Retronasal Aroma Sampling Device for High-Throughput Flavor Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional flavor testing methods, such as orthonasal testing, provide only an approximation of the flavor sensation experienced when tasting and are limited by carry-over effects and satiety, making it difficult to distinguish product differences and evaluate a large number of samples accurately.
Innovation Solution
A retronasal testing apparatus comprising an oral aroma sampling device with a mouthpiece, manifold, and capillaries for precise delivery of aroma substances, allowing for accurate assessment of flavors by simulating the retronasal perception of aromas, including a breathing conduit for normal breathing and programmable control for varying aroma delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional taste testing is used, then the tester can evaluate flavors directly, but carry-over effects and satiety limit the number of samples that can be evaluated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the olfactory evaluation from the gustatory experience by delivering aroma substances directly to the retronasal cavity through capillaries, eliminating the need to taste the actual sample. This segmentation allows testers to evaluate multiple aroma samples without the physical constraints of eating or drinking.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses an intermediary delivery system (capillaries and mouthpiece) to transport aroma substances directly to the retronasal cavity, bypassing the traditional pathway of tasting the actual sample. This intermediary approach eliminates carry-over effects from sample containers while preserving the perception of flavor.
2Reliability
If orthonasal testing is used, then carry-over effects are minimized, but only an approximation of the flavor sensation is obtained
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of delivering aromas through the nose (orthonasal), the invention delivers them through the mouth to the retronasal cavity. This inversion of the delivery pathway provides authentic retronasal perception while maintaining the advantages of minimized carry-over effects.
3Productivity
If traditional taste testing is used, then complete flavor perception is obtained, but the testing process is time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
Aroma substances are pre-loaded into capillaries at controlled concentrations, allowing for rapid sequential delivery to the retronasal cavity without the time required for tasting, mixing, or cleaning between samples. This preliminary preparation enables high-throughput evaluation.
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
Enables accurate and efficient evaluation of a large number of flavor samples without carry-over effects or satiety, providing a more precise impression of flavor sensations compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
the manifold bearing a plurality of capillaries, each of which capillary is the conduit for an aroma substance
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
An oral aroma sampling device includes a mouthpiece which defines an in-mouth surface and an external surface, the in-mouth surface bearing a delivery conduit, and the external surface bearing a manifold in communication with the delivery conduit, the manifold bearing a plurality of capillaries, each of which capillary is the conduit for an aroma substance, the mouthpiece additionally comprising a breathing conduit passing from the external surface to the in-mouth surface. The device is useful as part of a retronasal testing apparatus, which allows a large variety of flavor combinations to be tested quickly and efficiently.