CN112533650A - Smart device for dual scent diffusion for scents in limited environments - Google Patents
Smart device for dual scent diffusion for scents in limited environments Download PDFInfo
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- CN112533650A CN112533650A CN201980052483.0A CN201980052483A CN112533650A CN 112533650 A CN112533650 A CN 112533650A CN 201980052483 A CN201980052483 A CN 201980052483A CN 112533650 A CN112533650 A CN 112533650A
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- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 title claims abstract description 18
- 230000009977 dual effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 7
- 239000003205 fragrance Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 83
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 18
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 239000000443 aerosol Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 claims description 27
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 claims description 11
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000001681 protective effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000002159 abnormal effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000005183 environmental health Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 claims 1
- 230000001953 sensory effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 5
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 abstract description 4
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 8
- 230000035943 smell Effects 0.000 description 7
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000002386 air freshener Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 description 6
- UHOVQNZJYSORNB-UHFFFAOYSA-N benzene Substances C1=CC=CC=C1 UHOVQNZJYSORNB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propane Chemical compound CCC ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000002994 raw material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000000875 corresponding effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 235000019568 aromas Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000000222 aromatherapy Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002457 bidirectional effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000006185 dispersion Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000001294 propane Substances 0.000 description 2
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- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000051 music therapy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002304 perfume Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008786 sensory perception of smell Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009131 signaling function Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001360 synchronised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000009967 tasteless effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002560 therapeutic procedure Methods 0.000 description 1
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L9/14—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using sprayed or atomised substances including air-liquid contact processes
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L9/00—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air
- A61L9/015—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone
- A61L9/04—Disinfection, sterilisation or deodorisation of air using gaseous or vaporous substances, e.g. ozone using substances evaporated in the air without heating
- A61L9/12—Apparatus, e.g. holders, therefor
- A61L9/125—Apparatus, e.g. holders, therefor emanating multiple odours
Landscapes
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Epidemiology (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Disinfection, Sterilisation Or Deodorisation Of Air (AREA)
- Fats And Perfumes (AREA)
Abstract
Device for the dual scent diffusion of scents, provided with an internal mechanism 18, the internal mechanism 18 comprising gear means 18.1, 18.2, 18.5 and a cam 18.4, the cam 18.4 having a flat surface positioned to adhere to the lower flat surface 6.1 of at least one of the two pressurized containers 6 and a toothed surface engaging said gear means, said gear means being operatively connected to a direct current electric motor 19, the direct current electric motor 19, when activated, operating said cam and triggering a smaller thrust on one container 6 or alternatively on the other depending on the direction of rotation of the cam, and causing the pressurized scented liquid to flow out in aerosol form from a valve 6.2 provided with a delivery 6.3, the delivery 6.3 being compatible with any one of the apertures 7 of the external housing 2. The device is provided with a control unit for controlling the release mechanism 18 and for selecting a fragrance suitable for the evaluated environmental condition; for this purpose, the device is provided with sensors inside the device, which allow monitoring of the temperature-humidity and acoustic conditions of the reference environment, and with actuators for interacting with the user by means of a sensory alarm. The device may be an integral part of a kit further comprising two pressurized containers each containing a scented liquid and a support positionable within a compartment of the smart device for removably inserting the two containers.
Description
Technical Field
The scope of the present invention generally relates to the field of smart home/smart building devices, which are currently commonly referred to as internet of things (IoT) devices.
More specifically, the invention relates to a system for improving the conditions of environmental comfort, pleasure and usability inside buildings, which makes use of a device able to analyze the state of the surrounding environment by enabling a plurality of operating modes that make it intelligent and allow the interaction between the environment and the user by means of visual, auditory and, under specific conditions, even olfactory type sensory communication.
Background
The fragrance and aroma diffuser is actually an air freshener used for many purposes: in addition to being used to emit fragrance in certain areas of a confined environment, fragrance and aroma diffusers can also be used to perform aromatherapy; some types of fragrance and aroma diffusers are also used to maintain proper humidity in the environment for moderate humidification of the environment.
In the state of the art, various devices and systems for diffusing fragrances in an environment are known: however, many prior art systems apply only one fragrance, but recently systems and devices have been developed for releasing fragrances of different fragrances alternately (instead) one after the other in the environment; some devices, in addition to performing the main function of diffusing fragrance, also emit polychromatic light by the principle of the chromophototherapy method, thus positively affecting health.
A number of patent documents are mentioned below to illustrate such an apparatus.
Document JP2014014609, entitled "Aroma diffusing selective using an one of multiple aromas", shows a multiple scent diffusing device provided with scent bottles, a cam mechanism and a sliding can, and a fan for diffusing the scent delivered by the bottles; the device is also provided with a built-in sensor that is able to detect the presence of a person in the environment and trigger the fragrance delivery.
