Compact fragrance dispenser and compact fragrance dispenser system

Abstract

A compact aroma delivery system (300), comprising: a compact aroma delivery device (100, 200); an air flow mixing unit (400); Including, - an air flow mixing unit (400) a scented air inlet (405) configured to be connected to a scented air outlet (125) of the compact aroma delivery device, an outlet (410) for the mixed scented air, directed towards a sniffing port (415); a conduit (420) connecting the inlet for the scented air and the outlet for the mixed scented air, -below, a fresh air inlet (425) configured to be connected to a fresh air delivery device and which delivers fresh air into the scented air flow between the scented air inlet and the mixed scented air outlet; and / or - an outlet for waste scented air (430) configured to be connected to an airflow recovery device and / or a waste air discharge, recovering scented air from the scented airflow between the inlet for scented air and the outlet for mixed scented air in order to reduce the airflow rate for subsequent dilution or for the associated sniffing port (415) or both; It contains at least one element of.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a compact fragrance dispensing device and a compact fragrance dispensing system. It is particularly applicable to the fields of olfactory testing, fragrance manufacturing, fine fragrance manufacturing, fragrance design, and flavor design. [Background technology]

[0002] Sensory performance evaluation is an essential part of the development of fragrance or flavor products, including, but not limited to, air fresheners, scented laundry detergents, scented or flavored powders, hair care products, fine fragrances, surface cleaners, and candles.

[0003] In fragrance manufacturing, sensory evaluation is typically conducted with a panel of human subjects to record the sensory intensity and other characteristics of the fragrance emitted from either a “free oil” (fragrance concentrate) or a substrate representative of the consumer product category in which the fragrance was developed. For fine fragrances, examples of such substrates may include, but are not limited to, blotting paper, microscope slides, and skin. For laundry detergents, the substrate may be a towel washed with the scented detergent. For hair care products, sensory evaluation may be conducted using hair washed with the scented shampoo and / or conditioner as the substrate. For air fresheners, the substrate may include, but are not limited to, paper products, wood-based or wood-like materials, gels, woven or nonwoven fabrics, and polymer-based products such as plastics.

[0004] Such evaluations can be carried out in a large, well-ventilated space such as a cabin or room with a volume of approximately 2 cubic meters or more. A fragrance source, such as a fragrance product, base material, or free oil, is placed somewhere in the cabin, and the cabin air is scented by allowing ventilation at a predetermined airflow rate or air exchange rate (ventilation rate) for a predetermined time. The evaluation is then carried out by smelling the scent through a window in the cabin door or by entering the cabin space.

[0005] There are many limitations and drawbacks associated with using cabins and rooms for sensory evaluation. Firstly, the scale and number of such dedicated facilities required for parallel product development and evaluation necessitate considerable floor space and construction investment. Secondly, such facilities are not portable and do not allow for flexibility in the location of sensory evaluation. Finally, large, fixed dimensions and limited ventilation capacity with respect to effective airflow velocity restrict the setting of conditions that such facilities enable for conducting sensory evaluations, particularly regarding the degree of dilution of fragrances in the air, which is problematic for the development and testing of consumer fragrance products in many applications.

[0006] In particular, the evaluation of fragrance lingering (also known as "sillage" in French) in fine fragrances is related to the technical issues mentioned above. Lingering performance is a key characteristic and selling point of fine fragrances sought after by consumers worldwide. While robust, flexible, and differentiated evaluation methods for fine fragrance lingering performance are essential for developing superior consumer products, the need for flexible equipment with settings such as airflow dilution, compact footprint, and portable form that can generate actual human fragrance lingering for evaluation remains unmet in the fragrance industry. Fragrance lingering is one specific example, and this need is not limited to lingering; it also includes other categories of fragrance products where evaluating fragrance performance under actual consumer use conditions is necessary for developing superior products.

[0007] In certain cases of fragrance lingering, prior art has attempted to meet this need, but these attempts have been insufficient because the engineering design principles underlying devices for evaluating fragrance lingering do not accurately represent the actual lingering scent of a human. For example, various air convection prototypes have been proposed to provide distance between a fragrance source and an evaluation point via tubes or channels in an attempt to replicate the distance between a fragrance user and an evaluator. However, when fresh air is supplied to the fragrance source via a rotating fan, the scented air is rapidly and thoroughly mixed, which significantly reduces or completely eliminates the dependence of air dilution on distance within such devices, making them unsuitable for simulating the entire range of conditions associated with human fragrance lingering. Other attempts to introduce the concept of sillage evaluation have been limited by the overall dimensions of the fragrance release device and the open design of the downstream scented air channel, which makes the device unportable and prevents precise control of the degree of gas-phase dilution of the fragrance being evaluated. These attempts have the aforementioned limitations, namely the dimensions and footprint of the evaluation means, the lack of reproducibility, and in particular the inability to copy actual fragrance lingering conditions.

[0008] Unlike many other fragrance performance characteristics, lingering fragrance is related to movement. This could be the movement of the person using the fragrance (walking), the movement of the air around the person (wind or ventilation), or both (a person walking down the street and exposed to natural airflow). Movement creates some degree of air convection that moves the fragrance away from the source (the person using the fragrance), allowing others to smell the fragrance. The lingering performance of a fine fragrance is generally judged by the maximum distance from the source to other people at which the fragrance remains at least perceptible, preferably recognizable. Importantly, it should be noted that whenever there is a significant concentration gradient in the gas phase, such as when surrounded by unscented air, the degree of dilution of the fragrance in the air is strongly correlated with the distance from the fragrance source where the evaluation is being conducted.

[0009] Currently, there is no satisfactory system in the prior art that provides a practical, rapid, reproducible, compact, and portable solution for the sensory evaluation of fragrance performance, suitable for multiple consumer product categories, including air fresheners, cleaning products, laundry products, candles, reeds, and body care products. Furthermore, there is no satisfactory system that provides a practical, rapid, reproducible, compact, and portable solution for the sensory evaluation of the lingering fragrance performance of fragrances such as fine fragrances.

[0010] A conventional system is known, such as that disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20190128782. This document discloses an apparatus and related method for clearly evaluating the "sillage" (lingering scent) performance characteristics of a fragrance. The apparatus is substantially a long, straight tube with several smelling ports, each located at a different distance from a fragrance source. At one end of the tube, a fragrance sample is placed in front of a fan, which blows fresh air onto the sample at approximately 0.7 m / s. The scented air is then carried from the source by convection from the fan and evaluated at one or more smelling ports along the length of the tube.

[0011] Such systems require a lot of space, have low flexibility in operating conditions, and have low accuracy in reproducing the lingering fragrance phenomenon. In particular, because the rotating airflow from the fan rapidly mixes the fragrance into the air, and no additional fresh air is introduced between the fragrance source and the smelling port, the fragrance headspace carried into the tube becomes distance-constant after traveling a very short distance from the source upstream of the first smelling port. This means that once the device reaches a steady-state operating mode, the fragrance concentration in the air sent to subsequent ports downstream of the device is substantially the same.

[0012] Conventional systems, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 6067842, are also known. This document discloses an olfactory meter having a sniffing port, a sample supply means for generating a sample flow consisting of a carrier gas and sample headspace and supplying the sample flow from a saturated chamber to the sniffing port, a carrier gas supply means, and a mixer for predetermined dilution of the sample flow. The carrier gas supply means includes a flow-rate variable mass flow control means positioned before the saturated chamber to provide a variable carrier gas flow to the saturated chamber. Multiple capillaries of different diameters connect the mixing means to the sniffing port via individual injectors. A computer is interfaced to the olfactory meter, allowing adjustment of the amount of sample and / or carrier gas in the sample flow.

[0013] However, while such systems are optimized for olfactory testing of small amounts of odor substance samples, they exhibit significant shortcomings for the purpose of evaluating the fragrance performance of consumer products under actual product usage conditions. The most obvious drawback lies in the design of the saturated chamber, which cannot accommodate most full-sized fragrance consumer products that are placed within the unit for generating scented air. A second drawback lies in the way the fragrance source is exposed to airflow (ventilation) within the saturated chamber, lacking flexibility in design and operating parameters for exposing the fragrance product to a variable degree of direct air convection within the chamber, where operating parameters are crucial for controlling the vaporization and aging dynamics of the fragrance product.

[0014] Conventional systems, such as those disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20090320559, are also known. Such systems are intended as apparatus for evaluating the fragrance properties of a substance, and the apparatus has a cylindrical chamber in which a block supporting the substance to be evaluated, such as a fragrance, is placed. An airflow generated by a fan passes through the chamber and around the substance, and exits the chamber through a main outlet and a number of detection outlets, each equipped with a throttle valve that directs the airflow to a corresponding nasal mask. Individuals each smell the airflow from the mask two or three times and record their findings on a pre-prepared form.

