Handheld Steam Generator Adapter with Piezoelectric Fragrance Atomizer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld steam generators face issues with perfume oils accumulating in refill tank units due to differing evaporation behaviors, making it difficult to easily add fragrance to the steam treatment process.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of an electrically operable piezoelectric atomizer and a detachable reservoir for a second fluid, allowing spatial separation and controlled atomization of the fragrance with the steam output, facilitated by separate energy sources for the evaporator and atomizer units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If perfume oils are added to refill tank units for steam treatment, then fragrance function is improved, but accumulation of perfume oils occurs due to different evaporation behaviors
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate fluid systems: a first fluid (water) in the device housing for steam generation, and a second fluid (perfume oil) in the separate reservoir unit for fragrance provision. This segmentation prevents mixing and accumulation issues while maintaining both functions independently and reliably.
2Ease of operation
If a separate reservoir unit with atomizing device is added to the adapter, then ease of adding fragrance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter body serves multiple functions: it connects the reservoir unit to the device housing, provides structural support, and guides the mixing of steam and atomized fragrance. The reservoir unit itself functions as both storage and atomization device. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Extent of automation
If piezoelectric atomizer is used for automatic atomization of second fluid, then atomization control is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric atomizer operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when fragrance atomization is needed. This periodic operation mode reduces overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation, while still providing effective automatic atomization control when required.
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 easy addition and controlled mixing of fragrance with steam, reducing the risk of accumulation and enhancing the steaming process with adjustable atomization rates.
Implementation Method 1
the atomizing agent is electrically operable and includes an electrically operable piezoelectric atomizer
Implementation Method 2
at least one evaporator unit arranged between the reservoir and the outlet section, through which the first fluid can be drawn from the reservoir, evaporated and supplied to the outlet section
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a handheld steam generator (2) for steam treatment of a material to be steamed, comprising a device housing (4) having an outlet section (6) from which gaseous fluid can exit the device housing (4), a reservoir (8) in which a first fluid can be arranged, which is in fluid communication with the device housing (4) and which can be connected to or arranged on the device housing (4), an evaporator unit (10) arranged between the reservoir (8) and the outlet section (6), through which the first fluid can be drawn from the reservoir (8), evaporated and supplied to the outlet section (6), and an adapter (12) comprising at least one adapter body (14) that can be arranged or is arranged on the outlet section (6) of the device housing (4), which comprises at least one continuous channel-like adapter guide (16).by which the evaporated first fluid can be supplied from the outlet section (6) through the adapter body (14) to a vapor outlet area (18) of the adapter body (14), which comprises at least one reservoir unit (20) that can be fixed or is fixed to the adapter body (14) and in which a second fluid can be arranged, which comprises at least one atomizing agent (22) functionally assigned to the reservoir unit (20), which is automatically operable and by which the second fluid can be atomized and supplied to the vapor outlet area (18).