Photovoltaic Volatile Diffuser With Adaptive Emission Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies for automated dispensing of volatile substances face limitations in energy consumption and adaptability to environmental conditions, requiring electrical connections or periodic battery replacements, and lack adaptive control over emission in changing light conditions.

Innovation Solution

A solar energy-based device that uses photovoltaic cells to capture light energy, storing it in a battery and controlling emission means such as magnetic, aerosol, or piezoelectric mechanisms through an electronic controller to adaptively adjust emission intervals and frequency based on light conditions and battery levels, eliminating the need for electrical connections or battery replacements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If active elements such as fans, heaters, sprays, or nebulizers are used to increase diffusion efficiency and control emission, then diffusion efficiency and control capability are improved, but energy consumption increases requiring electrical network connection or periodic battery replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediffusion efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses a photovoltaic cell to convert ambient light energy into electrical energy, making the system self-powered and eliminating the need for external electrical connections or battery replacements. The system serves itself by harvesting energy from the environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic controller adjusts emission parameters (intensity, duration, frequency) based on available energy from the photovoltaic cell and environmental conditions, optimizing the balance between diffusion efficiency and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If batteries are used to power emission devices, then mobility and installation flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases due to periodic battery replacement or charging requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidbattery maintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The photovoltaic cell continuously charges an integrated battery or capacitor from ambient light, eliminating the need for manual battery replacement or external charging. The system automatically replenishes its own energy supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The photovoltaic cell serves dual functions: generating electrical energy to power the emission device and providing installation flexibility by eliminating the need for external power connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If manual configuration is used for emission devices, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to changing environmental conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration simplicityVSAvoidenvironmental adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic controller continuously monitors energy availability from the photovoltaic cell and environmental conditions, automatically adjusting emission parameters in real-time without manual intervention. The system responds to feedback from the environment and its own energy state.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The emission parameters are dynamically adjusted based on real-time conditions rather than being statically configured. The system transitions from manual static configuration to automatic dynamic adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides autonomous, energy-efficient, and adaptive diffusion of volatile substances, optimizing emission without compromising device performance and extending operational duration by maximizing active intervals and minimizing energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

At least one photovoltaic cell which captures light energy present around the device and transforms it into electric energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotovoltaic effect: Photovoltaic Effect

Implementation Method 2

At least one battery which powers the emission means and stores the electric energy generated by the photovoltaic cell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 3

Emission means periodically diffusing the volatile substance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP3393533B1Device and method for the automated diffusion of volatile substances comprising a photovoltaic cell
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 ZOBELE HLDG SPA
  • EP3393533B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3393533B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3393533B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device and method for diffusing volatile substances which obtains the energy required for the autonomous operation thereof from one or more photovoltaic cells (101). The activation periods and switch-on frequency of the emission means (103) are determined adaptively by an electronic controller (102) depending on the light conditions, thereby maximizing the time in which the device diffuses the volatile substance without compromising its autonomy.