Air Filter Odorant Dispensing System for Selective Fragrance Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air conditioning systems lack the ability to provide selective, on-demand dispensing of odorants, allowing users to customize odor profiles based on their preferences, and often result in foul odors due to passive odorant release systems or single-scent dispensing.
Innovation Solution
An air filter unit with an integrated odorant dispensing device comprising multiple canisters and a selection module that allows for selective, on-demand dispensing of different odorants, positioned within the filter block to minimize space usage and maintain filtering efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a passive odorant reservoir system is used, then the system structure is simple, but the odorant release is uncontrollable and produces foul odors
Solution Approach 1:
The odorant reservoir is divided into multiple separable canisters, each containing different odorants. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple structure while enabling controlled selection and dispensing of specific odorants through the electronic control module, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The odorant dispensing device is designed with multi-functionality, capable of dispensing different types of odorants (freshening agents, deodorizers, fragrances) through a single integrated system. The electronic control module provides universal control over multiple canisters, allowing the system to maintain simplicity while achieving controllable odorant release.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple odorant canisters are added for selective dispensing, then user selectivity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple odorant canisters are nested within a single housing structure that integrates the electronic control module and dispensing mechanism. This nesting approach allows the system to provide user selectivity through multiple canisters while maintaining a compact, unified device structure that does not significantly increase overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control module combines multiple control functions into a single unit that can selectively activate different canisters. The housing structure merges support for multiple canisters with the dispensing mechanism and control electronics, creating an integrated system that provides versatility without proportional increases in device complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If the odorant dispensing device occupies larger space, then more odorant storage capacity is available, but the filtering area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The odorant canisters are arranged in a vertical or multi-layer configuration within the housing, utilizing the third dimension (height/depth) rather than expanding horizontally. This dimensional arrangement allows sufficient odorant storage capacity while preserving the horizontal filtering area of the air filter unit.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple small-capacity canisters are nested within a compact housing structure, maximizing space utilization. This nesting approach provides adequate total odorant storage capacity while maintaining a compact footprint that does not encroach on the filtering area of the air filter unit.
4Ease of repair
If passive odorant release is used, then the system is simple to maintain, but bacterial growth and corrosion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic, on-demand dispensing of odorants instead of continuous passive release. The electronic control module activates specific canisters only when needed, creating periodic action that prevents the continuous moisture and odorant accumulation that leads to bacterial growth and corrosion, while maintaining simple maintenance through replaceable canisters.
Solution Approach 2:
The odorant dispensing function is extracted as a separate, removable module with interchangeable canisters. This extraction allows the odorant storage and dispensing components to be easily removed and replaced during maintenance, simplifying the maintenance process while the controlled dispensing mechanism prevents harmful effects like bacterial growth and corrosion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables users to create personalized odor profiles by selectively dispensing various odorants, reducing foul odors and maintaining filtering efficiency while minimizing corrosion and bacterial growth.
Implementation Method 1
selectively actuating dispensing of odorant from said canisters into the forced air stream flowing through the block
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure concerns odorants or fragrances dispersing systems, more specifically a system designed for dispersing one or more odorant compositions from one or more odorant canisters that are incorporated within an air filter of an air conditioner system. The system is configured to permit dispensing of one or more odorants in a selective manner as per user-demand.