Multisensory Case with Stacked Odor and Airflow Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing immersive devices primarily engage users through sight and hearing, lacking comprehensive sensory immersion due to punctual sources of additional sensory effects like wind and odors, which limits the realism of user experiences in testing or recreational applications.

Innovation Solution

A multi-sensory box system with vertically stacked sensory devices, including odor diffusion and air flow generation, sound generation, and optional heat treatment, arranged to create a balanced and immersive environment, with independent control for each box to synchronize sensory effects with projected images.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If punctual sources of additional sensory effects (wind, odors) are used in immersive devices, then device complexity is reduced, but sensory immersion effectiveness deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure complexityVSAvoidsensory immersion effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the immersive device into multiple independent multi-sensory boxes distributed around the user space. Each box contains segmented sensory devices (odor diffusion, air flow, sound generation) that can be independently controlled. This segmentation allows comprehensive sensory coverage without requiring a single complex centralized system, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and sensory immersion effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from punctual (point-source) sensory emission to distributed spatial emission by arranging multiple multi-sensory boxes at different locations and heights. The vertical stacking of sensory devices within each box and their horizontal distribution create a three-dimensional sensory field, enhancing immersion effectiveness without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If multiple sensory devices are integrated in each box, then sensory immersion is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensory immersionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the immersive system into multiple identical multi-sensory boxes, each containing a standardized set of sensory devices. This modular segmentation allows the system to achieve comprehensive sensory immersion through replication rather than through a single complex heterogeneous system, maintaining structural simplicity while enhancing overall immersion effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each multi-sensory box is designed as a universal module capable of providing multiple sensory effects (odor diffusion, air flow generation, sound production) simultaneously. This multi-functionality at the module level allows the system to achieve comprehensive sensory immersion without increasing the complexity of individual boxes, as each box follows the same standardized design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If vertically stacked sensory devices are arranged, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments sensory devices into standardized vertical modules within each multi-sensory box. Each box contains a predetermined vertical stack of sensory components (odor diffusion device, air flow device, sound device) that can be manufactured and assembled as a standardized unit. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by creating repeatable modular assemblies rather than requiring custom integrated designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a nested vertical arrangement where sensory devices are stacked one above another within each multi-sensory box. This nesting approach maximizes space utilization by arranging devices in the vertical dimension, and simplifies manufacturing by creating a hierarchical assembly structure where smaller components are integrated into larger modular units that can be pre-assembled and tested before deployment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 user immersion by providing a more comprehensive sensory experience, including auditory, olfactory, and haptic sensations, creating a more realistic and engaging environment that simulates real-world conditions effectively.

Implementation Method 1

at least one odor diffusion device formed from at least one odor diffusion support and a fan

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFan: Fan

Implementation Method 2

a device for generating an air flow, the odor diffusion device and the device for generating an air flow being arranged one above the other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir flow generation:

Implementation Method 3

the device for generating an additional air flow is associated with a heat treatment device made to pass through the device for generating an additional air flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat treatment: Heat Treatment

Data Source

PatentEP3570922B1Multisensory case and immersive device
Publication Date: 2024.01.31 THE LAB IN THE BAG
  • EP3570922B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3570922B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3570922B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

The invention relates to a multisensory case (4) comprising at least one odour-diffusing device (36) consisting of at least one odour-diffusing support and a ventilator as well as a device for generating an air flow (32). The odour-diffusing device and the device for generating an air flow are arranged one above the other. The invention also relates to an immersive device (1) comprising a screen (2) and at least two multisensory cases (4), each case comprising at least one device for generating air flows (32) and a sound-generating device (32), and to a control device designed to manage the emission of sound and air by independently controlling each of the cases.