Scent producing apparatus
25 claims: 19 independent, 6 dependent
- 1制御回路と、 プレートの第1面から前記プレートの前記第1面とは反対側の第2面まで延在している少なくとも1つの放出口を示すプレートと、 前記プレートの前記第1面と連通している少なくとも1つの匂い容器と、 各匂い容器に関連し、かつ前記少なくとも1つの放出口を介して前記プレートの前記第2面に前記関連する匂い容器の制御された量の内容物を放出するように構成された制御可能な匂い放出機構と、 前記制御回路に対応し、かつ前記プレートに連通している振動体と、を具備し、 前記制御回路は、前記少なくとも1つの放出口を介して前記プレートの前記第2面に前記関連する匂い容器の制御された量の前記内容物を放出する各制御可能な匂い放出機構を制御し、 前記少なくとも1つの匂い容器の前記放出された内容物を噴霧するために前記プレートを振動するように構成され 、 前記少なくとも1つの匂い容器は複数の匂い容器を含み、前記少なくとも1つの放出口は、各々が特定の制御可能な匂い放出機構に関連付けられる複数の放出口を含み、 前記関連する匂い容器の制御された量の前記内容物を放出する各制御可能な匂い放出機構を制御する前記制御回路の前記構成は、前記関連する放出口を介して前記プレートの前記第2面に前記関連する匂い容器の制御された量の前記内容物を放出する、各制御可能な匂い放出機構を制御するように構成を備えてい る、匂い生成装置。
- 2制御回路と、 プレートの第1面から前記プレートの前記第1面とは反対側の第2面まで延在している少なくとも1つの放出口を示すプレートと、 前記プレートの前記第1面と連通している少なくとも1つの匂い容器と、 各匂い容器に関連し、かつ前記少なくとも1つの放出口を介して前記プレートの前記第2面に前記関連する匂い容器の制御された量の内容物を放出するように構成された制御可能な匂い放出機構と、 前記制御回路に対応し、かつ前記プレートに連通している振動体と、を具備し、 前記制御回路は、前記少なくとも1つの放出口を介して前記プレートの前記第2面に前記関連する匂い容器の制御された量の前記内容物を放出する各制御可能な匂い放出機構を制御し、 前記少なくとも1つの匂い容器の前記放出された内容物を噴霧するために前記プレートを振動するように構成され、 前記プレートの前記第1面と連通している溶剤容器と、 前記溶剤容器に関連し、かつ前記少なくとも1つの放出口を介して前記プレートの前記第2面に前記溶剤容器の制御された量の前記内容物を放出するように構成された、少なくとも1つの制御可能な溶剤放出機構と、を更に具備し、 前記制御回路は、前記少なくとも1つの放出口を介して前記プレートの前記第2面に前記溶剤容器の制御された量の前記内容物を放出する、前記少なくとも1つの制御可能な溶剤放出機構を制御するように更に構成されている、 匂い生成装置。
- 3各制御可能な溶剤放出機構は、前記溶剤容器の局部を更に含む請求項 2に記載の匂い生成装置。
- 4前記制御可能な溶剤放出機構は、溶剤放出圧電素子を含む請求項2 に記載の匂い生成装置。
- 5前記少なくとも1つの制御可能な匂い放出機構は、複数の制御可能な匂い放出機構を含み、 前記少なくとも1つの制御可能な溶剤放出機構は、各々が、前記複数の制御可能な匂い放出機構のうちの特定の1つに関連する複数の制御可能な溶剤放出機構を含む請求項2 に記載の匂い生成装置。
- 6各制御可能な溶剤放出機構は、 前記プレートの前記第1面と連通し、ベース端から先端まで縦方向に延在し、かつそれぞれの放出口と一致するように配置されている溶剤放出マイクロニードルと、 前記溶剤放出マイクロニードルと連通し、かつ前記制御回路に対応する溶剤放出転換機構と、を更に備え、 前記制御回路は、前記溶剤放出マイクロニードルがそれぞれの放出口内に設置される第1位置から、前記溶剤放出マイクロニードルが前記それぞれの放出口の壁から少なくとも部分的に離れる第2位置まで前記溶剤放出転換機構を介して、前記プレートに関連する溶剤放出マイクロニードルを移動させるように更に構成され、 前記溶剤容器の制御された量の前記内容物を放出する各制御可能な放出機構の前記制御が、前記それぞれの溶剤放出マイクロニードルが前記第2位置にあることに対応する、請求項2又は3 に記載の匂い生成装置。