The device is not provided with a spray delivery bottle but rather utilizes a fan to emit fragrance.
Document US2010272599 entitled "Fragrance delivery system" shows a system for diffusing fragrances, comprising a mechanism for releasing at least one Fragrance and a control unit for controlling the release mechanism, the control unit comprising a selection unit for selecting the Fragrance from at least two fragrances; the invention also provides a kit of parts comprising the device and at least two fragrance containers filled with a scented substance.
The device allows dispensing of both fragrances while detecting the presence of a person in the environment; however, the device is not provided with any microphone, nor does it interact with external sensors.
Document JPH04354950, entitled "Fragrance device", shows a multiple Fragrance diffuser device provided with a motor-driven mechanism that operates a plurality of cams connected to a plurality of Fragrance containers by rods supported by a frame.
The device itself selectively opens the fragrance container by means of a cam and even simultaneously diffuses one or more fragrances.
Document WO2014135722 shows a method for emitting a fragrance/scent comprising playing an audiovisual product in a software element with at least one encoded ambient scent emission. The software sends an encoded scent emission signal via the wireless communication means corresponding to each ambient scent emission situation identified and decoded in the audiovisual product, and the signal is received by the fragrance/scent emission device through the wireless communication receiver means. The fragrance/scent dispensing apparatus, in turn, comprises a control printed circuit that controls the synchronized operation of at least one solenoid valve in the aerosol assembly for releasing fragrance/scent, and at least one fan for facilitating the diffusion of said fragrance/scent in accordance with a received encoded scent release signal.
Typically, the fragrance diffuser devices described in said documents use mechanisms for activating the fragrance delivery, alternatively or simultaneously, by means of an electric motor/actuator, but none of said mechanisms allow for a rapid, precise, immediate, programmable emission of said fragrance.
Another disadvantage of said inventions is that they do not provide the following fragrance diffusers: the fragrance diffuser is also capable of making evolution measurements of environmental conditions that inform a user in different modes and enables programmable operation options.
Moreover, none of the described inventions is the following fragrance diffuser: the fragrance diffuser allows for the delivery of multiple fragrances simultaneously through instant spray emission and is designed for use with standard, easy to handle, cost-effective and conventional containers.
It is also known that the patent literature describes devices and systems for monitoring conditions related to humans or environmental conditions, in particular thermo-humidity, acoustic, visual and electromagnetic conditions and, in general, air quality conditions in reference environments; the device is provided with a built-in sensor for detecting a reference condition and with an actuator for interacting with the user through a sensory alarm, in particular through an aroma/fragrance whose delivery is triggered by a suitable mechanism.
Document EP1946790, entitled "multisensory user with a well-related sequences related to the specification, sleep, relax and energy", shows a multisensor diffuser that can be programmed via a specific control that is capable of simultaneously assigning four reference therapies: aromatherapy, chromotherapy, music therapy, and crystaltherapy; however, the device does not allow interaction with the user to enable the user to program the timing dispersion or dispersion according to other parameters.
Document KR1017935940000 entitled Integrated safety system using air quality measurement describes an IoT-based air condition monitoring system that uses eight sensors including a CO sensor, a CO quality measurement system2Sensors, VOC sensors, LPG gas sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors and lighting sensors; since such a system has a compact size, it can be used to measure the air condition in real time in any situation, and the evaluated data is stored in a database in the server, which the user can query at any time in any installation environment; however, this device is not an odor diffuser capable of alerting the user.
Some other prior art inventions focus on monitoring the presence of the surrounding environment or the user, these inventions being more or less improved facilities and somehow combining some olfactory elements to inform the user.
However, most of these inventions cannot be classified as fragrance diffusers, and in any event, these inventions do not solve the typical problems of air fresheners, including: raw material savings, absence of collisions with the flammable gases present, presence of gases that signal the user via a specific and intentional "bad smell".
None of the devices can simultaneously perform the following functions:
use of an aerosol can which can be actuated by a cam and a motor,
-using an air pressure sensor to sense the degree of ventilation,
-enabling several operating modes with the purpose of: raw material saving, continuous detection of odorous flammable gases without confusion with the fragrance, sensing high levels of odourless unhealthy gases by specific and identifiable "bad smells".
It is a primary object of the present invention to provide a fragrance delivery device that is capable of analyzing the state of the surrounding environment and thus providing a variety of feedback in order to communicate the state of the environment to the user.
More specifically, the purpose of the smart device according to the invention is to allow instant interaction between the environment and the user by means of sensory communication by using the following types of alarms:
olfaction, the emission of fragrance by an atomised and/or vaporised fragrance dispenser,
-vision, by changing the color of the multicolor lighting device, and
audible, sound emitted through the speaker means.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a smart device for releasing fragrances, configured in a manner suitable for its use, or to provide a kit comprising said device, at least two fragrance containers filled with differently scented substances, and at least one support which can be used to position said containers in the device.
