Spring-Expanded Volatile Refill for On-Demand Emission Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing volatile material dispensing systems either continuously emit the volatile material once opened, reducing their useful life, or require complex active mechanisms and power sources, making them difficult to manufacture and use, and pose safety concerns when unattended.

Innovation Solution

A passive volatile material dispensing system utilizing a helical spring and semi-permeable substrate that can be easily activated and deactivated by a cover mechanism, allowing controlled release and prevention of emission when not in use, without the need for heating apparatuses or fans.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a passive dispensing system continuously releases volatile material after opening, then the volatile material is readily available in the environment, but the useful life span of the dispensing system is shortened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveavailability of volatile materialVSAvoiduseful life span
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the substrate movable between compressed (inactive) and expanded (active) states. The elastic substrate can be compressed to prevent volatile material release during storage or non-use periods, and expanded to enable continuous release during use. This dynamic state change allows the system to extend its useful life by preventing degradation from continuous exposure while maintaining ease of operation when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If an active dispensing system is used to control release of volatile material, then the release can be controlled, but the system becomes complex and requires power source

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol of volatile material releaseVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by using the elastic substrate's inherent elasticity to automatically control the release of volatile material. The substrate expands and contracts based on its elastic properties without requiring external power sources, sensors, or control mechanisms. This self-regulating mechanism provides control over volatile material release while keeping the system simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If a flame or heating apparatus is used to release volatile material, then the volatile material is released effectively, but safety concerns arise when unattended

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease effectivenessVSAvoidsafety hazards
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces thermal/mechanical heating systems with a purely elastic mechanical system. Instead of using flame or heating apparatuses that pose safety hazards, the invention uses the elastic expansion and contraction of the substrate to control volatile material release. This substitution eliminates combustion risks and high-temperature hazards while maintaining effective release through the mechanical action of the elastic substrate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Productivity

If electromagnetic drive units or fans are used to enhance diffusion, then the volatile material release is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvediffusion enhancementVSAvoidmechanical elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the need for electromagnetic drive units or fans by using the elastic substrate's natural expansion and contraction to drive volatile material release. The elastic substrate itself serves as the diffusion enhancement mechanism, using its inherent mechanical properties to propel volatile materials into the environment without requiring additional active mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 system effectively extends the useful life of the dispensing system by allowing controlled release and easy operation, reducing waste and manufacturing complexity, while ensuring safe non-emission when not in use.

Implementation Method 1

The refill includes a substrate disposed around a compressed spring. The method further includes the step of removing the cover from the base, whereby the compressed spring expands to automatically place the refill in an operable position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a substrate which is a semi-permeable material designed to carry a volatile material thereon

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

a substrate which is a semi-permeable material designed to carry a volatile material thereon

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeation: Permeation

Implementation Method 4

The refill includes a substrate disposed around a compressed spring. The method further includes the step of removing the cover from the base, whereby the compressed spring expands to automatically place the refill in an operable position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring expansion: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS11213023B2Volatile material dispensing system
Publication Date: 2022.01.04 SC JOHNSON & SON INC
  • US11213023B2 patent drawing
  • US11213023B2 patent drawing
  • US11213023B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A volatile material dispensing system (100) includes a base (104) and a refill (102) attached to the base (104). The refill (102) includes a substrate (108) having a volatile material thereon. The dispensing system (100) further includes a cover (106). In an inactive state, the refill (102) is compressed within the cover (106) and the cover (106) is attached to the base (104) and in an active state, the cover (106) is removed from the base and the refill (102) automatically expands such that the volatile material is released from the substrate (108) and into the ambient environment.