Wall-Mountable Electrochemical Dispenser With Segmented Gas Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fragrance dispensers face challenges in providing variable fluid flow rates and control functions, such as timers and end-of-delivery detection, due to increased costs from electronic components and gas generators, making them unsuitable for complex delivery modes and cost-effective long-term use.
Innovation Solution
A Two-part, Wall-mountable Electrochemical Dispenser is developed, featuring a semi-permanent gas generator and disposable fluid reservoir with a low-cost, coded circuit board for authorization and electronic features like digital current selection, end-of-delivery signal, and visible on/off indication, allowing for economical refills and extended dispenser life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If complex delivery modes and control functions are added to the dispenser, then the functionality and control precision are improved, but the cost increases due to additional electronic components and gas generators
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser is divided into two separate subsystems: a permanent subsystem containing the gas generator and electronics, and a disposable subsystem containing the fluid reservoir. This segmentation allows the complex electronic components to be amortized over multiple uses of the disposable fluid reservoir, reducing the effective cost per use while maintaining advanced delivery modes and control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid reservoir is designed as a disposable component that can be replaced monthly, while the permanent subsystem with expensive electronic components and gas generator remains in place. This approach makes the system economically viable for institutions by spreading the cost of complex electronics over many disposable reservoir replacements.
2Ease of manufacture
If the dispenser is designed for single use, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the long-term economic viability is worsened due to repeated purchases of complete units
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the dispenser into permanent and disposable parts, the system enables long-term use (2-3 years) of the permanent subsystem while allowing monthly replacement of the disposable fluid reservoir. This extends the overall service life and economic viability compared to single-use complete units.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable fluid reservoir is discarded after monthly use, while the permanent subsystem with its expensive components is recovered and reused for 2-3 years. This approach maximizes the return on investment by amortizing the cost of the permanent subsystem over many disposable reservoir replacements.
3Device complexity
If the gas generator and electronics are integrated into the dispenser, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability for variable fluid flow rates and control functions is worsened due to cost constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the gas generator and electronics into a permanent subsystem that can be optimized for advanced control functions, while the disposable subsystem handles fluid storage. This segmentation allows the permanent subsystem to incorporate sophisticated control capabilities without the cost burden of integrating everything into a single-use unit.
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 solution enables cost-effective, long-term fragrance emission with enhanced electronic features, including digital current selection and protection from unauthorized use, while maintaining a low cost structure by separating the system into reusable and disposable components, ensuring efficient and controlled fluid release.
Implementation Method 1
Miniature gas sources, based on electrochemical reactions, have been described by Maget V.
Implementation Method 2
A dispenser pad should be implemented in order to permit the dispensed fluid to evaporate gradually and evenly.
Data Source
AI summary
A Two-part, Wall-mountable Electrochemical Dispenser. The dispenser assembly consists of a disposable fluid storage reservoir and a non-disposable dispenser. The dispenser holds an electrochemical gas generator, its associated electronics, and a power source. The generator can be set for fluid delivery rates of between 1 mL/day and 50 mL/day. The system has a battery-determined operational life of about 2 years, assuming rates of up to 2 mL/day and 2 C-size batteries. The fluid storage reservoir is formed by two plastic shells separated by a plastic diaphragm. Gas produced by the generator acts on the diaphragm thereby displacing fluid that is then captured by an evaporation pad from which it can readily emanate into the environment. The reservoir can be removed and discarded after depletion of the liquid, and then replaced by another filled assembly. As needed, the refill holds an anti-theft coded card that prohibits the re-use of the refill.