Flash Vaporization Liquid Atomizer for Low Energy Fragrance Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air treatment devices face issues with energy efficiency, mechanical reliability, accurate control of vaporization, scent fidelity, and environmental concerns due to the use of propellants and solvents, leading to inefficient fragrance dispersal and habituation.
Innovation Solution
A vaporizer apparatus utilizing a heater and porous member for low-energy flash-like vaporization of liquids, releasing vaporized liquid as a visible plume with minimal rain-out and maintaining scent fidelity, without moving parts or aerosol propellants, and using intermittent power for efficient energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If traditional heating methods (warming stoves, heated wick diffusers) are used to vaporize liquids, then fragrance dispersal is achieved, but energy consumption increases and smoke/soot is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes flash vaporization, a rapid phase transition from liquid to vapor, achieved by introducing liquid at or near its boiling point through a capillary tube. This phase transition method eliminates the need for prolonged heating, thereby reducing energy consumption and preventing smoke and soot generation that occur with traditional heating methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs intermittent or periodic operation where the heating element is activated only when liquid needs to be vaporized, rather than continuous heating. This periodic action reduces cumulative energy consumption and minimizes the generation of harmful byproducts like smoke and soot.
2Productivity
If piezoelectric vibrating atomizers are used to disperse liquid, then fragrance dispersal is improved, but mechanical reliability decreases due to breakage and material buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical vibrating atomizer system with a thermal field-based flash vaporization system. Instead of using mechanical vibration to atomize liquid, the invention uses rapid heating to vaporize liquid directly, eliminating moving parts and improving reliability while maintaining effective fragrance dispersal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the problematic mechanical vibrating elements from the system. By eliminating the piezoelectric crystal, vibrating mesh, and associated mechanical components, the system achieves improved reliability without compromising fragrance dispersal efficiency.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If heated wick diffusers are used for continuous fragrance release, then ambient air fragrancing is achieved, but scent fidelity is lost due to segmentation of formula
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter by introducing liquid at or near its boiling point, enabling flash vaporization. This parameter change allows for rapid, complete vaporization of the entire formula without the segmentation that occurs in traditional diffusers, thereby maintaining scent fidelity while achieving continuous fragrance release through intermittent operation.
4Loss of energy
If ultrasonic devices are used for vaporization, then energy efficiency is improved, but mechanical reliability decreases due to fragile vibrating parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the ultrasonic mechanical vibration system with a thermal flash vaporization system. Instead of using ultrasonic waves to atomize liquid, the invention uses rapid thermal heating to vaporize liquid directly, eliminating fragile ultrasonic transducers and vibrating membranes while maintaining energy efficiency.
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 achieves significant energy efficiency, reliable fragrance delivery, and prolonged scent perception with reduced environmental impact, delivering more fragrance with less energy compared to prior art devices.
Implementation Method 1
a heater in thermal communication with the liquid feed at its boiling point
Implementation Method 2
low energy flash-like vaporization of liquids
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for the low energy flash-like vaporization of liquids and the release of the resulting vaporized liquid into the atmosphere in the form of a visible plume, mist or cloud. Vaporization is occasioned in a geometrically small device capable of producing vaporized liquid that varies little in composition in comparison to the starting liquid feed to the device. The apparatus and method are primarily directed towards the treatment of small areas for residential air fragrancing, odor elimination, treatment of insects or pests, air sanitization, air and surface antibacterial or antimicrobial treatment, administration of personal pharmaceuticals or medicaments, as well as other ambient air or surface modification by way of gas, vapor or droplet distribution.