Fragrance release system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fragrance release systems for deodorizing and fragrancing closed spaces, such as machine dishwashers, face challenges with limited space requirements and non-constant fragrance release over time, particularly due to container design and thermal stress affecting polymeric carrier materials.

Innovation Solution

A fragrance release system with a container having two chambers of varying volumes, a crescent-like cross-sectional shape, and a two-part design allowing for full particle filling and optimized fragrance release, utilizing polymeric carrier materials with a softening point between 30°C and 150°C to ensure prolonged fragrance emission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the container is filled to maximum particle volume, then fragrance release intensity is improved, but particle mobility increases which limits functioning time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle volumeVSAvoidfunctioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The container is divided into two chambers (first chamber and second chamber) separated by a partition wall. This segmentation allows particles to be distributed across both chambers, and when one chamber is depleted, particles can migrate to the other chamber through openings in the partition wall, thereby extending the overall functioning time of the fragrance release system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the container has a cuboidal shape with rounded corners, then manufacturing is simplified, but the container requires relatively large space which is unsuitable for machine dishwasher use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer shapeVSAvoidcontainer size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The container is designed to nest within the rack structure of a machine dishwasher. The container comprises a body portion that can be inserted into and secured by the rack, allowing the container to utilize the available space efficiently without requiring a large standalone structure. This nesting approach reduces the effective space requirement while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Area of stationary object

If particles are fully mobile in the container, then fragrance release surface area is maximized, but the system functioning time is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle surface areaVSAvoidfunctioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The partition wall with openings divides the particle population into two separate chambers. This segmentation controls particle mobility by allowing gradual migration between chambers rather than complete freedom of movement. The openings in the partition wall regulate the rate at which particles can move between chambers, thereby extending the overall functioning time while maintaining adequate fragrance release surface area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Reliability

If polymeric carrier materials are used, then fragrance encapsulation is improved, but thermal stress during processing causes fragrance loss through evaporation or decomposition

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefragrance encapsulationVSAvoidfragrance loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies using polymeric carrier materials with a softening point between 30°C and 150°C. By carefully selecting polymers within this temperature range, the system maintains adequate encapsulation while avoiding the high thermal stress that causes fragrance degradation. The softening point parameter is optimized to balance encapsulation reliability with thermal stability during processing and use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 ensures effective and prolonged fragrance release with minimal space, reducing particle surface area exposure to maintain fragrance intensity over multiple wash cycles, enhancing the functionality and longevity of the system.

Implementation Method 1

said particles having a carrier material, which carrier material is preferably polymeric, and said particles having at least one fragrance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

utilizing polymeric carrier materials with a softening point between 30°C and 150°C to ensure prolonged fragrance emission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP3426126B1Fragrance release system
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 HENKEL KGAA
  • EP3426126B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3426126B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3426126B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention discloses a fragrance release system 1 comprising a container (2) and a multitude of particles (4i, 4ii) stored in chambers (3i, 3ii) of the container (2) for deodorizing and/or fragrancing open or closed spaces, especially textile washing machines, dryers or machine dishwashers, said particles (4i, 4ii) having a preferably polymeric carrier material and at least one fragrance, and said container (2) having a plurality of orifices (12i, 12ii, 13i, 13ii, 14i, 14ii) through which emission of the fragrances of the particles from the chamber outward is possible, wherein the chambers (3i, 3ii) comprise at least a first chamber (3i) and a second chamber (3ii), wherein the volume of the first chamber (3i) is larger than the volume of the second chamber (3ii).