Disclosure of Invention
The device for the dual scent diffusion of scents according to the invention comprises a mechanism allowing the alternate release of one scent and a control unit for controlling the release mechanism and selecting a scent suitable for the evaluated environmental condition.
To this end, the device is provided with built-in sensors allowing to monitor the humiture and acoustic conditions of the reference environment, and with actuators for interacting with the user through a sensory alarm.
The device according to the invention is capable of simultaneously satisfying all of the following requirements:
-the rapid emission of the fragrance,
ease of replacement of fragrance containers and commercial availability of fragrance containers,
user programmability in terms of diffusion start time and diffusion frequency,
intelligent operation with respect to raw material saving criteria,
intelligent operation with respect to the presence of users, safety conditions or health standards in the environment.
Drawings
Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a smart device for the bi-fragrance diffusion of fragrances in a confined environment, shown for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, with the aid of the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 shows an orthogonal side view of the apparatus;
FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of the apparatus depicted in FIG. 1;
fig. 3 shows another isometric view of the apparatus depicted in the previous figures, with some components pre-assembled;
FIG. 4 shows an isometric view of the device depicted in the previous figures, with some components shown partially transparent;
FIG. 5 shows an orthogonal view of the device depicted in the previous figures, with some components partially disassembled;
fig. 6 shows orthogonal views and details of the internal mechanism of the device depicted in the previous figures.
Illustration of the drawings
1 apparatus
2 outer case
3 compartment for removably accommodating two pressurized containers 6
3.1 seat for accommodating an accessory 21.3
4 door closing the compartment 3
4.1 hook elements
5 push-button for opening door 4
6 pressurized container containing a scented liquid
6.1 Flat surface
6.2 Upper valve
6.3 conveying part
7 holes in the outer casing 2 corresponding to the delivery 6.3
8 opposing slots for sound propagation of speaker 23
9 ventilating grid device
10 push-button for switching on or off the device 1
11 power connector, which may be of the USB type or of the type enabling wired data communication in any case
12 WPS Wi-Fi connection identification button
13 operating mode selection button
Volume adjusting button of 14 speaker 23
15 luminous device
16 sensor
17 protective grid
18 internal mechanism
18.1, 18.2, 18.5 Gear arrangement
18.3 spring
18.4 toothed cam
19 electric motor
20 encoder
20.1 optical sensor
20.2 encoder Gear
21 support for pressurized container 6
21.1 seat part
21.2 holes for the conveying section 6.3
21.3 side attachment
22 multicolor illuminator
23 speaker
24 electronic processor
24.1、24.2
25 magnet
Detailed Description
The device 1 according to the invention comprises an external casing 2, the external casing 2 being provided with: at least one compartment 3 for removably housing two pressurized containers 6, the two pressurized containers 6 containing two scented liquids having different scents; a door 4, the door 4 being intended to close said compartment 3, the door 4 being openable by exerting a light pressure on the button 5 and disengaging the element 4.1; and two holes 7 through which the scented liquid is allowed to flow from the two pressurized containers 6 in the form of an aerosol, a preferred embodiment of the apparatus 1 being shown in fig. 1 and 2.
The outer casing 2 of the device is also provided with two opposite slots 8, the ventilation grille 9 and the protective grille 17, said two opposite slots 8 being intended to transmit the sound emitted by the speaker 23, the protective grille 17 being intended to protect the internal components.
The device 1 is provided, close to the lower part of the base, with: a button 10, the button 10 controlling the switching on and off of the device 1; a power connector 11, the power connector 11 possibly being of the USB type or of the type enabling wired data communication in any case; a WPS Wi-Fi connection identification button 12; an operation mode programming button 13; and volume adjustment buttons 14 for two speakers 23.
As shown in fig. 4, a plurality of sensors 16 and actuators are provided inside the apparatus, and the plurality of sensors 16 respectively include a microphone sensor, a gas sensor (the gas sensor is used for CO, etc.)2、VOC、NO2、SO2、H2S、NH3、C2H4Benzene, methane gas, propane gas, and other gases that may be useful to detect the presence in a confined environment), a relative humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, such as a light emitter 15, a multi-color light emitter 22, and two speakers 23.
Other elements disposed inside the device include: an encoder 20, the encoder 20 being provided with an optical sensor 20.1 and a gear 20.2; a wireless modem; a cable modem, which may be a carrier modem; electronic processors 24.1, 24.2; and a digital memory provided with firmware/software means.
The fragrance dispensing system used by the device comprises a mechanism 18, as shown in particular in fig. 5 and 6, which mechanism 18 is used to alternately (alternatively) activate the delivery of the fragrance contained in one of said spray canisters 6; the mechanism 18 comprises gears 18.1, 18.2, 18.5 and a cam 18.4 featuring bidirectional rotation.