- 7前記溶剤放出転換機構は、溶剤放出圧電素子を含む請求項6 に記載の匂い生成装置。
- 8各制御可能な匂い放出機構は、前記少なくとも1つの匂い容器の局部を含む請求項1又は2 に記載の匂い生成装置。
- 9各制御可能な匂い放出機構は、 前記プレートの前記第1面と連通し、ベース端から先端まで縦方向に延在し、かつそれぞれの放出口と一致するように配置されている匂い放出マイクロニードルと、 前記匂い放出マイクロニードルと連通し、かつ前記制御回路に対応する匂い放出転換機構と、を更に備え、 前記制御回路は、前記匂い放出マイクロニードルがそれぞれの放出口内に設置される第1位置から、前記匂い放出マイクロニードルが前記それぞれの放出口の壁から少なくとも部分的に離れる第2位置まで前記匂い放出転換機構を介して、前記プレートに関連する前記匂い放出マイクロニードルを移動させるように更に構成され、 前記関連する匂い容器の制御された量の前記内容物を放出する各制御可能な放出機構の前記制御は、前記それぞれの匂い放出マイクロニードルが前記第2位置にあることに対応する、請求項 8に記載の匂い生成装置。
- 10前記匂い放出転換機構は匂い放出圧電素子 を含む請求項9に記載の匂い生成装置。
- 11前記制御可能な匂い放出機構は、匂い放出圧電素子を含む請求項1又は2 に記載の匂い生成装置。
- 12各匂い容器は匂いのある物質を含む請求項1又は2 に記載の匂い生成装置。
- 13匂いを生成する方法であって、 提供されるプレートの第1面から前記提供されるプレートの前記第1面とは反対側の第2面まで延在している少なくとも1つの放出口を示すプレートを提供するステップと、 前記提供されたプレートの前記第1面と連通している少なくとも1つの匂い容器を提供するステップと、 前記少なくとも1つの放出口を介して前記提供されたプレートの前記第2面に前記提供された少なくとも1つの匂い容器の制御された量の内容物を放出するステップと、 前記提供された少なくとも1つの匂い容器の前記放出された前記内容物を噴霧するために前記提供されたプレートを振動させるステップと、を含み、 前記提供された少なくとも1つの匂い容器は複数の匂い容器を含み、前記少なくとも1つの放出口は、各々が特定の匂い容器に関連する複数の放出口を含み、 各提供された匂い容器の制御された量の前記内容物を前記放出するステップは、前記関連する放出口を介して前記提供されたプレートの前記第2面に前記特定の提供された匂い容器の制御された量の前記内容物を放出すること、を含む方法。
- 14匂いを生成する方法であって、 提供されるプレートの第1面から前記提供されるプレートの前記第1面とは反対側の第2面まで延在している少なくとも1つの放出口を示すプレートを提供するステップと、 前記提供されたプレートの前記第1面と連通している少なくとも1つの匂い容器を提供するステップと、 前記少なくとも1つの放出口を介して前記提供されたプレートの前記第2面に前記提供された少なくとも1つの匂い容器の制御された量の内容物を放出するステップと、 前記提供された少なくとも1つの匂い容器の前記放出された前記内容物を噴霧するために前記提供されたプレートを振動させるステップと、を含み、 前記プレートの前記第1面と連通する溶剤容器を提供するステップと、 前記少なくとも1つの放出口を介して前記提供されたプレートの前記第2面に前記提供された溶剤容器の制御された量の前記内容物を放出するステップと、を更に含む 方法。
- 15前記提供された溶剤容器に関連する少なくとも1つの制御可能な溶剤放出機構を提供するステップを更に含み、提供された溶剤容器の制御された量の前記内容物を前記放出するステップは、前記提供された少なくとも1つの制御可能な溶剤放出機構に対応し、 各制御可能な溶剤放出機構は、前記提供された溶剤容器の局部を更に 含む請求項14に記載の方法。