[0015] Such a system also presents several drawbacks: (1) The inlet airflow generated by the fan introduces a swirling flow into the chamber, increasing the air mixing within the fragrance generation chamber and reducing the effectiveness of the airflow shield placed within the chamber; (2) The design does not include auxiliary dilution of the scented air flowing out of the main chamber, which significantly reduces the device's ability to mimic the actual usage conditions of the fragrance product and makes it impossible to separately control the vaporization dynamics of the product and the fragrance intensity delivered to human panelists. [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0016] The present invention aims to eliminate all or part of these drawbacks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0017] To obtain this effect, according to the first aspect, the compact fragrance delivery device targeted by the present invention is -Includes a dynamic airflow chamber, and the dynamic airflow chamber is - An inlet for fresh air, - Fragrance source support, - A vent for scented air, Includes, - The fragrance supply source support is a fragrance supply source support arranged in the chamber between an inlet and an outlet along an air flow passing through the chamber.

[0018] Such means enables the use of a dynamic system that receives a continuous air flow, and thus provides air scented according to the characteristics of the air flow at the inlet (in addition to the characteristics of the fragrance product arranged inside the device).

[0019] In one particular embodiment, the chamber - has an inlet for fresh air configured to disperse and reflect air towards the fragrance supply source support, - said reflective surface, - in the chamber, a fragrance supply source support, which may be perforated in a particular embodiment of the invention, arranged between the inlet and the outlet along an air flow passing through the chamber, - an outlet for the scented air, - a narrowed air flow guide arranged between the fragrance supply source support and the outlet along an air flow passing through the chamber, and includes.

[0020] These means make it possible to avoid the above - mentioned limitations by providing a scaled - down device aimed at replacing the test chambers typically used in the fragrance industry for evaluating fragrance performance for various consumer product formats.

[0021] Despite its small installation area, the device according to the invention can be adapted to full - size consumer products and can reproduce the olfactory performance observed in perception chambers, rooms and other consumer end - use environments. The device can be designed with adjustable operating parameters that can be adapted to changing business needs, client requirements and various geographical locations.

[0022] Furthermore, these means - Expanding the bandwidth of sensory testing and giving evaluators sensory testing capabilities in places where a full-size test cabin is unsuitable, -By incorporating better and more stringent evaluation conditions and methods into the development process early on (e.g., rooms of different sizes, different distances from the fragrance source, etc.), we can support the improvement of fragrance design. - Provides excellent ability to demonstrate product performance, - Provides hygienic evaluation of cross-category fragrances (skin, hair fragrance, adhesion to textiles, etc.).

[0023] In several specific embodiments, the fragrance source support includes an airflow guide.

[0024] Such embodiments allow for the accurate reproduction of the effect that a larger volume of air would have on an equal amount of fragrance sample placed in the atmosphere.

[0025] In several specific embodiments, the fragrance source support includes a perforated surface, where the pores in the surface form airflow guides.

[0026] Such embodiments offer a dual advantage: providing both a fragrance support and an airflow guide in a single item.

[0027] In several specific embodiments, the perforated surface (which is also used as a fragrance support) extends across the cross-section of the chamber.

[0028] Such embodiments push airflow into the holes, thereby providing additional control over the airflow profile within the chamber.

[0029] In some specific embodiments, the apparatus to which the present invention is applied includes hole-fitting means configured to close / open at least one hole on a surface.

[0030] Such embodiments allow for dynamic adjustment of the operating parameters of the apparatus, such as the vaporization dynamics of the fragrance product placed in the chamber.

[0031] In several specific embodiments, the opening of the air inlet located within the chamber is positioned at a distance of no more than three times the width of the opening from the reflective surface.

[0032] Such embodiments allow for optimal air circulation within the chamber.

[0033] In several specific embodiments, the inlet extends longitudinally within the chamber and has a fitting for a fragrance source support.

[0034] According to a second aspect, the compact fragrance delivery system that the present invention aims for is: -The present invention relates to a compact fragrance delivery device, -Airflow mixing unit, Includes, - The airflow mixing unit is, - An inlet for scented air, configured to connect to the scented air outlet of a compact fragrance dispenser. - An outlet for pre-mixed, scented air, directed towards the smelling port. - A conduit connecting the inlet for scented air and the outlet for mixed scented air, -below, - Configured to connect to a fresh air supply system, the fresh air inlet and / or outlet for the fresh air supply deliver fresh air into a scented air stream between the inlet for scented air and the outlet for the mixed scented air. - Configured to connect to an airflow recovery device, it recovers scented air from the scented airflow between the inlet for scented air and the outlet for mixed scented air in order to reduce the airflow rate, and has an outlet for scented air that is discarded. It includes at least one of the following elements.

[0035] These means offer similar advantages to the compact fragrance delivery device that is the subject of the present invention, and also provide additional improvements that allow for dynamic adjustment of the airflow supplied to the smelling port and additional control over the concentration (intensity) of the fragrance delivered to the smelling port. This makes it possible to simulate how consumers perceive fragrances at different distances from the fragrance source, even with a standard vial, by adjusting the airflow rate at the fresh air inlet, the outlet flow rate of the discarded scented air, and the auxiliary dilution with additional fresh air downstream of the fragrance delivery device.

[0036] In several specific embodiments, the conduit includes at least one elbow or flow-changing means that enhances the air mixture.

[0037] Such embodiments enable improved mixing in an airflow.

[0038] In several specific embodiments, the system covered by the present invention is as follows: - Configured to connect to a fresh air supply system, the fresh air inlet and / or outlet for the fresh air supply deliver fresh air into a scented air stream between the inlet for scented air and the outlet for the mixed scented air. - Configured to connect to an airflow recovery device, it recovers scented air from the scented airflow between the inlet for scented air from a compact fragrance dispenser and the outlet for mixed scented air to the sniffing / evaluation port, and has an outlet for scented air to be discarded. It includes at least two of the following elements, An elbow or other flow-changing means for enhancing the air mixture is positioned between the two elements.

[0039] Such embodiments allow for a reduction in size, noise, and airflow pump demand, thereby enabling a larger dynamic dilution range in a smaller space.

[0040] In several specific embodiments, the conduit has needles or other arbitrary geometric obstructions within the air passage that are configured to enhance mixing within the conduit.

[0041] Such embodiments enable improved mixing within the airflow conduit.

[0042] In some specific embodiments, at least one inlet for fresh air or outlet for scented air to be discarded is oriented perpendicular to the airflow interacting with the at least one inlet for fresh air or outlet for scented air to be discarded.

[0043] Such embodiments allow for the formation of small turbulence or flow disturbances within an airflow.

[0044] In several specific embodiments, the system to which the present invention is applied includes a heating device, which is configured to flow air from an inlet to an outlet.

[0045] Such embodiments facilitate the cleaning of the system's conduits.

[0046] In several specific embodiments, the system to which the present invention is applied includes an airflow limiter upstream of the outlet or smelling / evaluation port for the mixed, scented air.

[0047] Such embodiments allow for additional control of the airflow velocity.

[0048] In some specific embodiments, the system to which the present invention is applied includes at least one pump or compressed air source connected to an inlet for fresh air or an outlet for scented air to be discarded.

[0049] In several specific embodiments, the system to which the present invention is applied includes an electronic instruction unit, and the electronic instruction unit is - Means for determining dilution rate and / or waste rate, -At least one mass flow control device, connecting at least one of the pumps or compressed air sources to an inlet for fresh air or an outlet for scented air to be discarded, - Command means configured to transmit an operation command to at least one of the mass flow control devices according to the determined dilution rate and / or waste rate, Includes.

[0050] Such embodiments enable the dynamic operation and control of the system.

[0051] In several specific embodiments, the instruction unit further includes fragrance lingering simulation means and operational instructions transmitted by the instruction means according to the parameters of the simulated fragrance lingering.

[0052] Such embodiments enable the simulation of fragrance lingering with respect to airflow and dilution in order to adapt to user perception of actual lingering fragrance conditions.

[0053] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, the system covered by the present invention includes a virtual reality headset or electronic display, and the dilution rate and / or waste rate are determined according to the performance parameters of the virtual reality headset or electronic display.

[0054] Such embodiments make it possible to adjust the dilution of the fragrance delivered by the fragrance delivery system to match the virtual distance between the user and the virtual fragrance source in the virtual environment.