The toothed cam 18.4 has a flat surface positioned so as to adhere to the lower flat surface 6.1 of at least one of the two pressurized containers 6 and a toothed surface engaging the gear means operatively connected to a direct current electric motor 19 which, when activated, causes the operation of said cam and triggers a smaller thrust on the container 6 or alternatively on the other container, depending on the direction of rotation of the cam, and causes the pressurized scented liquid to flow out in aerosol form from the valve 6.2 fitted with the delivery 6.3, the delivery 6.3 being fitted with any one of the holes 7 in the outer casing 2.
Operation of the cam 18.4 causes the outflow of the scented liquid present in any of the containers 6; the scented liquid is diffused in the form of an aerosol through a valve 6.2 in the container 6, the valve 6.2 being provided with a delivery 6.3 and fitting into a hole 7 in the outer housing 2.
In order to provide a precise alignment of the containers 6, the apparatus is provided with a support 21 as shown in fig. 3, which support 21 can be removably positioned inside the compartment 3 of the outer casing 2, and the support 21 is provided with two seats 21.1 for slidingly accommodating two containers 6 and two holes 21.2, said two holes 21.1 being positioned in correspondence with the two delivery portions 6.3 to provide, when required, a spray delivery of the scented liquid from each of the two pressurized containers 6 via the respective matching holes 7 in the door 4.
The support 21 is provided with two side appendixes 21.3, said two side appendixes 21.3 being coordinated with the seats 3.1, said two side appendixes 21.3 operating as guides for the correct positioning of the support 21 within the compartment 3 of the casing 2 and for the perfect alignment between the cams 18.4 and the container 6 and between the delivery 6.3 and the hole 7, respectively.
Two magnets 25, one integral with the support 21 and one integral with the wall of the compartment 3, fix the support 21 to the inside of the seat 3 by magnetic attraction.
The encoder 20 monitors the position of the gearings 18.1 and 18.2 and of the cam 18.4 and moves the gearings 18.1 and 18.2 and the cam 18.4 so as to alternately and instantaneously bring the gearings 18.1 and 18.2 and the cam 18.4 respectively into the following positions:
an idle position in which the flat surface of the cam is positioned glued to the lower flat surface 6.1 in the two pressurised containers 6;
an operating position in which either container is alternatively operated according to the clockwise or anticlockwise direction of rotation of the cam, whereby the cam is in contact with the lower flat surface 6.1 of only one pressurised container (6), or with the lower flat surface 6.1 of the other pressurised container (6).
The user may manually interact by pressing the operation mode selector button 13 in turn or entering a remote control or a local control via an application program or similar software and hardware means for the removable device to set the operation of the device according to a logical process, whereby the following operation states of the device may be envisaged:
-the "off" mode of operation,
a "plan" mode, in which it is possible to set the time period and the delivery frequency for which the user wishes to take place for delivery of one fragrance or two fragrances;
"energy saving", "unsafe alarm" and "nuisance alarm" modes, which can be used in combination with or alternatively to the planning mode.
The "power saving" mode depends on the following two settings:
a ventilation threshold level beyond which it may be decided to trigger the energy saving mode and to specify whether this means a reduction, rather than a complete zeroing of the scent diffusion frequency, according to three or more degrees,
-activating or deactivating the user presence recognition mode and indicating whether this means a decrease according to three or more degrees, instead of completely zeroing the scent diffusion frequency.
The "unsafe" alarm mode depends on a threshold level set for methane or LPG or other flammable gas present in the environment, compared to a threshold set on the device; above the above-mentioned gas presence value, it can be decided whether to trigger an unsafe mode, i.e. to stop fragrance emission, to prevent the user from being confused about the ability to olfactively distinguish such gases to which a scent is normally added.
The "harmful" alarm mode is based on the presence of CO in the environment in comparison to a threshold set on the device2CO or other flammable gas; above the gas presence value it can be decided whether to trigger a harmful mode, i.e. to stop emitting fragrance according to a planned schedule, but to emit fragrance at the highest frequency, selected by the user as "bad smell", so that the user can feel the harmful condition and take the measures they consider most appropriate, such as opening a window or activating a ventilation device to eliminate the harmful condition.
The threshold is associated with a hysteresis that the system can set autonomously to prevent unstable behavior; for example, if the unsafe and harmful modes (if possible) occur simultaneously, the unsafe mode takes effect and therefore no longer diffusion of the fragrance will occur.
The modes are controlled by firmware/software algorithms running on any one of the electronic processors 24.1, 24.2 which handle at least one environmental condition in the limited environment.
