Spraying device and methods
A spraying device with a frame that houses a reservoir assembly with a cavity for storing liquid, a piezoelectric atomizer configured to spray atomized liquid particles, a power source for the atomizer, a trigger for activating the atomizer, and a magnet that is configured to magnetically couple the device to a mobile device.
1 . A spraying device comprising:
a. a frame,
b. a reservoir assembly, wherein the reservoir assembly is coupled to the frame and comprises a cavity configured to store a liquid;
c. a piezoelectric atomizer configured to spray atomized liquid particles, wherein the atomized liquid particles are derived from the stored liquid;
d. a power source, wherein the power source is configured to power the piezoelectric atomizer;
e. a trigger, wherein the trigger is configured to activate the piezoelectric atomizer;
f. a magnet, wherein the magnet is configured to magnetically couple the device to a mobile device;
g. a conduit, wherein the conduit is configured to allow a flow of liquid to the piezoelectric atomizer; and
h. a flow-blocking mechanism comprising a pinch-valve or clamp, coupled to the conduit, wherein the flow-blocking mechanism is configured to occlude the flow of liquid to the piezoelectric atomizer when the trigger is not activating the piezoelectric atomizer; or wherein the conduit is self-crimping and configured to occlude the flow of liquid to the piezoelectric atomizer when the trigger is not activating the piezoelectric atomizer.
2 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising a chamber contained within or coupled to the cavity, wherein the chamber is configured to store a portion of the liquid from the cavity, and wherein the stored portion of the liquid is stored substantially adjacent to the piezoelectric atomizer.
3 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the liquid is delivered from the reservoir assembly to a vicinity of the piezoelectric atomizer via a wick.
4 . The device of claim 2 , further comprising a valve mechanism configured to regulate a flow of the liquid from the reservoir assembly and into the chamber based on orientation of the device.
5 . The device of claim 4 , wherein the valve mechanism further comprises a one-way valve.
6 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the flow-blocking mechanism is mechanically coupled to the trigger such that actuation of the trigger simultaneously enables activation of the piezoelectric atomizer and fluidic access by releasing the flow-blocking mechanism.
7 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising a rib structure integrated with the reservoir assembly, the cavity, or the frame, wherein the rib structure is configured to resist compression and maintain structural integrity of the reservoir assembly when subjected to external pressure.
8 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the flow-blocking mechanism prevents liquid from leaking from the reservoir assembly.
9 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the atomized liquid particles are between 5 and 50 microns in size.
10 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the liquid comprises a sanitizing agent, a fragrance, a breath spray, a deodorant, a cleaning spray, a beauty liquid, an insect repellent, a personal protection spray, a sunscreen, or a medication.
11 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising an LED configured to illuminate atomized liquid particles during spraying and remain illuminated for a predetermined period of time after spraying.
12 . The device of claim 11 , wherein the LED is a 495 nm blue LED and the liquid comprises a fluorescent agent configured to fluoresce under said LED to visually indicate spray coverage on a target surface.
13 . The device of claim 11 , wherein the predetermined period of time is 10 seconds.
14 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the trigger comprises a sliding button configured to engage the frame and activate the piezoelectric atomizer.
15 . The device of claim 14 , wherein the trigger comprises a sliding switch configured to prevent unintended activation of the piezoelectric atomizer.
16 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the magnet comprises a metal or magnetic ring or strip.
17 . The device of claim 16 , wherein the magnetic ring or strip is configured to couple to a corresponding magnet of the mobile device.
18 . The device of claim 16 , further comprising a frictional surface or pad configured to enhance grip and prevent slippage of the device when magnetically coupled to the mobile device.
19 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising a USB-C connector configured to charge the power source.
20 . The device of claim 19 , wherein the USB-C connector is further configured to illuminate the reservoir assembly during charging.
21 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the cavity has a capacity of 1 to 25 milliliters.
22 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising a control broad disposed within the frame, wherein the control board comprises a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) transceiver, and a mobile device application communicatively coupled to the control board via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), the mobile device application configured to adjust a flow rate of the piezoelectric atomizer.
23 . The device of claim 22 , wherein the flow rate is adjusted based on a distance between the device and a target surface, wherein the distance is determined using a camera of the mobile device.
24 . The device of claim 22 , wherein the application is further configured to monitor spray coverage using a camera of the mobile device.
25 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the reservoir assembly is configured to be detachable from the frame.
26 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the reservoir assembly comprises one or more transparent or translucent panels configured to permit visual inspection of a liquid level.
27 . The device of claim 1 , wherein the device is sized to occupy a space below a rear-facing camera of the mobile device when the device is magnetically coupled thereto.
28 . The device of claim 1 , further comprising a wallet assembly coupled to the frame.
29 . The device of claim 28 , wherein the wallet assembly further comprises a card slot sized to receive a card, cash bills, or combination thereof.
30 . The device of claim 29 , wherein the wallet assembly further comprises one or more retainers configured to hold the card, cash bills, or combination thereof within the slot and one or more through holes configured to facilitate removal of said card, cash bills, or combination thereof.