Portable Thermal Insect Repellent Wick Reservoir Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insect repellent devices are limited by the finite capacity of impregnated mats and the use of gas canisters, which restricts operating time and is not airline-friendly.
Innovation Solution
A portable, battery-powered evaporator with a reservoir of volatile liquid and a wick system that heats the liquid at a controlled rate, ensuring efficient and consistent release of insect repellent or insecticide, featuring a secure and easy-to-use design with electrical and mechanical interlocks for safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a heated mat with impregnated mat is used, then the device can release volatiles, but the operating time is limited by the finite amount of material that can be impregnated into a single mat
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the repellent material from solid/semi-solid impregnated form to liquid form in a reservoir. This allows the system to hold significantly more material (increasing quantity of substance) while maintaining controlled release through the wick system, thereby extending operating time without being constrained by mat impregnation capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a wick-based capillary action system to transport liquid repellent from the reservoir to the heating element. This hydraulic/capillary mechanism replaces the passive impregnation limit of heated mats, enabling continuous supply of liquid volatiles as long as the reservoir is filled, thus resolving the contradiction between material quantity and operating duration
2Quantity of substance
If gas canisters are used to supply fuel, then the device can provide sufficient volatiles, but the device is not airline-friendly due to restrictions on compressed gases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces compressed gas canisters with a liquid reservoir system that uses capillary action through a wick for fuel delivery. This eliminates compressed gases entirely, making the device airline-friendly while still providing sufficient volatile material quantity through the liquid reservoir that can be filled to desired capacities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical compressed gas storage system with a simple liquid reservoir and capillary wick system. This replacement maintains the ability to provide sufficient volatiles while removing the safety restrictions associated with compressed gases, thereby enabling air travel compatibility
3Productivity
If excessive heating is applied to increase volatile release rate, then the concentration of volatiles in surrounding air increases, but energy is wasted and the battery drains prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a temperature sensor that provides feedback to a controller, which adjusts the heater power accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the heating element operates at the optimal temperature to maintain effective volatile concentration in the air, preventing both insufficient release and excessive energy consumption that would occur with uncontrolled high-temperature operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the heating parameter (temperature) based on operational requirements and environmental conditions. By changing the temperature parameter rather than maintaining constant high heat, the system achieves effective volatile release rates while minimizing energy consumption and extending battery life
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 extended operating time with reduced waste, is travel-friendly, and ensures safe and efficient release of volatiles, minimizing energy waste and physical damage to components.
Implementation Method 1
A porous wick within the reservoir absorbs the liquid, which is carried by capillary action to an evaporation zone
Implementation Method 2
an electric heater proximate to the wick in the evaporation zone... heats the liquid at a controlled rate, ensuring efficient and consistent release of insect repellent
Implementation Method 3
A battery is connected to and energizes the heater... The device features an on/off switch for convenient operation of the heater
Data Source
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AI summary
An evaporator is provided, for use with a wicked reservoir containing a volatile liquid. The reservoir has a plurality of guide members disposed symmetrically around the wick and extending beyond the height of the wick. The evaporator features a base containing a battery, and a removable cover containing a heater. Attachment of the cover to the base is necessary to establish an electrical connection between the battery and the heater. The guide members fit into recesses in the cover only when the heater and wick are properly aligned, and the heater cannot make electrical connection with the battery unless the guide members and wick are properly aligned with the recesses and heater, respectively.