Wick-Based Perfume Atomizer for Controlled Volatility Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing perfume testing methods are complex, impractical, and fail to adequately control the volatility, alcohol content, and mixture of perfumes, leading to unsatisfactory testing results and potential saturation or contamination.
Innovation Solution
An atomizer device with a specific ratio of wick contact surface to mixing compartment volume, combined with an air stream, minimizes volatility and alcohol exposure, ensuring controlled perfume delivery through a small mixing compartment and airtight design, using solenoids and ozone generators for precise control and deodorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional spraying methods are used to test perfume, then the perfume can be delivered to the user, but the high alcohol content and volatility cause saturation and inadequate odor quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (oil or fragrance concentrate) between the alcohol-based perfume and the user's nose. The perfume is first applied to an absorbent material (blotter, tissue, or specialized card) which allows the alcohol to evaporate, leaving only the fragrance oils. This intermediary process filters out the harmful alcohol vapor while delivering the desired perfume scent, resolving the contradiction between delivering perfume and avoiding alcohol saturation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-evaporating the alcohol content before the user tests the perfume. The perfume is applied to an absorbent material in advance, allowing the volatile alcohol components to evaporate naturally or be assisted by controlled heating/airflow. This preliminary evaporation step removes the harmful factor (alcohol) before the actual testing occurs, ensuring only the fragrance oils reach the user.
2Productivity
If multiple perfumes are tested in sequence, then product selection efficiency improves, but physical contact causes contamination and mixture of different perfume odors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable testing elements such as single-use blotters, tissues, or cards that are discarded after one use. Each perfume is applied to a fresh disposable element, eliminating the risk of cross-contamination between different perfumes. The user can quickly move from one perfume to the next by simply discarding the used element and moving to a new one, maintaining both high productivity and odor purity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the testing process by providing separate, isolated testing zones or elements for each perfume. Instead of using a single reusable surface, multiple discrete testing elements are provided, each dedicated to one perfume. This segmentation prevents odor mixing and contamination while allowing rapid sequential testing, as each element can be independently used and discarded.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex mechanical atomizing systems are used, then perfume delivery control improves, but device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical atomizing systems with a simpler application method. Instead of using mechanical pumps, valves, and atomization mechanisms, the perfume is applied directly to an absorbent material using simple dispensing methods (dropper, spray bottle, or pre-filled cartridge). The absorbent material itself performs the function of controlling perfume release through passive capillary action and evaporation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical components while maintaining adequate delivery control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs self-service mechanisms where the absorbent material automatically controls perfume release without external mechanical intervention. The capillary structure of the blotter or tissue naturally draws up the perfume and controls its evaporation rate, providing self-regulating perfume delivery. This eliminates the need for complex mechanical control systems while achieving sufficient precision for testing purposes.
4Device complexity
If fixed transmitter parts are used in the device, then device structure is simplified, but cleaning and deodorization becomes difficult and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the perfume-containing components disposable rather than reusable. The absorbent blotters, tissues, or cards are discarded after single use, eliminating the need for cleaning and deodorization of these elements. The device structure itself remains simple and reusable, while the consumable parts are replaced rather than cleaned, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and cleaning accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the perfume-containing absorbent material as a separate, removable component from the main device structure. This allows the permanent device parts to remain simple and reusable, while the extractable consumable parts are replaced rather than cleaned. The separation enables easy replacement of contaminated elements without disassembling or cleaning the main device, maintaining both structural simplicity and ease of maintenance.
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 consistent, efficient, and simple perfume testing by reducing volatility, alcohol saturation, and preventing contamination, allowing multiple tests without saturation, while maintaining perfume quality and user safety.
Implementation Method 1
a device that integrates the following main elements: A. One or more refillable atomizers, each provided with a memory chip for individual use, in which the contact between the air stream and the perfume may be carried out, as a main body provided with air input from the outside and a perfumed air outlet based on the arrangement of its three main and differentiated compartments, one configured to house the perfume at a lower level, another configured to house a cotton or similar connected to the first one by small holes through which the perfume accesses impregnating the cotton in its entirety by capillarity
Implementation Method 2
an upper mixing compartment configured to direct the air stream to be perfumed by mixing by friction/contact with an outer contact surface of the wick or cotton
Data Source
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AI summary
Perfume testers comprising one or more atomizers are disclosed. The atomizer comprises a liquid compartment and a mixing compartment. The mixing compartment comprises an air inlet and an air outlet. The mixing compartment comprises a mixing opening facing the liquid compartment and the liquid compartment comprises a liquid opening facing the mixing compartment. The mixing opening matches the liquid opening. The atomizer further comprises a wick connecting the liquid compartment and the mixing compartment such that in use the wick fits in the liquid and mixing compartments openings in an airtight manner. The wick extends into the mixing and liquid compartments. A portion of the wick extending into the mixing compartment comprises an outer contact surface and a volume of the mixing compartment is defined such that a ratio between the outer contact surface and the volume of the mixing compartment is at least approximately 0,05:1.