HVAC Duct Scent Diffuser Holder Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle scent diffusing systems lack an efficient and integrated method to uniformly distribute scents within passenger compartments, often relying on manual air fresheners which may not provide consistent or pleasant aromas.
Innovation Solution
A scent diffusing system that integrates a duct assembly with a holder assembly and a scented pad, where the HVAC system directs air through the duct and holder assembly to diffuse a scent uniformly throughout the passenger compartment, utilizing a controller to activate the HVAC system and manage scent distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual air fresheners are used in the passenger cabin, then passengers can bring their own scents, but the scent distribution is inconsistent and not uniform throughout the cabin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the scent diffusing function with the existing HVAC duct system, merging two separate functions (climate control and scent distribution) into a single integrated system. This ensures uniform scent distribution throughout the cabin by utilizing the HVAC system's existing air circulation capabilities, while maintaining reliable and consistent scent delivery through the controller's activation of the HVAC system.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder assembly acts as an intermediary component between the scented pad and the HVAC duct system. It provides a structured interface that allows the scented pad to be properly positioned within the duct, ensuring consistent contact with the airflow while facilitating easy installation and removal. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing both uniform distribution and reliable consistency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed scent diffusing system is installed in the vehicle, then scent distribution is improved, but the system complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The scent diffusing system is segmented into modular components: the holder assembly and the scented pad. This segmentation allows the system to be easily installed and removed without permanent modifications to the vehicle's HVAC system. The holder assembly can be independently attached to the duct, and the scented pad can be easily replaced, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining effective scent distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder assembly incorporates movable or adjustable elements that allow for dynamic installation and removal. The design enables the holder to be attached to or detached from the HVAC duct as needed, providing flexibility without requiring permanent installation. This dynamic capability reduces system complexity while maintaining efficient scent distribution when activated.
3Reliability
If the holder assembly is permanently fixed in the duct, then scent diffusion is reliable, but the ease of maintenance and scented pad replacement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the holder assembly from the scented pad, allowing the scented pad to be independently replaced without removing or disturbing the holder assembly. This segmentation maintains reliable scent diffusion through the secure holder installation while enabling easy maintenance by allowing users to simply swap out the scented pad when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder assembly is designed to facilitate self-service maintenance, where users can easily replace the scented pad without requiring technical expertise or special tools. The design likely includes simple insertion and removal mechanisms that allow users to maintain the system themselves, ensuring both reliable operation and ease of maintenance.
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 effectively diffuses a scent within the passenger compartment, providing a pleasant aroma consistently and efficiently, suitable for ride-providing and ride-sharing services by activating the HVAC system to direct scented air before each new passenger enters.
Implementation Method 1
Air directed through the duct by heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system flows through the interior of the holder assembly to diffuse a scent within the air
Data Source
AI summary
A scent diffusing system for a vehicle includes a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is in fluid communication with a passenger compartment. A duct assembly extends between the HVAC system and the passenger compartment. The duct assembly includes a duct including a receiving extension defining a receiving cavity. The receiving extension defines locating tracks. A holder assembly is slidably received within the locating tracks. An interior of the holder assembly is in fluid communication with an interior of the duct via openings defined by the holder assembly. A scented pad is disposed within the interior of the holder assembly. A controller is configured to activate the HVAC system to direct air through the duct, through the interior of the holder assembly, and into the passenger compartment to diffuse a scent within the passenger compartment.