From data evaluated by internal sensors and preset optimal thresholds relating to environmental health parameters regarding relative humidity, temperature, barometric pressure (used as ventilation level indicator), microphone signals and CO, CO useful for detection present in limited environments2、VOC、NO2、SO2、H2S、NH3、C2H4The comparison between alarm thresholds for the concentrations of benzene, methane gas, propane gas and other gases, and evaluated according to any combination of the values evaluated by the sensors, and also intentionally confirmed by the user by means of the mobile software application, the dc electric motor 19 is activated with respect to the presence or absence of the user in the environment.
In summary, the purpose of the enabling device is, among other things, to provide olfactory feedback to the user regarding at least one environmental condition in the limited environment; the feedback can be programmed in correspondence with one or several environmental conditions, i.e. in correspondence with any combination of values evaluated by internal sensors or possibly by sensors external to the device, in comparison with user-programmable thresholds and/or timings.
The user may further interact by pressing the buttons 13 in sequence, thereby enabling him/her to:
-causing a multicolour light-emitting diode controlled by an electronic processor to emit light of a different colour, in combination with each of the previous possible states, according to the choice of colour associated with the respective rule set by the user;
causing a speaker controlled by an electronic processor to emit, in association with each previous possible state, a specific sound effect, music or voice, previously loaded in the memory of the device, accessible from the outside world or retrieved from the network, provided that the user previously selected the color associated with the respective state,
-enabling the application to provide visual and audible information in combination with each of the previous possible states according to the specified graphical interface.
The apparatus is also provided with an automatic safety system which, in the event of an anomalous operation of the mechanism, decouples the cam 18.4 from the gearing 18.5 in the end-of-stroke position; once the abnormal situation has ended, the motor 19 is driven in reverse rotation, due to the return of the cam 18.4 to the standby position of the cam 18.4 by the spring 18.3 which enables the cam 18.4 to be coupled again with the gear 18.5.
The device according to the invention simultaneously satisfies all the following requirements:
-emitting the fragrance instantaneously by means of a cam mechanism;
-scheduling the precise time of release of the predetermined fragrance;
-the fragrance container is replaceable;
the device can be retrofitted with low cost fragrance containers currently known for use, even with non-intelligent air fresheners;
the user can be programmed both in terms of diffusion start time and diffusion frequency by using remote or local control, and information about the operating state can be obtained via a mobile application or via a network;
intelligent operation is linked to raw material saving criteria, so that diffusion of the fragrance is prevented not only in the absence of the user, but also in the presence of excessive ventilation in the environment;
the intelligent operation is related to the presence of a user, a safety condition or a health condition in the environment.
In the latter case, i.e. where there is a user in the environment and where there is a safety condition or health condition, the intelligence of the device can for example distinguish between:
compatibility with the presence of flammable gases having a self-aroma that can be generally recognized by the ordinary user: in this case, because of the presence of the fragrance, there is a risk that diffusion of the fragrance will render the user unaware of the dangerous situation; in particular, in the case of the presence of flammable gases with a specific odour, such as methane or LPG, there may be a risk that the user cannot identify these flammable gases if the device emits too much fragrance; this problem is generally overlooked in prior art air fresheners, which do not take this into account, whereby the normal operation of fragrance diffusion in the environment makes other features less apparent, which generally limits the possibility of the user perceiving something according to his/her own smell;
in the presence of harmful gases or in the presence of gases harmful to health and environmental safety, which are odourless, an olfactory signal is intentionally emitted: in such a case, the intelligence of the system should be such that the system can take advantage of specific aromas that the user can identify as a harmful condition; it is particularly pointed out that an excess of CO or CO is present2Such a situation is worth considering as a harmful situation, so that the user can distinguish and associate an alarm condition, i.e. "bad smell", without fragrance or without adding a specific fragrance; according to the state of the art, air fresheners generally ignore the situation in which a particular, even offensive, scent is used to intentionally convey some information to a user, i.e., without regard to the other features that may be obscured by diffusing the scent in the environment, which generally limits the possibility of the user perceiving something according to his/her own smell.
The device according to the invention is intended to meet these requirements and make it possible to achieve the advantages set forth below.
The apparatus of the present invention is a fragrance dispensing apparatus driven by an electric motor/actuator, provided with a bi-directional rotary cam and electronic control means which allows a given amount of fragrance to be dispensed instantaneously; for this purpose, the fragrance dispensing apparatus uses a space that allows easy insertion of a commercially available spray can that is also used in the most popular low cost, even manual type of air freshener that is currently standardized.
The particular support makes it possible for the cans to be positioned slidingly inside the compartment of the apparatus, in such a precisely set position as to allow their operation by means of an actuator comprising a motor which, thanks to a particular cam, rotates in one direction of travel to activate one of the cans and in the other direction of travel to activate the other can.
The device is provided with on-board electronics including logic devices (electronic processor and memory) and a wireless communication device for connection to the internet, for complex processing with server services and access from a remote location whenever the user is outside the environment in which the device is installed and he/she wishes to program use of the device; the user can thus use the application on his/her own smartphone or via software on his/her own personal computer to display how the device is programmed to temporarily disable the device and configure the parameters on which the smart operation is based.