[0055] In several specific embodiments, the air dilution rate achieved by the fragrance delivery system decreases or increases over time.

[0056] In some particular embodiments, the system to which the present invention is applied comprises at least two compact fragrance dispensers to which the present invention is applied, and one mixing unit for each compact fragrance dispenser, the system further comprising a fragrance air mixer connected to an outlet for mixed fragrance air of each of the mixing units, the fragrance air mixer further comprising an outlet for mixed fragrance air directed toward a smelling port.

[0057] Such embodiments allow for the mixing of fragrances.

[0058] In several specific embodiments, the compact fragrance dispenser is configured such that the outlet for scented air is higher than the inlet for fresh air in the device.

[0059] In some specific embodiments of the present invention, the system to which the present invention is applied includes at least two compact fragrance dispensers, the system further includes a fragrance source configured to selectively connect an inlet for scented air to one of the compact fragrance dispensers.

[0060] In some specific embodiments, the system to which the present invention is applied includes moisture-capturing means and / or activated carbon-capturing means arranged along the airflow passing through the system.

[0061] Such embodiments enable optimal system operation and avoid malfunctions caused by the presence of undesirable moisture or compounds within the system.

[0062] According to a third aspect, the assembly forming the system targeted by the second aspect of the present invention is: -A compact fragrance dispensing device according to a first aspect of the present invention, -Airflow mixing unit, Includes, - The airflow mixing unit is, - An inlet for scented air, configured to connect to the scented air outlet of a compact fragrance dispenser. - An outlet for pre-mixed, scented air, directed towards the smelling port. - A conduit connecting the inlet for scented air and the outlet for mixed scented air, -below, - Configured to connect to a fresh air supply system, the fresh air inlet and / or outlet for the fresh air supply deliver fresh air into a scented air stream between the inlet for scented air and the outlet for the mixed scented air. - Configured to connect to an airflow recovery device, the scented air is recovered from the scented airflow between the inlet for scented air and the outlet for mixed scented air in order to reduce the airflow at the scent port, and the outlet for scented air is discarded. It includes at least one of the following elements.

[0063] The advantages of this embodiment are the same as those of the embodiment disclosed above.

[0064] According to a fourth aspect, the method for delivering fragrance that the present invention aims to provide is: -A step of injecting air into a compact fragrance dispensing device according to a first aspect of the present invention, - The step of injecting scented air into an airflow mixing unit from the outlet of a compact fragrance dispensing device, - Steps of supplying fresh air into the scented airflow within the mixing unit and / or recovering the scented air that would otherwise be discarded from the mixing unit, Includes.

[0065] Such embodiments offer similar advantages to the system targeted by the present invention.

[0066] In some specific embodiments, the method covered by the present invention includes the step of determining the dilution ratio of scented air, and at least one of the supply step and / or recovery step is performed according to the determined ratio.

[0067] Such embodiments offer similar advantages to the system targeted by the present invention.

[0068] In several specific embodiments, the ratio determined during the determination step is determined according to a simulation parameter of the distance between the fragrance source and the perceived location of the fragrance, the distance which affects the intensity, perceptibility and / or recognition of the scented air at the outlet of the fragrance dispenser.

[0069] Such embodiments offer similar advantages to the system targeted by the present invention. Other advantages, purposes, and specific features of the present invention will become apparent from the following non-exclusive description of at least one specific apparatus or system to which the present invention is applied, relating to the drawings attached herein. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0070] [Figure 1] This figure schematically shows a first embodiment of the device to which the present invention is intended. [Figure 2] This figure schematically shows a second embodiment of the apparatus to which the present invention is intended. [Figure 3] This is the first figure, schematically illustrating a first specific embodiment of the system to which the present invention pertains. [Figure 4] This is a second figure illustrating a first specific embodiment of the system to which the present invention pertains. [Figure 5] This is a third figure illustrating a first specific embodiment of the system to which the present invention pertains. [Figure 6] This figure schematically illustrates a series of steps in one specific embodiment of the method to which the present invention pertains. [Figure 7]This figure schematically illustrates a second specific embodiment of the system to which the present invention pertains. [Figure 8] This figure schematically illustrates a third specific embodiment of the system to which the present invention pertains. [Figure 9] This figure schematically illustrates one specific embodiment of a scented airflow circuit, which is the subject of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0071] Since each feature of one embodiment can be advantageously combined with any other feature of any other embodiment, this description is non-exclusive.

[0072] In this regard, please note that the drawings are not to scale.

[0073] The term "fresh air" is intended to mean the absence of at least any particular fragrance. Preferably, such fresh air is intended to be the absence of any type of fragrance that would provide the user with a more tangible experience of the fragrance contained within the compact fragrance dispenser 100. Such fresh air may be, for example, ambient air, or air exhibiting a predetermined composition and located within a storage unit accessible to the device 100.

[0074] The term “fragrance source” may refer to any type of aromatic component or combination of components, such as air freshener products, various substrates treated with fragrance (paper, tiles, towels, hair, etc.), powders, liquids, and / or candles.

[0075] Figures 1 and 2 both show one specific embodiment of the apparatus 100 and 200 to which the present invention applies. This compact aroma dispensing apparatus 100 or 200 is -Includes a dynamic airflow chamber 105, and the dynamic airflow chamber 105 is - Preferably an inlet 110 for fresh air that is dried (e.g. via moisture-capturing means 355) and filtered of contaminants (e.g. via activated carbon filter 356), - Fragrance supply source support 120 or 220, -Scented air outlet 125, Includes, - The fragrance source support 120 or 220 is a fragrance source support positioned within the chamber between the inlet and outlet, along the airflow passing through the chamber.

[0076] Chamber 105 is configured to prevent equilibrium from occurring. In other words, chamber 105 is configured to allow continuous ventilation, thereby forming a dynamic headspace chamber.

[0077] Figure 1 shows one specific embodiment of the apparatus 100 to which the present invention pertains. In this compact aroma dispensing device 100, the chamber 105 is - An inlet 110 for fresh air facing a reflective surface 115 configured to disperse and reflect air toward the fragrance supply source support 120 or 220, - The reflective surface and, -Scented air outlet 125, - A narrowing airflow guide 130 is positioned between the fragrance supply source support and the outlet along the airflow passing through the chamber, Includes.

[0078] The chamber 105 can be defined as a volume of a predetermined size enclosed within a shell. The shell can preferably be formed from any material that does not allow chemical components passing through the chamber 105 to pass through. The shell is preferably made of a rigid material that does not exhibit expansion capability at the operating pressure intended for the device 100, and therefore pushes in an airflow at a constant pressure applied by the pressure of the fresh air inlet 110.

[0079] Chamber 105 can be formed from several interconnectable parts. In one particular example, chamber 105 is formed from two parts joined together in a cross-section of chamber 105.

[0080] A fresh air inlet 110 may be formed by an opening in the chamber 105. This inlet 110 may be associated with any type of temporary or permanent fixture configured to accommodate a conduit for carrying fresh air to the inlet 110. This conduit may also be connected to a fresh air supply means, such as a pump or compressed air storage unit.

[0081] The inlet 110 preferably provides an opening near the reflective surface 115 of the device 100. In such a variation, the distance from the opening of the inlet 110 to the reflective surface 115 may be less than 20% or less than 10% of the height of the chamber 105. The height of the chamber is defined by a general axis, such as the cylindrical symmetry axis of the chamber, and where such geometric symmetry exists, the airflow within the chamber 105 follows this geometric symmetry. Preferably, the device 100 is configured to be oriented vertically, with the opening of the inlet 110 facing downwards and the outlet 125 positioned above the opening, so that the height of the chamber 105 can generally be defined as an axis parallel to the axis defined by the opening of the inlet 110 leading to the outlet 125 or an opening equivalent to the outlet 125.

[0082] Preferably, the opening of the inlet 110 located within the chamber 105 is positioned at a distance of no more than three times the diameter of the opening from the reflective surface 115.

[0083] By pushing the airflow vertically, that is, along a vector containing at least one component opposite to the force of gravity, the scented air can be circulated uniformly and consistently while avoiding buildup.

[0084] Preferably, the device 100 is configured to be positioned vertically, and the reflective surface 115 is located at the base of the device 100.

[0085] Similarly, an outlet 125 for scented air may also be formed by an opening in the chamber 105. This outlet 125 may be associated with any type of temporary or permanent fixture configured to carry scented fresh air from the outlet 125 to a sniffing port or a conduit to a mixing unit 400 as shown in Figures 3 to 5.

