Distributed Oxidant Source System to Eliminate Odors and Pathogens

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Solution Overview

Problem

Unpleasant odors persist in environments despite the use of air fresheners, causing discomfort and indicating unsanitary conditions, and existing systems fail to effectively eliminate the source of these odors or sanitize against pathogens.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising scent control material sources and a controller that regulates the output of scent control materials, including dehumidifiers and humidifiers, to manage humidity and efficiently eliminate odors and pathogens by using oxidants like ozone, while adjusting output based on environmental conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If air fresheners are used to mask unpleasant odors, then the odor perception is temporarily reduced, but the source of the odor persists and the effect is not lasting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveodor perceptionVSAvoidlasting effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful odor molecules into beneficial effects by using oxidizing agents (ozone, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid) to chemically break down the odor-causing substances. This oxidation process eliminates the harmful odors while simultaneously sanitizing the environment by killing pathogens, thus converting a harmful situation into a beneficial cleaning and disinfection process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs strong oxidizing agents including ozone, hydrogen peroxide, and peracetic acid to rapidly oxidize and eliminate odor-causing organic compounds. These oxidants react with and break down the chemical structure of odor molecules, providing a fast and effective solution that also has antimicrobial properties, thereby achieving both odor elimination and sanitation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If scent control material is continuously output to maintain low odor levels, then odor control is improved, but energy consumption and material usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveodor levelVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic or pulsed operation of the oxidant generation system rather than continuous operation. The controller activates the oxidant sources at intervals or in response to detected odor levels, maintaining effective odor control while significantly reducing energy consumption and oxidant usage compared to continuous operation. This on-demand approach allows the system to respond to actual environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates sensors that detect odor levels and provide feedback to the controller, which then adjusts the operation of oxidant sources accordingly. When odor levels exceed a threshold, the system increases oxidant output; when levels are acceptable, the system reduces or suspends operation. This closed-loop feedback control optimizes both odor elimination effectiveness and resource efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple scent control material sources are distributed throughout the environment, then odor elimination coverage is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveodor elimination coverageVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the environment into multiple zones with distributed oxidant sources placed throughout the space. Each oxidant source independently treats its local zone, ensuring comprehensive coverage of odor-causing substances across the entire environment. This segmentation approach improves coverage effectiveness while the modular nature of multiple independent sources actually simplifies installation and maintenance compared to a single complex centralized system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Effectively reduces or eliminates odors and pathogens by optimizing scent control material output, enhancing environmental desirability and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The controller can be configured to cause the first scent control material source to discharge a first quantity of scent control material into the environment until a scent control material concentration threshold is reached. Additionally, or alternatively, the controller can be configured to cause the second scent control material source to discharge the second quantity of scent control material into the environment until a scent control material concentration threshold is reached.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Data Source

PatentUS12478702B2Scent control device and methods for treating an environment

Publication Date: 2025.11.25 ELROD SCOTT A

AI summary

Systems and methods to treat an environment. The system includes a plurality of scent control material sources configured to output a scent control material (e.g., an oxidant) into the environment to reduce pathogens, dispose of scent molecules and their sources, and otherwise treat the environment. The system can include a controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of scent control material sources and cause one or more subsets of the plurality of scent control material sources to individually or collectively output scent control material into the environment.