Compact Scent Delivery Device Air Flow Mixing Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sensory evaluation methods for fragrance performance, particularly for fine fragrances, are limited by the need for large, inflexible, and non-transportable facilities that fail to accurately replicate real-life fragrance trail conditions, lacking the ability to control air flow and dilution effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compact scent delivery device with a dynamic air flow chamber and an air flow mixing unit that allows for adjustable operational parameters, enabling precise control over air flow and dilution, and a system that includes a conduit for enhancing air mixing and dilution, simulating real-life fragrance trail conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If large ventilated spaces (cabins or rooms) are used for sensory evaluations, then fragrance dilution control is limited, but the facility size and construction investment become substantial
Solution Approach 1:
The large ventilated space is segmented into a compact evaluation chamber (10-100 L) that can be integrated into existing sensory evaluation systems. This segmentation allows fragrance dilution control to be achieved in a small scale device rather than requiring large facility spaces
Solution Approach 2:
A compact fragrance delivery device acts as an intermediary between the fragrance source and the evaluation environment. This intermediary device provides precise fragrance dilution control through controlled air flow and mixing, eliminating the need for large facility spaces while maintaining adaptability for different fragrance concentrations
2Reliability
If dedicated sensory evaluation facilities are constructed, then evaluation conditions are fixed, but the facilities become non-transportable and lack location flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The evaluation system transitions from fixed facility to a dynamic, portable device that can be relocated. The compact fragrance delivery device maintains reliable evaluation conditions through controlled air flow and mixing mechanisms while enabling location flexibility for different evaluation settings
3Speed
If air convection prototypes with rotating fans are used, then air flow is generated, but the scented air becomes well-mixed and distance dependence of dilution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The air flow and mixing characteristics are optimized locally within the compact evaluation chamber rather than using uniform rotating fan convection. This local optimization preserves distance-dependent dilution gradients by creating controlled flow patterns that maintain concentration variations along the evaluation path
4Quantity of substance
If open design fragrance emitting devices are used, then fragrance release occurs, but the device size becomes large and gas-phase dilution control is imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The fragrance delivery system uses controlled parameter changes in air flow rate, chamber volume, and mixing intensity to achieve precise gas-phase dilution control. The compact enclosed chamber with controlled air intake and mixing mechanisms provides accurate dilution control while maintaining effective fragrance release
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 solution provides a compact, flexible, and reproducible method for evaluating fragrance performance across various product categories, accurately simulating fragrance trail and other sensory attributes, improving fragrance design and product development.
Implementation Method 1
an air flow mixing unit comprising: an inlet for scented air, configured to be connected to the outlet of scented air of the compact scent delivery device, an outlet for mixed scented air directed at a smelling port, a conduit connecting the inlet for scented air and the outlet for mixed scented air
Implementation Method 2
The conduit may comprise at least one elbow or flow modification means to enhance air mixing
Data Source
AI summary
The compact scent delivery system (300) comprises: —a compact scent delivery device (100, 200), —an air flow mixing unit (400) comprising: 5—an inlet (405) for scented air, configured to be connected to an outlet (125) of scented air of the compact scent delivery device, —an outlet (410) for mixed scented air directed at a smelling port (415), —a conduit (420) connecting the inlet for scented air and the outlet for mixed diluted scent air and 0—at least one element of: —an inlet (425) for fresh air, configured to be connected to a fresh air delivery apparatus, said inlet delivering fresh air into the scented air stream between the inlet for scented air and the outlet for mixed scented air and/or 5—an outlet (430) for waste scented air, configured to be connected to an air flow retrieval apparatus and/or a waste air exhaust, said outlet retrieving scented air from the scented air stream between the inlet for scented air and the outlet for mixed scented air to reduce the air flow either for subsequent dilution or for the 0 associated smelling port (415) or both.