Volatile Dispenser Air Pump Reservoir Blockage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wick-based volatile composition dispensers experience blockages due to heavier perfume raw materials, leading to inconsistent flow rates and changing perfume character over time, which affects the delivery of a uniform perfume profile.
Innovation Solution
A volatile composition dispenser with a reservoir, transport member, air pump, and evaporative surface, where the air pump only contacts air, maintaining a consistent flow rate and uniform perfume character by delivering doses of the volatile composition to an evaporative surface, assisted by a heater and fan for evaporation and dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a wick is used to deliver volatile composition, then the construction is simple and operation is easy, but the wick becomes blocked over time causing inconsistent flow rate and changing perfume character
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful wick component is completely removed from the system. Instead of using a wick to deliver the volatile composition, the patent employs a capillary channel formed within the housing structure itself, separating the delivery function from the structural component and eliminating the blockage issue entirely
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure is merged with the capillary channel function. The housing is designed with an integrated capillary channel that serves both as structural support and as the delivery pathway for the volatile composition, eliminating the need for separate wick components
2Device complexity
If a wick is used to deliver volatile composition, then the construction is simple, but the heavier perfume raw materials stick to the wick causing blockages
Solution Approach 1:
The wick component that generates the harmful blockage effect is completely extracted from the system. The capillary channel within the housing provides a smooth, non-adhesive surface that prevents heavier perfume raw materials from sticking and forming blockages
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure, which would normally just provide containment, is designed to incorporate the capillary channel function. This converts the housing into a dual-purpose component that both structures the device and delivers the volatile composition through its capillary action, turning a potential harm (blockages) into a benefit (integrated delivery system)
3Ease of operation
If a wick-based dispenser is used, then the device is easy to operate, but the flow rate declines over time as the wick becomes blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The wick component that causes flow rate degradation is removed entirely. The capillary channel provides a consistent, blockage-free pathway that maintains steady flow rates throughout the product lifecycle while keeping the device equally easy to operate
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary channel is pre-formed within the housing structure during manufacturing, ensuring optimal flow characteristics from the start. This preliminary formation of the delivery pathway prevents future blockages and maintains consistent productivity throughout device 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 solution ensures a consistent flow rate and uniform perfume character over time, preventing blockages and maintaining the intensity and character of the evaporated volatile composition, while the air pump's design extends its lifespan by avoiding contact with the volatile composition.
Implementation Method 1
an air pump in gaseous communication with the air inlet of the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
evaporative surface disposed proximal to the second end portion of the transport member
Implementation Method 3
a heater in communication with the evaporative surface
Implementation Method 4
a fan disposed adjacent to the evaporative surface
Data Source
AI summary
A volatile composition dispenser and a method of dispensing a volatile composition is provided. The volatile composition dispenser includes a reservoir for containing a volatile composition and a transport member having a first end portion and an opposing second end portion, and an evaporative surface. The first end portion of the transport member is in fluid communication with the reservoir and the second end portion of the transport member is in fluid communication with the evaporative surface. The volatile composition dispenser also includes an air pump in gaseous communication with the reservoir.