Fragrance filter assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing HVAC systems lack a mechanism to effectively release a fragrance into the air stream while maintaining air filtration efficiency, as conventional filters do not integrate fragrance release capabilities without compromising particle capture performance.

Innovation Solution

A filter unit positioned in the HVAC intake, featuring a frame with infused fragrance strips that release fragrance into the air stream when the system is turned on, utilizing a fluid-permeable filter with pleats to capture particles and prevent fragrance strip coverage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If fragrance strips are integrated into the filter unit, then fragrance release capability is improved, but particle capture performance may deteriorate due to coverage of fragrance strips by particles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefragrance release capabilityVSAvoidparticle capture performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The filter unit is segmented into distinct functional zones: a particle capture zone with filter media and a fragrance release zone with fragrance strips positioned in the bypass channel. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its specific function without interference, resolving the contradiction between fragrance release and particle capture effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A bypass channel is introduced as an intermediary structure that directs particle-laden air away from the fragrance strips while allowing fragrance-infused air to mix with the filtered air stream. This mediator prevents particles from contacting and covering the fragrance strips, maintaining both fragrance release capability and particle capture performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If conventional filters are used without fragrance integration, then particle filtration is maintained, but fragrance release function is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair filtration efficiencyVSAvoidfragrance release function

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The filter unit is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs particle filtration through the filter media and fragrance release through the fragrance strips in the bypass channel. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple functions, eliminating the need for separate filtration and fragrance systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The fragrance release mechanism is merged with the filtration system by integrating fragrance strips into the bypass channel structure of the filter unit. The bypass channel, which naturally diverts a portion of air flow, is combined with fragrance-infused strips to create a unified system that delivers both filtration and fragrance functions through a single installed component

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If fragrance strips are placed in the air stream, then fragrance release is enhanced, but particle accumulation on strips occurs compromising continuous release

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefragrance release efficiencyVSAvoidcontinuous fragrance release duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The bypass channel acts as an intermediary that protects the fragrance strips from direct exposure to particle-laden air while still allowing fragrance-infused air to enter the main air stream. This intermediary structure prevents particle accumulation on the strips, ensuring continuous fragrance release over extended periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the filter unit are assigned different qualities: the filter media region has high particle capture capability while the bypass channel region has high fragrance release capability. This local differentiation ensures that each area performs its optimized function without compromising the other, maintaining continuous fragrance release

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enhances the scent of air circulated by the HVAC system while maintaining effective particle filtration, ensuring continuous fragrance release without particle accumulation on the strips.

Implementation Method 1

each of the strips is infused with a fragrance wherein each of the strips is configured to release the fragrance into the intake when the HVAC system is turned on

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

utilizing a fluid-permeable filter with pleats to capture particles and prevent fragrance strip coverage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS10493393B2Fragrance filter assembly

Publication Date: 2019.12.03 MCLAUGHLIN WILLIE

AI summary

A fragrance filter assembly for releasing a fragrance into an HVAC system includes a filter unit that may positioned in an intake of an HVAC system. The filter unit inhibits particles from passing through the intake. A plurality of strips each of the strips is coupled to the filter unit. Each of the strips is infused with a fragrance wherein each of the strips is configured to release the fragrance into the intake when the HVAC system is turned on thereby enhancing a smell of air urged by the HVAC system.