Ultrasonic Diffuser Gasket and Spout Baffle Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diffusers for humidification and aroma therapy lack efficient designs to prevent liquid splashing and condensation issues, leading to suboptimal diffusion of atomized droplets into ambient air.
Innovation Solution
A diffuser design incorporating a polymeric gasket, a spout with an interior baffle wall and splash guard, and a liquid reservoir with a shroud member to prevent liquid splashing and condensation, along with optional LED lighting for aesthetic and functional visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional diffuser design is used, then the device structure is simple, but liquid splashing and condensation occur leading to poor diffusion efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The diffuser is divided into multiple functional components: a reservoir for liquid storage, a chamber for atomization, a spout for directed output, and a gasket for sealing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally, preventing liquid splashing and condensation while improving diffusion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
A gasket is introduced as an intermediary component between the reservoir and chamber to create a sealed interface. This intermediary prevents liquid from escaping through gaps, eliminating splashing and condensation issues while maintaining structural integrity.
2Productivity
If liquid is atomized without proper containment, then diffusion into ambient air occurs, but liquid splashing and condensation reduce diffusion quality
Solution Approach 1:
The spout is positioned and configured to preliminarily direct the atomized liquid flow before it enters the ambient air. By controlling the flow path in advance, the spout prevents liquid droplets from splashing outward and condensing on surrounding surfaces, thereby eliminating harmful effects before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket acts as a flexible sealing film that conforms to the interfaces between rigid components. This flexible seal prevents liquid from finding gaps or openings, effectively containing the atomized liquid within the intended flow path and preventing splashing and condensation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the base member upper surface is flush with the liquid reservoir, then the structure is compact, but liquid can escape laterally causing splashing
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the base member horizontally to contain liquid, the solution extends the base member vertically upward to form a containment wall. This dimensional change creates a barrier that prevents lateral liquid escape without increasing the horizontal footprint, thus avoiding splashing while maintaining compactness.
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
Enhances the diffusion efficiency by preventing liquid splashing and condensation, ensuring effective dispersal of atomized droplets into the ambient air while providing a visually appealing lighting option.
Implementation Method 1
ultrasonic vibrations of the ultrasonic transducer generate atomized droplets of the liquid over the volume of liquid held within the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
The fan is mounted to the base member and configured to force airflow from the exterior of the diffuser, into the base member, around the receptacle in the liquid reservoir, into a volume of space enclosed by the spout and the liquid reservoir overlying any volume of liquid held within the receptacle, and out through the opening at the upper end of the spout to the ambient air external the diffuser
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A liquid diffuser includes a base member, a liquid reservoir, an ultrasonic transducer mounted to the base member, a spout for resting on the reservoir and having an upper opening, a fan, a cover, and a polymeric gasket. The cover is sized and configured to enclose the liquid reservoir and the spout. The polymeric gasket includes a flange extending laterally beyond the liquid reservoir.