Air Purifier Scent Release Triggered by Pollutant Thresholds

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scent release devices in air purification systems risk generating harmful reaction products when releasing volatile compounds into polluted air, potentially harming inhabitants, especially when pollutant levels are high and reactive organic molecules are used.

Innovation Solution

An air purification system that includes a sensor to monitor pollutant concentrations and a processor to generate a scent release signal only when the pollutant concentration falls below a defined threshold, ensuring volatile compounds are released safely and in controlled amounts, thereby reducing the risk of harmful reactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If volatile compounds are released into the air to create a scented atmosphere, then the pleasant atmosphere is improved, but harmful reaction products may be generated when pollutants are present

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescented atmosphere creationVSAvoidharmful reaction products
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors pollutant concentrations using sensors and uses this feedback to dynamically control the scent release apparatus. When pollutant levels exceed the threshold, the processor automatically inhibits or reduces scent release, preventing the formation of harmful reaction products while allowing normal scent release when air quality is good.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary monitoring of pollutant concentrations before allowing scent release to occur. By checking air quality in advance and only permitting scent release when pollutant levels are below the threshold, the system prevents harmful reactions from occurring in the first place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Duration of action of stationary object

If scent release is continuously operated to maintain pleasant atmosphere, then the scented environment is improved, but the risk of harmful reactions increases with high pollutant levels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous scent releaseVSAvoidharmful reaction products
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system transitions from static continuous scent release to dynamic controlled release. The scent release apparatus operates continuously only when air quality conditions permit, but automatically adjusts or stops operation when pollutant levels rise, creating a flexible duration of action that responds to real-time environmental conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If reactive volatile compounds are used to create strong scents, then the scented atmosphere effect is improved, but the potential for harmful reactions with pollutants increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescent intensityVSAvoidharmful reaction products
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses real-time pollutant concentration feedback to control the operation of the scent release apparatus. When reactive volatile compounds are being released, the system continuously monitors for pollutants that could react with them and automatically adjusts or stops release if dangerous reaction conditions are detected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

The system effectively delivers a scented atmosphere while minimizing the risk of harmful reactions, ensuring the air remains safe for occupants by synchronizing scent release with pollutant removal and adjusting scent levels based on room volume and pollutant decay rates.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor for sensing a concentration of the air pollutant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSensing:

Implementation Method 2

a processor adapted to monitor the pollutant concentration from sensor data received from the sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMonitoring:

Implementation Method 3

the scent release apparatus is adapted to release a volatile compound used to create a scent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVaporization:

Data Source

PatentEP3319647B1Air purifier and atmosphere scenting
Publication Date: 2019.07.17 KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS NV
  • EP3319647B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3319647B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3319647B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is an air purification system (10) comprising an air purifier apparatus (50) for removing a pollutant from air, a sensor (21, 23) for sensing a concentration of the air pollutant and a scent release apparatus (40) responsive to a scent release signal, wherein the air purification system further comprises a processor (31) adapted to monitor the pollutant concentration from sensor data received from the sensor and to generate the scent release signal upon the monitored pollutant concentration falling below a defined threshold. Also disclosed is a method of generating a scented atmosphere in a room housing an air purification apparatus (50) for removing a pollutant from the air in the room.