Nebulizer Locking Mechanism for Accurate Usage Count Limiting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nebulizers lack an accurate mechanism to limit the usage count, leading to potential overuse without the user's knowledge.
Innovation Solution
A nebulizer design incorporating a locking module that restricts rotation after a predetermined number of atomization processes, utilizing a locking mechanism triggered by a trigger mechanism and progressing member to prevent further use of the container bottle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional nebulizer is designed without a usage limit mechanism, then the device is simple in structure and easy to operate, but the usage count cannot be accurately tracked leading to excessive operation
Solution Approach 1:
The nebulizer automatically tracks its own usage count through the rotation member and progressing member mechanism. Each atomization process automatically increments the count without external intervention, and the system self-locks when the predetermined limit is reached, eliminating the need for manual tracking or complex electronic systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation member acts as an intermediary between the atomization process and the usage count tracking. It converts the atomic action of atomization into rotational motion that drives the progressing member, providing a mechanical mediation that accurately translates usage without requiring complex electronics.
2Reliability
If a usage limit mechanism is added to the nebulizer, then excessive operation is prevented enhancing safety, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The usage limitation function is extracted as a separate mechanical subsystem consisting of the rotation member, progressing member, and locking mechanism. This modular extraction allows the limitation function to operate independently while integrating with the main atomization system, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical counting and locking mechanism uses simple, durable components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The progression member and locking mechanism are designed as straightforward mechanical elements rather than complex electronic systems, maintaining ease of manufacture and repair.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is implemented to restrict rotation after predetermined uses, then overuse is prevented, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The progressing member provides visual feedback on the usage count, allowing users to see how many atomization processes remain. The locking mechanism provides tactile feedback when the predetermined limit is reached, clearly indicating that the container bottle should be replaced without requiring complex electronic displays or interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A nebulizer and a storage device are provided. The nebulizer includes a casing, an atomization module fixed to the casing, a rotating module rotatably assembled to the casing, a linking module assembled to the rotating module, and a locking module. The linking module is configured to be connected to a bottom of the container bottle, and the starting module is configured to drive the nebulizer by being pushed, thereby enabling liquid in the container bottle to be atomized toward an outside of the nebulizer through the atomization module in an atomization process. The locking module is configured to be connected to a bottom of the container bottle. When the nebulizer completes a predetermined number of times of the atomization process, the locking mechanism is moved toward the casing and is then limited to restrict an operation of the nebulizer. Accordingly, after the nebulizer completes the predetermined number of times of the atomization process, the locking module can restrict rotation of the rotating module for preventing the nebulizer from using the container bottle arranged therein.