Fragrance Delivery Device
The fragrance delivery device with a porous body and reservoir efficiently disperses liquid fragrance by evaporation, addressing issues of traditional air fresheners, ensuring consistent fragrance release and aesthetic appeal without power requirements.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025530042
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-05-04
- Filing Date
- 2023-11-22
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-07
AI Technical Summary
Traditional air fresheners suffer from low evaporation rates, poor product life, mediocre aesthetics, limited shapes and forms, variable fragrance release, and the need for active power sources, while existing devices do not effectively disperse liquid fragrance compositions.
A fragrance delivery device with a porous body portion containing a network of fluidly connected passageways and a reservoir for liquid fragrance, designed to absorb and disperse the fragrance by evaporation, utilizing triply periodic minimal surface geometries for efficient fragrance distribution.
The device provides efficient and uniform fragrance dispersion without the need for power sources, offering improved aesthetics and consistent fragrance release over time.
Smart Images

Figure 2025536791000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 384,866, filed November 23, 2022, and European Patent Application No. 23171479.1, filed May 4, 2023, the entire contents of which are expressly incorporated herein by this reference.
[0002] Technical Field The present disclosure relates to the field of perfumery, and more precisely to devices and related consumer articles for dispensing liquid fragrance compositions into ambient spaces.
[0003] background Air care devices, typically air freshener devices, for distributing liquid fragrance compositions into surrounding spaces are known. Many air fresheners are commercially available in various forms, such as reed or wick diffusers, electrical plug-in devices, aerosols, or sprays. The fragrance composition of such air fresheners may be a fragrance oil, or a mixture of several fragrance oils in the presence or absence of a suitable solvent, or a colloidal solution such as a microemulsion. However, although they offer certain advantages, such as freshening the air or masking or eliminating malodors, traditional liquid air fresheners often suffer from certain drawbacks and limitations.
[0004] For example, air freshener performance may be unsatisfactory due to limited or even unacceptable fragrance performance, which is typically associated with low evaporation rates, poor product life, mediocre aesthetics, limited shapes and forms, variable fragrance release, variable odor quality, and / or the need for an active power source such as a heater, battery, or electricity, and the use of generally non-premium materials.
[0005] WO 2020 / 058373 discloses a device comprising a body portion and at least one active composition selected from the group consisting of an active composition comprising a wax, an active composition comprising a hydrogel, an active composition comprising an oleogel, an active composition comprising an organogel, or a mixture thereof, but does not disclose the use of a liquid fragrance composition.
[0006] As a result, there is a need for a simple and efficient fragrance delivery device that disperses a liquid fragrance composition into the surrounding space by evaporation and that alleviates one or more of the aforementioned drawbacks.
[0007] Summary of the Invention In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising: a) a body portion comprising a porous material, having an interior volume and at least one surface; the interior space includes at least one network of a plurality of fluidly connected passageways; the at least one network of fluidly connected passages having at least one first end and at least one second end; the at least one first end and the at least one second end are spaced apart by a distance; at least one of the first end or the second end is fluidly connected to the at least one surface; Each individual passage in the plurality of passages has a cross section; the distance and the cross-section of each passage in the plurality of passages define a surface; The main body part and b) at least one reservoir containing a liquid fragrance composition fluidly connected to said body portion; the fluid connection is configured to draw the liquid fragrance composition into the porous material of the body portion; the porous material of the body portion is configured to absorb the liquid fragrance composition; and The surface of the portion of the body is configured to disperse the liquid fragrance composition by evaporation. At least one reservoir; The present invention relates to an apparatus comprising:
[0008] In a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for dispersing a liquid fragrance composition into a surrounding space by evaporation, comprising placing a device as described herein in a space in need thereof and allowing the liquid fragrance composition to evaporate from the device.
[0009] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising: a) a body portion comprising a porous material, having an interior volume and at least one surface; the interior space includes at least one network of a plurality of fluidly connected passageways; the at least one network of fluidly connected passages having at least one first end and at least one second end; the at least one first end and the at least one second end are spaced apart by a distance; at least one of the first end or the second end is fluidly connected to the at least one surface; Each individual passage in the plurality of passages has a cross section; the distance and the cross-section of each passage in the plurality of passages define a surface; The main body part and b) at least one reservoir containing a liquid fragrance composition; The present invention relates to a kit comprising: [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of an apparatus according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates another embodiment of an apparatus according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 illustrates yet another embodiment of an apparatus according to some aspects of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]FIG. 1 shows the mass loss (grams / day) of two comparative scaffolds. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 shows mass loss (grams / day) over time for two exemplary scaffolds according to the present disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 shows the mass loss (grams / day) over time for two other exemplary scaffolds according to the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 shows the mass loss (grams / day) of an exemplary scaffold under various conditions. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 shows the mass loss (grams / day) of another exemplary scaffold under various conditions. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 shows the mass loss (grams / day) of yet another exemplary scaffold under various conditions. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary device with dual reservoirs and a dual gyroid scaffold. [Figure 11] 1A-1C are two views of a fragrance delivery device featuring a central reservoir that can be refilled using any dispensing device. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary fragrance delivery device having a single reservoir. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary fragrance delivery device having a single reservoir. [Figure 14] 1A-1C illustrate exemplary fragrance delivery devices made from ceramic materials. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 illustrates another exemplary fragrance delivery device made from a ceramic material. [Figure 16] FIG. 1 shows the average daily mass loss rate versus time for an exemplary fragrance device and various controls. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 shows three variations of a scaffold with a triply periodic minimal surface geometry with connected wicks. [Figure 18]FIG. 10 illustrates a variation of a triple periodic minimal surface feature scaffold with connected wicks and reservoirs. [Figure 19] FIG. 10 shows the average daily mass loss rate versus time for an exemplary fragrance device having a shell-printed and a regular-printed scaffold and a connected wick.
[0011] Detailed Description The following detailed description describes various aspects and embodiments provided herein. The description should be read from the perspective of a person skilled in the art. Therefore, it does not necessarily include information that is known to such a person skilled in the art. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the art that the various aspects and embodiments provided herein can be combined in any way without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.
[0012] The following terms and phrases have the meanings indicated below unless otherwise specified herein. The present disclosure may use other terms and phrases not expressly defined herein. Such other terms and phrases have the meanings they would have to one of ordinary skill in the art within the context of the present disclosure. In some cases, terms or phrases may be defined in the singular or plural. In such cases, it is understood that any singular term can include its plural counterpart, and vice versa, unless expressly stated to the contrary. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which this specification pertains.
[0013] As used herein, the terms "a," "an," or "the" mean "one or more" or "at least one," unless otherwise specified.
[0014] Although compositions and methods are described in terms of "comprising," "containing," or "including" various components or steps, the compositions and methods can also "consist essentially of" or "consist of" various components, materials, and steps. As used herein, the term "consisting essentially of" shall be interpreted to mean including the recited components, materials, or steps and additional components, materials, or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the composition or method. In some embodiments, compositions according to embodiments of the present disclosure "consisting essentially of" the recited components or materials do not contain additional components or materials that alter the basic and novel characteristics of the composition.
[0015] It should be understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to include all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of "1 to 10" is intended to include all subranges between and including the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, i.e., having a minimum value of 1 or more and a maximum value of 10 or less. The disclosed numerical ranges are continuous and therefore include all values between the minimum and maximum values. Unless otherwise specified, the various numerical ranges specified in this application are approximations.
[0016] As used herein, the term "about" or "approximately," unless otherwise indicated, refers to an acceptable error for a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which depends in part on how the value is measured or determined. In certain embodiments, the term "about" or "approximately" means within 1, 2, 3, or 4 standard deviations. In certain embodiments, the term "about" or "approximately" means within 50%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%, 0.5%, or 0.05% of a given value or range.