[0086] Within the chamber, the airflow circulation is optimized to provide an airflow that exhibits fragrance transport and dilution parameters similar to those of a fragrance source placed in a large volume of air, which corresponds to use cases intended for fragrance perception.

[0087] To optimize the airflow passing through the chamber 105, the chamber 105 has a reflective surface 115, and the airflow flowing into the inlet 110 is directed toward the reflective surface 115.

[0088] This reflective surface 115 may be part of the shell surrounding the internal volume of the chamber 105, or it may be a fixed surface within the chamber. The purpose of this reflective surface 115 is to diffuse (disperse, distribute, diverge) the airflow flowing into the chamber 105 across the entire cross-section of the chamber. Thus, the airflow flowing into the chamber 105 indirectly contacts the fragrance source.

[0089] The reflective surface 115 can be formed to direct the airflow within the chamber 105 in a predetermined direction. Such a variation is shown in Figure 2, where the reflective surface 115 is convex. The reflective surface may consist of a concave curved portion or a combination of a convex curved portion and a concave curved portion.

[0090] To further optimize the circulation of airflow within the chamber 105, the chamber 105 includes a narrowing airflow guide 130. In this context, the term “narrowing” is not limited to a circular, elliptical, or conical cross-section. The airflow guide 130 preferably exhibits a cross-section that decreases along the airflow, regardless of the shape of the cross-section. In other words, the upper part of the chamber 105 may be tapered.

[0091] Chamber 105 is designed to create airflow circulation near the fragrance source. This fragrance source is supported by a fragrance source support 120, which can take various forms, as long as the fragrance remains on the support 120 when the device 100 is stationary and under operating conditions.

[0092] In one variation, as shown in Figure 1, the support 120 extends across the entire cross-section of the chamber 105. In another variation, as shown in Figure 2, the support 220 extends across only a portion of the cross-section of the chamber 105.

[0093] In certain embodiments, as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the supports 120 and 220 have a perforated surface 121. In such embodiments, a plurality of holes 135 may be provided over the entire cross-section of the chamber (the cross-sectional width of the surface 121) and generally perpendicular to the overall direction of the airflow, and the holes 135 function like tubes through which air is pushed and flows. In such variations, the holes form an airflow guide 135. In several variations, the plurality of holes are provided over only a portion of the width of the surface 121.

[0094] In several specific embodiments, the perforated surface 121 extends across the entire cross-section of the chamber 105.

[0095] In some specific embodiments, the apparatus 100 to which the present invention is applied includes a hole-fitting means 135 configured to close / open at least one hole on a surface.

[0096] In a simple embodiment, the hole-fitting means 135 may be a surface configured to block all or part of the holes in the perforated surface 121. In a more complex embodiment, at least one hole may be dynamically opened or closed in response to an activated / deactivated command. Such dynamic opening / closing may be achieved via a mechanical actuator, such as those used in microfluid systems. Such an actuator may be achieved by a microvalve that supplies fluid to an inflatable pocket configured to expand and block the hole when the corresponding microvalve is activated.

[0097] The fragrance product or fragrance source may be raised from the bottom of the device 100 or 200 and placed on a height-adjustable stand / platform which may be the same as the perforated support described above that rises from the bottom of the device 100 or 200, so that the flow profile is well established and consistent before reaching the fragrance source. According to one embodiment, the platform / stand may have a row of holes for air to pass through.

[0098] Preferably, the support 120 or 220 is positioned in front of the narrowing airflow guide 130, along the airflow passing through the chamber 105.

[0099] In several specific embodiments, the support 120 or 220 is located at the bottom of the chamber 105 at a height of one-third of the chamber's height.

[0100] Figure 2 shows one specific embodiment of the apparatus 200 to which the present invention pertains. In this compact aroma dispensing apparatus 200, the chamber 105 is - An inlet 110 for fresh air facing a reflective surface 115 configured to disperse and reflect air toward the fragrance supply source support 220, - The reflective surface and, -Scented air outlet 125, -A fragrance supply source support 220 is positioned between the inlet and outlet along the airflow passing through the chamber within the chamber. - A narrowing airflow guide 130 is positioned between the fragrance supply source support and the outlet along the airflow passing through the chamber, Includes.

[0101] In this embodiment, the inlet 110 extends longitudinally within the chamber 105, and the inlet has a fitting 240 for a fragrance supply source support. Such embodiments allow for more precise airflow design.

[0102] The mounting fixture 240 is, for example, a protrusion positioned on the outer surface of the inlet 110 within the chamber 105, and the protrusion is configured to relate to the corresponding annular grip of the fragrance source support 220.

[0103] Figure 2 shows one specific embodiment of the apparatus 200 to which the present invention pertains. The apparatus 200 includes a microcompounder 101 or any similar liquid-phase mixer configured to mix a fragrance consisting of several individual components in a liquid phase and to deliver the liquid fragrance to a substrate such as a robotic pipette that distributes the fragrance to a fragrance support.

[0104] In several specific embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, the apparatus 200 includes moisture-capturing means 355, such as a condenser, positioned along the airflow passing through the system.

[0105] In several specific embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, the device 200 includes odor-capturing means 356, such as an activated carbon filter or cartridge, positioned along the airflow passing through the system.

[0106] Figure 3 shows one specific embodiment of the system 300 to which the present invention pertains. This compact fragrance delivery system 300 is -A compact fragrance dispensing device 100 or 200 corresponding to any variation of the device 100 or 200 disclosed with respect to Figure 1 or Figure 2, -Airflow mixing unit 400, Includes, - The airflow mixing unit 400 is, - An inlet 405 for scented air, configured to be connected to the scented air outlet 125 of the compact fragrance dispenser 200. - An outlet 410 for mixed scented air, directed towards the smelling port 415 or 416. - A conduit 420 connecting the inlet for scented air and the outlet for mixed scented air, -below, - A fresh air inlet 425 and / or configured to connect to a fresh air supply unit, which delivers fresh air into a scented airflow between an inlet for scented air and an outlet for mixed scented air. - An outlet 430 for scented air that is configured to be connected to an airflow recovery device and recovers scented air from the scented airflow between the inlet for scented air and the outlet for mixed scented air in order to regulate the airflow in the scent port. It includes at least one of the elements, preferably at least one of each element.

[0107] Preferably, the compact fragrance dispenser 200 is configured such that the outlet 125 for scented air is positioned vertically higher than the inlet 110 for fresh air in the device.

[0108] An inlet 405 for scented air may be formed by an opening in the conduit 420. This inlet 405 may be associated with any type of temporary or permanent fixture configured to attach a conduit that carries scented air from the outlet 125 of the device 200 to the inlet 405 of the mixing unit 400.

[0109] An outlet 410 for the mixed, scented air may be formed by an opening in the conduit 420. This outlet 410 may be associated with any type of temporary or permanent fixture configured to accommodate a smell port 415 or 416 that receives the mixed, scented air from the outlet 410 of the mixing unit 400.

[0110] Such olfactory ports may be cones 415 for olfactory testing, nasal cannulas, or any other customized shapes. In one particular embodiment, the olfactory port may include an elongated volume 416 selectively oriented vertically, the volume having vents 417 within the volumetric enclosure and optionally a cap 418 that allows the airflow to be redirected toward the user.

[0111] In some specific embodiments, at least one fresh air inlet 425 or an outlet 430 for exhausted scented air is oriented perpendicular to the airflow interacting with the at least one fresh air inlet 425 or the exhausted scented air outlet 430.

[0112] The conduit 420 can be formed, for example, by drilling into a block of a single material such as steel. In several variations, the conduit 420 is flexible, but such variations offer little design predictability regarding the effect on the intended airflow and are disadvantageous with respect to heating the unit for cleaning.

[0113] In several other variations, the conduit 420 may be formed by machining the conduit within a material block, such as an aluminum block, and then covering the conduit with another complementary material block that is attached to and sealed within the machined block.

[0114] Such variations of the 900 are illustrated in Figure 9.

[0115] The mixing unit 400 is as follows: - A fresh air inlet 425 and / or configured to connect to a fresh air supply unit, which delivers fresh air into a scented airflow between an inlet for scented air and an outlet for mixed scented air. - A means for controlling the continuous dilution of scented air and adjusting the airflow in the scent port, configured to be connected to an airflow recovery device and / or waste air discharge unit, which recovers scented air from the scented airflow between the inlet for scented air and the outlet for mixed scented air, and an outlet 430 for waste scented air It includes at least one of the elements, preferably at least one of each element.

