Methods for emitting and refills for holding two or more compositions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current fragrance dispensers require multiple refills and actuators to emit different fragrances, leading to increased size and cost, and fail to effectively address user adaptation and habituation due to constant fragrance intensity perception decay over time.

Innovation Solution

A refill system with a container holding two or more compositions, where one composition is denser and layered below a less dense one, using a tube and wick setup with vents and metering orifices to control emission, allowing sequential and noticeable transitions between fragrances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple refills and actuators are used to emit different fragrances, then fragrance variety and habituation prevention are improved, but device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefragrance varietyVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple fragrance compositions within a single refill container, using density-based layering to separate different fragrances. This merging approach eliminates the need for multiple separate refills and actuators, reducing device size and complexity while maintaining the ability to emit multiple fragrances sequentially.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested structure where multiple fragrance compositions are contained within concentric layers or compartments inside a single refill. The denser fragrance forms an inner core while less dense fragrances form outer layers, allowing sequential emission from a unified structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple refills and actuators are used to emit different fragrances, then fragrance variety and habituation prevention are improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefragrance varietyVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If fragrance emission is continuous at constant intensity, then user convenience is improved, but user enjoyment decreases due to adaptation and habituation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser convenienceVSAvoiduser enjoyment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic changes in fragrance emission by sequentially activating different fragrance layers based on density. The system transitions from emitting denser fragrances to less dense fragrances over time, creating periodic variations that prevent user adaptation and habituation while maintaining continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of emission by utilizing density differences to control which fragrance layer is emitted at any given time. As the liquid level drops, the system naturally transitions between different fragrance compositions, providing varying intensity and type of fragrance emission without manual intervention.

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 allows for efficient emission of multiple fragrances from a single refill, reducing habituation and increasing user enjoyment by providing noticeable fragrance changes without the need for multiple refills or actuators, thus minimizing size and cost.

Implementation Method 1

A wick may be disposed within the tube, wherein the wick contains the first and second compositions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

a heater disposed within the chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

emitting a first portion of the second composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS9783357B2Methods for emitting and refills for holding two or more compositions

Publication Date: 2017.10.10 SC JOHNSON & SON INC

AI summary

A refill for holding at least two compositions comprises a container including a body and first and second compositions disposed within the body such that the first and second compositions are substantially separated and the second composition is disposed above the first composition. The refill further includes a tube disposed within the body of the container such that the tube contains the first and second compositions, wherein the tube has an inner diameter and an outer diameter. Still further, the refill includes a wick disposed within the tube, wherein the wick contains the first and second compositions and has a diameter that is smaller than the inner diameter of the tube to create a gap between the wick and the tube.