Wearable Scent Delivery Headset for Independent Flavor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for enhancing food enjoyment through flavors or aromas are limited as they either require direct addition to food or packaging, lacking flexibility and control in delivering scents independently of food, packaging, or utensils.

Innovation Solution

A scent delivery device that provides a separate, controllable scent independent of food or packaging, using a headset with a fan and adjustable scent container to direct scents towards the consumer, enhancing or diminishing the perceived flavor of food by associating or dissociating scents with the food experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a scent is added directly to food or packaging, then the scent is delivered to the consumer, but the scent delivery is not flexible and cannot be controlled independently of the food

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescent delivery flexibilityVSAvoidscent delivery system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the scent delivery function from the food and packaging into an independent device (headset with fan and scent container). This segmentation allows the scent to be delivered independently and flexibly controlled, resolving the contradiction between delivery flexibility and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The scent delivery device can be used with various types of food and beverages, providing universal applicability. The device delivers scents independently of the specific food type, achieving versatility in scent delivery while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.

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

2Ease of operation

If a separate scent delivery device is used, then scent delivery flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescent controlVSAvoidscent delivery device
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fan in the headset automatically draws scents from the container and delivers them to the consumer without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism simplifies operation while the integrated design keeps the device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a fan (pneumatic device) to create airflow that draws scents from the container and delivers them to the consumer. This pneumatic mechanism provides automatic, flexible scent delivery while maintaining relatively simple device construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Adaptability or versatility

If scents are incorporated into packaging, then the scent is provided when the package is near the mouth and nose, but the scent cannot be controlled independently of the food consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescent delivery controlVSAvoidscent delivery system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates scent delivery from packaging into an independent wearable headset device. This segmentation enables independent control of scent delivery timing and intensity, improving adaptability while the modular design facilitates ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The headset acts as an intermediary device between the consumer and the food, delivering scents independently of the packaging. This intermediary approach provides flexible scent control while using commercially available components that are easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution allows for increased or decreased enjoyment of food by modifying the perceived flavor, offering a flexible and innovative way to enhance or reduce food consumption, applicable for various food types and dietary needs.

Implementation Method 1

delivering a scent from the scent delivery device to the user by creating a current of air directed towards the nose or face of the user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir current flow: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3157359B1Affecting enjoyment of food
Publication Date: 2020.01.01 JB SCIENTIFIC LLC
  • EP3157359B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3157359B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3157359B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Enjoyment of food is affected by delivering a scent to the consumer independently of the food. To deliver the scent simultaneously and independently, a separate scent delivery device is used. The method can be used to increase enjoyment of food, decrease enjoyment of food, or provide virtual reality enjoyment of food. The method can increase enjoyment of food when the food is being consumed, thus, increase food consumption by an anorexic person. The method can decrease enjoyment of food when the food is being consumed, thus, decrease consumption and help obese people eat less.