The in-vehicle electronic device further comprises a multi-function key by means of which the user can set the device in "standard" mode or disconnect the device, without having to access the device via an application if he/she is in front of the device and wishes to set it up quickly.
Also, the user may display the operating state in a simple manner by looking at three two-color light emitting diodes placed on the device and a multi-color light emitting diode that may be programmed to issue any alarm state, alternatively the user may display the operating state in a simple manner by listening to sounds from two speakers that may be programmed to output different sounds associated with different operating states.
A particular application may set all operating parameters of the smart device.
The device also allows avoiding the waste of perfume in the following cases:
when the user thinks that it is not reasonable for the device to emit fragrance in the absence of him/her: the device is provided with a microphone sensor, and an appropriate software application installed on the device sets the device to a "standby" mode, and if the user has previously programmed this mode to an active mode, the device will cease emitting fragrance;
when the user considers it wasteful or superfluous to have the device emit fragrance under appropriate ventilation conditions: the device is equipped with a sensor responsible for assessing the degree of ventilation, which may be a differential pressure sensor in a purely primitive manner, in the case where the user programs the mode to be effective by setting a minimum ventilation threshold to be exceeded, a specific software application installed on the device sets the device to an "economy" mode, and the device will stop emitting fragrance.
Optionally, due to the wireless communication functionality of the device, the device may evaluate other values by means of a sensor external to the device but present in the environment, e.g. a window opening sensor; in this case, the user will be aware of the fact that: higher ventilation conditions are not measured, but assumed; optionally, the device may also evaluate the presence of the user by means of an application, wherein a specific request will be sent to the user to confirm his/her presence in the environment, and he/she can give the device his/her confirmation information by means of a graphical interface on the application.
The user can configure the canister as a "bad smell" canister associated with a "bad" condition to enable him/her to perceive the "bad" condition and take corresponding action by adding ventilation or via other action, which may also be automatically configured and implemented by a wireless actuator controlled by the device; it should be noted that this particular functionality of the smart device under consideration is strictly related to the fact that: all conditions leading to harmful states should be combined with the detection of gases that are harmful to health but are tasteless in nature.
A harmful condition is only one condition in which the device uses a fragrance, especially only one of the two fragrances, to send feedback to the user without affecting the fact that this function is typically performed by a multi-color light emitting diode, a speaker, and an application program through a mobile device or PC.
The dispensing system used is completely original in detail, since it uses an electric motor, a cam, characterized by a bidirectional rotation, associated with the shaft of which is an electronic control allowing a large amount of fragrance to be dispensed instantaneously, while an encoder ensures that the motion occurs, making the system a highly reliable system.
This is an original innovative mode, which can achieve both savings due to the use of only one electric motor and high reliability due to the use of encoders, electronic control functions, and the possibility of using a universal spray can which mechanically achieves a specific transmission of power via a specific cam, these details also being within the scope of the invention.
The mechanical principle of the device is that the openable space, when closed, automatically sets the canister into an aligned position suitable for operation of the canister by a cam driven by a motor via a gear trigger to emit fragrance from the spray canister depending on the direction of rotation of the motor.
The encoder provides high reliability because the encoder provides feedback for the motor control and user signaling functions of the electronic device.
The smart device according to the invention may be an integral part of a kit comprising at least two pressurized containers each containing a scented liquid, each pressurized container having a lower flat surface and an upper valve and delivery portion, and at least one support configured to be positioned within a compartment of the smart device for removable and replaceable insertion of said pressurized containers containing scented liquids having different scents.
The smart device for the double scent diffusion of scents in a limited environment according to the present disclosure is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all falling within the inventive concept set forth in the appended claims.
All the details may be replaced with other technically equivalent elements according to the actual requirements, without departure from the scope of protection of the invention.
Whereas the invention has been described with particular reference to the accompanying figures, the numerals referred to in the disclosure and claims are used for the sake of increasing the intelligibility of the invention and shall not be intended to limit the claimed scope in any manner.
