Digital Scent Delivery Valves for Precise Cross-Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies lack a commercially available system for controllably rendering scent in various digital experiences and applications, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and aromatherapy, without scent contamination among users.
Innovation Solution
A digital scent delivery device with vessels containing scented media, controlled by electromechanical actuation subsystems, including thermoelectric and piezoelectric actuators, to release scents through controlled valves, ensuring precise emission and preventing cross-contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromechanical actuation subsystems are used to control valve opening, then precise control of scent delivery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the scent delivery control into multiple independent electromechanical actuation subsystems, each controlling a specific valve. This segmentation allows precise control of individual scent streams while keeping each control unit relatively simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
Electromechanical actuators serve as intermediary devices between the control system and the valves. These actuators translate electrical control signals into mechanical valve opening/closing actions, providing precise control without requiring complex direct mechanical control mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vessels with different scents are used, then versatility of digital experiences is improved, but risk of scent contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses separate vessels for different scents, physically segmenting the scent storage. Each vessel is independently controlled by its own electromechanical actuation subsystem, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining versatility in scent selection for different digital experiences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements preliminary protective measures by using sealed vessels with controlled openings. The electromechanical actuators only open valves when scent delivery is required, and the system can prevent unintended opening through proper control logic, thereby preventing scent leakage and contamination before they occur.
3Device complexity
If passive valves are used alongside electromechanical actuators, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision over scent release is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges passive valves (which provide basic flow control and sealing) with electromechanical actuators (which provide active control). This combination allows the passive valves to handle the mechanical sealing function while the actuators provide precise timing and opening control, achieving both simplicity and precision.
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 precise and controlled scent delivery in digital experiences, enhancing user interaction and aromatherapy while preventing scent leakage and contamination.
Implementation Method 1
the first electromechanical actuation subsystem and the second electromechanical actuation subsystem are a same type of electromechanical actuation subsystem. According to one embodiment, at least one of the first electromechanical actuation subsystem or the second electromechanical actuation subsystem includes a thermoelectric actuator.
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the first electromechanical actuation subsystem or the second electromechanical actuation subsystem includes a piezoelectric actuator.
Implementation Method 3
the thermoelectric actuator includes a shape memory alloy configured to move based on an application of a current and a stopper configured to cover at least one of the first opening or the second opening until movement of the shape memory alloy moves the stopper.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes one or more vessels. Each of the vessels includes a scented medium between a first opening and a second opening. A first valve is disposed at the first opening of each of the one or more vessel. A second valve is disposed at the second opening of each of the one or more vessels. At least one of the first valve or the second valve of one of the one or more vessels is part of a first electromechanical actuation subsystem and another of the first valve or the second valve is a passive valve or is part of a second electromechanical actuation subsystem. A controller controls release of scented gas from at least one of the one or more vessels via the second opening to a corresponding outlet.