[0116] Such an inlet 425 for fresh air may be formed by an opening in the conduit 420. This inlet 425 may be associated with any type of temporary or permanent fixture configured to attach a conduit that carries fresh air from a fresh air source to the inlet 425 of the mixing unit 400.

[0117] Preferably, the fresh air inlet 425 is connected to a pump or another fresh air source, such as a compressed air source, and a flow control device, the flow control device being configured to inject a predetermined amount of fresh air into the inlet 425 to dilute the amount of fragrance in the airflow directed to the sniffing port 415, thereby reducing the concentration of fragrance in the airflow.

[0118] An outlet 430 for scented air may be formed by an opening in the conduit 420. This outlet 430 may be associated with any type of temporary or permanent fixture configured to attach a conduit that receives scented air from the outlet 430 of the mixing unit 400.

[0119] Preferably, the outlet 430 for scented air is connected to a pump and a flow control device, the flow control device is configured to control the continuous dilution of the scented air and to guide the scented air out of the conduit 420 to adjust the airflow at the smell port 415. Preferably, the flow rate at the inlet 405 for scented air is kept constant. Preferably, the flow rate at the outlet 410 for mixed scented air is kept constant. Such a flow rate at outlet 410 may correspond to the flow rate at inlet 405. In such a variation, when the inlet 425 for fresh air is activated and a predetermined amount or flow rate of fresh air injected into the flow from the device 200 (or equivalent device 100) causes a certain amount of dilution of the scented air, outlet 430 guides out the same amount or flow rate of discarded scented air to maintain a constant flow rate.

[0120] In several other embodiments, the outlet 430 is connected to a means for discharging the scented air to be discarded.

[0121] In several other embodiments, the flow rate at outlet 410 is determined automatically, for example, via a calculation system, or manually via mechanical or logical user selection means, and the operation of inlet 425 and outlet 430 is determined according to the determined flow rate.

[0122] In several specific embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, the conduit 420 includes at least one elbow 435 or other flow-changing means.

[0123] The elbow 435 is defined by the abrupt change in the direction of the airflow caused by the angle of the conduit 420. Such an angle may be approximately 90 degrees. A different value may be used if the amount of turbulence in the airflow is consistent with the design intent of the mixing unit 400. Such a different value may be, for example, 30 degrees, 45 degrees, or 60 degrees.

[0124] In several specific embodiments as shown in Figure 3, the system 300 is as follows: - Fresh air supply device, configured to be connected to, for example, a pump or compressed air supply source, delivers fresh air into a scented airflow between a 405 inlet for scented air and a 410 outlet for mixed scented air, via fresh air inlets 425 and 426 and / or - Airflow recovery device, configured to be connected to a pump and / or waste air discharge unit, recovers scented air from the scented airflow between an inlet 405 for scented air arriving from a compact fragrance dispenser and an outlet 410 for mixed scented air leading to a sniffing / evaluation port, with waste scented air outlets 430 and 431 It includes at least two of the following elements.

[0125] Any combination of any number of inlets 425 and 426 and / or any number of outlets 430 and 431 can be executed.

[0126] In several specific embodiments as shown in Figure 5, the system 300 further includes an instruction unit 310, and the instruction unit 310 is - Dilution rate and / or waste rate determination means 315, -At least one mass flow control device 306 is connected to at least one of the pumps 305 or compressed air sources, with inlets 425 and / or 426 for fresh air or outlets 430 and / or 431 for scented air to be discarded or abandoned. - Instruction means 320 configured to send an operation command to at least one of the mass flow control devices according to the determined dilution rate and / or waste rate, Includes.

[0127] The instruction unit 310 is, for example, a computer, tablet, or telephone. More broadly, the instruction unit 310 may be a microcontroller configured to run a computer program on a computing unit that acts as a dilution rate and / or waste rate determination means 315.

[0128] The dilution and / or waste rate determining means 315 is preferably configured to determine the ratio in accordance with the airflow rate and / or gaseous fragrance concentration at the outlet 125 of the fragrance dispenser and the airflow rate and / or target gaseous fragrance concentration to be achieved at the smelling port. The gaseous fragrance concentration is predetermined and can be stored in electronic memory within the command unit 310, or can be obtained from the user via a computer interface such as a keyboard, mouse, or touchscreen and stored in the electronic memory. In some advanced embodiments, this gaseous fragrance concentration is measured via a fragrance concentration sensor located between the outlet 125 of the device 200 and the inlet 405 of the mixing unit 400.

[0129] The target fragrance concentration can be set by the user via a computer interface or determined by the instruction unit 310. In such variations, an external parameter value may represent the determined target fragrance concentration.

[0130] For example, if the target concentration is 10 times lower than the concentration at the outlet 125 of the fragrance dispenser, the dilution ratio can be set to 10. This also means that the pump 305 associated with the air inlet 425 or 426 and the associated mass flow control device 306 are configured to inject 10 times more fresh air than the pump or compressed air source (not shown) that supplies fresh air to the fresh air inlet 110 of the device 200.

[0131] Preferably, the pump 305 provides a constant airflow associated with the mass flow control device 306, which is configured to use the airflow to supply fresh air to at least one inlet 425 and / or 426, or to push a waste flow to at least one outlet 430 and / or 431.

[0132] Because the pressure and velocity of the airflow may be unsuitable for the user, the pump associated with the scented air outlet 430 or 431 can remove airflow at the same rate as the pump 305 that supplies fresh air to the air inlet 425 or 426. Ultimately, in this scenario, the airflow rate remains unchanged despite any changes in the concentration of fragrance in the airflow.

[0133] The formula that allows for the determination of the dilution ratio is:

number

[0134] The formula that enables the determination of the operation of the fresh air inlets 425 and / or 426 is:

number

[0135] The formula that enables the determination of the operation of outlets 430 and / or 431 for the scented air to be discarded is:

number

[0136] The total dilution of the fragrance headspace subject to evaluation by System 300 is related to the critical usage conditions of a particular product. For example, one scenario to be reproduced for evaluation by System 300 can be applied to an air freshener of a given size (a commercially available consumer product) placed in a room of a certain size that is ventilated with two air exchanges per hour (a typical product usage environment). Another scenario to be reproduced for evaluation by System 300 is fragrance lingering, where, after a person who has applied fragrance to their hair, skin, and / or clothing walks around, a lingering aromatic scent is produced by the movement and convection of the fragrance in the surrounding air.

[0137] The desired flow rate at the olfactory port may be as low as 0.8 L / min when a device with a reduced cross-sectional area, such as a nasal cannula, is used to provide scented air to the user's nose of the system 300. When an open cone for olfactory testing is used, the desired flow rate range at the olfactory port is 2 to 20 L / min. These flow rate settings depend on the design of the cone, and general guidance is to deliver the scented air to the evaluator at a speed of 0.2 m / s to 1 m / s. In one portable / transportable embodiment of the system 300, the target flow rate at the olfactory port can preferably be set in the range of 0.8 to 3 L / min, and the dimensions of the olfactory port are selected based on this target flow rate.

[0138] The airflow rate through the device 100 or 200 is set based on the size / scale of the container used and the intended application. In one portable embodiment of the system 300 for fragrance lingering evaluation, utilizing a device 100 or 200 with an internal cavity volume of approximately 30 mL, a flow rate of 20 mL / min to 200 mL / min is selected, corresponding to a range of 40 ACH (air changes per hour) to 400 ACH in the device, respectively. More optimally, the flow rate in a 30 mL device 100 or 200 is preferably set to a range of 50 mL / min to 150 mL / min. In one non-portable embodiment of the system 300, which has a more general evaluation range (including full-size air fresheners, candles, fragrance lingering, etc.), utilizing an aroma dispensing device 100 or 200 with a volume of approximately 10 L, a flow rate of 0.3 L / min to 12 L / min is selected, corresponding to a range of 1.8 ACH to 72 ACH in the device, respectively. More optimally, the flow rate in the 10L apparatus 100 or 200 should be set in the range of 0.5 L / min to 7 L / min, which corresponds to 3 ACH to 42 ACH, respectively.

[0139] The first stage of air dilution of the concentrated fragrance headspace emitted from the fragrance source takes place within the fragrance delivery device 100 or 200. The degree of dilution in this first stage depends on the fragrance release rate from the fragrance source, the airflow rate through the device 100 or 200, the geometry of the device 100 or 200, the geometry of the fragrance source support, and the orientation of the fragrance surface relative to the main direction of airflow, although other unlisted factors may also be present. To describe the fragrance headspace dilution in the device 100 or 200, the headspace concentration at the outlet of the device 100 or 200 is used as the denominator of the ratio that defines the degree of dilution. The dilution ratio in the device 100 or 200, consistent with the test setup and operating conditions, can be predicted, for example, from computational fluid dynamics (CFD), or measured experimentally via analytical chemistry techniques such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry.

