Simulated Flame Insect Repellant Device with Electric Vaporization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional insect repelling devices using open flames provide inconsistent repellant dispersal and pose fire hazards, while also offering unreliable lighting and safety risks, particularly at night.

Innovation Solution

An insect repellant device with a simulated flame appearance that combines a flickering light source and vaporized insect repellant, controlled by a circuit to provide both effective repellant dispersal and aesthetically pleasing lighting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If an open flame is used to vaporize repellant material, then the repellant is dispersed around the device, but the dispersal is inconsistent and fire hazards occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepellant dispersal consistencyVSAvoidfire hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the open flame (thermal/chemical system) with an electric heating element (electrical system) to vaporize the repellant material. This substitution eliminates the fire hazard associated with open flames while providing consistent and controlled heating for reliable repellant dispersal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters from uncontrolled open flame to controlled electrical heating with specific temperature ranges (100°C to 200°C). This parameter control ensures consistent repellant vaporization without the harmful effects of uncontrolled combustion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Illumination intensity

If an open flame is used to provide light at night, then illumination is provided, but the light is unreliable and safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting reliabilityVSAvoidsafety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the lighting function with the repellant heating function by using the same electric heating element to both vaporize repellant and provide illumination through the glowing element. This integration provides reliable lighting without the safety risks of open flames, as the enclosed heating element cannot pose fire hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Illumination intensity

If a simulated flame with flickering light sources is used, then aesthetic appearance and lighting are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelighting qualityVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flickering light sources that simulate natural flame behavior through periodic on-off or varying intensity patterns. This periodic action creates aesthetically pleasing lighting effects while maintaining relatively simple circuitry compared to continuous complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 creates a pest-free area with reliable lighting that mimics a flame without the dangers of open flames, offering safe and consistent insect repellant dispersal.

Implementation Method 1

a heating element mounted in the repellant housing... configured to heat the insect repellant material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the insect repellant material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action