Optical Container Detection in Diffusers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diffusers lack an effective method to detect when a liquid active material container is empty, leading to unnecessary activation of components and potential inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a detection system using a light emitter and light receiver positioned around the container, where the light is reflected or refracted within the liquid active material, triggering a notification when the container is empty or absent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If no detection system is used, then the device structure remains simple, but the device cannot detect when the container is empty leading to unnecessary component activation and energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with an optical detection system using a light source and photodetector. The optical system detects container presence/emptiness through light transmission properties, eliminating the need for mechanical sensors while reducing energy consumption and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The container itself serves as part of the detection mechanism. The container's material properties (translucent vs. opaque) and presence/absence directly modulate the light signal, eliminating the need for separate detection components and reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a light emitter and receiver system is used to detect container presence, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light source and photodetector into a single integrated optical assembly positioned within the device housing. This merging of components reduces spatial requirements and structural complexity while maintaining detection accuracy through the coordinated operation of the light-emitting and light-receiving elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical detection system serves multiple functions: detecting container presence, determining container emptiness, and potentially identifying container type based on light transmission characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 system effectively indicates an empty or absent container, allowing for timely refilling and conserving power by deactivating unnecessary components.
Implementation Method 1
a light emitter and light receiver positioned around the container, where the light is reflected or refracted within the liquid active material
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for detecting a container (58) or contents of the container. The system includes a diffuser (52) for retaining the container, where the container is configured to hold an active material therein and may include a wick (60) extending therefrom. The system further includes a sensor positioned to detect, for example, the container retained in the diffuser and / or the contents of the container retained in the diffuser.