Multipurpose solution mixer and use method thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for preparing essential oil solutions for aromatherapy are costly and lack efficiency, particularly for those without a medical background, as they require precise mixing of multiple essential oils with base oils, which is difficult to control manually, leading to inaccuracies and contamination risks.

Innovation Solution

A multipurpose solution mixer with a main control unit, operation display, solution storage, blending unit, and atomization humidifying unit, featuring micropumps and infusion tubes, allows users to input blending instructions via a touch screen, controlling the extraction and mixing of solutions with high precision and accuracy, and outputs a mixed solution for aromatherapy applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual mixing of essential oils and base oils is used, then the preparation process is simple, but the mixing precision and accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreparation process simplicityVSAvoidmixing precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical mixing with an automated micropump-based liquid delivery system. The micropumps precisely control the extraction and mixing of essential oils and base oils, eliminating manual measurement errors while maintaining ease of operation through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically retrieving blending programs, controlling micropump operations, and executing mixing sequences without requiring manual measurement or timing. The microcomputer chip autonomously manages the entire mixing process from program retrieval to final product output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If automated micropump mixing system is used, then the mixing precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemixing precisionVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating multiple operations into a single automated system. The micropump system handles both extraction and mixing functions, the microcomputer chip manages program retrieval and execution, and the sealed bottles serve both storage and dispensing purposes, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs nesting by placing the micropump mechanism within the sealed bottle structure, with infusion tubes extending into the bottles. The control system is nested within the case structure, and the blending chamber is integrated into the overall assembly, creating a compact hierarchical arrangement that reduces space and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If sealed bottles with infusion tubes are used, then the contamination risk is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontamination preventionVSAvoidstorage unit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses sealed bottles with flexible infusion tubes that can be inserted and removed while maintaining the sealed environment. The infusion tubes act as flexible barriers that prevent contamination during liquid transfer, allowing the system to maintain reliability while managing the complexity of the storage and dispensing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple solutions are stored in sealed bottles, then the versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesolution blending versatilityVSAvoidstorage and management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system achieves universality by designing a standardized sealed bottle and infusion tube interface that can accommodate multiple different essential oil solutions. The microcomputer chip retrieves and executes different blending programs for various aromatherapy needs, allowing the same physical infrastructure to support diverse blending applications without increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 ensures precise and efficient mixing of essential oils, reducing errors and contamination, while enabling personalized blending programs and online updates, thus improving the cost-effectiveness and reliability of aromatherapy solution preparation.

Implementation Method 1

the solution blending unit includes multiple micropumps, infusion tubes and a blending chamber, wherein two ends of each micropump are respectively connected with different sealed bottles or with the blending chamber via respective infusion tubes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure Gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the blending chamber is connected with the atomization humidifying unit via the corresponding infusion tube, and the atomization humidifying unit is connected with the liquid outlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAtomization: Aerosol

Data Source

PatentUS11865503B2Multipurpose solution mixer and use method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.01.09 SHANGHAI UNIV OF T C M
  • US11865503B2 patent drawing
  • US11865503B2 patent drawing
  • US11865503B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A multipurpose solution mixer and a use method thereof are provided. The multipurpose solution mixer includes a main control unit, a solution storage unit and a solution blending unit installed in a case; an operation display unit and a liquid outlet provided on the case; and an atomization humidifying unit connected with the liquid outlet, wherein the main control unit is electrically connected with other units; the operation display unit is a display screen with touch operation functions; the solution storage unit includes sealed bottles and infusion tubes; the solution blending unit includes micropumps infusion tubes and a blending chamber, the blending chamber is connected with the atomization humidifying unit via respective infusion tubes, and the operation display unit sends instructions to the main control unit to control the micropumps to extract solutions from the sealed bottles into the blending chamber, and output a mixed solution via the liquid outlet.