Wireless Scent Dispenser Using Piezoelectric Atomization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scent dispensing systems lack efficient and controlled methods for distributing fragrance in closed spaces, such as cars, where unpleasant odors can persist, and current technologies rely on manual or passive diffusion, which are not always effective.

Innovation Solution

A wireless control system that uses a user-handled device, like a smartphone, to communicate with a scent dispensing unit via Bluetooth, activating a piezoelectric actuator to atomize and dispense fragrance compounds based on user-defined parameters, including resonance frequency optimization and environmental considerations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual or passive diffusion methods are used for scent dispensing, then the system complexity is reduced, but the effectiveness of odor control and fragrance distribution is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoideffectiveness of odor control
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with electronic control systems. A microprocessor-based controller automatically manages the piezoelectric actuator, replacing manual timing and frequency control with electronic signal generation and processing, thereby reducing operational complexity while improving reliability through consistent automated performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automatic activation based on detected environmental conditions. Sensors monitor air quality and automatically trigger the scent dispensing mechanism when unpleasant odors are detected, eliminating the need for manual operation while ensuring reliable odor control through condition-based activation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If active dispensing with atomization is implemented, then the fragrance distribution effectiveness is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefragrance distribution effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic pulsed activation of the piezoelectric actuator rather than continuous operation. The microprocessor controls the actuator to operate in repeated cycles, creating atomized fragrance bursts at intervals that are sufficient for effective distribution while allowing energy conservation during non-active periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes ultrasonic vibration of the piezoelectric actuator to achieve atomization. By operating at resonant frequencies, the actuator efficiently breaks liquid fragrance into fine droplets with minimal energy input, maximizing fragrance distribution effectiveness while minimizing energy consumption compared to mechanical pumping or heating methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

3Reliability

If continuous scent dispensing is used, then the fragrance coverage is maintained, but the resource conservation is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefragrance coverageVSAvoidresource conservation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic pulsed dispensing instead of continuous flow. The microprocessor controls the piezoelectric actuator to operate in repeated cycles, releasing fragrance in controlled bursts that maintain adequate coverage throughout the space while significantly reducing overall fragrance consumption compared to continuous dispensing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements activation only when and where needed based on sensor detection. Rather than continuous full-capacity dispensing, the system applies partial action by triggering scent release only in response to detected unpleasant odors, maintaining effective fragrance coverage in affected areas while conserving resources by avoiding unnecessary dispensing in clean environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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

Enables controlled, efficient, and personalized fragrance distribution in closed spaces, ensuring optimal scent dispensing while conserving resources by activating only when needed and adjusting to environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The atomization and ejection are typically powered by ultrasonic energy implementable by piezoelectric actuators

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the droplets produced by the atomization process are ejected through a porous membrane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Implementation Method 3

the system described in US 7,377,493 employs a vacuum inducing mechanism (such as a Venturi tube) to disperse molecules from a liquid surface of a container to the ambient air

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3254428B1Scent dispensing apparatus and method for the control thereof
Publication Date: 2019.08.28 BEN DAVID YOAV
  • EP3254428B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3254428B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3254428B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An apparatus for dispensing compounds bearing scent in which one or more scent dispensing units contain each one scent bearing compound and is activated mechanically by an electromechanical activator. A user handled device contains a controller, a memory and a communications device. Resident hardware includes a resident channel for communicating with the user handled device and a controlled driver for controlling the scent dispenser mechanically. A wireless peer to peer communications system carries out the communications between the user device and the resident hardware. The user can input parameter for controlling the dispensing unit through a user device interface. A controller in the resident hardware implements a dispenser activation scheme, mechanically expressed by the activator of the scent dispensing unit.