Elastic Funnel Housing for Volatile Wick Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing supports for volatile substance-diffusing wicks do not prevent accidental spillage of liquid or removal of the wick for reuse, especially when the liquid contains aggressive substances.

Innovation Solution

A support with a funnel-shaped housing formed by elastic extensions that holds the wick in place and limits liquid spillage, featuring elastic legs for secure attachment to the container and a circumferential flange for prevention of complete insertion, made from elastic plastic materials like PET or ABS.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional support housing is used to hold the wick, then the wick can be placed in a vertical position for diffusion, but the wick can be voluntarily removed for reuse and liquid can spill accidentally

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of wick removal and liquid spillageVSAvoidstructure of support housing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is segmented into multiple elastic extensions (at least three) that are spaced apart by slots, allowing the structure to be divided into flexible segments that can independently deform to grip the wick while maintaining overall structural integrity for liquid containment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The housing is made from elastic plastic material forming flexible extensions that can deform elastically to grip the wick securely, preventing removal while maintaining the liquid-containing function through the overall funnel shape

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the container is tipped over, then liquid diffusion may be enhanced, but aggressive liquid can spill and damage the surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface damage from liquid spillageVSAvoidcontainer positioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The funnel-shaped housing with its open upper end facing upward is designed to prevent liquid spillage before it can cause damage, creating a preliminary protective barrier that stops aggressive liquid from escaping even when the container is tilted or tipped over

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

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

Effectively prevents wick removal and accidental liquid spillage, ensuring secure and controlled diffusion of volatile substances without risking surface damage from aggressive liquids.

Implementation Method 1

a housing formed by a plurality of elastic extensions defining a funnel shape

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12102739B2Support for volatile substance-diffusing wicks
Publication Date: 2024.10.01 ZOBELE HLDG SPA
  • US12102739B2 patent drawing
  • US12102739B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A support for volatile substance-diffusing wicks including a housing for placing a volatile substance-diffusing wick. The housing is formed by a plurality of elastic extensions defining a funnel shape.