Mobile Scent Tester Segmentation for Parallel Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scent testing methods are subjective and lack objective, scientific control over air flows, leading to non-uniform test conditions and potential contamination, limiting the ability to test multiple samples simultaneously in a cost-effective manner.
Innovation Solution
A scent testing device with controlled and adjustable air flows, using a housing with a sample test chamber, blower, and filter to create precise pressure differentials for objective testing, minimizing contamination and enabling simultaneous testing of multiple samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealed test room is used for scent testing, then test conditions are controlled and contamination is prevented, but the cost increases and only single sample testing is possible at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the testing system into multiple independent portable testing units, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows multiple samples to be tested simultaneously without requiring a single large sealed room, thus improving productivity while maintaining reliable test conditions in each unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential testing function from the large sealed room concept and concentrates it into compact portable units. By taking out the core testing capability and placing it in smaller self-contained units, the system enables parallel testing of multiple samples while maintaining controlled conditions.
2Reliability
If thorough cleaning of the test room is performed between samples, then cross-contamination is prevented, but time-consuming and expensive procedures are required
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the testing system into separate portable units, each unit tests only one sample at a time in isolation. This eliminates the need for thorough cleaning between samples since contamination cannot transfer between units, thus preventing cross-contamination without time-consuming cleaning procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the contamination prevention function from the cleaning process and implements it through physical separation of testing units. Each unit is self-contained with its own airflow system, extracting the essential protection against contamination away from the time-consuming cleaning procedure.
3Device complexity
If air flows are not precisely controlled, then the testing setup is simpler, but test results are affected by non-uniform conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the airflow control function into a dedicated module within each portable unit. This modular approach provides precise and uniform airflow control necessary for reliable test results while keeping the overall device complexity manageable through standardized design.
4Productivity
If multiple testing apparatus are operated simultaneously in the same room, then productivity increases, but cross-contamination between samples may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses segmentation by design - each portable testing unit is a physically separate, self-contained system with its own enclosed chamber and airflow paths. This allows multiple units to operate simultaneously in the same space while physical barriers prevent cross-contamination between samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces filtered airflows as an intermediary between the sample chamber and the surrounding environment. The filtered airflows act as a mediator that allows multiple units to coexist in the same room without direct contamination pathways between them.
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 provides scientifically reliable and objective scent testing results, reducing costs by allowing multiple samples to be tested simultaneously in various locations with precise control over air flows, eliminating cross-contamination and ensuring uniform test conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A first airflow device is positioned within the interior of the housing and is in communication with the sample test chamber and operable to direct a sample air flow from the sample test chamber and out of the source opening to the exterior of the device
Implementation Method 2
A second airflow device is within the interior of the housing and is in communication with the return opening and operable to draw the sample air flow from the exterior of the device through the return opening
Implementation Method 3
The air flows from each sample are completely contained, isolated and effectively filtered before those air flows are exhausted into the test room
Data Source
AI summary
A self-contained mobile apparatus which replicates the evaluation of scents, fragrances, aromas and odors in controlled and home environments. The apparatus simulates various stages of the consumer experience and has adjustable settings for dosing, air flow, and room size. The scented compound sample is placed within a cabinet having an enclosed sample chamber which is connected to an upward facing sample tube. An air fan is mounted within the sample chamber which circulates and controls sample air flow upward to a testing station wherein the sample air flow is tested for the identification and the concentration of the scent contained therein. A return air chamber and filter are mounted below the testing station. The filtered return air is controlled downward by a return air blower to provide an exhaust out through the bottom of the apparatus.