Aromatherapy Diffuser Water Recapture Through Mist Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aroma therapy devices require frequent replenishment of water supply, which is inconvenient and can introduce harmful minerals if tap water is used, increasing operational costs and user concerns.
Innovation Solution
An aroma therapy device with a recapture system that evaporates volatile substances from a water solution, recondenses the water vapor back into liquid form, and recycles it for reuse, using a toroidal reservoir and air flow mechanism to separate and collect the water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If water is atomized and expelled from the device along with essential oil, then the aroma therapy function is achieved, but the water supply is used up and needs frequent replenishment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase transitions of water between liquid, vapor, and condensed liquid states. Water is heated to vaporize and atomize along with essential oil for aroma diffusion, then the water vapor is captured and condensed back to liquid form in the condensation chamber, enabling continuous circulation and reuse of water without frequent replenishment
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of discarding the water after atomization, the patent implements a recovery system where water vapor is captured by condensation surfaces, condensed back to liquid, and returned to the reservoir for reuse, transforming a consumable resource into a recyclable one
2Ease of operation
If tap water is used to fill the diffuser, then the device can be operated, but dissolved minerals may be harmful when inhaled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates dissolved minerals from the water through the atomization and condensation process. When water is vaporized, minerals remain in the liquid phase and are left behind in the reservoir, while only purified water vapor mixes with essential oil and is inhaled, effectively filtering out harmful minerals without requiring pre-purified water
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the presence of dissolved minerals in tap water from a harmful factor into a beneficial filtering mechanism. The minerals act as natural filters that remain in the reservoir during vaporization, automatically purifying the water that is inhaled without requiring external filtration systems or purified water sources
3Object-affected harmful factors
If distilled or purified water is used, then harmful mineral inhalation is avoided, but the cost of operating the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the presence of dissolved minerals in tap water from a harmful factor into a beneficial filtering mechanism. The minerals act as natural filters that remain in the reservoir during vaporization, automatically purifying the water that is inhaled without requiring external filtration systems or purified water sources
4Reliability
If water is frequently replenished, then the device can maintain proper operation, but user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service water circulation system where the device automatically condenses water vapor, collects condensed water, and returns it to the reservoir without user intervention. This self-sustaining cycle maintains proper water levels and operation reliability while eliminating the need for frequent manual refilling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous circulation of water through evaporation, condensation, and return cycles, ensuring the device maintains proper operation continuously without interruption or user intervention for water replenishment
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
Enables continuous operation without frequent water replenishment, reduces the need for purified water, and enhances user convenience by recycling water within the device.
Implementation Method 1
A vaporization or atomization element, such as an ultrasonic transducer is electrically coupled with the PCBA. The vaporizing element is mechanically coupled with the reservoir to deliver sonic energy to vaporize or atomize the solution to create a gas, an aerosol, a mist, or a vapor.
Implementation Method 2
The base includes a fan and an air inlet. The fan is electrically coupled with the PCBA and is adapted to draw air through the air inlet into the main body and along the air passage.
Implementation Method 3
The lid houses a recapture bowl positioned below the opening of the lid and above the reservoir. Air flowing upward from the surface of the liquid flows upward from the main body and into the lid.
Data Source
AI summary
An aroma therapy device atomizes an aromatherapy solution and recaptures a portion of the water in the solution. The device includes a lid, main body, and base. The base houses electrical components. The main body is coupled with the base and defines a reservoir holding the solution and an air channel therethrough. An umbrella deflects air traveling through the air channel across the solution the reservoir to entrain the mist. The lid is attached to the main body. And a bowl within the lid includes fluting defining a gap that allows the entrained mist to travel from the reservoir into the lid. The lid includes arcuate walls that direct the mist towards the center of the device. Aromatic substances evaporate from mist particles traveling through the lid to generate an aromatherapy scent. The mist impacts the bowl where it condenses and is recycled into the reservoir.