Repellant String Light with Heated Dispersal Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Outdoor party lights and repellant systems face limitations in utility due to restricted battery power and placement near outlets, which hinders effective repellant dispersion and lighting functionality.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a power cord with integrated light sockets and heated repellant dispersal units, utilizing a wick to increase evaporation rates from a fluid pod, allowing for both illumination and repellant dispersion along a power cord with transverse segments and insulative junctions for protection and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If battery power is used for repellant devices, then portability is improved, but the duration of action and reliability are limited due to battery constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces battery-powered mechanical heating systems with electric heating elements that convert electrical energy directly to thermal energy. This substitution eliminates battery constraints while maintaining portability, as the device can be plugged into standard outlets or portable power sources, providing continuous operation without battery replacement or recharging concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power source parameter from chemical energy (batteries) to electrical energy. This parameter change enables unlimited duration of action as long as electrical power is available, while the device remains portable and can be positioned flexibly wherever electrical outlets are accessible.
2Use of energy by moving object
If repellant devices are placed near outlets, then power availability is improved, but the area of coverage and effectiveness are reduced due to restricted placement locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the repellant protection by using multiple independent heating elements distributed along the power cord. Each heating element creates its own localized vapor zone, and collectively they provide broad area coverage. This segmentation allows the system to leverage power availability at multiple outlet locations while expanding the total protected area through distributed placement of multiple units.
3Illumination intensity
If string lights are used for outdoor lighting, then illumination is provided, but the utility remains static with no additional functional benefits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single device: electrical heating for repellant vaporization, electrical lighting for illumination, and fluid level indication for monitoring. This multi-functional design transforms ordinary string lights into versatile outdoor devices that simultaneously provide pest protection, lighting, and operational status indication, thereby significantly enhancing utility while maintaining the familiar string light form factor.
4Productivity
If heated repellant dispersal units are integrated into power cords, then repellant dispersion effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the repellant dispersal function with the existing power cord infrastructure. By integrating heating elements and fluid reservoirs directly into the power cord housing, the system eliminates the need for separate repellant devices. The electrical wiring already present in the power cord is utilized to power the heating elements, reducing the need for additional independent power connections and simplifying the overall system architecture despite the added functionality.
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 effective repellant dispersion and lighting over a wider area, improving the utility of outdoor devices by providing a flexible and efficient solution for both lighting and pest control, with visible fluid level indicators and adaptable power sources.
Implementation Method 1
a resistive heating element in proximity to a repellant contained in a fluid pod, the repellant delivered from the bulb for evaporation by the resistive heating element
Implementation Method 2
a wick placed into the repellant in the fluid pod
Implementation Method 3
the repellant delivered from the bulb for evaporation by the resistive heating element
Data Source
AI summary
At least one light socket is electrically connected to a power cord and at least one heated repellant dispersal unit is electrically connected to the power cord and increases an evaporation rate of a repellant drawn by a wick from a fluid pod affixed to the heated repellant dispersal unit.