Claims (14)
1. A smart device for dual scent dispersal for scents in a confined environment, said smart device comprising:
-an outer casing (2), the outer casing (2) being provided with:
i. at least one compartment (3), said at least one compartment (3) being intended to house in a removable manner two pressurized containers (6), said two pressurized containers (6) containing two scented liquids having different scents,
a door (4), said door (4) being intended to close said compartment (3), said door (4) being openable by exerting pressure on a button (5) and unhooking the element (4.1), said door (4) being provided with two holes (7) for letting out the scented liquid in aerosol form from either pressurized container (6),
two opposing slots (8), said slots (8) being for sound propagation of a loudspeaker device,
an air grid device (9),
v. a protective grid arrangement (17),
-buttons (10) for switching the device on and off,
-a power connector (11), said power connector (11) being of the USB type or of the type enabling wired data communication in any case,
-a WPS Wi-Fi connection identification button (12),
-an operating mode programming button (13),
-volume adjustment buttons (14) of two speaker devices (23),
-sensor means (16), said sensor means (16) being internal with respect to the apparatus, said sensor means (16) being for example a microphone sensor, a gas sensor, a relative humidity sensor, a temperature sensor or an air pressure sensor, respectively,
-actuator means, internal with respect to the device, being a single lighting means (15), a multi-color lighting means (22), a speaker means (23) or a combination of lighting means (15), multi-color lighting means (22), speaker means (23),
an encoder (20), the encoder (20) being provided with an optical sensor (20.1),
-at least one radio modem for the mobile radio unit,
-at least one cable modem, said at least one cable modem also being able to have the waves transported,
-computer means (24.1), (24.2),
-a digital storage device provided with firmware/software means,
the smart device is characterized in that it is provided with an internal mechanism (18), the internal mechanism (18) comprising a gear (18.1), (18.2), (18.5) and a cam (18.4), the cam being provided with a flat surface configured to adhere to a lower flat surface (6.1) of at least one of the pressurized containers (6), and a toothed surface engaging the gear, the gear being operatively connected to a direct current electric motor (19), the direct current electric motor (19) upon activation causing the cam to operate and to trigger a smaller thrust on one container (6) or alternatively on the other depending on the direction of rotation of the cam, and causing the pressurized scented liquid to flow out in aerosol form from a valve (6.2) provided with a delivery (6.3), the delivery part (6.3) is matched with any hole (7) of the outer shell (2).
2. The smart device according to claim 1, characterized in that the smart device has a support (21), the support (21) being configured to be removably positioned within the compartment (3) of the outer casing (2), the support (21) is provided with two seats (21.1) and two holes (21.2), said two seats (21.1) being intended to slidingly house said two containers (6), the two holes (21.2) being intended to be positioned in correspondence with the two conveying portions (6.3), for diffusing scented liquid from one pressurized container (6) through a matching one of said matching holes (7) of said door (4) or alternatively diffusing scented liquid from another pressurized container (6) through a matching one of said matching holes (7) of said door (4).
3. Smart device according to claim 2, characterized in that said support (21) is provided with two side appendixes (21.3), said two side appendixes (21.3) being insertable in a matching seating (3.1) for correctly positioning said support inside said compartment (3) of said external casing (2) and for aligning respectively between said cam (18.4) and said container (6) and between said delivery (6.3) and said hole (7).
4. The smart device according to claims 2 and 3, characterized in that it is provided with two magnets (25), one integral with the support (21) and one integral with the wall of the compartment (3), for correctly positioning the support inside the compartment (3) of the outer casing (2) by magnetic attraction and for aligning the cam (18.4) with the container (6) and the delivery (6.3) with the hole (7), respectively.
5. Smart device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an encoder (20) tracks the position of the gearing (18.1), (18.2) and the position of the cam (18.4) and moves the gearing (18.1), (18.2) and the cam (18.4) so as to alternately and instantaneously bring the gearing (18.1), (18.2) and the cam (18.4) respectively into the following positions:
a. an idle position in which the flat surface of the cam is positioned adhering to the lower flat surfaces (6.1) of two pressurized containers (6),
b. -an operating position in which either container is activated alternately with each other, whereby the cam is in contact with the lower flat surface (6.1) of only one pressurized container (6), as an alternative to the cam being in contact with the lower flat surface (6.1) of the other pressurized container, depending on the clockwise or anticlockwise direction of rotation of the cam.
6. Smart device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said cam (18.4) is provided with spring means (18.3), said spring means (18.3) being configured for uncoupling said toothed surface of said gear means (18.5) in an abnormal situation and thereafter recoupling said toothed surface of said gear means (18.5).
7. Smart device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said computer means (24.1), (24.2) are provided with firmware/software for processing at least one environmental condition in said limited environment by comparison between values jointly or alternatively evaluated by said internal sensor means (16) and predetermined thresholds on environmental health parameters, so as to provide olfactory feedback to the user regarding at least one environmental condition in said limited environment.
8. The smart device of claim 7, wherein the smart device is programmable to identify at least one of the following conditions in the limited environment:
-at least one person is present;
-presence of odorous harmful gases;
-the presence of odourless harmful gases,
and wherein the device emits a single fragrance contained in either container (6) based on the assessed condition.
9. The smart device of claim 7, wherein the smart device is programmable to identify at least one of the following conditions in the limited environment:
-over-ventilation;
-at least one person is present;
and wherein the device adjusts the frequency of emission of a single fragrance contained in any one of the containers (6) according to the assessed condition.
