Digital Odor Generator with Segmented Compartment Nozzle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current olfactometers are cumbersome, expensive, and lack the ability to easily administer multiple odorants or their combinations, making them impractical for remote testing and data collection, while existing solutions are either too complex, ineffective, or not commercially viable.
Innovation Solution
A digital odor generator with a cylindrically shaped odor chamber containing separate compartments and a truncated cone nozzle allows for the precise delivery of individual or combined odors, facilitated by a fan and air pressure system, enabling remote administration and data collection over networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a large research-type olfactometer is used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The odor delivery system is segmented into multiple independent odorant reservoirs (at least three separate reservoirs), each capable of holding different odorants. This segmentation allows the system to achieve complex odor delivery capabilities through simpler, modular components rather than a single complex delivery mechanism, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital odor generator is designed with multi-functionality to perform various olfactory tests (threshold testing, identification, discrimination, memory assessment) using a single integrated system. The system can deliver individual odors, odor mixtures, and control conditions through a unified odor delivery mechanism, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple odorants and their combinations are administered, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses separate, independently controllable odorant reservoirs for each odorant type. This segmentation enables the delivery of individual odors and any combination of odors by simply activating the appropriate reservoirs, achieving high adaptability without requiring a complex mixing mechanism. The segmented architecture allows flexible odorant selection while keeping each individual component simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The odor delivery system employs dynamic control through a fan and airflow mechanism that can selectively direct odors from different reservoirs to the subject. The system can dynamically adjust which odorants are delivered and in what combinations by controlling airflow paths, enabling versatile odorant presentation without permanent physical reconfiguration, thus maintaining relatively low device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If scratch-and-sniff pads or squeeze-bottle methods are used, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automates the odor delivery process through a fan-driven airflow system that automatically presents odors to the subject without requiring manual manipulation by the test administrator. The digital control system manages odorant selection, delivery timing, and concentration control, eliminating the need for scratch-and-sniff pads or squeeze-bottle operations while maintaining measurement precision through consistent, reproducible odor presentation.
4Device complexity
If a single dispensing nozzle is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to cross contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs separate odor delivery pathways from each odorant reservoir to the common airflow system. While there is a single fan and common airflow path, each odorant is delivered through its own dedicated reservoir and connection point, minimizing cross-contamination risk. The segmented reservoir design ensures that odorants remain isolated until deliberately mixed by the airflow system, maintaining reliability without requiring multiple separate nozzles for each odorant.
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 device provides accurate, flexible, and cost-effective olfactory testing by allowing easy odorant changes and remote administration, enhancing the practicality and accuracy of smell tests.
Implementation Method 1
a fan adapted to move air through the odor chamber and nozzle
Implementation Method 2
an air pressure source adapted to force an odor through the porous hollow cylinder and out the nozzle
Implementation Method 3
A porous hollow cylinder, made of plastic or other material in its preferred embodiment, with an odorant contained therein
Data Source
AI summary
A digital odor generator includes a housing and a cylindrically shaped odor chamber carried by the housing and including a plurality of separate odor compartments isolated from each other. A porous hollow cylinder, made of plastic or some other porous material, with an odorant therein is located in each of the odor compartments. A nozzle in the form of a truncated cone is operatively connected to the odor chamber. The nozzle includes an outer face having an enlarged central opening and a plurality of smaller openings surrounding the central opening; the number of smaller openings being equal to the number of odor compartments. The outer face of the nozzle is arranged so that a person can position his or her nose near the openings. Each of the smaller openings is associated with a different one of the odor compartments and is isolated from the others and from the central opening so that the odor from only one odor compartment can be emitted through only one of the smaller openings. A fan within the housing is adapted to pass fresh air through the central opening. And an air pressure source selectively forces one or more of the odorants through their respective odor compartments and out of the nozzle.