Removable Diffuser Cartridge Insert With Tortuous Atomizing Passage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid diffusion devices face challenges such as messy refilling, complexity, cost, leakage, tampering, and contamination issues when changing scents or products, and existing removable cartridges may not efficiently disperse liquids with small particle sizes effectively.
Innovation Solution
A removable cartridge with a multi-functional insert featuring a tortuous passage that reduces liquid particle size, includes a venturi device for atomization, and a convoluted flow path to prevent leakage and ensure efficient diffusion, allowing for easy replacement and tamper-proof design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional reservoirs are refilled directly with liquid, then refilling capability is achieved, but messiness and concentrated odor occur
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir is divided into two separate components: a removable cartridge containing the liquid and a stationary holder. This segmentation allows the cartridge to be pre-filled in a controlled environment and then easily swapped into the holder, eliminating messy refilling operations in public settings while maintaining refilling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge acts as an intermediary between the liquid source and the diffusion device. It provides a sealed container that can be pre-filled offline, then inserted into the holder to deliver liquid through controlled diffusion, avoiding direct handling of concentrated liquid in public spaces.
2Ease of operation
If removable cartridges are used to replace bulk refilling, then ease of replacement is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a simple removable cartridge and a basic holder structure. This segmentation enables easy replacement of cartridges while keeping the holder design minimal and cost-effective, avoiding unnecessary complexity in the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is designed as a disposable or replaceable component that can be manufactured simply and replaced when depleted. This approach reduces the need for complex refill mechanisms and makes the system more cost-effective despite the added component.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple cartridge designs are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but leakage and contamination susceptibility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is nested within the holder, which provides an additional protective barrier. This nested structure allows the cartridge to maintain simple manufacturing while the holder provides sealing and protection against leakage and contamination during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder acts as an intermediary protective layer between the cartridge and the external environment. It provides sealing interfaces and structural support that prevent leakage and contamination while keeping the cartridge design simple for manufacturing.
4Device complexity
If direct liquid discharge is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but liquid particle size reduction efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The diffusion element incorporates curved or spiral flow paths that enhance liquid atomization as it exits the cartridge. This curved geometry promotes turbulence and breaks up liquid into finer particles without requiring complex additional components, maintaining device simplicity while improving particle size reduction.
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 cartridge efficiently disperses extremely small liquid particles, preventing leakage and contamination, while enabling easy replacement and maintenance, effectively treating spaces with a pleasant scent or other airborne treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a tortuous passage extending between the inlet and the outlet zone to aid in further reducing an average particle size of the diffused liquid as the diffused liquid moves through the tortuous passage
Implementation Method 2
which includes a venturi device for generating a diffused liquid from the liquid contained in the internal housing cavity
Data Source
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AI summary
An insert of a cartridge for use with a liquid diffusing device is provided. The insert includes a body, an inlet provided in the body to receive diffused liquid generated within the cartridge during operation of the liquid diffusing device, an outlet zone defined at least in part by the body through which to discharge the diffused liquid toward an external environment, and a tortuous passage extending between the inlet and the outlet zone to aid in further reducing an average particle size of the diffused liquid as the diffused liquid moves through the tortuous passage. Removable cartridges for use with a diffusion device are also provided which include such an insert.