Dispenser Patterned Activation Sequences for Fragrance Habituation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fragrance dispensers often lead to user habituation due to constant fragrance intensity and repetitive spray bursts, resulting in decreased perception and increased consumption of volatile materials, especially in high-traffic areas.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dispensing device with patterned activation sequences that vary the volume and timing of fragrance release based on sensory input, transitioning between different active states to manage the release of volatile materials, such as initiating a first pattern activation sequence upon detection and switching to a second sequence if input is detected within a specific time period, or reverting to the first sequence if no input is detected after a lapse.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a dispensing device releases the same spray burst after every motion detection, then the device operation is simple, but the user becomes habituated to the fragrance level and perceives it less over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedispenser operation simplicityVSAvoiduser fragrance perception

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing device dynamically adjusts the fragrance release pattern by transitioning between different active states (first active state with first pattern activation sequence, second active state with second pattern activation sequence) based on detected motion and time elapsed since last dispensing. This dynamic adaptation prevents user habituation while maintaining automated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements periodic variation in dispensing patterns by releasing fragrance at different intervals and with different volumes based on the active state transitions. The first and second pattern activation sequences create periodic variations that prevent constant exposure, thereby reducing habituation while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If the dispenser releases spray bursts continuously in high-traffic areas, then motion detection responsiveness is maintained, but the volatile material is depleted faster and user perception decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotion detection responsivenessVSAvoidvolatile material consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial action by releasing smaller volumes of fragrance (volume A, volume C) compared to continuous full bursts, while still maintaining responsive dispensing upon motion detection. The pattern activation sequences release fragrance in controlled portions that are sufficient for perception but consume material more efficiently than continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The dispensing device changes parameters such as fragrance volume and release timing based on the active state transitions. In the first active state, the system uses first pattern activation sequence with specific volume A, while in the second active state it uses second pattern activation sequence with volume C, optimizing material consumption while maintaining detection responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the dispenser uses constant fragrance intensity, then the device operation is simple, but user perception of the fragrance decays over time due to adaptation and habituation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoiduser fragrance perception

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control system dynamically transitions between first and second active states based on time elapsed since last dispensing and motion detection. This dynamic state management introduces variation in fragrance intensity patterns without requiring complex continuous control, thereby maintaining simplicity while preventing perception decay.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from motion sensors and internal timing to determine when to transition between active states and activation sequences. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt fragrance release patterns based on actual usage conditions, maintaining user perception while keeping the control logic relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS8857662B2Dispensers and functional operation and timing control improvements for dispensers

Publication Date: 2014.10.14 SC JOHNSON & SON INC

AI summary

A method of operating a dispensing device includes the step of entering a first active state, in which the detection of sensory input by a sensor initiates a first pattern activation sequence to energize a drive unit of the dispensing device for a first length of time and a second subsequent length of time to actuate a container. Upon completion of the first pattern activation sequence, the device enters a second active state. The detection of sensory input in the second active state initiates a second pattern activation sequence to energize the drive unit for a third length of time and a fourth subsequent length of time to actuate a container if the sensory input is detected before a time period P lapses. The dispensing device initiates the first pattern activation sequence if the sensory input is detected after the lapsing of the time period P.