Rotatable Plug Diffuser for Angled Outlet Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diffuser devices for liquid substances face issues with compatibility with various outlet orientations due to fixed plug angles, leading to potential leakage and inefficient diffusion, and lack of continuous adjustment for emission intensity.
Innovation Solution
A diffuser device with a rotatable plug that can fit both vertically and horizontally angled outlets without sliding contacts, featuring a threaded tank system allowing for continuous adjustment of the wick's distance from the heating element to control emission intensity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-angle plug is used, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot be connected to outlets with different orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is made rotatable relative to the housing, allowing it to dynamically adjust its orientation to match different outlet configurations. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the device to adapt to both vertically and horizontally angled outlets without requiring multiple plug types or complex switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable plug design provides universal compatibility with different outlet orientations, allowing a single device to function with various wall outlet configurations. This multi-functional capability eliminates the need for separate devices or adapters for different outlet types.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a rotatable plug with sliding contacts is used, then adaptability to outlet orientations is improved, but the contacts wear and deteriorate due to continuous rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional sliding contact mechanism with a rotary joint that maintains continuous electrical connection through rotation. This substitution eliminates the wear and deterioration problems associated with sliding contacts by using a rotational movement that preserves contact integrity throughout the adjustment range.
3Ease of operation
If a sliding wall or small window system is used for adjustment, then the device structure is simple, but the adjustment levels are limited and not always optimum
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing continuous adjustment of the emission opening size. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables users to precisely control the diffusion intensity by positioning the baffle at different locations, providing infinitely variable adjustment levels instead of discrete fixed positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into a movable baffle component that can be independently positioned within the housing. This segmentation allows for simple yet effective control of the emission opening without requiring complex multi-component systems.
4Ease of operation
If the wick and heating element are fixed in position, then the device structure is simple, but the emission intensity cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The baffle is made movable to dynamically control the effective emission opening, allowing users to adjust the diffusion intensity by changing the opening size. This dynamic adjustment provides continuous control over emission levels without requiring movement of the wick or heating element themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment function is extracted as a separate movable baffle component rather than being integrated into the wick or heating element assembly. This extraction simplifies the overall structure while providing effective emission control through the baffle's position-adjustable opening.
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 secure operation with any outlet orientation, reducing wear and production costs, and provides precise control over diffusion intensity through a simple, adjustable mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
Emanation of the substance in the environment occurs by means of the joule effect, by passing an electric current in a heating element, such as a ceramic element or resistor, located close to or directly in contact with the wick. Said element, heating up, transmits heat to the wick, directly or by heating the surrounding air, promoting evaporation of the substance.
Implementation Method 2
Said element, heating up, transmits heat to the wick, directly or by heating the surrounding air, promoting evaporation of the substance.
Implementation Method 3
a porous element, or wick, partly immersed in the liquid substance
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A diffuser device for liquid substances comprises a tank (8) containing a liquid to be diffused, a supporting structure (2) comprising a lateral surface (3) having a hole (7) for insertion of the tank (8) and a first front surface (5) from which a plug (11) projects comprising at least two pins (11a) for connecting the diffuser device (1) to an electrical outlet, a heating element (10) inside the supporting structure (2), electrically connected to the plug (11) pins, and a porous element (9) partly inserted in the tank (8), for carrying the liquid from the tank (8) to the heating element (10). The porous element (9) is set at an angle to a plane (X) containing the plug (11) pins (11a) so that the longitudinal axis (8a) of the porous element (9) forms with the plane an angle (α) of between 15° and 75°. [Figure 4]