ClearReach

Distinctions

Discipline : Student

Categories : Students work / Student — Industrial Design / Product / Furniture : Grand Winner

The ClearReach Bottle Diffuser reimagines how traditional medicinal inhalation can be delivered safely, portably, and without heat. The project began as an academic reverse-engineering exploration of ultrasonic atomization technology, examining the internal PCB and battery systems of consumer humidifiers. During this investigation, research into traditional herbal medicine practices revealed that many inhalation treatments still rely on boiling medicinal liquids over open flames, a process that can be hazardous, inefficient, and inaccessible in many environments.

ClearReach addresses this challenge by transforming a standard water bottle into a compact medicinal diffusion system. The device converts liquid traditional medicine into a breathable mist using ultrasonic atomization, eliminating the need for boiling, heating elements, or exposed flames.

The diffuser operates through a simple yet reliable mechanism. A cotton wick draws liquid medicine upward from the bottle, passing through a particulate filter that protects the system and ensures cleaner diffusion. The liquid is then atomized through a vibrating diffusion plate, producing a fine inhalable mist. The device is powered through Micro-USB and controlled through a single button interface that enables continuous diffusion, a timed 15-second pulse cycle, or power off.

Designed as a modular insert that fits directly into a common water bottle, ClearReach creates a portable delivery system that allows traditional medicinal liquids to be stored, cooled, and diffused in a controlled way. The form factor encourages accessibility while minimizing complexity.

The project was developed as applied product design research at Iowa State University. Beginning in September 2025, the design evolved through iterative prototyping, CAD modeling, and experimental testing of particulate filters, cotton wicks, and ultrasonic atomization systems. Experiments focused on optimizing liquid flow and ensuring consistent atomization from bottled medicine.

The resulting system demonstrates a new approach to traditional medicine delivery by combining modern atomization technology with everyday objects. ClearReach improves safety by removing open flames, increases portability through its bottle-based architecture, and expands access to inhalation treatments in environments where conventional boiling methods are impractical.

By bridging traditional medicinal practices with contemporary product design, the ClearReach Bottle Diffuser proposes a safer, more adaptable method for inhaling liquid medicines.

The project in images