Volatile-Substance Diffuser With Elastic Piezoelectric Centering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing volatile substance diffusers face issues with inconsistent nebulization due to manufacturing and assembly tolerances, leading to reduced flow rates and potential device failure, and they can generate noise due to metal parts.
Innovation Solution
A device with a capillary element and a piezoelectric element mounted on an elastic element, such as a bellows, which centers perfectly with the capillary element, maintaining consistent pressure and vibration for controlled nebulization, and uses a polymeric material to reduce noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a spring is added to exert pressure on the piezoelectric disc, then the nebulization flow is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic element as an intermediary component between the piezoelectric element and the capillary element. This elastic element mediates the pressure transmission, providing the necessary contact pressure to improve nebulization flow while maintaining a simple structural configuration. The elastic element acts as a buffer that automatically adjusts pressure based on assembly tolerances, eliminating the need for complex spring mechanisms.
2Strength
If metal parts are used in the device, then the structural strength is improved, but noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid metal parts with flexible elastic elements in the pressure transmission mechanism. The elastic element, made of polymeric material, provides the necessary mechanical strength while acting as a vibration damper that reduces noise generation. This flexible component absorbs mechanical vibrations and prevents the transmission of noise throughout the device structure.
3Manufacturing precision
If assembly tolerances are not compensated, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the nebulization consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an elastic element that beforehand cushions against the effects of assembly and manufacturing tolerances. This elastic component is designed to accommodate variations in the positioning of the piezoelectric element and capillary element, ensuring consistent contact pressure and reliable nebulization performance despite tolerances in the manufacturing and assembly processes.
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
Ensures consistent nebulization quality and quantity by compensating for manufacturing and assembly tolerances while minimizing noise through the use of a polymeric elastic element, enhancing device reliability and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
This piezoelectric element vibrates when it is supplied with an alternating supply voltage at a frequency as close to the resonance frequency of the element
Implementation Method 2
a capillary element that transports the active substance in liquid form from a container or reservoir
Implementation Method 3
an elastic element on which said piezoelectric element is mounted, said elastic element being attached to said container or to a housing surrounding said container
Data Source
AI summary
The device for diffusing volatile substances, which comprises a container (1) to house a liquid containing the volatile substances, a capillary element (2) partially housed in said container (1), a perforated element (3) through which volatile substances are diffused, and a piezoelectric element (4) in contact with said perforated element (3) and in contact with the capillary element (2), said piezoelectric element (4) causing the vibration of said capillary element (2), wherein the diffusion device also comprises an elastic element (5) on which said piezoelectric element (4) is mounted, said elastic element (5) being attached to said container (1) or to a housing (6) that surrounds said container (1). Said elastic element allows the piezoelectric element to be perfectly centered with respect to said capillary element.