Cabin Air Filter With Controlled Fragrance Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cabin air filters for vehicles often require separate fragrance units, which can be difficult to position optimally and increase costs, leading to inefficiencies and waste.

Innovation Solution

A cabin air filter integrated with a controlled release fragrance formulation, where the fragrance is embedded in the filter media, such as paper or cloth, allowing for a predetermined release rate over months, eliminating the need for separate fragrance units and enabling easy retrofitting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate fragrance units are used in vehicles, then fragrance can be provided to the cabin air, but the device complexity increases and optimal positioning becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefragrance unit positioningVSAvoidfragrance unit mounting
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fragrance unit with the cabin air filter housing into a single integrated assembly. The fragrance formulation is positioned within the filter housing such that air passing through the filter media also passes over the fragrance formulation, eliminating the need for separate fragrance units and complex mounting arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of operation

If separate fragrance units are used, then fragrance delivery is achieved, but the overall cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefragrance deliveryVSAvoidoverall cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fragrance formulation is integrated into the filter housing structure, sharing common components such as the housing, air passageways, and mounting mechanisms. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts, lowers manufacturing costs, and simplifies assembly procedures while maintaining effective fragrance delivery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If separate fragrance units are used, then fragrance is provided, but wastage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefragrance provisionVSAvoidwastage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The fragrance formulation is designed to release fragrance continuously as air passes through the filter housing, ensuring consistent fragrance delivery throughout the filter's service life. This continuous action prevents waste by maintaining effective fragrance levels without requiring excess fragrance material or frequent replacements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

This solution reduces costs, minimizes waste, and provides a consistent fragrance to the vehicle cabin air, enhancing air quality and fragrance delivery without the need for additional fragrance units.

Implementation Method 1

A cabin air filter integrated with a controlled release fragrance formulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectControlled release:

Implementation Method 2

the fragrance is embedded in the filter media, such as paper or cloth, allowing for a predetermined release rate over months

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS20230347272A1Cabin air filters for vehicles
Publication Date: 2023.11.02 LUTTRELL DONALD

AI summary

A cabin air filter for use in cabins of vehicles for air filtration and conditioning of indoor environment in the cabin. The cabin air filter includes a filter media encased in a frame and a fragrance formulation deposited on the filter media.