Composite Membrane for Volatile Composition Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vapor-dispensing devices face challenges in delivering volatile compositions effectively due to factors like space volume, temperature, humidity, and air currents, leading to inefficiencies and the need for diverse technologies and materials, which complicates manufacturing and research for manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A composite membrane with a thin barrier layer and a thicker support layer, allowing for the transport of volatile compositions at a controlled flux, is used in vapor-dispensing devices, providing a versatile solution for various environments without altering the composition's proportions over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a thick membrane is used to provide mechanical strength and durability, then the membrane structural integrity is improved, but the flux of volatile composition transport decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is divided into two functional layers: a thin barrier layer (less than 10 μm) that provides high flux for volatile composition transport, and a thicker support layer (at least 10 μm) that provides mechanical strength and structural integrity. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite membrane structure combining two materials with different properties: the barrier layer material optimized for permeability and the support layer material optimized for mechanical strength. This composite structure resolves the contradiction between flux and structural integrity by integrating materials that excel at different functions.
2Productivity
If a thin barrier layer is used to increase flux, then the volatile composition transport rate is improved, but the membrane structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane is divided into two functional layers: a thin barrier layer (less than 10 μm) that provides high flux for volatile composition transport, and a thicker support layer (at least 10 μm) that provides mechanical strength and structural integrity. This segmentation allows each layer to optimize its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite membrane structure combining two materials with different properties: the barrier layer material optimized for permeability and the support layer material optimized for mechanical strength. This composite structure resolves the contradiction between flux and structural integrity by integrating materials that excel at different functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If diverse technologies and materials are used to address different environmental conditions, then the adaptability to various environments is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The composite membrane structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the barrier layer controls flux across different temperature and humidity conditions, while the support layer provides mechanical strength for various application scenarios. This multi-functionality allows a single membrane design to adapt to diverse environmental conditions without requiring multiple specialized technologies.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention optimizes specific parameters of the membrane structure (barrier layer thickness less than 10 μm, support layer thickness at least 10 μm) to achieve consistent performance across varying environmental conditions. By carefully controlling these parameters, the membrane maintains effective volatile composition transport whether in high or low humidity, different temperatures, or varying air current conditions, reducing the need for multiple device variants.
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 composite membrane enables efficient and consistent delivery of volatile compositions across a wide range of conditions, reducing the need for multiple technologies and materials, and maintaining the composition's proportions, thus enhancing the effectiveness and versatility of vapor-dispensing devices.
Implementation Method 1
The volatile composition is transported from the reservoir across the composite membrane at a flux of between 1 and 100 g/(m2·hr) at about 25° C. and about 101 kPa
Implementation Method 2
at least one support layer in contact with the barrier layer, the support layer having a thickness of at least about 10 μm
Data Source
AI summary
A refill cartridge for a volatile composition includes a reservoir, a volatile composition within the reservoir, and a composite membrane in fluid communication with the reservoir. The composite membrane includes a barrier layer having a thickness of less than about 10 μηι and at least one support layer in contact with the barrier layer, the support layer having a thickness of at least about 10 um. The volatile composition is transported from the reservoir across the composite membrane at a flux of between 1 and 100 g/(m2-hr) at about 25° C. and about 101 kPa.