[0017] Throughout this disclosure, various publications may be incorporated by reference. If the meaning of any words in such a publication incorporated by reference conflicts with the meaning of the words in this disclosure, the meaning of the words in this disclosure shall control unless otherwise indicated.
[0018] As used herein, "or" should be given its broadest reasonable interpretation and should not be limited to either-or configurations. Thus, the phrase "comprising A or B" means that A is present and B is not present, or B is present and A is not present, or both A and B are present. Furthermore, for example, if A defines a class that can have multiple members, e.g., A1 and A2, one or more members of the class can be present at the same time.
[0019] As used herein, "for example," "for instance," "such as," or "including" means introducing an example that further clarifies a more general subject matter. Unless otherwise expressly stated, such examples are provided merely as an aid in understanding the embodiments set forth in this disclosure and are not meant to be limiting in any way. These terms do not imply any kind of preference for the disclosed embodiments.
[0020] In a first aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising: a) a body portion comprising a porous material, having an interior volume and at least one surface; the interior space includes at least one network of a plurality of fluidly connected passageways; the at least one network of fluidly connected passages having at least one first end and at least one second end; the at least one first end and the at least one second end are spaced apart by a distance; at least one of the first end or the second end is fluidly connected to the at least one surface; Each individual passage in the plurality of passages has a cross section; the distance and the cross-section of each passage in the plurality of passages define a surface; The main body part and b) at least one reservoir containing a liquid fragrance composition fluidly connected to said body portion; the fluid connection is configured to draw the liquid fragrance composition into the porous material of the body portion; the porous material of the body portion is configured to absorb the liquid fragrance composition; and the surface of the body portion is configured to disperse the liquid fragrance composition by evaporation; At least one reservoir; The present invention relates to an apparatus comprising:
[0021] In some embodiments, at least one of the first or second ends is open. In some embodiments, each individual passageway in the plurality of passageways has one or more branches.
[0022] The body portion of the device can have any cross-sectional shape, for example, an irregular shape, a square, a rectangle, a circle, an oval, a diamond, a semicircle, a trapezoid, etc. In some embodiments, the body portion has a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of an irregular shape, a square, a rectangle, a circle, an oval, a diamond, a semicircle, and a trapezoid.
[0023] Without intending to be limited to any particular theory, the surface provides a body portion having a structure with porosity, surface area and volume that can be configured to disperse a liquid fragrance composition.
[0024] As used herein, porosity includes macroporosity and microporosity. The terms "macroporous," "macroporous," or "macropore" refer to pores with an opening diameter of 1 mm or more, typically 5 mm or more, and more typically 10 mm or more. Without intending to be limited to any particular theory, this type of porosity allows air to penetrate deep into the center of the object, facilitating evaporation of fragrance compounds. As described herein, the macropores are defined by the surface shape of the device's main body and are not affected by the manufacturing method.
[0025] On the other hand, the terms "microporous," "microporous," or "micropores" refer to pores with an opening diameter of less than 1 mm. In contrast to macropores, micropores result from the manufacturing method used. For example, when powder bed fusion, such as sintering or multi-jet fusion, is used in additive manufacturing, the choice of particle size of the powder used can result in micropores of a specific size.
[0026] As used herein, there are three different types of porosity: total porosity, closed porosity, and open porosity. Total porosity is the sum of the open and closed porosity of a material. Closed porosity defines the ratio of the volume of pores not connected to the outside air compared to the enveloped volume. Here, the enveloped volume represents the total volume of an object based on its external dimensions (i.e., as if "shrink-wrapped"). Closed pores are not available for fluid transport or movement of liquid fragrance oils or fragrance compositions. Open porosity is a measure of the volume of open pores and pores connected to the outside air compared to the total enveloped volume of an object. These pores can be connected to the outside air and allow fluid movement within the structure and through the surface.
[0027] The macropores are defined by surfaces, which may be triply periodic minimal surface geometries or their analogs. The surfaces represent the roots of equations using periodic functions (e.g., sin, cos, tan) or hyperbolic functions (e.g., sinh, cosh, tanh) in three directions (x, y, and z). These surfaces typically form many connected wavy surfaces that lead to an intertwined labyrinth. Interestingly, they also form a desirable aesthetic and "organic" appearance. Examples of triply periodic minimal surface geometries suitable for use with the present disclosure can be found, for example, in Gyroid and Gyroid-Like Surfaces: Rudolf, M., & Scherer, J. (2013), SI Publishing (Ed.), Double-Gyroid-Structured Functional Materials (pp. 7-19)). Additional examples of triply periodic minimal surface features suitable for use with embodiments presented herein are disclosed in S. Andersson K. Larsson M. Larsson M. Jacob. (1999). Biomathematics, Mathematics of Biostructures and Biodynamics. Elsevier Science.
[0028] In some embodiments, the triply periodic minimal surface shape is selected from the group consisting of a gyroid shape, a lysinoid shape, a Schwartz D "diamond" shape, or a Schwartz P "primitive" structural shape.
[0029] In some embodiments, the surface is defined by a triply periodic minimal surface shape, as follows: φ G =F(x,y,z)=sin(x)·cos(y)+sin(y)cos(z)+sin(z)cos(x)=T Equation 1 is defined according to
[0030] Varying the value of T can change the porosity, surface area, and / or volume of the body portion. For example, when T = 0, the body portion is exactly divided into two distinct enantiomeric interpenetrating single-gyroid volumes (both 50%). Each of the two distinct interpenetrating single-gyroid volumes contains a distinct network of multiple hollow passages (referred to herein as "internal space A" and "internal space B"). When the value of T is between 0 and 1.413, the volume of internal space A increases and the volume of internal space B decreases. Similarly, when the value of T is between 0 and -1.413, the opposite occurs: the volume of internal space B increases and the volume of internal space A decreases. When the absolute value of T is between 1.413 and 1.5, the surfaces are no longer connected. When the absolute value of T exceeds 1.5, no practical solution to Equation 1 exists.
[0031] In one embodiment, the value of T is selected from the numbers 0 to 1.43.
[0032] In another embodiment, the value of T is selected from the numbers 0 to −1.43.
[0033] In one embodiment, at least one surface is defined by a triply periodic minimal surface shape, as defined by the following Equation 2: F(x,y,z)=(A1sin(B1x+C1)+D1)·(A2cos(B2y+C2)+D2)+(A3sin(B3y+C3)+D3)·(A4cos(B4z+C4)+D4)+(A5sin(B5z+C5)+D5)·(A6cos(B6x+C6)+D6)=T formula 2 where A is amplitude, B is frequency, C is phase shift, and D is vertical shift, and at least one of A, B, C, or D may vary in at least one of the x, y, or z directions of the body portion.
[0034] Using Equation 2 as an example, the fundamental sine wave of y=sin(x) can be modified as follows: y=A*sin(Bx+C)+D, where A through D represent parameters that change the amplitude, frequency, phase shift, and vertical shift, respectively. By changing these variables in one or all of the trigonometric functions in Equation 2 (or similar equations), different geometric shapes can be obtained.
[0035] In one embodiment, at least one surface is defined by a triply periodic minimal surface shape, as defined by Equation 3: φ D =F(x,y,z)=sin(x)·sin(y)·sin(z)+sin(x)·cos(y)·cos(z)+cos(x)·sin(y)·cos(z)+cos(x)·cos(y)·sin(z)=0 Equation 3 is defined according to
[0036] The surface can be defined by combining multiple equations that define a triple-periodic minimal surface shape, as disclosed in, for example, Venkatesh, V., Reddy, K.A.K., & Sreekanth, E. (2014). Design of Mathematically Defined Heterogeneous Porous Scaffold Architecture for Tissue Engineering, 10(24), 1169-1174. For example, a triple-periodic minimal surface shape can be defined by combining Equation 1 and Equation 3 to obtain Equation 4: φ mix = μ φ G +(1-μ)φ D =0 formula 4 where μ ranges from 0 to 1. In one embodiment, μ is 0.5.