[0140] With regard to one portable embodiment of a system 300 aimed at reproducing an aromatic fragrance within a predetermined range of residual fragrance at different distances from a supply source, the following are examples of various operating conditions that may be selected to achieve a desired dilution between the outlet from the device 100 or 200 and the smelling port, without considering the first stage of dilution within the device 100 or 200: [Table 1]

[0141] The total dilution of the fragrance headspace produced by the device is the product of the first-stage dilution within the fragrance delivery device 100 or 200 and the "Flow Rate Ratio" column in the table above, the latter representing the operational settings for the flow rate in the dilution flow (referred to as "dispersion flow") and the flow rate in the waste flow (referred to as "waste flow").

[0142] For example, if device 100 or 200 operates at a dilution ratio of 40, and the total dilution to be achieved by system 300 is 2000, then it is desirable that the dilution ratio in the intermediate step (downstream of the aroma delivery device) be 2000 / 40 = 50. This setting corresponds to row 2 in the table above for a flow rate of 1.5 L / min at the smelling port. A dilution ratio of 50 can also be achieved by other combinations of dilution flow and waste flow settings, especially if different flow rates are desired at the smelling port.

[0143] When the device 100 or 200 operates in a dilution range of 4 to 40, given the achievable intermediate dilution range of 10 to 2000 illustrated in the table above, the portable embodiments of the present invention can achieve a total dilution range of 40 to 80000 for the fragrance gas phase. Based on our fragrance residual studies using CFD simulations, the system 300 operating in the dilution ranges described above will achieve a total dilution of 80 cm on the user's body (skin, clothing, and / or hair) at a distance of 0.5 to 9 meters from the fragrance user. 2 ~400cm 2Although it is possible to reproduce the actual residual fragrance from the fragrance user corresponding to the fragrance adhesion area, the usefulness of the device is not limited by the above-described condition setting.

[0144] Similar operational considerations also apply to one non-portable embodiment of this system 300 that utilizes the 10L device 100 or 200. Given the achievable dilution range, the system 300 can, in its various embodiments, within a space of 2m 3 (e.g., 1m × 1m × 2m) to 100m 3 (6m × 5.5m × 3m), reproduce the consumer use of air fresheners and other consumer products. However, depending on the size and type of the fragrance product, there may be cases where it is desirable for the system 300 to operate outside the above range, and the said system 300 has such flexibility.

[0145] The following table represents the optimal operating conditions for the system 300 that is the subject of the present invention:

Table 2

[0146] The command means 320 is, for example, a computer program configured to send control commands (activation, deactivation, and related operating parameters) to a mass flow controller, a pump, and / or a compressed air supply source.

[0147] In a plurality of specific embodiments as shown in FIG. 5, the command unit 310 further includes fragrance residual simulation means 325, and the activation command is transmitted by the command means 320 according to the parameters of the simulated fragrance residual.

[0148] The residual fragrance simulation means 325 is computer software configured, for example, to associate a dilution ratio with a distance value. The dilution ratio may be linear or nonlinear with respect to the distance value. In one such embodiment, the dilution ratio may be multiplied tenfold for every meter from the fragrance source.

[0149] In such embodiments, the distance value can be predetermined or set by the user via a computer interface. Depending on the distance value considered, the residual fragrance simulation means 325 calculates a dilution ratio, which is then used by the command means 320.

[0150] In several specific embodiments, as shown in Figure 5, the system 300 includes a virtual reality headset 330 or an electronic display (not shown), and the dilution rate and / or waste rate are determined according to the performance parameters of the virtual reality headset 330 or the electronic display.

[0151] The virtual reality headset 330 may be any form of Occulus Rift® or HTC Vive®, etc., that is well known to those skilled in the art. Substantially, the virtual reality headset 330 is an electronic display configured to be worn on the user's head to immerse the user in a virtual environment as a means of enhancing the user's experience.

[0152] An electronic display is, for example, a computer screen configured to display a user interface that enables user interaction.

[0153] An example of an execution parameter for either the virtual reality headset 330 or the electronic display is the virtual distance separating the user of the virtual reality headset 330 or the electronic display from a virtual fragrance source placed in the virtual environment. Such an execution parameter can be supplied to the lingering fragrance simulation means 325 as a distance value, as described above.

[0154] In several specific embodiments, the dilution ratio decreases or increases over time.

[0155] Such embodiments enable the reproduction of the user's sensations when approaching or moving away from a fragrance source.

[0156] In some embodiments equipped with the elbow 435, the elbow 435 may be positioned between a first set of inlets 425 and outlets 431 and a second set of inlets 426 and outlets 430.

[0157] The elbow 435 can also be positioned between any two of the aforementioned elements. For example, the elbow 435 can be positioned between the inlet 425 and the outlet 431.

[0158] In several specific embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, the conduit 420 has needles 440 or other arbitrary geometric obstructions, such as protruding rings or fins, within the air passage configured to enhance mixing within the conduit 420. More generally, needles are an example of an object having a specific geometric shape that partially obstructs the flow through the conduit 420 for the purpose of enhancing air mixing within the conduit.

[0159] The needle 440 can be formed from any material. Preferably, the selected material is configured not to absorb fragrance from the airflow or to release fragrance into the airflow. The needle 440 is designed to agitate. The needle 440 can be positioned longitudinally or transversely along the conduit 420.

[0160] In several specific embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the system 300 further includes a heating device 445, which is configured to change the temperature of the air passage from the inlet 405 to the outlet 410. In several variations, the heating device 445 is also configured to heat the device 100 or 200. In several variations, the heating device 445 is configured to heat only a portion of the system 300.

[0161] Such a heating device 445 is, for example, a resistive (ohmic) type and is powered by an electrical energy source that is part of the system 300 or external to the system 300. Preferably, the heating device 445 is activated or deactivated by a command system such as a microcontroller.

[0162] In several specific embodiments, the system 300 includes a charcoal filter or other scrubber means connected to outlets 430 and / or 431 for the scented air to be discarded.

[0163] In several specific embodiments, as shown in Figure 3, the system 300 further includes an airflow limiter 450 upstream of the outlet 410 for the mixed, scented air.

[0164] Such a limiter 450 may be of any form well known to those skilled in the art. The limiter 450 is configured to limit the flow rate of air supplied to the user through the sniffing port and to increase the air pressure in the system 300 upstream of the limiter 450.

[0165] Figure 3 also shows one specific embodiment of the assembly to which the present invention is applied. This assembly, which forms system 300 according to any of Figures 3 to 5, -A compact fragrance dispenser 200, as disclosed in relation to Figure 1 or Figure 2, -Airflow mixing unit 400, Includes, - The airflow mixing unit 400 is, - An inlet 405 for scented air, configured to be connected to the scented air outlet 125 of a compact fragrance dispenser. - An outlet 410 for mixed scented air, directed towards the smelling port 415. - A conduit 420 connecting the inlet for scented air and the outlet for mixed scented air, -below, - A fresh air inlet 425 and / or configured to connect to a fresh air supply unit, which delivers fresh air into a scented airflow between an inlet for scented air and an outlet for mixed scented air. - An outlet 430 for scented air to be discarded, configured to be connected to an airflow recovery device or waste air treatment means, and to reduce the airflow rate, it recovers scented air from the scented airflow between the inlet for scented air and the outlet for mixed scented air. It includes at least one of the elements, preferably one of each element.

[0166] In several specific embodiments, as shown in Figures 3 and 5, the system 300 includes at least two compact fragrance dispensers 200, as disclosed with respect to either Figure 1 or Figure 2, and independent mixing units 400 and 401 for each compact fragrance dispenser 200, the system further includes a fragrance air mixer 335 connected to an outlet 410 for mixed fragrance air of each of the mixing units, the fragrance air mixer further includes an outlet 340 for mixed fragrance air directed to its own dedicated sniffing port.

[0167] The scented air mixer 335 may be, for example, a single chamber connected to the outlet 410 of a delivery device 200, and the connection between the outlet 410 and the chamber is controlled by a valve that dictates the relative amount of airflow flowing into the chamber from each delivery device 200. Such an embodiment allows for dynamic changes in the ratio within the resulting mixed airflow.

[0168] In several specific embodiments as shown in Figure 5, the system 300 is: -Method 345 for determining the ratio of mixed scented air, - A command means 350 configured to send an operating command to at least one pump or compressed air supply source according to the determined, mixed, scented air ratio, Includes.

