Portable Fluid Warming Device with Proximity Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable fluid warming devices are either too large for convenient transport or lack efficient mechanisms for heating and dispensing viscous fluids, such as personal lubricants, in a portable and user-friendly manner.
Innovation Solution
A portable fluid dispenser with a housing that includes a temperature-control element, a proximity sensor, and an actuator to heat and dispense a viscous fluid from a collapsible reservoir, allowing for precise control and efficient heating and dispensing without manual operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a portable fluid warming device is made compact for convenient transport, then portability is improved, but the heating efficiency and fluid dispensing capability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating function and fluid dispensing function into a single integrated portable device. The temperature-control element (heating element) and actuator are housed within the same compact unit, allowing simultaneous heating and dispensing operations without requiring separate devices, thus maintaining portability while ensuring efficient fluid warming and delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the collapsible reservoir is positioned within the housing, the temperature-control element is integrated around or near the reservoir, and the actuator is housed within the same structure. This nesting arrangement maximizes space utilization in the compact device, allowing all functional components to coexist in a small form factor without compromising heating efficiency or dispensing capability.
2Ease of operation
If automatic sensing and actuation systems are added for hands-free operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates a proximity sensor that automatically detects when a user approaches or places their hand near the dispensing opening, and an actuator that automatically dispenses fluid without manual intervention. The system serves itself by sensing user presence and autonomously controlling the dispensing action, eliminating the need for manual buttons or switches and simplifying user interaction despite the added electronic components.
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 efficient heating and dispensing of viscous fluids in a compact, portable form, ensuring the fluid is warmed and ready for use without the need for manual heating or complex operation, enhancing user convenience and portability.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature-control element... to heat and dispense a viscous fluid
Implementation Method 2
A pressing member is positioned within the cavity and an actuator is coupled to the pressing member and configured to urge the pressing member toward and away from the opening
Data Source
AI summary
A portable device heats a fluid within a reservoir. The device includes a housing, a cavity, and an energizing element. The housing includes a first longitudinal end, a second longitudinal end, and outer surfaces of the device. The outer surfaces extend from an outer portion of the first longitudinal end to an outer portion of the second longitudinal end. The cavity extends from a cavity port that is positioned on an inner portion of the first longitudinal end to a cavity terminal positioned intermediate the first and second longitudinal ends. Inner lateral surfaces are adjacent the cavity and extend from the inner portion of the first longitudinal end to an outer portion of the cavity terminal. The energizing element is around the cavity. The cavity is positioned intermediate a first energizing element portion and a second energizing element portion. The energizing element provides energy to the cavity.