Dryer Sheet Package Window for Scent Identification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Consumers face difficulties in selecting dryer sheets based on scent preferences due to the proliferation of scent types and inadequate communication of scent experiences on packaging, leading to a less than pleasurable scent experience during the laundering process.

Innovation Solution

A package for dryer sheets featuring a carton with a window that allows the indicia of freshness, such as perfume microcapsules, to be visible, enabling consumers to easily identify the scent experience and differentiate between types, thereby enhancing the selection process and providing a more pleasurable scent experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple scent types are provided to enhance consumer scent experience, then the variety of scent experiences is improved, but the difficulty of selection and communication of scent experience is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescent experience varietyVSAvoidscent experience communication
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies color changes by using colored indicia (such as colored dots or colored portions of the dryer sheet itself) to represent different scent types. Each color corresponds to a specific scent category, allowing consumers to quickly identify and select their preferred scent experience without being overwhelmed by text descriptions. This visual coding system transforms the abstract concept of scent into a concrete, easily distinguishable visual signal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses visual indicia that copy or represent the actual scent experience through symbolic markers. The colored indicia serve as visual copies or representations of the invisible scent characteristics, enabling consumers to perceive and differentiate scent types through visual inspection rather than relying on fictional scent names or descriptions that do not convey the actual sensory experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Adaptability or versatility

If fictional scent names are used on packaging, then the marketing appeal is improved, but the consumer's ability to understand and select the desired scent experience is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemarketing appealVSAvoidscent selection process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces or supplements fictional scent names with colored visual indicia that provide intuitive, universal recognition. Instead of relying on creative but ambiguous names like 'Clean Breeze,' the system uses color-coded markers that consumers can understand at a glance, making the selection process easier while maintaining marketing appeal through visual attractiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces colored indicia as an intermediary between the product and the consumer. These visual markers serve as a bridge that translates the abstract concept of scent into a concrete, easily interpretable visual signal, eliminating the need for consumers to decipher fictional scent names and enabling direct, intuitive selection based on visual cues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If recloseable cartons are used to store dryer sheets, then the storage and protection are improved, but the visibility and identification of scent type are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage protectionVSAvoidscent type identification
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent places colored indicia on the dryer sheets or packaging in positions that are visible through the carton walls or through the recloseable opening. This allows the color-coded scent identification system to function even when the carton is closed, enabling consumers to identify the scent type without opening the package while maintaining the protective and recloseable nature of the carton.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the third dimension by positioning visual indicia on surfaces of the dryer sheets that face outward through the carton structure. This allows the scent identification information to be displayed in a spatial dimension that is accessible to consumers through the carton's transparent or open sections, eliminating the need to open the package for identification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2212208B1Packages for storing dryer sheets
Publication Date: 2011.04.27 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • EP2212208B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2212208B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2212208B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A package for storing a dryer sheet comprising: a carton (10) comprising a top panel (20) defining at least one window (80); and at least one dryer sheet (90) comprising a perfume technology comprising at least one perfume microcapsule, wherein said at least one dryer sheet comprises an indicia of freshness (100), and wherein said at least one dryer sheet is located within the interior of said carton such that said indicia of freshness is visible through said at least one window.