[0169] As shown in Figure 5, the instruction unit 310 may include a means for determining the ratio of mixed scented air 345 and an instruction means 350.

[0170] The means 345 for determining the ratio of mixed scented air is, for example, a computer program configured to run a calculation system, which is operated by a user interface configured to receive user input. In this interface, the user can directly set the ratio used by the instruction means 350.

[0171] The ratio of pre-mixed scented air can be automatically determined based on values ​​captured by logical or physical sensors. For example, if system 300 includes one virtual reality headset, two virtual fragrance sources may be placed within the virtual environment, each virtual fragrance source associated with a specific device 200 and corresponding mixing units, e.g., 400 and 401.

[0172] As the user moves within the virtual environment, the mixing ratio of each corresponding scented airflow can be determined based on how close the user's position is to any of the supply sources, or the ratio of the distances. Other parameters, such as the direction the user is facing within the virtual environment, may also be used.

[0173] The instruction means 350 is the same as the command means 325.

[0174] The system 300 shown in Figures 3 to 5 may be portable or stationary. Such a system 300 may include an autonomous electrical energy source, such as a battery, that supplies power to the electrical components of the system 300.

[0175] In several specific embodiments, system 300 may be used to provide multi-channel operation having the ability to test several fragrances at once. In such embodiments, system 300 includes several devices 100 and / or 200, each device 100 and / or 200 associated with a dedicated mixing unit 400 and a dedicated sniffing port. In several variations, several devices 100 and / or 200 are associated with one common mixing unit 400, and system 300 includes an input selector for scented air, which can be operated automatically or manually. This selector is configured to direct the airflow from only one of the devices 100 and / or 200 to the mixing unit 400. Several mixing units can be installed in parallel to selectively mix the resulting scented airflows. Similarly, several devices 100 and / or 200 can be fed into a single mixing unit configured to selectively mix the airflows generated from the devices 100 and / or 200.

[0176] In several specific embodiments, as shown in Figure 4, the system 300 includes a network of airflow supply units 403 and removal pipelines 402.

[0177] In several simple variations, one pump for the exhausted scented air can be connected to one or more outlets 430 and / or 431 of the exhausted scented air of at least one mixing unit 400 and / or 401. In several more complex embodiments, one pump for the exhausted scented air is connected to one outlet 430 or 431 of the exhausted scented air of at least one mixing unit 400 and / or 401. In several more complex embodiments, such as those shown in Figure 4, the system 300 includes two pumps for the exhausted scented air, each pump connected to one outlet 430 or 431 of the exhausted scented air of four separate mixing units.

[0178] In several simple variations, one fresh air pump can be connected to one or more fresh air inlets 425 and / or 426 of at least one mixing unit 400 and / or 401. In several more complex embodiments, one fresh air pump is connected to one fresh air inlet 425 or 426 of at least one mixing unit 400 and / or 401. In several more complex embodiments, such as those shown in Figure 4, the system 300 includes two fresh air pumps, each pump connected to one fresh air inlet 425 or 426 of four separate mixing units.

[0179] In several specific embodiments, components of system 300 can be subjected to chemical passivation treatment.

[0180] A typical use case for System 300 is: - Open the lid of device 100 or 200, - The fragrance source (a product or base containing fragrance, etc.) is placed on a height-adjustable support (stand) within the device 100 or 200. - Close the lid of device 100 or 200, - Set the desired airflow rate through device 100 or 200, - Set a desired air dilution ratio with respect to the subsequent continuous dilution of the scented air flowing out from apparatus 100 or 200. - Set the desired airflow rate for the distribution of scented air to be provided to the evaluator at the smelling port. - Activate the airflow within System 300, -(Depending on the embodiment and system settings) it is expected that the system 300 will take 5 to 30 minutes to achieve steady operation, - The olfactory performance of the fragrance under the aforementioned operating conditions is evaluated by smelling the scented air that flows out at the outlet of the device. It is possible.

[0181] Figure 6 schematically shows a series of steps of one particular embodiment of Method 600, which is the subject of the present invention. This Method 600 for dispensing fragrance, - Step 605 involves injecting air into a compact fragrance dispensing device 200 as disclosed with respect to Figure 1 or Figure 2, - Step 610 involves injecting scented air into the airflow mixing unit 400 from the outlet of a compact fragrance dispensing device, - Step 620 of supplying fresh air into the scented airflow within the mixing unit and / or step 625 of recovering the scented air that would otherwise be discarded from the mixing unit, - Step 630 involves delivering appropriately diluted, scented air to the system's smelling port, Includes.

[0182] In some specific embodiments, the method 600 to which the present invention is applied includes a step 615 of determining the dilution ratio of scented air, and at least one of the supply step 620 and / or recovery step 625 is operated according to the determined ratio.

[0183] In several specific embodiments, the ratio determined during the determination step 615 is determined according to a simulation parameter of the distance between the fragrance source, represented by scented air at the outlet of the fragrance dispenser, and the perceived position or distance of the fragrance.

[0184] The aforementioned distance may correspond, for example, to a virtual distance in a simulated environment displayed on a digital screen.

[0185] Examples of embodiments of such steps are disclosed with respect to the corresponding functional descriptions in Figures 1 to 5.

[0186] Figure 7 schematically shows one particular simplified embodiment of the system 700 to which the present invention is applied. System 700 is a variation of system 300 illustrated in Figure 3, -A compact fragrance dispenser 709 is one variation of the fragrance dispenser 100 illustrated in Figure 1, - An inlet 706 for fresh air connected to a compact fragrance dispenser 709 via a mass flow control device 708 configured to release fresh air from the inlet 706 in accordance with the airflow rate of the scented air required by the system 700, - An outlet for the scented air to be discarded, associated with a mass flow meter 713 connected to valve 712, - An outlet for scented air, associated with valve 710 and mass flow meter 711 and configured to transfer air from compact fragrance dispenser 709, - An air inlet 705 is associated with the mass flow control device 707 and is configured to dilute the scented airflow passed through the valve 710, - An outlet 715 for the scented air to be discarded, associated with valve 714 and a mass flow meter (not shown), -Smell port 716, Includes.

[0187] Such a system 700 operates so that the amount (or flow rate) of scented air can be controlled via a mass flow control device 708, and this scented air may be sent to a waste section before dilution, diluted, sent to a waste section after dilution, or sent towards a smelling port after dilution. The specific ratio of each of these options depends on the determined desired concentration of scented air that the user smells at the smelling port, as well as on the specifications (size, type, activity) of the fragrance source located in the fragrance delivery device 709.

[0188] Figure 8 schematically shows one specific embodiment of the system 800 to which the present invention is applied. This system 800 is a pressurized variation of the system 300 illustrated in Figure 3, -A compressed air supply source 805 configured to continuously supply fresh air to a compact fragrance dispensing device 806, - Arranged in sequence at the outlet for scented air of the compact fragrance dispenser 806, together include two mixing chambers 809 and 810, which together include one variation of the airflow mixing unit 400 illustrated in Figure 3 or the airflow mixing unit 900 illustrated in Figure 9, -Compressed air supply source 808 associated with mass flow control devices 812 and 814 associated with each mixing chamber 809 and 810, respectively, - An optional carbon fiber filter 807 and an outlet 816 for scented air to be discarded, associated with mass flow control devices 813 and 815 associated with each mixing chamber 809 and 810, respectively. - A scent port 811 configured to receive diluted scented air (not sent to the waste unit) for user evaluation, Includes.

[0189] In this variant, any means used in the system disclosed with respect to Figure 5 can also be used.

[0190] In this variant, the system 800 is pressurized as a whole, creating a pressure gradient that can drive the flow of scented air and fresh air along all the flow paths present within the system 800, including the inlet to the aroma dispenser 806, the inlets to the mixing chambers 809 and 810, the outlet for the scented air to be discarded, and the sniffing port 811. In this variant, the pressurization of the system 800 acts in place of the inlet and waste pumps.

[0191] In another variation of any system disclosed above, the scented airflow may flow into a partially obstructed passive mixing chamber configured to push the airflow along a path that increases the degree of mixing between the scented airflow and the fresh airflow, either before or after dilution.

[0192] Needless to say, in some variations, the system is configured to operate under pressurized conditions. In this example, the term "pressurized" means that all or part of the system operates at a pressure higher than the atmosphere (ambient), establishing a pressure gradient within the device which is released at outlets and sniffing ports for the scented air to be discarded.

