Solid State Fragrance Diffuser for Vehicle HVAC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fragrance control methods for vehicle interiors face challenges such as limited fragrance retention, inconsistent scent release, surface damage, and aesthetic interference, as well as legal and operational issues with traditional fragrancing objects.
Innovation Solution
A solid state fragrancing object composed of a mixture of fragrance oil, polyolefin elastomer, and polyether block amide, designed to be easy to manufacture, long-lasting, and providing consistent fragrance release, which can be coupled to air vents or other fixtures within the vehicle without affecting surface finishes or obstructing views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If traditional fragrancing objects (liquid or plastic-based) are used, then fragrance can be emitted into the environment, but the fragrance release is inconsistent and the duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state of the fragrancing material from liquid to solid, and modifies the chemical composition by incorporating specific polymers (polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol) in controlled ratios. This parameter change enables the solid material to maintain structural integrity while providing sustained fragrance release through controlled diffusion, resolving the contradiction between duration and consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material combining fragrance oil with specific polymers (polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol) in defined proportions. This composite structure provides both the fragrance emission capability and the mechanical stability needed for long-lasting consistent release, overcoming the limitations of single-material solutions.
2Quantity of substance
If fragrancing objects containing fragrance oil are used, then fragrance can be provided, but the fragrance oil can react with or mar vehicle interior surfaces, leaving unsightly residues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces polymer intermediaries (polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol) that act as mediators between the fragrance oil and the vehicle interior surfaces. These polymers encapsulate the fragrance oil, allowing it to be released through controlled diffusion while preventing direct contact with surfaces, thus eliminating the harmful staining effect while maintaining fragrance effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical state of fragrance oil from liquid to solid by incorporating it into a polymer matrix. This parameter change allows the fragrance to be delivered in a controlled manner through diffusion, preventing the uncontrolled migration and surface staining that occurs with liquid fragrance oils, while still maintaining adequate fragrance oil content for effective scent delivery.
3Productivity
If fragrancing objects are hung from the rear-view mirror or placed in visible locations, then fragrance can be distributed, but the view of the driver may be obstructed or control surfaces may be interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the fragrancing system to utilize the vehicle's existing HVAC air circulation system for fragrance distribution. The solid fragrancing material is placed in locations where air flow naturally occurs, and the HVAC system automatically distributes the fragrance throughout the cabin without requiring driver interaction or placement in distracting locations, thus maintaining both effectiveness and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention makes the fragrancing system compatible with the vehicle's existing HVAC infrastructure, allowing the fragrance distribution to leverage the multi-functional air circulation system already present in the vehicle. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate fragrance distribution mechanisms that could interfere with controls or distract the driver.
4Quantity of substance
If more fragrance oil is incorporated into the fragrancing object, then the fragrance strength increases, but the object becomes more difficult to manufacture and may negatively affect surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the fragrance oil concentration parameter by incorporating it into a polymer matrix with specific ratios of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol. This parameter change enables higher fragrance oil loading (up to 50% or more by weight) while maintaining manufacturability through standard extrusion processes and preventing surface damage through the polymer barrier function.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite material system where fragrance oil is combined with specific polymers in optimized proportions. This composite structure enables high fragrance loading while maintaining ease of manufacture through conventional plastic processing techniques, and simultaneously prevents surface staining through the polymer encapsulation mechanism.
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 effective and consistent fragrance coverage throughout the vehicle interior without damaging surfaces or interfering with controls, while being inconspicuous and easy to deploy, thus enhancing the passenger experience and maintaining a pleasant environment.
Implementation Method 1
Fragrance can be passively emitted into an environment by diffusion of a fragrancing component
Implementation Method 2
a solid material, the solid material including about 10% by weight to about 40% by weight of a fragrance oil, about 40% by weight to about 70% by weight of a polyolefin elastomer, and about 5% by weight to about 20% by weight of a polyether block amide
Data Source
AI summary
Fragrance control is provided by articles of manufacture including various solid state fragrancing objects, methods of using such objects, and systems that employ one or more such objects. The fragrancing object can be easy to manufacture, long lasting, provide fragrance that is consistently released over time, provide an indication to the user that the object needs to be replaced, and can hold a desired ratio of fragrance. The solid state fragrancing object can be coupled to an air vent to inconspicuously provide fragrance to a user in an environment, such as the interior of a vehicle.