[0037] In one embodiment, the surface is defined by a triply periodic minimal surface shape created by generative design and / or field-driven design. As used herein, generative design refers to the use of computational methods to generate triply periodic minimal surface shapes that meet desired parameters, such as performance or space requirements, materials, manufacturing methods, and cost constraints. As used herein, field-driven design refers to the variation of a triply periodic minimal surface shape according to one or more fields. As used herein, a field is a distribution of points in 3D space, where each point is assigned a value and can be defined by points (such as a radially varying field), a plane, an implicit model, or simulation data such as computational fluid dynamics data. The triply periodic minimal surface shape then varies spatially according to one or more fields. For example, 3D computational fluid dynamics data, typically data simulating airflow, such as laminar airflow, turbulent airflow, or convective airflow, can be used to generate an air velocity field, with each point in the field representing an air velocity. The air velocity field is then used to create triply periodic minimal surface shapes with higher surface areas in regions of low air velocity and lower surface areas in regions of high air velocity to provide desired effects such as more balanced and more uniform evaporation of the liquid fragrance composition. Suitable software for utilizing generative design and / or field-driven design includes, but is not limited to, AutoCAD (Autodesk) or nTopology (nTopology, Inc.).
[0038] Triple periodic surfaces, such as those described herein, offer several advantages when used to dispense liquid fragrance compositions. Triple periodic surfaces share the desirable properties of bifurcating, trifurcating, tetrafurcating, or even multifurcating (branching). Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, it is believed that as molecules evaporate from the interior surface, there are multiple paths for the molecules to "find their way out" of the labyrinthine structure. As the molecules move throughout the object, they have many "decision points" that either transport them directly to the outside air or, in some cases, transport them deeper into the shape. This randomization of path lengths can serve as a means to further "mix" the fragrance and should help linearize fragrance performance in terms of character and / or intensity. Such triple periodic surfaces have been shown to have excellent mechanical strength and a relatively low pressure drop for flow across the object, facilitating air movement through the object despite its high surface area. Another advantage of such shapes is the prevention of clogging or blockage. There are so many paths for fluid to travel that a blockage / restriction in one channel allows continued flow in many other paths.
[0039] A cross-section of each individual passage in the plurality of passages varies in at least one of the x, y, or z directions of the body portion, hi one embodiment, the cross-section of each individual passage in the plurality of passages is larger at the center of the body portion than at the periphery of the body portion.
[0040] In another embodiment, the cross section of each individual passage in the plurality of passages is larger at the periphery of the body portion than at the center of the body portion. Without intending to be limited to any particular theory, varying the cross section of each individual passage in the plurality of passages may alter the evaporation rate of the liquid fragrance composition.
[0041] Without intending to be limited to any particular theory, a cross-section of each individual passage within the plurality of passages may be varied in at least one of the x, y, or z directions of the body portion, thereby producing a body portion having a radial porosity gradient, where the term "porosity gradient" refers to the variation in cross-section of each individual passage within the plurality of passages in at least one of the x, y, or z directions of the body portion.
[0042] In one embodiment, the cross section of each individual passage within the plurality of passages can be varied by varying the frequency parameter of any one of Equations 1-4 in at least one of the x, y, or z directions of the body portion.
[0043] In one embodiment, the cross section of each individual passage within the plurality of passages can be varied by varying the amplitude parameter of any one of Equations 1-4 in at least one of the x, y, or z directions of the body portion.
[0044] In one embodiment, the cross section of each individual passage within the plurality of passages can be varied by varying the phase shift parameter of any one of Equations 1-4 in at least one of the x, y, or z directions of the body portion.
[0045] In one embodiment, the cross-section of each individual passage within the plurality of passages can be varied by varying the vertical shift parameter of any one of Equations 1-4 in at least one of the x, y, or z directions of the body portion.
[0046] In one embodiment, the cross section of each individual passage within the plurality of passages can be varied by varying μ in Equation 4 above as a function of distance in at least one of the x, y, or z directions of the body portion, where μ ranges from 0 to 1.
[0047] In one embodiment, the cross-section of each individual passage within the plurality of passages can be altered by varying μ in Equation 4 to introduce a porosity gradient in at least one of the x, y, or z directions of the body portion.
[0048] In some embodiments, the cross section of each individual passageway within the plurality of passageways is at least 1 mm, typically at least 5 mm, and more typically at least 10 mm.
[0049] In one embodiment, the body portion includes two networks of a plurality of fluidly connected passageways, hi one embodiment, the first and second networks do not interconnect.
[0050] In some embodiments, the body portion includes three networks of a plurality of fluidly connected passageways, hi one embodiment, the first, second, and third networks are not interconnected.
[0051] The device may be configured to be compact with a small footprint while having a high surface area. Thus, in some embodiments, the device is at least 1 cm 2 :cm 3 , or at least 2 cm 2 :cm 3 , or at least 3 cm 2 :cm 3 , or at least 4 cm 2 :cm 3 , or at least 5 cm 2 :cm 3 In some embodiments, the device has a surface area to volume ratio of at least 6 cm 2 :cm 3 , or at least 7 cm 2 :cm 3 , or at least 8 cm 2 :cm 3 , or at least 9 cm 2 :cm 3 , or at least 10 cm 2 :cm 3 has a surface area to volume ratio of
[0052] In some embodiments, a random line drawn through the center of the device will intersect at least one surface on average at least 2, or 3, or 4, or more times, hi some embodiments, a random line drawn through the center of the device will intersect at least one surface on average at least 5, or 10, or 20, or more times.
[0053] As described herein, open porosity is a measure of the volume of open pores and holes connected to the atmosphere compared to the total enveloped volume of an object. These pores can be connected to the atmosphere and allow fluid movement within the structure and through the surface. Open porosity can be measured according to any method known to those skilled in the art. For example, a helium pycnometer can be used, in which helium gas penetrates the open pores of a material under applied pressure. Thus, the closed porosity and volume of the material itself can be "seen." By comparing this to the enveloped volume, the open porosity can be determined. Another exemplary method would be the use of mercury porosimetry, which is based on the intrusion of mercury into a porous structure under controlled pressure to measure the open pore volume, as well as the pore size and pore size distribution.
[0054] In some embodiments, the body portion has an open porosity of 0.01 to 0.9.
[0055] In some embodiments, the body portion comprises a plurality of pores, the pores having a size of less than 1,000 μm.
[0056] The body portion comprises a porous material, typically a microporous material. Suitable porous materials for the body portion include, but are not limited to, porous porcelain materials, plastics, molded ceramics, fiberglass, clay, activated carbon, cellulose, wood, such as wood pulp and wood fiber, and any combination thereof.
[0057] Plastics suitable for use with the present disclosure may be thermoplastic and / or thermoset materials. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, thermoplastic materials are materials that become flexible or moldable at a certain elevated temperature and solidify upon cooling, while thermoset materials are materials obtained by irreversibly hardening ("curing") a soft solid or viscous liquid prepolymer. Plastics suitable for use with the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene, polylactic acid (PLA), polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamides such as polyphthalamide and nylon; polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate; polypropylene, polyacrylate, polysulfone, polyurethane, polyetherimide, polyesterimide, and polyaryletherketones such as polyetheretherketone and polyetherketoneketone, and any combination or copolymer thereof.