Claims

1. A fragrance dispensing device (100, 200), wherein the fragrance dispensing device (100, 200) is - Includes a dynamic airflow chamber (105), the dynamic airflow chamber (105) is - Inlet for fresh air (110), - Fragrance source support (120, 220) and - An outlet (125) for scented air, Includes, - The fragrance source support is positioned within the dynamic airflow chamber (105) between the inlet and the outlet, with the entire fragrance source support arranged along the airflow passing through the dynamic airflow chamber (105). The dynamic airflow chamber (105) is - The fresh air inlet (110) faces a reflective surface (115) configured to disperse and reflect air from the inlet toward the fragrance supply source support (120, 220), - The reflective surface and, including, Fragrance delivery device (100, 200).

2. The dynamic airflow chamber (105) is - The aforementioned outlet (125) for scented air, - A narrowing airflow guide (130) is positioned between the fragrance supply source support and the outlet along the airflow passing through the dynamic airflow chamber (105), including, The fragrance dispensing device (100, 200) according to claim 1.

3. The fragrance source support (120, 220) includes an airflow guide (135), The fragrance dispensing device (100, 200) according to claim 2.

4. The fragrance source support (120, 220) includes perforated surfaces (121, 221), and the holes in the surfaces form the airflow guide (135). The fragrance dispensing device (100, 200) according to claim 3.

5. The perforated surface (121) extends across the cross-section of the dynamic airflow chamber (105). The fragrance dispensing device (100) according to claim 4.

6. The fragrance dispensing device (100) includes a hole-fitting means (135) configured to close / open at least one hole on the surface, The fragrance dispensing device (100) according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The opening of the inlet (110) located within the dynamic airflow chamber (105) is positioned at a distance of no more than three times the width of the opening from the reflective surface (115). A fragrance dispensing device (100, 200) according to any one of claims 2 to 6.

8. The inlet (110) extends longitudinally within the dynamic airflow chamber (105), and the inlet has a fitting (240) for the fragrance supply source support. A fragrance dispensing device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A fragrance dispensing system (300), - An aroma dispensing device (200) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, - Airflow mixing unit (400), Includes, - The airflow mixing unit (400) is, - An inlet (405) for scented air, configured to be connected to the scented air outlet (125) of the fragrance dispensing device, - An outlet (410) for mixed, scented air, directed towards the smelling port (415), - A conduit (420) connecting the inlet for the scented air and the outlet for the mixed scented air, The airflow mixing unit (400) includes, - A fresh air inlet (425) configured to be connected to a fresh air supply device, which delivers fresh air into a scented airflow between the scented air inlet and the mixed scented air outlet. and / or - A waste-scented air outlet (430) configured to be connected to an airflow recovery device and / or waste air discharge section, recovering scented air from the scented airflow between the scented air inlet and the mixed scented air outlet in order to reduce the airflow for any subsequent dilution and / or associated scenting port (415). Includes at least one of the following elements: Aroma dispensing system (300).

10. The conduit (420) includes at least one elbow (435) or flow-changing means. The fragrance delivery system (300) according to claim 9.

11. The aforementioned fragrance dispensing system (300) is - Fresh air inlets (425, 426) configured to be connected to a fresh air supply device, which supply fresh air into the scented air stream between the scented air inlet and the mixed scented air outlet. and / or - Outlets for scented air to be discarded (430, 431) configured to be connected to an airflow recovery device and / or waste air discharge unit, and recover scented air from the scented airflow between the inlet for the scented air from the fragrance delivery device and the outlet for the mixed scented air to the smelling / evaluation port. It further includes at least two of the following elements: The elbow (435) or the flow changing means is positioned between the two elements. The fragrance delivery system (300) according to claim 10.

12. The conduit (420) has a needle (440) or any other geometric obstruction in the airflow that is configured to enhance mixing within the conduit. A fragrance delivery system (300) according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. At least one fresh air inlet (425) or a scented air outlet (430) to be discarded is oriented perpendicular to the airflow interacting with at least one fresh air inlet (425) or the scented air outlet (430). A fragrance dispensing system (300) according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

14. The aroma dispensing system (300) further includes a heating device (445), which is configured to change the temperature of the air passage from the inlet (405) to the outlet (410). A fragrance delivery system (300) according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

15. The fragrance dispensing system (300) further includes an airflow limiter (450) upstream of the outlet (410) for the mixed fragranced air. A fragrance delivery system (300) according to any one of claims 9 to 14.

16. The aforementioned fragrance dispensing system (300) is - Further including at least one pump (305) connected to one inlet (110, 425, 426) for fresh air or one outlet (430, 431) for scented air to be discarded, or one of compressed air sources (805, 808) connected to one inlet (110, 425, 426) for fresh air, A fragrance delivery system (300) according to any one of claims 9 to 15.

17. The fragrance dispensing system (300) further includes an instruction unit (310), and the instruction unit (310) is - Dilution rate and / or waste rate determination means (315), - At least one mass flow control device (306), - Command means (320), Includes, The at least one mass flow control device (306) is - Connect the pump (305) to the fresh air inlet (110, 425, 426) or the exhausted scented air outlet (430, 431), or - Connect the compressed air supply source (805, 808) to the fresh air inlet (110, 425, 426), or - The outlets (430, 431) are connected to a means (816) for treating scented air. Perform at least one of the following: The command means (320) is configured to transmit an operation command to at least one of the mass flow control devices according to the determined dilution rate and / or waste rate. The fragrance delivery system (300) according to claim 16.

18. The instruction unit (310) further includes fragrance lingering scent simulation means (325), and operation commands are transmitted by the instruction means (320) according to the parameters of the simulated fragrance lingering scent. The fragrance delivery system (300) according to claim 17.

19. The fragrance dispensing system (300) includes a virtual reality headset (330) or an electronic display, and the dilution rate and / or waste rate is determined according to the performance parameters of the virtual reality headset or electronic display. A fragrance delivery system (300) according to claim 17 or 18.

20. The aforementioned dilution ratio decreases or increases over time. A fragrance delivery system (300) according to any one of claims 17 to 19.

21. The fragrance dispensing device (200) is positioned such that the outlet (125) for the scented air is higher than the inlet (110) for the fresh air of the fragrance dispensing device, along a vertical upward direction. A fragrance dispensing system (300) according to any one of claims 9 to 20.

22. The fragrance delivery system (300) includes moisture capture means (355) and / or activated carbon capture means (356) arranged along the airflow passing through the fragrance delivery system. A fragrance dispensing system (300) according to any one of claims 9 to 21.

23. The components of the fragrance delivery system (300) that are exposed to the scented air are chemically passivated. A fragrance delivery system (300) according to any one of claims 9 to 22.

24. A fragrance delivery system according to any one of claims 9 to 23 (300, 700, 800), configured to operate under conditions of being pressurized above atmospheric pressure.

25. An assembly (500) forming an aroma delivery system according to any one of claims 9 to 24, - An aroma dispensing device (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, - Airflow mixing unit (400), Includes, - The airflow mixing unit (400) is, - An inlet (405) for scented air, configured to be connected to the scented air outlet (125) of the fragrance dispensing device, - An outlet (410) for mixed, scented air, directed towards the smelling port (415), - A conduit (420) connecting the inlet for the scented air and the outlet for the mixed scented air, The airflow mixing unit (400) includes, - A fresh air inlet (425) configured to be connected to a fresh air supply device, which delivers fresh air into a scented airflow between the scented air inlet and the mixed scented air outlet. and / or - A waste-scented air outlet (430) configured to be connected to an airflow recovery device and / or waste air discharge section, recovering scented air from the scented airflow between the scented air inlet and the mixed scented air outlet in order to reduce the airflow for any subsequent dilution and / or associated scenting port (415). Includes at least one of the following elements: Assembly (500).

26. A method (600) for dispensing fragrance, wherein the method (600) is - A step (605) of injecting fresh air into the fragrance dispensing device (100, 200) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, - A step (610) of injecting scented air into the airflow mixing unit (400) from the outlet of the fragrance dispensing device, - A step of supplying fresh air into the scented airflow within the airflow mixing unit (620) and / or a step of recovering the scented air to be discarded from the airflow mixing unit (625), A method including (600).

27. The method (600) includes a step (615) of determining the dilution ratio of scented air, wherein at least one of the steps of supplying (620) and / or recovering (625) is performed according to the determined dilution ratio. The method according to claim 26 (600).

28. The dilution ratio determined during the determining step (615) is determined according to a simulation parameter of the distance between the fragrance source and the perceived location of the fragrance, the distance which affects the intensity, perceptibility and / or recognition of the scented air at the outlet of the fragrance delivery device. The method according to claim 27 (600).

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