Standalone Volatile Agent Diffuser with Rotating Cartridge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for diffusing volatile agents in vehicle passenger compartments are either continuously active and obstructive, or dependent on the ventilation system, making them inconvenient and difficult to replace.
Innovation Solution
A standalone diffusion device with an ambient air inlet, treated air outlet, and a blower, allowing for independent operation and easy installation anywhere in the vehicle, featuring a rotatable insert for cartridge exchange and adjustable airflow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the diffusion device is placed on an element of the passenger compartment (e.g., rear-view mirror), then the device is easily accessible and can be installed without dismantling vehicle elements, but the device occupies space that could obstruct the passenger's vision when driving and continuously diffuses volatile agent acting as perfume
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the diffusion device from the ventilation system and places it as a standalone unit in the passenger compartment. This allows the device to be positioned on accessible elements like the dashboard or central console, making it easy to install and replace without dismantling vehicle components, while the controlled diffusion mechanism prevents continuous perfume-like diffusion and vision obstruction
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a controllable diffusion mechanism with adjustable flow rate and distribution settings. This dynamic control allows the diffusion intensity to be adjusted according to needs, preventing continuous uncontrolled diffusion that would act as perfume and potentially obstruct vision, while maintaining ease of operation through simple controls
2Adaptability or versatility
If the diffusion device is housed in the ventilation, heating and/or air conditioning system, then the diffusion is controlled and adjustable, but the diffusion only occurs when the ventilation system is used and replacing the volatile agent requires dismantling several vehicle elements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the diffusion device from the ventilation system and creates a standalone unit. This extraction resolves the contradiction by enabling easy replacement of volatile agents through simple access points on the device itself, while maintaining controlled and adjustable diffusion through the device's own flow rate and distribution controls, independent of the ventilation system
Solution Approach 2:
The standalone diffusion device is equipped with its own control mechanisms for flow rate and distribution, allowing it to function independently without relying on the ventilation system. The device can be easily serviced and have its volatile agents replaced by the end user through simple access points, making the system self-sufficient and easy to maintain
3Adaptability or versatility
If the diffusion device is placed inside the ducts bringing air from the ventilation system, then the device is integrated into the air distribution system, but the diffusion remains dependent on the ventilation system operation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the diffusion device from the ventilation ducts and positions it as a standalone unit in the passenger compartment. This allows the device to operate independently of the ventilation system while still achieving effective air distribution through its own blower and strategically positioned outlets that can be placed in optimal locations for diffusion
4Adaptability or versatility
If the diffusion device is made autonomous with its own blower and air inlet, then the device can operate independently of the ventilation system, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the diffusion device into modular components including a housing, blower, diffusion chamber, and control elements. This segmentation allows for independent operation while managing complexity through modular design, making the device easier to manufacture, assemble, and maintain despite the added functionality of autonomous operation
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 autonomous operation, space-saving design, and easy volatile agent replacement, ensuring continuous diffusion regardless of the ventilation system's state and allowing for customizable diffusion patterns.
Implementation Method 1
a blower (13) fixed in the housing (2) and set in motion by the pulser (13)
Implementation Method 2
a diffusion chamber (4) in communication with the fresh air inlet (3) and the treated air outlet (5), the diffusion chamber (4) receiving an insert (7) via said treated air outlet (5), said insert (7) being set in motion by an actuator (12) along an axis of rotation (A) and accommodating at least one cartridge (8, 9) housing at least one volatile agent (AV1, AV2)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The device has a housing featuring a surrounding air inlet, a conditioned air outlet, a diffusion chamber for accommodating an insert, where the insert houses a pair of volatile agents e.g. scented substance. The diffusion chamber communicates with a fresh air inlet and the conditioned air outlet. An electrical actuator drives the insert in rotation according to an axis of rotation. A blower is attached to the housing. The insert includes a cartridge housing one of the volatile agents, where the cartridge is introduced into the housing or removed from the housing by the conditioned air outlet.