Temperature-Activated Scent Cartridges for Precise Olfactory Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for providing olfactory sensations are inadequate as mobile, personal, and targeted delivery systems that can effectively alter behavior, either individually or in groups, and fail to precisely control and automate scent delivery, especially when coordinated with audio and visual stimuli.
Innovation Solution
A scent delivery system that includes temperature-activated scent media cartridges with machine-readable identification, a control subsystem, and a communications subsystem, allowing for remote activation and coordination with audio and visual signals, enabling portable and precise scent delivery for personal or group use, including the use of Peltier devices for heating and cooling to control scent release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If scent delivery systems are designed for personal and targeted use, then the precision of scent delivery to specific users is improved, but the complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides scent delivery into discrete cartridges, each containing specific scent compositions. This segmentation allows precise targeting of individual users with specific scents while keeping each cartridge unit simple and manageable, resolving the contradiction between delivery precision and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces machine-readable identification structures as intermediaries between the scent cartridges and the control system. These identifiers enable automated recognition and precise delivery without requiring complex manual configuration, thus improving precision while minimizing complexity
2Area of stationary object
If the system provides olfactory sensations simultaneously to groups of people, then the coverage area is improved, but the ability to target specific individuals decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses separate scent cartridges for different users or user groups, allowing simultaneous delivery to multiple individuals while maintaining the ability to target specific recipients. Each cartridge can be assigned to particular users, enabling both broad coverage and precise targeting
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically configures scent delivery based on user presence and selection criteria. The control system can adaptively determine which users receive which scents in real-time, allowing the coverage area and targeting precision to be adjusted simultaneously based on current conditions
3Ease of operation
If automated control and remote delivery of scents are implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates machine-readable identification structures on scent cartridges that enable automatic recognition and configuration by the control system. This self-identifying capability allows automated control and remote delivery without requiring complex manual programming, thus improving ease of operation while limiting complexity growth
Solution Approach 2:
The control system receives feedback from the identification structures on scent cartridges and automatically adjusts delivery parameters. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables automated control with simplified operation, as the system self-configures based on cartridge identification rather than requiring complex external programming
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 provides a more effective and controlled olfactory experience that can influence human behavior, enhance sensory experiences, and induce specific physiological states, such as alertness or satiety, while minimizing impact on non-targeted individuals.
Implementation Method 1
the use of Peltier devices for heating and cooling to control scent release
Data Source
AI summary
A scent release system includes scent cartridges containing temperature activated scent media. The scent cartridges may bear machine-readable identification that specifies which scent media are carried by the cartridge. The scent release system can be controlled by a timer to initiate a phase change of the scent media to selectively release one or more scents, followed by a reverse phase change to selectively stop release of the respective scents. A scent release system in conjunction with a mobile electronic device, such as a smart phone, allows sending and receiving scent messages. The scent release system can be built into a case for the mobile electronic device, eliminating the need for a separate unit. A private scent delivery device in the form of a headset can be worn by users of a scent release system or by scent message recipients.