Liquid Diffusion Control Cycles for Stable Scent Concentration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional liquid diffusion devices lack optimal control mechanisms to manage the operation speed, duration, and timing, leading to sub-optimal treatment of spaces with liquid or scent compounds, and do not account for user fatigue or resistance, nor the operational characteristics of the devices.

Innovation Solution

A system and method for controlling a liquid diffusion device that includes a controller integrated into or separate from the appliance, allowing for adjustable speed and duration settings, cycling operations to balance dispersion and decay rates, and using pressurized gas to disperse particles, with optional remote operation and integration with sensors to adjust based on space conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the diffusion device operates continuously at high speed, then the liquid concentration in the space increases quickly, but the concentration exceeds the desired range and causes user fatigue or resistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediffusion rateVSAvoiduser fatigue or resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control system operates the diffusion device in periodic cycles, alternating between diffusion phases and cessation phases. During diffusion phases, the device disperses liquid particles at controlled rates. During cessation phases, previously dispersed particles are allowed to decay or be removed from the air. This periodic operation maintains liquid concentration within the desired range and prevents user fatigue or resistance that would result from continuous high-concentration exposure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Measurement precision

If sensors are added to monitor space conditions, then control precision improves, but device complexity and installation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace condition monitoring accuracyVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system incorporates sensors that monitor liquid concentration or related parameters in the treated space. The sensor outputs are fed back to the controller, which automatically adjusts diffusion device operation accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables precise control of liquid concentration without requiring complex manual monitoring or adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system is designed to be self-regulating, using sensor feedback to automatically adjust diffusion parameters. The system monitors its own performance and makes corrections without external intervention, reducing the need for complex installation and ongoing manual management while maintaining high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Duration of action of moving object

If the diffusion device operates for longer duration, then treatment effectiveness improves, but cartridge life decreases due to unnecessary operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetreatment durationVSAvoidcartridge life
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control system uses sensor feedback to monitor liquid concentration levels in real-time and adjusts diffusion device operation accordingly. The device operates only when and when needed to maintain desired concentration ranges, avoiding unnecessary operation that would deplete the cartridge prematurely. This extends cartridge life while ensuring treatment effectiveness is maintained during periods when it is actually needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This approach enables precise control of liquid concentration within a space, preventing scent fatigue and optimizing cartridge life by balancing dispersion and decay rates, ensuring effective treatment while minimizing unnecessary operation and maintaining desired concentration levels.

Implementation Method 1

liquid diffusion appliance configured to disperse liquid particles into an enclosed space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

allow previously dispersed particles to decay or be removed from the air within a treated space

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDecay: Decomposition (biological)

Data Source

PatentEP2464439B1System and method of controlling operation of a liquid diffusion appliance
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 PROLITEC INC
  • EP2464439B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2464439B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2464439B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

A method and system of controlling operation of a diffusion appliance to treat the atmosphere within an enclosed space. The appliance may be programmed to operate according to a control scheme specifying a flow rate of liquid to a diffusion means and a periodic operation of the diffusion means. Control schemes may be associated with different volumes of spaces to be treated by the appliance. Anti-fatigue schemes may provide variation of the flow rate or periodic operation of the appliance. Initiation controls schemes may be used to start treatment of the space before the appliance is programmed to operate according to one of the control schemes.