Semipermeable Membrane Diffuser for Spill-Free Volatile Substance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing volatile substance diffuser systems with semipermeable membranes are complex, costly, and inefficient due to additional housing elements and gaps that prevent complete evaporation control.
Innovation Solution
A simplified diffuser device using a container with a semipermeable membrane directly coupled to a housing, allowing for adjustable evaporation regulation through relative movement between the two parts without additional elements, optimizing air flow for efficient vaporization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plastic housing with movable regulating elements is used, then the device provides protection and support, but the device complexity increases due to additional parts and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the housing and container into a single integrated component where the container forms the housing structure. This eliminates the need for separate plastic housing parts and movable regulating elements, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining protective function through the membrane's inherent structural role.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the container wall providing structural support, serves as the semipermeable barrier for selective vapor transmission, and functions as the regulatory interface with the external environment. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate regulatory parts.
2Reliability
If a movable regulating element is added to close openings, then total sealing is achieved, but a gap remains between the membrane and housing back preventing complete evaporation control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the gap between the membrane and housing back by integrating the container structure with the housing, eliminating the space where uncontrolled evaporation could occur. The membrane extends to fully contact the housing interior surface, extracting the problematic gap from the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane is designed to be flexible and adaptable, allowing it to conform to the housing interior surface and maintain full contact during operation. This dynamic adaptation ensures complete sealing and control of the evaporation interface without rigid structural gaps.
3Device complexity
If the membrane is flat with a heat-formed portion, then the structure is simple, but the device size increases to accommodate sufficient liquid volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a flat two-dimensional membrane structure to a three-dimensional form where the membrane creates a volumetric cavity. This dimensional change allows the container to hold sufficient liquid volume while maintaining membrane simplicity, as the volume is achieved through spatial configuration rather than membrane area expansion.
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 efficient and cost-effective evaporation control with reduced complexity and cost, ensuring no liquid spillage and optimal volatile substance diffusion.
Implementation Method 1
a container (2) that houses in a cavity (5) a volatile substance to be evaporated, in direct contact with a semipermeable membrane (3)
Implementation Method 2
a volatile substance to be evaporated, in direct contact with a semipermeable membrane (3)... the extent of the evaporation of said volatile substance
Implementation Method 3
wherein the housing (44) and the container (42) are designed to be coupled directly to each other... the air flow participates in the evaporation of a volatile substance
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention refers to adjustable volatile substance diffuser devices, more specifically to diffusers incorporating a container with a semipermeable membrane (3, 23, 43, 63). Said membrane (3, 23, 43, 63) permits the issue of vapors but prevents the escape of liquids, with the result that an extremely clean device is achieved as the spillage of liquid is prevented in the case of inappropriate handling. The device (1, 21, 41, 61) is furthermore of very simple construction, as it is made up of two parts, a container (2, 22, 42, 62) which houses the volatile substance and a housing (4, 24, 44, 64), which supports said container (2, 22, 42, 62). The container (2, 22, 42, 62) has the membrane (3, 23, 43, 63) adhered to it. The container (2, 22, 42, 62) and the housing (4, 24, 44, 64) are coupled directly to each other and they are moved by means of guiding or articulation. The container (2, 22, 42, 62) may comprise a useful part (16), which defines the cavity (5) holding the volatile substance, and a non-useful part (6).