Olfactory Device Heats Water to Release Aroma
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is no existing system or method to provide the olfactory component of a home-cooked meal for meals that are delivered, making it difficult for individuals to appreciate the aroma associated with cooking, especially in households with busy schedules.
Innovation Solution
An olfactory system comprising an olfactory device with a processing unit, water reservoir, and heating element, along with an olfactory medium and receptacle, which heats water to create a hot olfactory liquid that produces steam, providing aroma to a dwelling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If meals are delivered to households with busy schedules, then convenience and time-saving are improved, but the olfactory component (aroma) of home-cooked meals is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the olfactory component (aroma) as a separate element from the meal preparation process. An aroma pod containing fragrance materials is used to release aromas independently from the cooking process, allowing the aromatic experience to be separated and delivered alongside the meal without requiring actual cooking time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary device (aroma pod with heating element) that mediates between the delivered meal and the user's sensory experience. The aroma pod acts as a bridge to recreate the olfactory sensation of home-cooked meals by heating fragrance materials and releasing them into the environment, compensating for the lost cooking aroma
2Ease of manufacture
If an olfactory system is added to provide aroma, then the olfactory component is restored, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated aroma pod device: the fragrance material storage, heating element, and aroma release mechanism are combined in one compact unit. This consolidation simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining the ability to generate and disperse cooking-like aromas
Solution Approach 2:
The aroma pod is designed as a self-contained unit that automatically performs the aroma generation function. Once placed in the device and activated, the system self-regulates the heating and aroma release process without requiring complex user intervention or additional components, reducing operational complexity
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 simulates the aroma of a home-cooked meal, enhancing the dining experience by providing the missing olfactory component of cooked meals, even when meals are delivered.
Implementation Method 1
the olfactory device is controlled by the processing unit to heat water from the water reservoir
Implementation Method 2
produce olfactory steam providing aroma to a dwelling
Data Source
AI summary
An olfactory system is provided. The olfactory system includes an olfactory device having a processing unit, a water reservoir, and a heating element. The system also includes an olfactory medium inserted within the olfactory device and located in a path of fluid flow from the water reservoir and out a nozzle of the olfactory device. The system further includes an olfactory receptacle. In operation, the olfactory device is controlled by the processing unit to heat water from the water reservoir and dispenses the hot water through the olfactory medium and out of a nozzle to create a hot olfactory liquid that is received in the olfactory receptacle to produce olfactory steam providing aroma to a dwelling.