10. Smart device according to claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the identification of the presence of a person is detected by processing the values detected by the microphone sensor, the relative humidity sensor, the temperature sensor, respectively, or alternatively is unambiguously confirmed by the user via a software application of the mobile device.
11. The smart device of claim 9 wherein the identification of over-ventilation is performed by processing a value evaluated by the air pressure sensor.
12. Smart device according to claim 8, characterized in that it is programmable by means of remote or local control via software applications or similar software and hardware means of the mobile device.
13. A kit for a smart device for dual scent diffusion of scents in a confined environment, said kit comprising:
-a smart device (1) according to any of the preceding claims,
-at least two pressurized containers (6), each containing a scented liquid, said pressurized containers (6) being provided with a flat surface (6.1) at the lower part and a valve (6.2) and a delivery part (6.3) at the top,
-at least one support (21), said at least one support (21) being configured to be positioned inside a compartment (3) of the smart device (1) for removably inserting the two containers (6) into the compartment (3),
the kit is characterized in that the at least two containers (6) contain two scented liquids having different scents, and the at least two containers (6) can be replaced by withdrawing the at least two containers (6) from the support (21)/inserting the at least two containers (6) into the support (21) and repositioning the at least two containers (6) within the compartment (3) of the device (1).
14. An intelligent system for dual scent dispersal for scents in a confined environment, said intelligent system comprising:
-at least one smart device for emitting a fragrance according to claim 1,
-an external sensor device in wireless communication with the apparatus,
-a software application for a mobile device or similar software and hardware means for the device to interact with a user,
cloud software in communication with the smart device,
said intelligent system is characterized in that said firmware/software means, located inside the digital memory means of the device, process at least one environmental condition in said limited environment by comparison between data evaluated by said internal sensor means (16) and respectively external sensors, alone or in combination, and a predetermined threshold, so as to provide the user with olfactory feedback related to said environmental condition.
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT102018000007878 | 2018-08-06 | ||
| IT102018000007878A IT201800007878A1 (en) | 2018-08-06 | 2018-08-06 | INTELLIGENT DEVICE FOR THE DIFFUSION OF BIFRAGRANCE OF PERFUMES IN A CONFINED ENVIRONMENT |
| PCT/IB2019/056632 WO2020031052A2 (en) | 2018-08-06 | 2019-08-05 | Intelligent device for double fragrance diffusion of scents in a confined environment |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN112533650A true CN112533650A (en) | 2021-03-19 |
Family
ID=63965919
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN201980052483.0A Pending CN112533650A (en) | 2018-08-06 | 2019-08-05 | Smart device for dual scent diffusion for scents in limited environments |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP3833407A2 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN112533650A (en) |
| IT (1) | IT201800007878A1 (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2020031052A2 (en) |
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| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN112416036B (en) * | 2020-10-23 | 2022-06-10 | 重庆电子工程职业学院 | Greenhouse environment monitoring system |
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| US20150297778A1 (en) * | 2014-04-18 | 2015-10-22 | Thomas A. Conroy | Method and system of sensor feedback for a scent diffusion device |
| US20160106875A1 (en) * | 2014-10-21 | 2016-04-21 | SimpleScents Brands LLC | Network controlled fragrance dispensing system |
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| ES1079112Y (en) * | 2013-03-07 | 2013-07-25 | Olorama Tecnologia Slu | Device for the emission of aromas / odors (aromatizer) wireless controlled by Software |
| IT201600114194A1 (en) * | 2016-11-11 | 2018-05-11 | Tera Srl | Intelligent system for monitoring a reference environment suitable for multi-sensory interaction with the user. |
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- 2018-08-06 IT IT102018000007878A patent/IT201800007878A1/en unknown
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- 2019-08-05 WO PCT/IB2019/056632 patent/WO2020031052A2/en unknown
- 2019-08-05 EP EP19768912.8A patent/EP3833407A2/en active Pending
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| CN101385950A (en) * | 2007-09-14 | 2009-03-18 | 李瑞仁 | Aromatic order mixing method and device in forced air-flow |
| US20100320239A1 (en) * | 2007-11-15 | 2010-12-23 | Zobele Holding S.P.A. | Automatic dual-spray dispenser device |
| CN103623450A (en) * | 2013-12-02 | 2014-03-12 | 南京物联传感技术有限公司 | Fragrance emitting system and method thereof |
| US20150297778A1 (en) * | 2014-04-18 | 2015-10-22 | Thomas A. Conroy | Method and system of sensor feedback for a scent diffusion device |
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| CN207065724U (en) * | 2016-11-28 | 2018-03-02 | 韩周卓 | Purification of air and multichannel fragrance generation device |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP3833407A2 (en) | 2021-06-16 |
| WO2020031052A2 (en) | 2020-02-13 |
| WO2020031052A3 (en) | 2020-03-19 |
| IT201800007878A1 (en) | 2020-02-06 |
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Application publication date: 20210319 |