Mist Supply Device Segmentation for Refillable Liquid Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compact ultrasonic devices for supplying liquid as a mist have small reservoir volumes, requiring frequent refilling and making it difficult to change the type of liquid without mixing with residual liquid in the device.
Innovation Solution
A device that separates the liquid reservoir from the atomizing element, allowing for easy combination with a container of varying capacity, using valves to control liquid flow and enable refilling and liquid type changes without mixing, utilizing a piezoelectric atomizing element for mist creation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the reservoir volume is increased, then the usage time is extended, but the device complexity increases due to large-scale design changes
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two independent parts: a reusable main body containing the atomizing element and a replaceable container holding the liquid. This segmentation allows the container to be changed without modifying the main body structure, enabling extended usage time through container replacement rather than increasing reservoir volume through complex design changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid storage function is extracted from the main body and placed in a separate removable container. This extraction allows the storage capacity to be independently adjusted by changing containers of different sizes or types, extending usage time without requiring complex internal redesign of the atomizing device.
2Loss of time
If the reservoir volume is increased, then the refilling frequency is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in refilling
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the liquid storage function into a removable container, the system allows users to quickly replace containers instead of carefully pouring liquid into a fixed reservoir. This reduces refilling time and effort while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The container can be designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component. Users can simply replace the container when empty rather than refilling, which dramatically reduces the time and effort associated with refilling operations while extending the overall usage time of the device.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the liquid type is changed, then the adaptability is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to mixing with residual liquid
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid storage is segmented into a removable container that can be completely replaced. When changing liquid types, users discard the container with residual liquid and attach a fresh container, preventing mixing of different liquid types and eliminating waste associated with purging residual liquid from a fixed reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid containment function is extracted into a separate removable container. This allows complete removal of the container holding the old liquid type, enabling clean transition to a new liquid type without any mixing or waste of the previous liquid.
4Quantity of substance
If the reservoir is made larger, then the quantity of liquid stored is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid storage capacity is segmented into a separate removable container rather than being integrated into the main body. This allows the storage capacity to be independently adjusted by selecting containers of appropriate sizes without increasing the complexity of the atomizing device itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The main body is designed with universal compatibility to accept different types and sizes of containers. This universality allows the system to accommodate various liquid storage capacities without requiring different main body designs, thereby increasing quantity of liquid stored while maintaining simple device architecture.
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 efficient refilling and liquid type changes without mixing, accommodating different container capacities, and extending usage time by allowing refilling and liquid return to the container, reducing labor and minimizing liquid waste.
Implementation Method 1
anatomizing element interposed between the liquid chamber and the aperture to atomize the liquid taken up in the liquid chamber and release a mist of the liquid to the outside of the main body from the aperture
Implementation Method 2
a first valve mounted on the main body corresponding to the first port, wherein the first valve permits the liquid in the container flowing into the liquid chamber through the first port under the influence of gravity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device (10) for supplying a mist of liquid (F). The device (10) is used in combination with a container (20) with an opening (200) for containing the liquid (F). The device (10) includes a main body (100) comprising: (i) a center axis (C); (ii) a liquid chamber (110) formed inside the main body (100), into which a predetermined amount of liquid (F) can be taken up; (iii) a first port (112) formed in a base wall (114) of the main body (100) forming a bottom surface (116) of the liquid chamber (110) so as to face the opening (200) when the device (10) and the container (20) are combined with each other, through which the liquid (F) can flow; (iv) a second port (118) formed in the base wall (114) at a position different from the position where the first port (112) is formed so as to face the opening (200) when the device (10) and the container (20) are combined with each other, through which the liquid (F) can flow; and (v) an aperture (120) connected to the liquid chamber (110), through which a mist of liquid (F) can be released to the outside of the main body (100). The device (10) further includes: a connecting section (122) provided on the main body (100) so as to extend from it in a direction away from the base wall (114) and used for connecting the container (20) to the main body (100); an atomizing element (124) interposed between the liquid chamber (110) and the aperture (120) to atomize the liquid (F) taken up in the liquid chamber (110) and release a mist of the liquid (F) to the outside of the main body (100) from the aperture (120); a first valve (126) mounted on the main body (100) corresponding to the first port (112), wherein the first valve (126) permits the liquid (F) in the container (20) flowing into the liquid chamber (110) through the first port (112) under the influence of gravity, and prevents the liquid (F) in the liquid chamber (110) flowing into the container (20) under the influence of gravity; and a second valve (128) mounted on the main body (100) corresponding to the second port (118), wherein the second valve (128) prevents the liquid (F) in the container (20) from flowing into the liquid chamber (110) through the second port (118) under the influence of gravity, and selectively permits or prevents the liquid (F) in the liquid chamber (110) flowing into the container (20) through the second port (118) under the influence of gravity.