Diffuser Perforation Mechanism for Controlled Volatile Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing volatile substance diffusers face challenges with accidental activation of sharp tips during assembly or transportation, and the large size of these tips creates unsightly holes in the container, leading to aesthetic issues and unwanted leakage.
Innovation Solution
A device with a container, a perforable sheet, and a porous element with a weakened area, where perforating elements are mounted on a plate to ensure controlled perforation and prevent accidental leakage, using stoppers to secure the perforating elements in place after activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sharp tip or needle is used to perforate the container, then the perforation function is achieved, but accidental activation occurs during assembly or transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The perforating element is pre-mounted on the plate in a retracted position during assembly, but the actual perforation action is delayed until the user intentionally activates it by pressing the plate. This preliminary positioning without immediate action prevents accidental activation during assembly and transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper is positioned beforehand to limit the travel of the perforating element, ensuring it cannot penetrate the container wall unless sufficient intentional force is applied by the user. This cushioning mechanism prevents accidental perforation while allowing controlled activation.
2Ease of operation
If a big needle or sharp tip is used for perforation, then the perforation is achieved, but a big hole is formed that alters the aesthetics of the refill
Solution Approach 1:
The perforating element is designed with a localized sharp tip that concentrates the perforation force on a minimal area, creating a small precise hole rather than a large opening. This local quality ensures effective perforation while preserving the aesthetic appearance of the container.
Solution Approach 2:
The weakened area on the container wall is designed to fracture in a controlled manner that replicates a clean, minimal opening pattern. Instead of a large hole from a big needle, the fracture pattern creates small discrete openings that maintain aesthetic integrity while achieving the perforation function.
3Reliability
If the perforating element is mounted on the plate, then controlled perforation is achieved, but the perforating element can be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The perforating element is nested within the plate structure, with the stopper acting as an internal constraint that both limits travel and prevents removal. The element is housed within the plate's geometry, making it difficult to extract while maintaining controlled activation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper acts as an intermediary component between the perforating element and the plate, serving dual functions: limiting the element's forward travel to prevent over-penetration and blocking the element's backward movement to prevent removal. This mediator maintains both controlled activation and element retention.
4Ease of repair
If the perforating element is allowed to retract after perforation, then the system can be reset, but accidental leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing the perforating element to retract automatically after perforation, the design inverts the logic by using the stopper to prevent backward movement. The element remains in the perforated position, ensuring the opening stays open and preventing accidental leakage while the container can still be replaced if needed.
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 allows for easy and controlled diffusion of volatile substances while preventing accidental leakage and maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the container, ensuring consistent and controlled release of the substance.
Implementation Method 1
a porous element (5) that is impregnated with the liquid volatile substance (2) when the perforable sheet (3) is perforated
Implementation Method 2
the porous element (5) comprises at least one weakened area (6) in correspondence with said at least one perforating element (4)
Data Source
AI summary
The device for diffusing volatile substances, comprises a container (1) that contains a volatile substance (2); a perforable sheet (3) that closes at least a portion of said container (1); at least one perforating element (4) that can perforate said perforable sheet (3); and a porous element (5) that is impregnated with the volatile substance (2) when the perforable sheet (3) is perforated; wherein the porous element (5) comprises at least one weakened area (6) in correspondence with said at least one perforating element (4).It permits to provide a device for diffusing volatile substances where an accidental leakage is avoided.