Humidifier Nozzle Catch Mechanism for Secure Quick Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional humidifying apparatuses lack a convenient and secure mechanism for removing and replacing nozzles, which can lead to accidental detachment or difficulty in cleaning and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A fan assembly with a nozzle retaining mechanism that includes a manually actuable member, such as a depressible catch, to transition between retention and release configurations, ensuring secure attachment and easy removal of the nozzle for cleaning or replacement, utilizing biasing means like springs to require user intervention for release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a simple nozzle mounting is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to accidental detachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle mounting simplicityVSAvoidnozzle attachment security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle mounting system transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic releasable connection. The catch mechanism allows the nozzle to be securely retained during operation but can be easily released when needed, providing both reliability and ease of maintenance through a movable retaining system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing means (spring) automatically maintains the catch in the engaged position, providing self-retention without requiring continuous user intervention. The system serves itself by using the spring force to keep the nozzle securely mounted, only requiring user action for release and replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a secure nozzle retention mechanism is used, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in removal for cleaning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle attachment securityVSAvoidnozzle removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The catch acts as an intermediary mechanism between the nozzle and the humidifying apparatus body. It provides a controlled interface that allows secure retention during normal operation but facilitates easy removal when the catch is actuated, mediating between the need for security and ease of maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system uses dynamic elements (movable catch and biasing spring) to transition between retained and released states. This dynamic mechanism allows the nozzle to be firmly held during operation but can be quickly removed by actuating the catch, resolving the contradiction between secure retention and easy removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a manually actuable release mechanism is added, then ease of operation is improved for nozzle removal, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenozzle removal convenienceVSAvoidnozzle retaining mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle retaining mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the catch element, the biasing means (spring), and the actuation interface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, and the components can be manufactured and assembled independently, reducing overall complexity despite adding functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The biasing spring provides automatic retention force without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. The spring self-regulates the engagement force, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or electronic controls, thus maintaining mechanical simplicity while achieving easy manual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 rapid and secure removal of the nozzle for maintenance while preventing accidental detachment, enhancing user safety and convenience during operation and maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing biasing means like springs to require user intervention for release

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2823236B1Humidifying apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.04.10 DYSON TECH LTD
  • EP2823236B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2823236B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2823236B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Humidifying apparatus includes a base housing a motor and impeller unit for generating a first air flow. A nozzle includes an interior passage for receiving the first air flow and an air outlet for emitting the first air flow. The nozzle defines an opening through which air from outside the apparatus is drawn by air emitted from the air outlet. The apparatus is configured to humidify a second air flow, which is emitted from a plurality of second air outlets. The second air flow is humidified with water supplied from a water tank mounted on the base. The water tank surrounds at least an upper section of the motor and impeller unit.