Rim Block Fragrance Release Using Encapsulated Scent Boosts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing toilet rim blocks fail to provide an intensive but temporary scent change or boost, as the human nose adapts to a single fragrance within 20 minutes, limiting the perceived value of the fragrance.

Innovation Solution

A rim block comprising a solid base with both non-encapsulated and encapsulated perfume oils, preferably in a maltodextrin matrix, to create an intensive and temporary scent change upon flushing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a single fragrance is used in the rim block, then the fragrance is constantly emitted, but the human nose gets used to the scent within 20 minutes, limiting fragrance perception

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefragrance emission durationVSAvoidfragrance perception freshness
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rim block is designed to release different fragrances at different time intervals during the flushing process. The first fragrance is released initially, then a second different fragrance is released after a time delay, creating periodic scent variations that prevent nasal adaptation and maintain fragrance perception freshness throughout the extended emission duration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The fragrance release system transitions from a static single-scent design to a dynamic multi-scent system where the fragrance composition changes over time. The rim block dynamically switches between different fragrance profiles (first and second fragrances) during the flushing event, adapting the scent output to maintain user interest and perception

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If multiple fragrance components are released simultaneously, then fragrance intensity is increased, but the scent change effect is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefragrance intensityVSAvoidscent change capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of releasing all fragrance components simultaneously, the system employs periodic release patterns where different fragrance compositions are released at different time stages. The first fragrance is released initially, then the second fragrance is released after a time delay, creating distinct scent phases that maintain both intensity and variation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The fragrance release process is segmented into distinct phases or stages. The rim block divides the fragrance delivery into a first fragrance release phase and a second fragrance release phase, with each phase delivering different scent compositions. This segmentation allows each fragrance to be perceived distinctly while maintaining overall fragrance intensity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 combination of non-encapsulated and encapsulated perfume oils in the rim block base provides an intensive and temporary scent boost, enhancing fragrance perception by changing scents with each flush.

Implementation Method 1

at least one perfume oil same or different from component (b) encapsulated in a water-soluble matrix, preferably a maltodextrin matrix

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

The rim blocks according to the present invention contain a solid rim block base comprising (a1) at least one surfactant

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurfactant: Surfactant

Data Source

PatentUS12503672B2Rim block with improved scent performance
Publication Date: 2025.12.23 SYMRISE GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

Suggested is a rim block with improved scent performance, comprising or consisting of: (a) a solid rim block base, (b) at least one non-encapsulated perfume oil, and (c) at least one perfume oil same or different from component (b) encapsulated in a maltodextrin matrix.