Scent Delivery Bias Control for Consistent Multi-Unit Output
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scent delivery systems lack the ability to dynamically adjust scent levels across multiple units in real-time based on user-defined schedules and environmental factors, leading to inconsistent scent experiences in varying environments.
Innovation Solution
A network-controlled scent delivery system with a central controller that adjusts the duty cycles of scent delivery units using a scent level bias, allowing for variable scent levels by modifying fan speed, nozzle pressure, and compressor power, enabling precise control of scent intensity across multiple units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If scent delivery units operate at fixed base scent settings, then system simplicity is maintained, but scent consistency across varying environments cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of scent delivery by allowing the central controller to adjust duty cycles of scent delivery units in real-time based on environmental conditions, foot traffic, and HVAC settings. This transforms fixed operation into adaptive operation, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (duty cycle percentages, fan speeds, nozzle pressures, compressor powers) to achieve variable scent levels. By modifying these parameters dynamically, the system adapts to different environments without requiring fundamentally different hardware configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If scent delivery units are controlled individually, then precise local control is achieved, but system-wide scent consistency cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The central controller receives information about environmental conditions, foot traffic patterns, and HVAC operations, then uses this feedback to coordinate scent delivery across multiple units. This ensures system-wide consistency while allowing local adaptation to specific environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The central controller serves multiple functions: it manages individual unit settings, coordinates timing across units, monitors environmental conditions, and adjusts duty cycles dynamically. This multi-functionality enables both local precision and global coordination.
3Measurement precision
If duty cycles are adjusted frequently, then scent level precision is improved, but system response time and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic duty cycles to control scent delivery, turning units on and off at calculated intervals to achieve precise average scent levels. This periodic approach allows precise control while maintaining system stability and avoiding excessive response time requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A scent delivery system includes scent delivery units that are configured to deliver scent at a variable scent level by being turned on and off successively according to a variable duty cycle. The scent delivery units are associated with corresponding base scent settings. The scent delivery system also includes a central controller configured to control the scent delivery units by generating command data based on a scenting schedule that indicates a desired activation time for more than one implicated scent delivery unit. The scenting schedule is configured to further indicate a scent level bias to be applied to the base scent settings that are associated with different of the implicated scent delivery units. The central controller is configured to generate the command data, based upon a variation in the scent level bias, that takes into account a corresponding variation to duty cycles that are associated with different of the implicated scent delivery units and to communicate the command data to the different implicated scent delivery units.