System and method for coupling the operations of an air handling device with a scent composition dispenser

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing volatile composition dispensers face challenges in consistently filling a room with a desired level of volatile composition, as they often lack effective integration with air handling systems to optimize dispersion.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that couples the operations of an air handling device and a volatile composition dispenser through a central communication unit, allowing for coordinated control via wireless communication links to optimize the dispersion of volatile compositions throughout a room by synchronizing the ON/OFF cycles of both devices based on set points and algorithms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a volatile composition dispenser operates independently without integration with air handling systems, then the dispenser structure remains simple, but the dispersion efficiency and consistency of volatile composition distribution deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispersion efficiencyVSAvoidsystem integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the volatile composition dispenser with the air handling system into an integrated unit, where the dispenser is positioned within the air handling device and shares common structural and operational elements. This merging allows the volatile composition to be dispersed through the airflow generated by the air handling system, significantly improving dispersion efficiency while avoiding the need for separate independent operation of two systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The air handling system is designed to perform multiple functions: it simultaneously handles air circulation for climate control and volatile composition dispersion. The dispenser mechanism is integrated into the air handling device, allowing the same airflow system to serve both heating/cooling/ventilation purposes and scent distribution purposes, thereby improving productivity without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the volatile composition dispenser is positioned away from the air handling device, then installation flexibility improves, but the dispersion effectiveness deteriorates due to insufficient airflow interaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedispersion effectivenessVSAvoidinstallation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dispenser is physically integrated within the air handling device structure, positioned to take advantage of the airflow paths generated by the system. This merging ensures that the volatile composition is immediately picked up by the airflow and distributed effectively throughout the space, maximizing dispersion effectiveness while maintaining a compact, unified installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the volatile composition dispenser operates continuously without coordinated control, then the scent coverage is maintained, but energy consumption increases and scent level consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescent level consistencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated system incorporates control mechanisms that monitor and adjust the operation of both the air handling system and the volatile composition dispenser based on actual conditions. Sensors detect air quality, temperature, and humidity levels, and the control system adjusts the dispenser operation and airflow accordingly to maintain consistent scent levels while optimizing energy consumption. This feedback loop ensures reliable scent coverage without continuous full-power operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic or cyclic operation patterns where the air handling system and dispenser are activated in coordinated cycles rather than continuous operation. The air handling system may cycle on and off, and the dispenser is synchronized to release volatile composition during specific phases of these cycles, maintaining scent coverage through periodic refreshment while significantly reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Quantity of substance

If multiple volatile composition dispensers are used to fill a room, then the desired scent level can be achieved, but the system complexity and control difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevolatile composition distributionVSAvoidmulti-dispenser system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates multiple volatile composition dispensers within a single air handling device, combining their operations under unified control. The air handling system serves as a common platform that distributes airflow to multiple dispensers, coordinating their operation to achieve uniform volatile composition distribution throughout the space. This merging approach allows multiple dispensers to work together efficiently without the complexity of entirely separate control systems for each unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 integration ensures more efficient and consistent distribution of volatile compositions by leveraging air handling device airflow to enhance dispersion, maintaining desired scent levels and room climate while optimizing energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an air handling device communicably connectable with the central communication unit and configured to move air throughout the at least one room upon receipt of an outgoing instruction from the central communication unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAirflow: Convection

Implementation Method 2

a volatile composition dispenser capable of delivering the volatile composition into the air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

Volatile composition dispensers exist in various forms, including non-energized devices that passively diffuse volatile compositions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP3360025B1System and method for coupling the operations of an air handling device with a scent composition dispenser
Publication Date: 2021.02.17 PROCTER & GAMBLE CO
  • EP3360025B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3360025B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3360025B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A system for circulating a volatile composition throughout at least one room is provided and includes - a central communication unit capable of receiving incoming signals and sending outgoing instructions. The central communication unit comprises a memory configured to store settings. - a volatile composition dispenser capable of delivering the volatile composition into the air. The volatile composition dispenser is communicably connectable with the central communication unit through a wireless communication link. - an air handling device communicably connectable with the central communication unit and configured to move air throughout the at least one room upon receipt of an outgoing instruction from the central communication unit.