Ultrasonic Fragrance Atomiser Wick and Carrier Solvent

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Solution Overview

Problem

Ultrasonic atomizers face inefficiencies due to poorly aligned interfaces between vibrating plates and liquid fragrance sources, leading to inconsistent fragrance release and spray formation issues, with high delivery rates causing incomplete atomization and low rates resulting in poor fragrance distribution.

Innovation Solution

The use of high concentrations of branched or iso-alkanes as carrier solvents in fragrance compositions, specifically between 50% and 98% by weight, along with a polypropylene wick and controlled activation settings, enhances atomization efficiency and reduces residues, while the refill system with a wick prevents clogging and allows for easy fragrance changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high delivery rate of liquid fragrance is used, then fragrance release rate is improved, but spray formation and incomplete atomization occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefragrance release rateVSAvoidatomization quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the carrier liquid by incorporating specific surfactants and co-solvents that modify surface tension and volatility characteristics, enabling the liquid to atomize properly at higher delivery rates without forming spray or residues

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces surfactants as intermediary substances that mediate between the liquid fragrance and the vibrating plate interface, improving wetting properties and ensuring consistent liquid transfer at higher rates while maintaining complete atomization

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If low delivery rate of liquid fragrance is used, then complete atomization is achieved, but fragrance distribution is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveatomization qualityVSAvoidfragrance distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent modifies the physical parameters of the carrier liquid through surfactant addition, which enhances atomization efficiency and allows the system to achieve complete atomization at higher delivery rates, thereby improving fragrance distribution without compromising atomization quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If conventional carrier liquids are used, then device operation is simple, but residues and particle drop out occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice operationVSAvoidresidues and particle drop out
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition of the carrier liquid by incorporating specific surfactants and co-solvents that reduce surface tension and improve volatility, resulting in complete atomization without residues or particle drop out while maintaining ease of device operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite carrier liquid system combining surfactants, co-solvents, and fragrance compounds that work synergistically to prevent residue formation and particle drop out, improving overall atomization performance without complicating device operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 consistent and reliable fragrance dispensing with low residues and improved atomization, enabling extended battery operation and flexible placement, ensuring a constant fragrance release over weeks with minimal particle drop-out and optimal fragrance strength.

Implementation Method 1

They usually comprise a vibrating plate... The contact between the piezo vibrating plate and the source of the liquid fragrance must be in finely balanced to allow for successful operation.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a means to transport the liquid fragrance to the plate for atomisation... The liquid transport member moves liquid from the reservoir to the plate by wicking or capillary action.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP3471783B1Atomiser system for dispensing a fragrance
Publication Date: 2023.04.26 RECKITT BENCKISER (BRANDS) LTD

AI summary

An atomiser device for dispensing a fragrance composition into the air. The device comprising an ultrasonic atomiser and a refill comprising a fragrance composition. The invention also includes a method of fragrancing the air utilising the atomiser device.A refill of the fragrance composition suitable for use in the atomiser device.