Switchable Scent Delivery With Latchable Fluidic Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing scent delivery technologies are limited by size, speed, precision, and durability, and lack the ability to rapidly switch between multiple scents on demand, particularly in localized spaces, which hampers their effectiveness in applications like virtual and augmented reality and medical drug delivery.
Innovation Solution
The use of miniaturized, latchable magnetic, piezoelectric, or thermally actuatable switches, combined with X-Y or X-Y-Z matrix operational release systems, allows for rapid and precise control of scent delivery, enabling on-demand blending and sequencing of multiple scents without continuous power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional scent delivery technologies are used, then basic scent release is achieved, but rapid switching between multiple scents and precision control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the scent delivery function into multiple independently controllable fluidic switches, each capable of routing different scent streams. This segmentation allows rapid switching between scents by activating only the necessary switches, rather than using a single complex mechanical valve system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical valves and actuators with field-effect fluidic switches controlled by electrical signals. This substitution enables rapid, precise, and durable control of scent delivery without the wear and slow response times associated with mechanical systems.
2Measurement precision
If continuous power is supplied for precise control, then rapid switching and precision control are achieved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fluidic switches operate in a periodic manner, activating only when scent switching is required. The switches can maintain their state without continuous power input, reducing overall power consumption while preserving precise control capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The field-effect fluidic switches utilize electrical fields to control fluid flow without requiring continuous mechanical actuation or high power input. The system serves itself by maintaining control states with minimal energy, activating precise control only when scent delivery requires switching.
3Volume of moving object
If compact design is implemented, then portability and integration are improved, but reliability and durability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The field-effect fluidic switches serve multiple functions within a compact structure: they control fluid flow, enable rapid switching, provide precise control, and maintain durability. This multi-functionality allows the compact device to achieve reliability comparable to larger traditional systems by consolidating control functions into integrated electronic components.
4Productivity
If traditional mechanical switching systems are used, then simple operation is achieved, but rapid switching and on-demand control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical switching with electronically controlled field-effect fluidic switches. This substitution enables rapid on-demand switching between scents controlled by electrical signals, dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining ease of operation through electronic control interfaces.
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
This approach enables compact, efficient, and reliable scent delivery systems that can switch between thousands of scents quickly and precisely, enhancing immersive experiences in virtual reality and providing precise medical drug delivery.
Implementation Method 1
latchable magnetic switches
Implementation Method 2
piezoelectric actuatable switches
Implementation Method 3
thermally actuatable switches
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, devices and systems are described for digitally creating new scents or digitally dispensing gas, vapor, or liquid substances. A device includes a container or replaceable cartridge including one or more chambers containing one or more scented substances; a housing structured to include a compartment to hold the cartridge, an opening to allow the one or more scented or unscented substances to dispense to an outer environment from the device, and one or more transporting channels formed between the compartment and the opening, in which each of the one or more transporting channels is configured to deliver a scented substance from the corresponding chamber to the opening for delivering a scent from the one or more scented substances; and an actuator switch arranged in a corresponding transporting channel and rapidly operable to move between an open position and closed position based on an applied signal to selectively allow passage of the scented or unscented substance from the corresponding transporting path.