Piezoelectric Membrane Diffuser for Low-Noise Airflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional devices for diffusing volatile substances have high power consumption, inefficient air flow due to cylindrical geometry mismatch, significant noise, and bulky size, making them inefficient and inconvenient for use.

Innovation Solution

A device using a flexible sheet oscillated by piezoelectric elements to generate an air stream, adaptable to non-cylindrical evaporation surfaces, with adjustable power consumption and noise reduction through voltage and frequency control, and modular design for varying applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a blade fan is used to generate air stream, then diffusion of volatile substances is achieved, but power consumption becomes high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediffusion efficacyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical blade fan system with a piezoelectric-based oscillating membrane system. The piezoelectric element converts electrical energy directly to mechanical oscillation of the membrane, eliminating the need for a motor-driven fan. This substitution reduces power consumption while maintaining diffusion efficacy through the oscillation-generated air flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes mechanical vibration through the oscillating membrane driven by the piezoelectric element. The membrane oscillates at specific frequencies to generate air flow that enhances diffusion of volatile substances. This vibration-based approach achieves effective diffusion with lower energy input compared to continuous fan operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

2Productivity

If a blade fan generates cylindrical air flow, then air stream is produced, but geometry mismatch with rectangular evaporation surfaces causes energy waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair flow generationVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by shaping the membrane and airflow channel to match the rectangular geometry of the evaporation surface. The air flow is concentrated and directed precisely where needed - over the rectangular evaporation area - rather than being distributed in a cylindrical pattern. This geometric matching eliminates wasted air flow and improves energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Productivity

If blade fan devices are designed for optimal diffusion, then diffusion performance improves, but device size becomes bulky

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvediffusion performanceVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible membrane as the primary air-generating component instead of a bulky fan assembly. The thin membrane can be oscillated by the piezoelectric element to produce effective air flow for diffusion. This film-based approach dramatically reduces device volume while maintaining diffusion performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Speed

If high power is consumed by fan devices, then air flow strength increases, but noise level becomes significant and increases over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair flow speedVSAvoidnoise

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the motor-driven fan system with a piezoelectric oscillating membrane system. The piezoelectric actuator operates quietly compared to motor fans, eliminating motor noise and blade turbulence noise. The oscillating membrane generates air flow through gentle vibration rather than high-speed rotation, significantly reducing noise levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 device achieves efficient air flow adaptation, reduced power consumption, minimal noise, and customizable operation, enhancing evaporation control and energy efficiency while being compact and versatile.

Implementation Method 1

at least one piezoelectric element, such that when said piezoelectric element is subjected to expansion and shrinkage, it causes said flexible sheet to oscillate to generate the air stream

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

improve evaporation and/or diffusion of the volatile substances with the aid of an additional air flow

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3090762B1Device for the diffusion of volatile substances

Publication Date: 2023.08.16 ZOBELE ESPANA

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AI summary

The device for diffusing volatile substances comprises means for generating an air stream, and is characterized in that said means for generating an air stream comprise a flexible sheet (1) and at least one piezoelectric element (2), such that said piezoelectric element (2) causes said flexible sheet (1) to expand and shrink to generate the air stream. It allows generating an air flow that is adapted to the geometry of the evaporation surface.