in place, preventing removal and withstanding washing without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional air scenting devices are placed on interior walls of portable toilets, then they can provide continuous scent, but they can be easily removed and damaged by washing liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The air scenting device is divided into two separate components: a stationary member (such as a vent pipe) that remains fixed in the portable toilet, and a removable air scenting device that can be attached to or removed from the stationary member. This segmentation allows the stationary member to remain in place while the air scenting device can be securely attached and removed as needed, preventing theft while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A stationary member (vent pipe) serves as an intermediary structure between the wall and the air scenting device. The air scenting device attaches to this stationary member rather than directly to the wall, providing a secure attachment point that is difficult to remove while allowing the device to be accessed for replacement. The stationary member acts as a mediator that prevents direct wall contact, thereby protecting against washing liquid damage.
2Ease of operation
If air scenting devices are mounted on interior walls, then they are visible and functional, but they are damaged when walls are washed
Solution Approach 1:
The stationary member (vent pipe) serves as an intermediary structure that is positioned within the portable toilet but is not directly exposed to washing liquids. The air scenting device attaches to this protected stationary member rather than directly to the wall, thereby protecting the air scenting device from washing liquid damage while maintaining its visibility and functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The air scenting device is designed as a replaceable component that can be easily removed and replaced when depleted. This disposable approach allows the air scenting device to be quickly replaced without concern for damage from washing liquids, as the entire device can be removed and replaced in a matter of seconds during or after cleaning operations.
3Quantity of substance
If air scenting devices are made from absorbent materials, then they can hold scenting liquid, but they are damaged by water during washing
Solution Approach 1:
The air scenting device is made from a material with controlled absorbency parameters that allows it to hold scenting liquid through capillary action and adsorption while resisting water damage. The material's physical and chemical parameters are specifically selected to provide liquid retention without excessive water absorption that would cause damage during washing operations.
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 effectively deters theft and remains functional during cleaning processes, providing a continuous scent for an extended period while securely attached to the portable toilet's interior.
Implementation Method 1
elastomeric injection moldable pellets of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate copolymer (EVA), or other suitable materials are tumbled in a container containing an oil-base or a solvent-base air scenting liquid for a period of time, usually 24 hours. As a result of the soaked tumbling action, the pellets absorb an amount of air scenting liquid (about 25% of their dry weight).
Implementation Method 2
the pellets absorb an amount of air scenting liquid (about 25% of their dry weight). After injection molding of the air scenting liquid-saturated pellets
Implementation Method 3
said one way self-locking head comprising a through-opening, said through-opening having an insertion end and an exit end, said insertion end being adapted to receive said distal end of said elongated member and to allow said elongated member to move through said through-opening and to exit through said exit end
Implementation Method 4
at least one of said inner surface and said outer surface having saw tooth-like ridges aligned substantially parallel to direction of said width of said elongated member and oriented so as to enable insertion of said distal end through said insertion end and forward movement of said elongated member through said one-way self-locking head and to obstruct backward movement
Data Source
AI summary
A washable theft resistant air scenting device is made of a hydrophobic impermeable flexible material which can absorb and desorb reversibly oil-base and/or solvent-base air scenting liquids. The device comprises an elongated member and a one way self-locking head having a through-opening adapted to receive the distal end of the elongated member and permit movement of the elongated member through the through-opening, only in one direction. Thus upon wrapping the elongated member around a stationary member and forming a closed loop around the stationary member, removal of the air scenting device would be difficult without destroying it.