[0058] In one embodiment, the body portion comprises nylon, polypropylene, or a combination thereof.
[0059] The porous material may further include support materials that are removed during post-processing and include, but are not limited to, water-soluble materials such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), breakaway materials, and waxes.
[0060] The porous material may further comprise a biodegradable material, such as a bioplastic. Exemplary bioplastics include, but are not limited to, starch-based plastics, cellulose-based plastics, protein-based plastics, aliphatic polyesters such as polylactic acid, polyamide 11, bio-based polyethylene, and the like.
[0061] The porous material may be any other suitable material selected from the materials disclosed in Wohler, T. (2016). Wohlers Report 2016 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing State of the Industry. Annual Worldwide Progress Report. Wohlers Associates, Inc.
[0062] In one embodiment, the porous material is selected from the group consisting of plastics, metals, UV cured polymers, and mixtures thereof.
[0063] The body portion may be formed by any suitable method readily selected by one of ordinary skill in the art, including, but not limited to, casting, additive manufacturing ("3D printing"), injection molding, etc.
[0064] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, objects produced by additive manufacturing processes are typically created in 3D modeling or CAD software, such as ShapeJS (Shapeways), Blender (Blender Foundation), AutoCAD (Autodesk), Solidworks (Dassault Systemes), nTopology (nTopology, Inc.), etc. The resulting shape is then manufactured accordingly.
[0065] Exemplary additive manufacturing methods suitable for use with the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, extrusion, such as fused deposition modeling; resin curing processes, such as stereolithography with direct laser writing, digital light processing (DLP), continuous liquid interface manufacturing (CLIP), and continuous digital light manufacturing; powder bed fusion, such as selective laser sintering, binder jetting, material jetting, and multi-jet fusion.
[0066] In one embodiment, the body portion and / or wick are each formed by powder bed fusion, typically selective laser sintering or multi-jet fusion. In one embodiment, the body portion and / or wick are each formed by shell printing. As used herein, "shell printing" (also referred to as "skin-core processing") refers to a powder bed fusion technique in which only a thin skin layer is 3D printed, encapsulating unfused bonding powder inside the object. Without wishing to be bound by theory, shell printing allows for increased open porosity. When shell printing is used, the unfused bonding powder inside should not be inaccessible to the liquid fragrance composition. Thus, in some embodiments, the body portion and / or wick each include one or more inlet holes large enough to allow liquid to enter but small enough to allow the powder to remain inside the shape. In one embodiment, the inlet holes are less than 1 mm in diameter, typically 0.01 to 1 mm, more typically 0.1 to 1 mm.
[0067] The structure of the body portion may be defined by at least one solid surface. In some embodiments, the structure of the body portion may be defined by at least one perforated surface. Examples of perforated surfaces include, but are not limited to, wireframe, mosaic, fiber, trabecular structures, and the like.
[0068] The device of the present disclosure includes at least one reservoir containing a liquid fragrance composition fluidly connected to the body portion.
[0069] As used herein, a reservoir may be any space or void capable of holding a liquid fragrance composition. The space or void acting as a reservoir may be provided by a container or may be a space or void inside the body portion of the device. The container acting as a reservoir may be constructed from a liquid-impermeable material, such as glass or plastic, and typically includes an opening through which the liquid fragrance composition is fluidly connected to the body portion. In one embodiment, the body portion is external to the reservoir, and the liquid fragrance composition is drawn from the reservoir to the body portion of the device via a fluid connection.
[0070] In another embodiment, the body portion is partially immersed in the liquid fragrance composition in the reservoir, in such an embodiment the body portion is in direct contact with the liquid fragrance composition, which is drawn into the body portion and dispersed therefrom by evaporation.
[0071] In some embodiments, the reservoir is a space or void inside the body portion of the device. In such embodiments, the body portion is in direct contact with the liquid fragrance composition, which is drawn into the body portion and dispersed therefrom by evaporation. In some embodiments, it is envisioned that the interior space or void is surrounded by a region of low porosity fluidly connected to a region of high porosity. The region of low porosity acts as a "well" but is at least partially permeable to the liquid fragrance composition. In some embodiments, a coating can be placed on the bottom of the body portion of the device to prevent leakage.
[0072] In some embodiments, the reservoir is provided by a liquid-permeable container, such as a container made of a porous material, inside the body portion of the device. In such embodiments, the body portion is in fluid contact with the liquid fragrance composition through the walls of the liquid-permeable container inside the body portion. The liquid fragrance composition is drawn into the body portion, and evaporation causes the liquid fragrance composition to disperse therefrom. In some embodiments, a coating can be placed on the bottom of the body portion of the device to prevent leakage.
[0073] In some embodiments, a device according to the present disclosure comprises two or more reservoirs, typically two reservoirs. In such embodiments, the device contains two or more liquid fragrance compositions, each reservoir having one liquid fragrance composition. In one embodiment, the two or more liquid fragrance compositions are the same. In another embodiment, the two or more liquid fragrance compositions are different.
[0074] As used herein, the term "liquid fragrance composition" refers to a liquid that is at least partially volatile, i.e., capable of evaporating, and that can impart a fragrance or other benefit to the surrounding space.
[0075] The liquid air freshener composition is a low-viscosity liquid at room temperature (25°C). Thus, in one embodiment, the liquid air freshener composition has a viscosity of about 0.1 to about 10,000 mPa·s. In one embodiment, the liquid air freshener composition has a viscosity of about 0.1 to about 1,000 mPa·s. In one embodiment, the liquid air freshener composition has a viscosity of about 0.1 to about 100 mPa·s.
[0076] The liquid fragrance composition should have sufficient wetting ability between the fragrance liquid and the porous material used in the main body of the device. In some instances, the porous material used in the device may be surface treated or selected to improve the wetting angle, allowing for faster or more complete wetting. Those skilled in the art will be able to use a sessile drop tensiometer to determine the wetting angle between the fragrance liquid and the porous material and modify the formulation as desired.
[0077] In one embodiment, the liquid fragrance composition has a density of about 0.7 to about 1.3 g / mL. In one embodiment, the liquid fragrance composition has a surface tension of about 10 to about 70 mN / m.
[0078] Liquid fragrance compositions may contain 40% to 100% by weight of fragrance, typically comprising chemicals or essential oils. In one embodiment, the liquid fragrance composition contains 60% to 100% by weight of fragrance. The remainder of these formulations may include solvents, dyes, colorants, antioxidants, UV inhibitors, bittering agents, etc., as commonly known to those skilled in the art.
[0079] In some embodiments, the liquid fragrance composition is a perfume. The perfume may be any component or mixture of components currently used in perfumery, i.e., capable of exerting a fragrance effect. More often, however, perfumes are more or less complex mixtures of components of natural or synthetic origin. The nature and type of components do not warrant a more detailed description herein, and are in any case not exhaustive; those skilled in the art can select them based on their general knowledge and in accordance with the intended use or application and the desired organoleptic effect. Generally speaking, these fragrance components belong to various chemical classes, such as alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, esters, ethers, acetates, nitrites, terpene hydrocarbons, nitrogen or sulfur heterocyclic compounds, and essential oils of natural or synthetic origin. Many of these components are listed in various references, such as the book "Perfume and Flavor Chemicals" by S. Arctander (1969, Montclair, NJ, USA), or its more recent versions, or other works of a similar nature, as well as the abundant patent literature in the field of perfumery.
[0080] In some embodiments, the fragrance effect may further include providing a sensory and / or emotional benefit, or alternatively, the fragrance effect may be configured to prevent user habituation to the perfume. The sensory and / or emotional benefit may be provided by the addition of additional agents to the liquid fragrance composition. For example, by way of illustration, the fragrance composition may further include a cooling compound that provides a cooling sensation to the user.
