Fuel Canister Adapter for Insect Repellent Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insect repellent devices powered by portable fuel sources have limited operating times due to fuel cartridge constraints, and lack self-regulating fuel flow control, posing safety and operational challenges.
Innovation Solution
A compact internal pressure regulator adapter device (IRAD) for standard fuel canisters, which controls gas flow to a heating element, maintaining temperature for effective insect repellent dispersion, using a user-operable on/off switch to manage gas flow through a diaphragm and spring mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard fuel canister valves are used for on/off operation, then device simplicity is maintained, but fine flow control capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a regulator as an intermediary device between the canister valve and the heating element. This regulator includes a diaphragm, spring, and needle valve that work together to provide fine flow control. The regulator mediates the crude on/off valve output and transforms it into precisely controlled fuel flow, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and flow control precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If pressure regulator is added to control gas flow, then fuel flow precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator is designed as a self-regulating system where the diaphragm senses downstream pressure changes and automatically adjusts the needle valve position through spring pressure. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems or complex electronic components, achieving precise fuel flow control while minimizing overall device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fuel flow is user-controlled via needle valves, then operational flexibility is improved, but safety and ease of operation deteriorate due to user judgment limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator incorporates a feedback mechanism where the diaphragm continuously monitors downstream pressure and automatically adjusts fuel flow accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system replaces user judgment with automatic control, maintaining operational flexibility while eliminating the safety risks associated with imprecise user estimation of appropriate fuel flow rates.
4Device complexity
If canister valve is opened without regulation, then device simplicity is maintained, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The regulator serves as an intermediary between the unregulated canister valve output and the heating element. It precisely controls fuel flow rate, which directly determines heating plate temperature. This intermediary device maintains simple on/off valve operation while achieving precise temperature control through automatic fuel flow regulation based on downstream pressure feedback.
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
Enables precise and safe control of fuel flow, extending device operation and ensuring consistent insect repellent release, independent of user judgment on combustion rates, with simplified on/off operation and compatibility with various fuel canister brands.
Implementation Method 1
the present invention employs a pressure regulator to help finely control gas flow from such canisters
Implementation Method 2
When a predetermined pressure is reached, the gas acts upon the diaphragm in the regulator to reduce or stop the gas flow
Implementation Method 3
the heating plate causes the impregnated mat to disperse insect repellent chemicals
Implementation Method 4
heating the impregnated mat to within an appropriate temperature range... to disperse insect repellent chemicals
Data Source
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AI summary
A gas-fueled portable device (14) for the thermal dispensing of volatile materials such as insect repellents is described. The device employs a pressure regulator (28) to establish gas flow, heat generation, and dispensing temperature at pre-determined optimal values. The automatic operation at pre-determined settings provides simple on/off operation for the user of the device.