Membrane Fragrance Diffuser Closure for Selective Evaporation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for volatile substance diffusers lack the ability to selectively control the evaporation of multiple fragrances, either allowing both to evaporate simultaneously or not at all, and fail to effectively manage evaporation rates, leading to inefficiencies such as condensation or incomplete closure.

Innovation Solution

A volatile substance diffuser using a vapour permeable membrane with a displaceable closing wall that adapts below the welding flange to compensate for membrane deformation and a dual-container system with a fragrance selector mechanism, allowing users to choose between evaporation of one fragrance, the other, or a mix, by controlling air flow and temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a closing wall is applied to stop evaporation, then evaporation control is improved, but membrane deformation and vacuum inside container worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevaporation controlVSAvoidmembrane deformation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closing wall is designed with a curved inner surface that matches the deformation profile of the membrane. This curvature allows the wall to maintain contact with the deformed membrane surface, ensuring effective closure while accommodating the membrane's natural deformation under vacuum conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The closing wall is made displaceable rather than fixed, allowing it to move and adapt to the membrane's deformation. This dynamic design enables the wall to follow the membrane's curvature changes while maintaining sealing contact, resolving the conflict between closure effectiveness and membrane deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a single container with single fragrance is used, then device simplicity is improved, but fragrance selection capability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer structureVSAvoidfragrance selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into multiple independent container compartments, each containing a different fragrance. Each compartment has its own membrane and closing wall assembly, allowing independent control of each fragrance's evaporation. This segmentation enables fragrance selection capability while maintaining relatively simple individual container structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closing wall mechanism serves multiple functions: it can close individual compartments selectively, control evaporation rates, and accommodate membrane deformation. This multi-functional design achieves fragrance selection capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If closing wall is positioned above welding flange, then closure effectiveness is improved, but vacuum compensation capability worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosure effectivenessVSAvoidvacuum compensation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The closing wall's curved surface extends below the welding flange to match the membrane's deformation profile. This curved geometry allows the wall to maintain effective sealing contact with the deformed membrane while extending into the vacuum zone to provide compensation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The closing wall design incorporates both vertical positioning (above and below welding flange) and radial curvature to achieve dual functionality. By utilizing multiple spatial dimensions, the wall simultaneously achieves effective closure and vacuum compensation without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 control over the evaporation of volatile substances, reducing waste and enhancing user customization while maintaining a simple and cost-effective design, ensuring efficient diffusion and minimizing condensation issues.

Implementation Method 1

evaporation of the product to be evaporated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

diffusion of the volatile substance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

an air current with a suitable temperature enhancing the evaporation and diffusion of the volatile substance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal heating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP2241337B1Volatile substances diffuser
Publication Date: 2013.05.15 ZOBELE HLDG SPA
  • EP2241337B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(c)
  • EP2241337B1 patent drawingFigure 2(d)
  • EP2241337B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(c)

AI summary

The present invention refers to a volatile substance diffuser based on permeable membrane with a closure where a solid wall is applied to or separated from the membrane to stop or allow evaporation, respectively. The shape of the membrane is adapted to compensate possible vacuum inside the container.