[0081] While particular reference has been made above to the fragrance effect that can be achieved by the device of the present disclosure, the same principles apply to similar devices for dispersing deodorizing or disinfecting vapors, with perfumes being replaced by deodorizing compositions, antibacterial agents, insecticides, insect repellents, or insect attractants. As used herein, the term "disinfecting vapor" refers to the vapor of a substance that can increase the acceptability of the air around an observer, but also to the vapor of a substance that can exert an attractive or repellent effect on certain species of insects, such as houseflies or mosquitoes, or other substances that can have bactericidal or bacteriostatic activity. Mixtures of such agents can also be used.
[0082] Liquid fragrance compositions may also contain optional ingredients that act as, for example, solvents, thickeners, antioxidants, dyes, bittering agents, and UV inhibitors.
[0083] In some embodiments, the liquid fragrance composition further comprises one or more solvents, which may be useful for providing a single-phase liquid and / or for adjusting the evaporation rate of the liquid fragrance composition into the ambient air. The solvent may belong to the family of isoparaffins, paraffins, hydrocarbons, glycols, glycol ethers, glycol ether esters, esters, or ketones.
[0084] Examples of commercially available solvents suitable for use in the present disclosure include Isopar® H, J, K, L, M, P, or V (isoparaffins; origin: Exxon Chemical), Norpar® 12 or 15 (paraffins; origin: Exxon Chemical), Exxsol® D155 / 170, D40, D180 / 200, D220 / 230, D60, D70, D80, D100, D110, or D120 (dearomatized hydrocarbons; origin: Exxon Chemical), Dowanol® PM, DPM, TPM, PnB, DPnB, TPnB, PnP, or DPnP (glycol ethers; origin: Dow Chemical Company), Eastman® EP, EB, EEH, DM, DE, DP, or DB (glycol ethers; origin: Eastman Chemical), Company), Dowanol® PMA or PGDA (glycol ether esters; manufacturer: Dow Chemical Company) or solvents known under the trade names Eastman® EB Acetate, Eastman® DE Acetate, Eastman® DB Acetate, Eastman EEP (all glycol ether esters; all manufacturer: Eastman Chemical Company).
[0085] Other solvents suitable for use in the present disclosure include dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol, ethylene glycol ethyl ether acetate, ethylene glycol diacetate, isopropyl myristate, diethyl phthalate, 2-ethylhexyl acetate, methyl n-amyl ketone, or diisobutyl ketone.
[0086] The total amount of solvent present in the liquid fragrance composition may vary from 0.0% to 80% by weight, alternatively from 30% to 70% by weight, based on the total weight of the liquid fragrance composition.
[0087] The liquid freshener composition may optionally include a thickener, so long as the viscosity of the liquid freshener composition is not so high that it prevents the composition from being drawn into the body portion or causes clogging. Non-limiting examples of useful thickener components include ethyl cellulose (commercially available examples from Hercules Inc.), fumed silica (commercially available examples from Degussa), and styrene-butadiene-styrene block copolymers (commercially available examples from Shell).
[0088] In some embodiments, the total amount of thickener present in the liquid fragrance composition may vary from 0.0% to 10% by weight, alternatively from 1% to 4% by weight, based on the total weight of the liquid fragrance composition.
[0089] Non-limiting examples of useful antioxidant components include sterically hindered amines, i.e., derivatives of 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-piperidine, such as those known under the tradenames Uvinul® (manufacturer BASF AG) or Tinuvin® (manufacturer: Ciba Speciality Chemicals), as well as alkylated hydroxyarene derivatives, such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT).
[0090] In some embodiments, the total amount of antioxidant present in the liquid fragrance composition may vary from 0.0% to 10% by weight, alternatively from 1% to 4% by weight, based on the total weight of the liquid fragrance composition.
[0091] The liquid fragrance composition may contain other optional ingredients, such as dyes. Suitable dyes may be oil-soluble and can be found in the Colour Index International, published by The Society of Dyers and Colourists. Non-limiting examples of suitable dyes include derivatives of the anthraquinone, methine, azo, triarylmethane, triphenylmethane, azine, aminoketone, spirooxazine, thioxanthene, phthalocyanine, perylene, benzopyran or perinone families. Examples of such dyes that are commercially available are Sandoplast® Violet RSB, Violet FBL, Green GSB, Blue 2B or Savinyl® Blue RS (all anthraquinone derivatives; manufacturer: Clariant Huningue SA), Oilsol® Blue DB (anthraquinone; manufacturer: Morton International Ltd.), Sandoplast® Yellow 3G (methine; manufacturer: Clariant Huningue SA), Savinyl® Scarlet RLS (azo metal complex; manufacturer: Clariant Huningue SA), Oilsol® Yellow SEG (monoazo; manufacturer: Morton International Ltd.), Fat Orange® R (monoazo; manufacturer: Hoechst AG), Fat Red® SB (diazo; manufacturer: Hoechst AG), Neozapon® Blue 807 (phthalocyanine; manufacturer: BASF AG), and Fluorol® Green Golden (perylene; manufacturer: BASF AG).
[0092] In some embodiments, the total amount of dye present in the liquid fragrance composition may vary from 0.0% to 0.5% by weight, alternatively from 0.005% to 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the liquid fragrance composition.
[0093] Bittering agents may be desirable to make the product unpleasant and reduce the likelihood of ingestion of the liquid fragrance composition, especially by young children. Non-limiting examples of bittering agents include isopropyl alcohol, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl n-butyl ketone, or even denatonium salts, such as denatonium benzoate known under the trademark Bitrex™ (manufacturer: Mac Farlan Smith Ltd.).
[0094] The bittering agent may be incorporated into the liquid fragrance composition in an amount of 0.0% to 5% by weight, based on the total weight of the liquid fragrance composition. In the case of Bitrex™, the bittering agent may be incorporated into the liquid fragrance composition in an amount of 0.0% to 0.1% by weight, alternatively 0.001% to 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the liquid fragrance composition.
[0095] Non-limiting examples of useful UV inhibitor components include benzophenones, diphenyl acrylates or cinnamates, such as those available under the trade name Uvinul® (manufacturer: BASF AG).
[0096] In some embodiments, the total amount of UV inhibitors present in the active composition may vary from 0.0% to 0.5% by weight, alternatively from 0.01% to 0.4% by weight, based on the total weight of the liquid fragrance composition.
[0097] Devices according to the present disclosure may further comprise a wick. In some embodiments, at least one reservoir containing a liquid fragrance composition is fluidly connected to the body portion via the at least one wick.
[0098] The at least one wick is made of any material known to those skilled in the art that can passively move liquid against gravity. The movement of liquid, such as a liquid fragrance composition, can occur by capillary action, wicking, and / or absorption. In one embodiment, the at least one wick comprises a porous material, typically a microporous material.
[0099] Suitable porous materials used to construct the at least one wick include, but are not limited to, paper, porous porcelain material, plastic, plastic fiber, plastic foam, molded ceramic, fiberglass, clay, activated carbon, cellulose, wood, such as wood pulp and wood fiber, and any combination thereof.
[0100] Plastics, plastic fibers, and plastic foams suitable for use in the wick include, but are not limited to, acrylonitrile styrene acrylate (ASA), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polystyrene, polylactic acid (PLA), polycarbonate, polyethersulfone, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polytetrafluoroethylene, polyphenylene sulfide, polyamides such as polyphthalamide and nylon; polyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate; polypropylene, polyacrylate, polysulfone, polyurethane, polyetherimide, polyesterimide, and polyaryletherketones such as polyetheretherketone and polyetherketoneketone, and any combination or copolymer thereof.
