Removable Signalling Device for Liquid Dispenser Exhaustion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dispensers/diffusers of liquid active substances lack an effective and easily implementable end-of-life indicator, making it difficult for users to timely detect the exhaustion of the liquid active substance, leading to unnecessary delays in recharging the device.

Innovation Solution

A removable signalling device that can be easily attached to any dispenser/diffuser without the need for additional fastening means or electrical connections, featuring a self-powered liquid sensor that detects the exhaustion of the liquid active substance and sends a warning signal to the user.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If electronic emitters and receivers are integrated inside the dispenser/diffuser to detect liquid exhaustion, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid exhaustion detectionVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection and signalling functions are extracted from the dispenser/diffuser body and implemented as a separate removable accessory. This external sensor unit can be easily attached to existing dispensers without modifying their internal structure, avoiding the complexity of integrating electronic emitters and receivers inside the original device while maintaining effective liquid exhaustion detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If electronic emitters and receivers are integrated inside the dispenser/diffuser to detect liquid exhaustion, then detection capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid exhaustion detectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is extracted as a separate, standalone accessory rather than being integrated into the main dispenser unit. This allows the sensor to be manufactured independently using simpler, more cost-effective processes, and can be produced in isolation from the complex dispenser assembly, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs while maintaining detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The removable sensor accessory is designed as a simpler, more economical component that can be easily manufactured and potentially replaced. By using a separate, less complex detection unit rather than integrating expensive electronic components into every dispenser, the overall system becomes more cost-effective to manufacture and distribute.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If the dispenser/diffuser is placed in inaccessible positions to hide it from view, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but user ability to check liquid level deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic placementVSAvoidliquid level checking

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The removable sensor accessory provides automatic feedback to the user about the liquid active substance level through visual indicators (such as LED lights) that are visible from a distance. This allows the dispenser to be placed in aesthetically pleasing, inaccessible positions while the user can still monitor the liquid level without physically approaching or opening the container, as the sensor communicates the status externally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor accessory acts as an intermediary between the liquid active substance inside the concealed dispenser and the user outside. It translates the internal liquid level information into external visual signals that can be observed from a distance, enabling the dispenser to be hidden while maintaining user awareness of the liquid status.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 signalling device provides a timely and effective notification of the liquid active substance exhaustion, allowing users to recharge the device promptly, without the need for redesigning existing appliances or using intrusive sensors.

Implementation Method 1

featuring a self-powered liquid sensor that detects the exhaustion of the liquid active substance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical detection: Absorption Spectroscopy

Data Source

PatentEP4396544B1Removable signalling device of the exhaustion of a dispenser/diffuser of liquid active substances

Publication Date: 2025.04.09 ZOBELE HLDG SPA

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

A removable signalling device of the exhaustion of a dispenser/diffuser (D) of a liquid active substance contained in a container (C) of said dispenser/diffuser (D), wherein said device consists of a central body (1) from which project two opposite lateral arms (2), which surround at least part of said dispenser/diffuser (D), and an appendix (3) which extends alongside said container (C) and carries a self-powered liquid sensor (4) facing said container (C).