A fragrance dispenser for a dryer and a method for dispensing fragrance onto fabric in a dryer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fragrance dispensers for dryers either fail to provide a residual fragrance on fabrics or require multiple components, and existing dryer sheets are typically single-use and not designed for controlled fragrance release across varying dryer temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A solid fragrance dispenser comprising a carrier component and a fragrance component, designed to remain solid during dryer operation and release fragrance only at activation temperatures, ensuring a controlled and residual fragrance imparted on fabrics across multiple drying cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fragrance dispenser uses a solid mixture of carrier and fragrance components, then the fragrance can be released at controlled temperatures without flowing onto fabric, but the fragrance release amount must be sufficient to impart residual fragrance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by carefully selecting the melting points and composition ratios of carrier components (waxes, fats, oils) to achieve optimal fragrance release. The carrier mixture is formulated with specific melting points below dryer temperatures (70-90°C) but above room temperature, allowing controlled phase transition and fragrance release only during drying cycles without excessive flow onto fabric.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by creating a multi-component carrier system combining different waxes, fats, and oils with complementary properties. This composite carrier mixture provides both structural stability to prevent excessive flow and controlled melting characteristics to release fragrance at dryer temperatures, balancing reliability and fragrance release effectiveness.
2Ease of manufacture
If the fragrance dispenser is designed for single use, then manufacturing and operation are simpler, but multiple drying cycles cannot benefit from residual fragrance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing a reusable fragrance dispenser where the carrier component dynamically responds to temperature cycles. The carrier melts and solidifies repeatedly with each drying cycle, naturally refilling the fabric with fragrance over multiple uses, thereby extending the dispenser's operational duration while maintaining simple construction.
3Quantity of substance
If the carrier component melts at dryer temperatures, then fragrance is released effectively, but the carrier may flow onto fabric and cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by formulating the carrier mixture with specific melting point characteristics that ensure partial melting at dryer temperatures for effective fragrance release, while the overall composition remains stable enough to prevent excessive flow. The localized melting behavior allows fragrance liberation without carrier migration onto fabric surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by adjusting the carrier component composition ratios and melting points to achieve optimal balance between fragrance release and fabric safety. The carrier system is designed with melting points strategically below dryer operating temperatures to ensure controlled phase transition that releases fragrance without causing carrier flow onto fabric.
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 fragrance dispenser effectively imparts a detectable residual fragrance on fabrics for over 24 hours, suitable for both domestic and industrial dryers, with the option for single or multiple use cycles, and maintains the carrier component's stability to prevent fabric damage.
Implementation Method 1
the fragrance component dispenses in an amount sufficient to impart a residual fragrance to the fabric
Implementation Method 2
the carrier component does not flow onto the fabric... at a temperature of up to about 78°C (170 °F)
Data Source
AI summary
A fragrance dispenser is provided according to the invention. A fragrance dispenser is provided for use in a dryer for dispensing a fragrance onto fabric or laundry dried in the dryer. The fragrance dispenser includes a mixture of a carrier component and a fragrance component so that the fragrance dispenser is provided in a solid form. The carrier component and the fragrance component are selected so that, when the fragrance dispenser is placed in a dryer and contacts fabric being dried during a drying cycle at a temperature of up to about 77° C, the carrier component does not flow onto the fabric and the fragrance component dispenses in an amount sufficient to impart a residual fragrance to the fabric. A method for dispensing fragrance onto fabric in a dryer is provided.