Multi-fuel Canister Insect Repellent with Pressure Regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrocarbon-fueled insect repellent devices are limited by single-cartridge fuel capacity, require user-adjustment of needle valves for temperature control, and lack clear operational status indicators, posing safety and convenience issues for extended use.
Innovation Solution
A device with a compact internal pressure regulator that allows multiple gas canisters, automatic valve opening, precise fuel flow control, and an illuminated indicator to ensure consistent operation and safety, featuring a flame-extinguishing lid and automatic canister valve management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a single cartridge is used to supply fuel, then the device structure is simple, but the operating duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The fuel supply system is segmented into multiple independent cartridges that can be used sequentially or simultaneously. Each cartridge operates as an independent fuel module, allowing the device to extend operating duration by switching between multiple cartridges without requiring a complex integrated fuel tank system.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator and valve system is designed to universally accept multiple cartridge types and configurations. The system can handle single or multiple cartridges, different fuel compositions, and various operating modes, making the device adaptable to different fuel sources while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Measurement precision
If manual needle valve adjustment is used for temperature control, then the device structure is simple, but the temperature control precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a regulator with feedback control that automatically adjusts gas flow based on downstream pressure conditions. This feedback mechanism provides precise temperature control by maintaining consistent fuel delivery pressure without requiring manual needle valve adjustments, improving precision while adding minimal complexity through the regulator assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator system performs self-adjustment of gas flow based on operating conditions, eliminating the need for continuous manual intervention. The automatic valve opening and pressure-regulated flow control allow the system to self-regulate temperature, reducing the complexity of manual control mechanisms while improving precision.
3Measurement precision
If the cartridge valve is manually opened, then the operation is simple, but the gas flow control is imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically opening the cartridge valve through the regulator mechanism when a cartridge is installed. This preliminary automatic valve opening eliminates the need for manual valve operation, and the regulator subsequently provides precise gas flow control based on pressure differential, achieving both ease of operation and precision without requiring the user to manually adjust the valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator acts as an intermediary between the cartridge valve and the burners, mediating the gas flow. It automatically opens the valve and controls flow precision through pressure regulation, serving as a mediator that translates simple cartridge installation into precise flow control without requiring direct user manipulation of the valve mechanism.
4Reliability
If visual inspection through view hole is used to determine operating status, then the device structure is simple, but the detection reliability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes color changes of the flame or indicator elements to communicate operating status. Different flame colors or intensities indicate different operational states, providing reliable visual detection without requiring complex electronic sensors or additional detection hardware, thus improving reliability while maintaining simple device structure.
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 extended operation without refueling, precise temperature control, and clear operational status indication, enhancing safety and convenience with a 48-hour fuel system and simple on/off operation.
Implementation Method 1
In order to compensate for variations in vapor pressure, which varies with fuel composition and temperature, these prior art devices use pressure regulators to help control gas flow
Implementation Method 2
burners which heat and vaporize an insect repellent composition
Implementation Method 3
hydrocarbon-fueled insect repellent devices
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a hydrocarbon-fueled device for heating and dispensing a volatile substance, such as an insect repellent. The device provides a long-lasting 48-hour fuel system, multiple fuel canisters that can be exchanged without interrupting the operation of the device, an illuminated indicator that provides a visible indication of the operating state of the device from any viewing angle, and a flame-extinguishing safety lid. During the warm-up phase, the indicator indicates this state by pulsing. Once the device reaches operating temperature, the indicator emits a steady light, indicating proper operation. In the event that the device cools below the operating temperature, the light will pulse, alerting the user to check the flame and/or fuel supply. The user can initiate complete, properly-controlled operation of all functions of the device via the operation of a single on-off switch.