Universal Refill With Multiple Coupling Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refills for evaporating devices are specifically designed for a single type of device, limiting their compatibility and increasing manufacturing and storage costs for manufacturers, as users must purchase refills tailored to their specific device.
Innovation Solution
A refill with multiple coupling means, such as a thread, projection, and ring-shaped flange, allowing it to be used with various evaporating devices by adapting to different coupling mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a refill is designed with a single coupling means for a specific evaporating device, then the coupling reliability is improved, but the adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The refill is designed with multiple coupling means (threaded coupling, snap-fit coupling, and bayonet coupling) so that a single refill can be used with multiple types of evaporating devices. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the refill adaptable to different devices while maintaining reliable coupling through the appropriate coupling mechanism for each device type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of refills are manufactured for different evaporating devices, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of manufacturing separate refills for different device types, the invention provides a universal refill design with multiple coupling means. This approach improves adaptability while reducing manufacturing complexity, as only one refill design needs to be produced rather than multiple device-specific refill variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple coupling mechanisms into a single refill body, combining threaded, snap-fit, and bayonet couplings in one component. This merging eliminates the need for separate refill designs for different devices, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining broad compatibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of refills are manufactured and stored for different evaporating devices, then the adaptability is improved, but the storage costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal refill with multiple coupling means eliminates the need to manufacture and store multiple device-specific refill types. A single refill design serves all evaporating devices, thereby improving adaptability while significantly reducing storage costs by consolidating inventory requirements.
4Reliability
If users purchase device-specific refills, then the coupling reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The universal refill design with multiple coupling means greatly simplifies the user experience. Users no longer need to remember which refill type corresponds to their specific device model, as the same refill works with all evaporating devices. This improves ease of operation while maintaining reliable coupling through the appropriate coupling mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A refill for devices for evaporating volatile substances includes a body (1) provided with a neck (2). The body has a first coupling means (4; 5; 6) for coupling the body to a device (10; 20; 30) for evaporating volatile substances and also at least a second coupling means (4; 5; 6) for coupling the body to a device for evaporating volatile substances (10; 20; 30).The refill can be used with different devices for evaporating volatile substances by using one of said coupling means, depending on the means provided in the device.