Plug-in Fragrance Diffuser PWM Control for Uniform Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional plug-in wick-based vapor emanation systems provide non-uniform fragrance distribution due to olfactory fatigue and non-linear dissipation rates, and lack control over fragrance levels, leading to overwhelming or weak scent in different spaces.

Innovation Solution

A fragrance dispenser with a controller that delivers pulse-width-modulated electrical voltage to a heater, allowing for adjustable heat profiles and fragrance diffusion rates, along with a user input device and lights that vary intensity based on the duty cycle, enabling customizable scent output and integration with a camera for fragrance type identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If conventional wick-based vapor emanation systems are used with constant wattage heating, then the system structure is simple, but the fragrance distribution becomes non-uniform due to olfactory fatigue and non-linear dissipation rates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidfragrance distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The heating device transitions from constant wattage to variable wattage operation, dynamically adjusting the heating power based on feedback from sensors that monitor fragrance concentration and environmental conditions. This dynamic control ensures uniform fragrance distribution while maintaining relatively simple system structure through adaptive parameter changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that detect fragrance concentration and environmental parameters, feeding this information back to the controller which adjusts the heating wattage accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism compensates for olfactory fatigue and non-linear dissipation rates, ensuring consistent fragrance distribution without significantly complicating the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Device complexity

If conventional wick-based systems operate without control mechanisms, then the device complexity is low, but the fragrance levels cannot be controlled leading to overwhelming or weak scent in different spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol mechanismVSAvoidfragrance level adaptation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the heating parameter (wattage) dynamically to adapt fragrance output to different space sizes and conditions. The controller adjusts heating power levels based on sensor feedback, enabling the same device to provide appropriate fragrance levels for both small and large spaces without requiring multiple devices or complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The heating device transitions from static constant wattage operation to dynamic variable wattage operation, allowing real-time adaptation of fragrance output to match environmental conditions and space requirements, thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If pulse-width-modulated electrical voltage is used to control heater power, then fragrance distribution becomes customizable and consistent, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefragrance distribution consistencyVSAvoidcontrol circuit

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical control methods (such as variable resistors or mechanical switches) with electronic pulse-width modulation (PWM) control. PWM provides precise electrical control of heater power through digital signaling, achieving consistent and customizable fragrance distribution while keeping the control circuit relatively simple through the use of standard microcontroller PWM capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system provides consistent and customizable fragrance distribution, reducing olfactory fatigue and adapting to space size, ensuring optimal scent perception over time.

Implementation Method 1

The partially submerged portion of the wick absorbs the liquid, some of which diffuses by capillary or wicking action into the exposed, unsubmerged portion of the wick

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

The exposed portion of the wick is locally heated, often by means of a heating device that fits over the wick. This causes the liquid which has diffused into the exposed portion of the wick to evaporate into the surrounding air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

The controller can be configured to deliver pulse-width-modulated electrical voltage to the heater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20210015955A1Plug-in fragrance diffuser, and systems and methods for using same

Publication Date: 2021.01.21 BEAUTYAVENUES LLC

AI summary

A fragrance dispenser can comprise a housing having a socket portion and defining a receptacle configured to receive a bottle having a fragrance-producing liquid therein and a wick extending therefrom. A heater can be disposed proximate to the receptacle so that, when the bottle is received within the receptacle, the heater is disposed proximate to the wick. A controller can be configured to deliver electrical voltage (e.g., pulse-width-modulated voltage) to the heater. A user input device can be in communication with the controller.