Insect Repellant Level Indication With Flame-Free Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional insect repelling devices utilize open flames for both repellant dispersal and lighting, leading to inconsistent dispersal, fire hazards, and lack a mechanism to indicate repellant levels, requiring manual checking which is labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An insect repellant device with a light element simulating a flame and an indicator to show remaining repellant, featuring a control circuit, sensor, and indicator to provide accurate repellant level information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an open flame is used for repellant dispersal and lighting, then the device provides both repellant vaporization and light, but it creates fire hazards and inconsistent dispersal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the lighting function from the repellant vaporization function. The repellant vaporization continues to use a flame source, while the lighting function is extracted and provided by LED lights that can operate independently without open flame, thereby eliminating fire hazards associated with lighting while maintaining repellant effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed to manage multiple functions (repellant vaporization and LED lighting) through a single system. The controller can independently regulate the flame for repellant purposes and the LED lights for illumination, allowing the device to perform both functions simultaneously or separately based on user needs
2Loss of information
If manual checking of repellant level is implemented, then users can monitor remaining repellant, but it requires labor-intensive manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a level detection mechanism that automatically monitors the repellant level in the cartridge and provides feedback to the user through visual indicators (such as LED lights showing different levels). This automated feedback system eliminates the need for manual checking while keeping users informed about repellant status
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-monitoring of repellant levels through the integrated level detection system. The system automatically detects and reports its own operational status without requiring user intervention, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining information availability
3Illumination intensity
If a flame is used for lighting, then the device provides illumination, but the light is unreliable and dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting function is extracted from the flame source and implemented through separate LED lighting elements. This allows the lighting to operate independently from the repellant vaporization process, providing reliable illumination even when the flame is not active or when repellant is low
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses LED lights as a reliable, long-lasting alternative to flame for illumination. LEDs consume less energy, have longer lifespan, and provide consistent light output without the variability and safety concerns of open flame, making them ideal for reliable nighttime lighting
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 provides a safe, reliable lighting source and convenient repellant level indication, ensuring a pest-free area without manual checks.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element mounted in the repellant housing; the insect repellant cartridge including: a top portion configured to be received in an opening formed in the repellant housing; and a wick extending above the top portion and in contact with the insect repellant, wherein a top of the wick is positioned adjacent to the heating element
Data Source
AI summary
An insect repellant device including a repellant portion, a light portion emitting light and a repellant level indicator.