[0101] It is assumed that the materials used in the liquid fragrance composition and device are compatible so that the fragrance does not dissolve in the material, typically a plastic material, or cause the plastic material to swell. If the plastic swells, it may cause undesirable blockages. Therefore, in some embodiments, the fragrance is such that it does not dissolve in or cause the plastic material to swell.
[0102] For example, Hansen Solubility Parameters may be advantageously used to predict compatibility between fragrances and plastics and to formulate fragrance compositions to ensure good compatibility.
[0103] The wick may be an externally added wick, or may be integrated, i.e., built into, the main body portion during manufacture. If the wick is integrated into the main body portion during manufacture, the wick may be fixed or manufactured with a hinge or other mechanical design that allows the wick to be moved to the reservoir, and thus the liquid fragrance composition, without assembly. Figures 1 and 2 show exemplary devices in which the wick is integrated into the main body portion during manufacture. Figure 3 shows an exemplary device in which the wick is added externally.
[0104] The porous material, typically a microporous material, used for the wick may be the same as or different from the porous material used for the body portion, hi some embodiments, the porous material, typically a microporous material, used for the wick is the same as the porous material used for the body portion.
[0105] The wick may have any shape suitable for use in the devices of the present disclosure. The wick may have a constant cross-sectional area, such as a cylindrical shape, or a cross-sectional area that varies with the liquid level in the respective reservoir.
[0106] The wick may be sized using methods known to those skilled in the art so that the wick is not a bottleneck for total evaporation. For example, the maximum flow rate through the wick is determined by Equation 5:
number
[0107] Therefore, non-cylindrical wicks with limited cross-sectional area may be desirable, especially if the wick can be lowered / raised slightly to expose a higher or lower surface area of the liquid meniscus (see Beyhaghi, S., Geoffroy, S., Prat, M. and Pillai, KM (2014). Wicking and evaporation of liquids in porous wicks: A simple analytical approach to optimization of wick design. AIChE J., 60:1930-1940. https: / / doi.org / 10.1002 / aic.14353).
[0108] In some embodiments, a device according to the present disclosure includes two or more reservoirs, typically two reservoirs. In such embodiments, the device contains two or more liquid fragrance compositions, each reservoir having one liquid fragrance composition. Thus, in some embodiments, the device may include two or more wicks fluidly connecting the liquid fragrance compositions in each reservoir to the main body portion.
[0109] The triple periodic surface of the devices described herein provides, in some embodiments, a double or triple (or more) gyroid structure that allows for a compact device with multiple wicks connected to separate intertwined emitting surfaces that all release fragrance independently (in rate and character) without the liquids interacting with each other. It is even conceivable that if one or both fragrances are doped with different colorants, interesting visual effects can be achieved as the colorants are wicked into the porous body portion, providing an aesthetic color contrast effect.
[0110] For example, by way of illustration, a first liquid fragrance composition may have a first olfactory note and a second liquid fragrance composition may have a second olfactory note that is different from the first olfactory note. In some embodiments, the device may be configured to emit the first liquid fragrance composition at a different rate than the second liquid fragrance composition. In some embodiments, the device may be configured to emit the first liquid fragrance composition and the second liquid fragrance composition at a rate that maintains the perception of a particular olfactory note at a consistent level over time.
[0111] In another illustrative example, a device may contain a liquid fragrance composition including a fragrance component in reservoir A and a liquid fragrance composition including a malodor inhibitor in reservoir B. The two components may be chemically incompatible with each other but may be simultaneously released by the device without contacting each other. The malodor inhibitor may have a light blue color to match "cleaning," while the fragrance may be colored purple to convey a "floral" effect to support the floral fragrance.
[0112] Without intending to be limited to any particular theory, the device may be configured to release a first liquid fragrance composition at a different rate than a second liquid fragrance composition by providing a structure with an increased surface area in volume A compared to volume B. Alternatively, the device may be configured to release a first liquid fragrance composition at a different rate than a second liquid fragrance composition by providing a structure with a decreased pore size in volume A compared to volume B. Alternatively, the device may be configured to release a first liquid fragrance composition at a different rate than a second liquid fragrance composition by providing a structure with an increased surface area to volume ratio in volume A compared to volume B.
[0113] While the device of the present disclosure can easily dispense liquid fragrance compositions passively, the evaporation rate may be increased using an external device. In one embodiment, the device further comprises a device for increasing evaporation, typically a heating element, a fan, a pump, a rotating stand, a vibrating stand, or a translating stand.
[0114] In a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method of dispensing a liquid fragrance composition into a surrounding space, the method comprising placing a device described herein in a space in need thereof and allowing the liquid fragrance composition to evaporate from the device.
[0115] Placing the device described herein in a space where it is needed and allowing the liquid fragrance composition to evaporate from the device can be accomplished according to any method known to those skilled in the art.
[0116] The evaporation rate may be increased using an external device, hi one embodiment, the method further comprises increasing evaporation using an appliance, typically a heating element, a fan, a pump, a rotating stand, a vibrating stand, or a translating stand.
[0117] The device is particularly suited to allowing natural convection to occur within the macropores, which can be further accelerated by differentially heating the device, for example by placing the device on a windowsill in direct sunlight. As sunlight heats the surface of the body of the device at different rates, natural convection induces air movement within the device, allowing for faster evaporation.
[0118] The apparatus features described herein apply mutatis mutandis to this method.
[0119] In a third aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising: a) a body portion comprising a porous material, having an interior space and at least one surface; the interior space includes at least one network of a plurality of fluidly connected passageways; the at least one network of fluidly connected passages having at least one first end and at least one second end; the at least one first end and the at least one second end are spaced apart by a distance; at least one of the first end or the second end is fluidly connected to the at least one surface; Each individual passage in the plurality of passages has a cross section; the distance and the cross-section of each passage in the plurality of passages define a surface; The main body part and b) at least one reservoir containing a liquid fragrance composition; The present invention relates to a kit comprising:
[0120] In one embodiment, the kit further comprises at least one wick configured to fluidly connect the at least one reservoir with the body portion.
[0121] In some embodiments, the reservoir holds and protects the liquid fragrance from evaporation, spillage, and oxidation / reaction before use. Typically, the reservoir is closed (i.e., provided with a tamper-evident seal and cap) before use. When the device is activated by a consumer by removing the seal and cap, inserting the wick into the liquid fragrance composition, and fluidly connecting the reservoir and liquid fragrance composition with the main body portion, the reservoir simply holds the liquid and prevents premature evaporation and spillage.
[0122] The device features described herein apply mutatis mutandis to the kit just described.
[0123] The devices, kits, methods, and processes according to the present disclosure are further illustrated by the following non-limiting examples. [Example]
[0124] Example 1. Mass loss of a device without a reservoir The scaffold is an implicit function: sin(x)*cos(y)+sin(y)*cos(z)+sin(z)*cos(x)=0 It was designed using the gyroid geometry defined by and fabricated by 3D printing using powder bed fusion bonding.
[0125] Two different scaffolds were evaluated: one made of polypropylene (Scaffold A) and one made of nylon (Scaffold B). Fragrance oil was added to both scaffolds using a pipette and allowed to soak into the scaffolds. All materials involved were pre-weighed to accurately measure the final mass loss of the fragrance oil. The measured masses before and after the addition of the fragrance oil are summarized in Table 1 below. [Table 1]
[0126] The infused scaffolds allowed the fragrance composition to disperse by evaporation. The mass of the infused scaffolds was measured for up to 30 days. Figure 4 shows the mass loss (grams / day) of Scaffold A and Scaffold B. Both scaffolds were rapidly infused with oil. As shown in Figure 4, the weight loss rate for both structures peaked on day 1, then gradually decreased, and stabilized by day 4 as the fragrance oil was naturally depleted. This example demonstrates that the scaffolds can release fragrance at a good rate, but the good fragrance release is not sustained.
