Volatile Liquid Dispenser Using Wickable Mesh Evaporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing volatile composition dispensers face limitations such as restricted flexibility in placement due to plug-in requirements and membrane-based diffusion issues that inhibit the emission of certain volatile materials.
Innovation Solution
A dispenser design featuring a housing with a reservoir, a transport member, and an evaporative member comprising a wickable mesh, which allows for efficient evaporation and diffusion of volatile liquids without the need for high power input, enabling flexible placement and broader material compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a plug-in dispenser is used to achieve better performance in emitting volatile compositions, then the emission effectiveness is improved, but the placement flexibility deteriorates because it must be placed close to a wall outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical plug-in connection system with a self-contained battery-powered system. The dispenser uses an internal power source (battery) instead of requiring external electrical outlets, enabling it to be placed anywhere without being constrained by wall outlet locations. This substitution of the power delivery mechanism resolves the contradiction between emission effectiveness and placement flexibility.
2Productivity
If membranes are used to control volatile material diffusion, then the diffusion control is improved, but the material compatibility deteriorates because certain types of volatile materials are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the membrane component from the volatile material delivery system. Instead of using membranes to control diffusion, the invention employs a wick-based capillary action system that allows direct contact between the volatile liquid and the evaporative surface. This extraction of the membrane element eliminates the material compatibility restrictions while maintaining diffusion control through the wick structure and airflow dynamics.
3Productivity
If high power input is used to achieve efficient evaporation and diffusion, then the evaporation rate is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-regulating capillary wick system that automatically transports volatile liquid to the evaporative surface without requiring external power input for pumping or forcing the liquid. The capillary action provides continuous liquid supply to the wick, which then delivers it to the evaporative surface where ambient air flow and temperature facilitate evaporation. This self-service mechanism achieves efficient evaporation while minimizing energy consumption, as the system uses passive physical processes rather than active powered components.
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 dispenser effectively evaporates and diffuses volatile compositions with low power consumption, providing flexible placement options and improved emission of a wide range of volatile materials, enhancing user experience and product versatility.
Implementation Method 1
The evaporative member comprises a wickable mesh
Implementation Method 2
an evaporative member in fluid communication, preferably in contact, with the transport member
Implementation Method 3
devices often comprise membranes that limit the diffusion of certain types of volatile materials
Data Source
AI summary
A dispenser for a volatile liquid composition includes a housing; a reservoir holding the liquid composition; a transport member for the liquid composition; and an evaporative member in fluid communication with the transport member. The evaporative member includes a wickable mesh. A method for dispensing a volatile liquid composition using a dispenser includes the step of wetting the evaporative member with the liquid composition; and evaporating the composition from the evaporative member.