Flexible Solid Deodorizer Interlock Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional refillable air fresheners with solid deodorizers face issues such as stickiness and messy residues due to remaining gelling polymers after evaporation, requiring cleaning before refilling, and often result in discarded refill containers when the gel composition dissipates.

Innovation Solution

A flexible solid deodorizer with a first and second central evaporative surface and a peripheral evaporative surface that interlocks with a dispenser, allowing easy detachment and refilling without openings, using a pressure fit or interference fit, and exhibiting minimal shrinkage to prevent residue and ease removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a gel composition is used in conventional refillable air fresheners, then the volatile composition can be delivered over time, but the remaining gelling polymer causes stickiness and messy residue requiring cleaning before refilling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of volatile composition deliveryVSAvoidstickiness and messy residue from gelling polymer

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical state of the deodorizer from gel to solid form. This parameter change eliminates the gelling polymer that causes stickiness and residue, while maintaining the ability to deliver volatile composition over time through the solid matrix structure with evaporative surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes phase transition by employing a solid deodorizer that maintains structural integrity throughout its service life. The solid phase prevents the degradation issues associated with gel phase breakdown, eliminating messy residue while sustaining volatile compound release through evaporation from exposed surfaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

2Productivity

If conventional gel air fresheners are refilled, then the container can be reused, but the container must be cleaned first due to residue from the depleted gel

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefilling efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning requirement before refilling

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the deodorizer from gel to solid form, the patent eliminates the residue problem that necessitates cleaning. The solid deodorizer maintains structural integrity and does not leave sticky polymer residue, enabling direct refilling without cleaning steps and improving both refilling efficiency and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If a solid deodorizer is designed to interlock with the dispenser, then the product can be securely held, but the deodorizer must be easily removable for refilling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure holding of deodorizerVSAvoidease of removal for refilling

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic interlocking system where the solid deodorizer features protrusions that engage with recesses in the dispenser for secure holding during use. The interlock is designed to be easily disengaged by applying slight pressure or twisting motion, enabling simple removal for refilling while maintaining reliable attachment during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The deodorizer is segmented into modular components with specific geometric features (protrusions and recesses) that enable the interlocking mechanism. This segmentation allows the deodorizer to be securely attached yet easily separated from the dispenser, balancing reliability with ease of operation for refilling

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

The solution enables easy refilling and minimizes residue, extending the product's life cycle while maintaining a clean and efficient refilling process, reducing waste and maintaining the dispenser's integrity.

Implementation Method 1

The use of various devices for diffusion of volatile compounds such as perfumes, sanitizing agents, insect repellants, air freshening compositions, deodorizers are well known

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS20230321304A1Refillable volatile composition dispenser with releasable interlock

Publication Date: 2023.10.12 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO

AI summary

A flexible solid deodorizer for releasably interlocking to a volatile composition dispenser, the solid deodorizer has a first central evaporative surface, a second central evaporative surface, and a peripheral evaporative surface. The peripheral evaporative surface circumscribes at least a part of the first and second central evaporative surfaces to define a side of the deodorizer. The deodorizer is configured for releasably interlocking to the dispenser, wherein at least a portion of the deodorizer is configured to releasably interlock with at least a portion of the dispenser to form a solid surface substantially free of an opening.