[0127] Example 2. Mass Loss of an Exemplary Device with a Printed Wick and Reservoir The scaffold of this example was fabricated according to the procedure described in Example 1, except that the gyroid scaffold was joined with a cylinder that acted as an integral wick.
[0128] Two exemplary scaffolds were fabricated: one constructed of nylon (Scaffold C) and one constructed of polypropylene (Scaffold D), each with an integrated 3D-printed wick and each with a reservoir. The reservoirs were filled with fragrance oil, and the wick portion of each scaffold was inserted into the reservoir. All materials involved were pre-weighed to accurately measure the mass loss of the fragrance oil at the end of the evaluation. The measured masses of all materials for each exemplary device are summarized in Tables 2 and 3 below. [Table 2] [Table 3]
[0129] The scaffolds were allowed to sit for several days to allow the fragrance oil to fully migrate to the surface. The saturated scaffolds allowed the fragrance composition to disperse by evaporation, and the mass of the saturated scaffolds was measured for up to 30 days. Figure 5 shows the mass loss (grams / day) over time for Scaffold C and Scaffold D. The scaffolds were not fully saturated until day 7, so data up to day 7 was not used. As shown in Figure 5, both scaffolds exhibited a generally consistent rate of fragrance loss.
[0130] Example 3. Mass Loss of an Exemplary Device with an External Wick and Reservoir Two exemplary scaffolds were fabricated: one constructed of nylon (Scaffold E) and one constructed of polypropylene (Scaffold F), each with an external wick and each with a reservoir. The external wicks used were made of polyester fiber wrapped in paper and are representative of commercially available wicks used in air fresheners. The reservoirs were filled with fragrance oil, and the wick portion of each scaffold was inserted into the reservoir. All materials involved were pre-weighed to accurately measure the mass loss of the fragrance oil at the end of the evaluation. The measured masses of all materials for each exemplary device are summarized in Tables 4 and 5 below. [Table 4] [Table 5]
[0131] The scaffolds were allowed to sit for several days to allow the fragrance oil to fully migrate to the surface. The saturated scaffolds allowed the fragrance composition to evaporatively disperse, and the mass of the saturated scaffolds was measured for up to 30 days. Figure 6 shows the mass loss (grams / day) over time for Scaffold E and Scaffold F. The scaffolds were not fully saturated until day 7, so data up to day 7 were not used.
[0132] Example 4. Mass Loss of an Exemplary Device with a Printed Wick and Reservoir Under Various Conditions To evaluate fragrance loss, scaffold C (a nylon scaffold with a printed wick) from Example 2 was subjected to various conditions: static, placed above a rotating disk, and placed under a fan. Scaffold C was placed in a fixed position on the rotating disk platform, and the amount of mass loss was recorded while periodically alternating between static, rotating disk, and fan conditions over several days. The scaffold was pre-weighed to accurately determine the final fragrance oil mass loss results. The fan speed was set at 1700 RPM (60 CFM), the rotating disk speed was 7.5 rpm, and the edge of the device was placed at the edge of the disk (22 cm from the center).
[0133] Figure 7 shows the amount of mass loss (grams / day) under various conditions. As shown in Figure 7, mass loss varies based on the conditions the scaffolds are exposed to. The static condition showed the lowest aroma loss, followed by the rotating disk, and then the fan gave the highest aroma loss.
[0134] Example 5. Mass Loss of an Exemplary Device with an External Wick and Reservoir Under Various Conditions To evaluate fragrance loss, Scaffold E (a nylon scaffold with an external wick) according to Example 3 was subjected to various conditions: static, placed above a rotating disk, and placed under a fan. Scaffold E was placed in a fixed position on the rotating disk platform, and the amount of mass loss was recorded while periodically alternating between static, rotating disk, and fan conditions over several days. The scaffold was pre-weighed to accurately determine the final fragrance oil mass loss results. The fan speed was set at 1700 RPM (60 CFM), the rotating disk speed was 7.5 rpm, and the edge of the device was placed at the edge of the disk (22 cm from the center).
[0135] Figure 8 shows the amount of mass loss (grams / day) under various conditions. As shown in Figure 8, mass loss varies based on the conditions the scaffolds are exposed to. The static condition showed the lowest aroma loss, followed by the rotating disk, and then the fan gave the highest aroma loss.
[0136] Example 6. Mass Loss of Another Exemplary Device with an External Wick and Reservoir Under Various Conditions To evaluate fragrance loss, scaffold F (a polypropylene scaffold with an external wick) according to Example 3 was subjected to various conditions: static, placed on a rotating disk, and placed under a fan. Scaffold F was placed in a fixed position on the rotating disk platform, and mass loss was recorded while periodically alternating between static, rotating disk, and fan conditions over several days. The scaffold was pre-weighed to accurately determine the final fragrance oil mass loss results. The fan speed was set at 1700 RPM (60 CFM), the rotating disk speed was 7.5 rpm, and the edge of the device was positioned at the edge of the disk (22 cm from the center).
[0137] Figure 9 shows the amount of mass loss (grams / day) under various conditions. As shown in Figure 9, mass loss varies based on the conditions the scaffolds are exposed to. The static condition showed the lowest aroma loss, followed by the rotating disk, and then the fan gave the highest aroma loss.
[0138] Example 7. Exemplary Device with Dual Reservoirs and Dual Gyroid Scaffolds A dual-release fragrance delivery device ("Sample A1") was fabricated featuring a dual gyroid structure with two reservoirs connected to separate intertwined emitting surfaces via separate wicks. The fragrance oil was a fruity / floral fragrance with green and yellow added to indicate fragrance migration into the intertwined structure. The scaffold structure retained approximately 2.7% fragrance by weight when fully saturated. Figure 10 shows an exemplary device with dual reservoirs and a dual gyroid scaffold.
[0139] Example 8. Exemplary Device with Embedded Reservoirs A fragrance delivery device ("Sample B") featuring an embedded reservoir was fabricated using a field-driven design with radially varying pore size. As shown in Figures 11a and 11b, the fragrance delivery device features a central reservoir that can be refilled using any dispensing device, such as a pipette. The central cavity is dense enough to hold liquid, yet porous enough to allow the fragrance oil to permeate and diffuse radially. This serves as an aesthetically pleasing and highly efficient air freshener that can be easily refilled when depleted.
[0140] Example 9. Exemplary Devices Each with a Single Reservoir A single-reservoir fragrance delivery device ("Sample C1") was constructed using a commercially available air freshener bottle and wick with yellow fragrance oil. The scaffold according to the present disclosure was designed to perfectly mate with the wick and glass reservoir, ensuring fluid connection between them. The ability of the liquid to easily move toward the surface of the object was evident from the color transfer. The scaffold held approximately 2% fragrance by weight when fully saturated. Figure 12 shows an exemplary single-reservoir fragrance delivery device.
[0141] Another fragrance delivery device with a single reservoir ("Sample D1") was similarly constructed with a central wick and reservoir, but with a different scaffold according to the present disclosure. Figure 13 shows another exemplary fragrance delivery device with a single reservoir.
[0142] Example 10. Exemplary Devices with Ceramic Scaffolds Fragrance delivery devices with ceramic scaffolds ("Sample E1" and "Sample E2") were constructed. A conventional wick was used to connect the scaffold to a fragrance reservoir. The ceramic scaffold has high porosity and can retain approximately 31-35% of its own weight in fragrance. Figure 14 shows an exemplary fragrance delivery device, Sample E1, and Figure 15 shows an exemplary fragrance delivery device, Sample E2.
[0143] Example 11. Mass Loss Experiments in Exemplary Devices The exemplary fragrance devices described in Examples 7-10 were subjected to mass loss testing. The exemplary fragrance devices described in Examples 7-10 were placed in a dedicated temperature- and humidity-controlled room maintained at a temperature of approximately 21.5°C and 50% relative humidity. Mass loss was monitored over time. Samples A0, C0, and D0, corresponding to Samples A1, C1, and D1, respectively, but not including a scaffold according to the present disclosure, served as controls. Commercially available reed was also used as a control. FIG. 16 shows the average daily mass loss rate versus time for the exemplary fragrance devices and the control.
[0144] As shown in FIG. 16 , the control samples without a scaffold, indicated by ending in the suffix “0,” showed relatively poor performance. Sample B performed well but was quickly depleted and had to be replenished after one week to allow it to recover its initial rate of mass loss at time=10 days. Other scaffolds according to some embodiments of the present disclosure clearly improved performance relative to their controls (compare A1 vs. A0, C1 vs. C0, and D1 vs. D0). Some of these were comparable to market standards for reed air fresheners, while others clearly outperformed them (see Samples D1, E1, and E2). The best-performing samples were Samples E1 and E2, which were highly porous ceramic devices that easily outperformed the commercial controls by 2-3 times over a period of approximately 1-5 weeks.
[0145] Example 12. Comparison of Shell SLS 3D Printing with Regular SLS 3D Printing Three variations of scaffolds with triple periodic micro-miniaturized features and connected wicks were fabricated. The three variations varied in the wick portion. In the first variation ("Sample F1"), the wick portion was a porous wick. In the second variation ("Sample F2"), the wick portion was a powder-packed porous wick. In the third variation ("Sample F3"), the wick portion was a porous wick with macro-channels. These variations were fabricated using both shell and regular SLS 3D printing. Figure 17 shows three variations of scaffolds with triple periodic micro-miniaturized features and connected wicks. Figure 18 shows a variation of scaffolds with triple periodic micro-miniaturized features and connected wicks and reservoirs.
[0146] The shell-printed and regular-printed scaffolds with connected wicks were placed in a bottle containing fragrance, thereby using the wick portion to transport the fragrance oil to the emitting surface. Weight loss was monitored in a specialized temperature and humidity controlled room maintained at a temperature of approximately 21.5°C and a relative humidity of 50%. Mass loss was monitored over time. Figure 19 shows the average daily mass loss rate versus time for an exemplary fragrance device with shell-printed and regular-printed scaffolds and connected wicks.
[0147] The results show that this technique of shell printing can improve performance, as all of the fragrance delivery devices with shell printing variations outperformed their regularly printed counterparts, nearly doubling the mass loss rate.
[0148] The disclosed subject matter has been described with reference to specific details of particular embodiments thereof. It is not intended that such details be considered limitations on the scope of the disclosed subject matter, except to the extent that they are included in the appended claims.
[0149] Thus, the exemplary embodiments described herein are well adapted to achieve the objects and advantages mentioned, as well as those inherent therein. The particular embodiments disclosed above are illustrative only, as the exemplary embodiments described herein may be modified and practiced in different but equivalent manners apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachings herein. Furthermore, no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design shown herein, other than as described in the following claims. It is therefore evident that the specific exemplary embodiments disclosed above may be altered, combined, or modified, and all such variations are considered within the scope and spirit of the exemplary embodiments described herein. The exemplary embodiments illustratively disclosed herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element not specifically disclosed herein and / or any optional element disclosed herein.
Claims
1. a) a body portion comprising a porous material, having an interior space and at least one surface; the interior space includes at least one network of a plurality of fluidly connected passageways; the at least one network of fluidly connected passages having at least one first end and at least one second end; the at least one first end and the at least one second end are spaced apart by a distance; at least one of the first end or the second end is fluidly connected to the at least one surface; Each individual passage in the plurality of passages has a cross section; the distance and the cross-section of each passage in the plurality of passages define a surface; The main body part and b) at least one reservoir containing a liquid fragrance composition fluidly connected to said body portion; the fluid connection is configured to draw the liquid fragrance composition into the porous material of the body portion; the porous material of the body portion is configured to absorb the liquid fragrance composition; and the surface of the body portion is configured to disperse the liquid fragrance composition by evaporation; at least one reservoir; An apparatus comprising:
2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein each individual path in the plurality of paths has one or more branches.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the surface comprises triply periodic minimal surface features.
4. 4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the triply periodic minimal surface shape is selected from the group consisting of a gyroid shape, a lysinoid shape, a Schwartz D "diamond" shape, or a Schwartz P "primitive" structural shape.
5. The surface has Formula 1: F(x,y,z)=sin(x)・cos(y)+sin(y)・cos(z)+sin(z)・cos(x)=T Formula 1 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is defined according to
6. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the value of T is selected from the range of 0 to 1.
43.
7. 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the value of T is selected from the range of 0 to −1.
43.
8. 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cross-section of each individual passageway within the plurality of passageways varies.
9. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the cross-section of each individual passage in the plurality of passages is larger at the center of the body portion than the cross-section of each individual passage in the plurality of passages at the periphery of the body portion.
10. 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the cross-section of each individual passageway in the plurality of passageways is larger at the periphery of the body portion than at the center of the body portion.
11. 11. The device of claim 1, wherein the cross section of each individual passageway within the plurality of passageways is at least 1 mm, typically at least 5 mm, more typically at least 10 mm.
12. 12. The device of claim 1, wherein the body portion has a cross-sectional shape selected from the group consisting of an irregular shape, a square, a rectangle, a circle, an oval, a diamond, a semicircle, and a trapezoid.
13. 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the body portion includes two networks of a plurality of fluidly connected passageways.
14. 14. The device of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the body portion has an open porosity of 0.01 to 0.
9.
15. 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the body portion includes a plurality of pores, the pores having a size of less than 1,000 μm.
16. 16. The device of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the body portion comprises a porous porcelain material, plastic, molded ceramic, fiberglass, clay, activated carbon, cellulose, wood, and any combination thereof.
17. 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the body portion comprises nylon, polypropylene, or a combination thereof.
18. 16. The device of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the at least one reservoir containing the liquid fragrance composition is fluidly connected to the body portion via at least one wick.
19. 20. The device of claim 18, wherein the at least one wick comprises a porous material.
20. 20. The device of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein the liquid fragrance composition has a density of about 0.7 to about 1.3 g / mL.
21. 21. The device of any one of claims 1 to 20, wherein the liquid fragrance composition has a surface tension of about 10 to about 70 mN / m.
22. 22. The device of any one of claims 1 to 21, wherein the liquid fragrance composition has a viscosity of from about 0.1 to about 10,000 mPa·s.
23. 23. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 22, further comprising an appliance for increasing evaporation, typically a heating element, a fan, a pump, a rotating stand, a vibrating stand, or a translating stand.
24. 24. A method of dispensing a liquid fragrance composition into a surrounding space, the method comprising placing a device according to any one of claims 1 to 23 in a space in need thereof and allowing the liquid fragrance composition to evaporate from the device.
25. a) a body portion comprising a porous material, having an interior space and at least one surface; the interior space includes at least one network of a plurality of fluidly connected passageways; the at least one network of fluidly connected passages having at least one first end and at least one second end; the at least one first end and the at least one second end are spaced apart by a distance; at least one of the first end or the second end is fluidly connected to the at least one surface; Each individual passage in the plurality of passages has a cross section; the distance and the cross-section of each passage in the plurality of passages define a surface. The main body part and b) at least one reservoir containing a liquid fragrance composition; A kit comprising:
26. 26. The kit of claim 25, further comprising at least one wick configured to fluidly connect the at least one reservoir with the body portion.