- 16各提供された制御可能な溶剤放出機構は、 前記提供されたプレートの前記第1面と連通し、ベース端から先端まで縦方向に延在し、かつ前記少なくとも1つの放出口と一致するように配置されている溶剤放出マイクロニードルを備え、 前記方法は、前記溶剤放出マイクロニードルがそれぞれの放出口内に設置される第1位置から、前記溶剤放出マイクロニードルが前記それぞれの放出口の壁から少なくとも部分的に離れる第2位置まで前記提供されたプレートに関連する溶剤放出マイクロニードルを移動させるステップを更に含み、 前記提供された溶剤容器の制御された量の前記内容物を前記放出するステップは、前記第2位置にある少なくとも1つの匂い放出マイクロニードルに対応する 請求項15に記載の方法。
- 17前記提供された溶剤容器の各局部と連通する溶剤放出圧電素子を提供するステップを更に含み、 各溶剤放出マイクロニードルを前記移動させるステップは、前記関連する提供された溶剤放出圧電素子に電気信号を加えることを含む 請求項16に記載の方法。
- 18前記提供された溶剤容器の各局部と連通する溶剤放出圧電素子を提供するステップを更に含み、 前記提供された溶剤容器の制御された量の前記内容物を前記放出するステップが、前記提供された溶剤放出圧電素子に電気信号を加えることを含む請求項15 に記載の方法。
- 19前記少なくとも1つの制御可能な匂い放出機構は複数の制御可能な匂い放出機構を含み、 前記少なくとも1つの制御可能な溶剤放出機構は、各々が前記複数の制御可能な匂い放出機構のうちの特定の1つに関連する複数の制御可能な溶剤放出機構を含む請求項15 に記載の方法。
- 20匂いを生成する方法であって、 提供されるプレートの第1面から前記提供されるプレートの前記第1面とは反対側の第2面まで延在している少なくとも1つの放出口を示すプレートを提供するステップと、 前記提供されたプレートの前記第1面と連通している少なくとも1つの匂い容器を提供するステップと、 前記少なくとも1つの放出口を介して前記提供されたプレートの前記第2面に前記提供された少なくとも1つの匂い容器の制御された量の内容物を放出するステップと、 前記提供された少なくとも1つの匂い容器の前記放出された前記内容物を噴霧するために前記提供されたプレートを振動させるステップと、を含み、 所定量の中和剤を前記少なくとも1つの放出口を介して前記提供されたプレートの前記第2面の上に放出するステップを更に含み、 前記振動させるステップは、前記提供された少なくとも1つの匂い容器の前記放出された内容物と前記放出された中和剤とを噴霧する 方法。
- 21各提供された匂い容器に関連する制御可能な匂い放出機構を提供するステップを更に含み、各提供された匂い容器の制御された量の前記内容物を前記放出するステップは、前記提供された関連する制御可能な匂い放出機構に対応し、 各提供された制御可能な匂い放出機構は、前記提供された関連する匂い容器の局部を含む請求項13、14又は 20に記載の方法。
- 22各提供された制御可能な匂い放出機構は、 前記提供されたプレートの前記第1面と連通し、ベース端から先端まで縦方向に延在し、かつそれぞれの放出口と一致するように配置される匂い放出マイクロニードルを更に備え、 前記方法は、前記匂い放出マイクロニードルがそれぞれの放出口内に設置される第1位置から、前記匂い放出マイクロニードルが前記それぞれの放出口の壁から少なくとも部分的に離れる第2位置まで前記提供されたプレートに関連する匂い放出マイクロニードルを移動させるステップを更に含み、 前記提供された少なくとも1つの匂い容器の制御された量の前記内容物を前記放出するステップは、前記第2位置にある前記それぞれの匂い放出マイクロニードルに対応する 請求項21に記載の方法。
- 23各提供された匂い容器の前記局部と連通する匂い放出圧電素子を提供するステップを更に含み、 各匂い放出マイクロニードルを前記移動させるステップは、前記関連する提供された匂い放出圧電素子に電気信号を加えることを含む 請求項22に記載の方法。
- 24各提供された匂い容器と連通する匂い放出圧電素子を提供するステップを更に含み、 各提供された匂い容器の制御された量の前記内容物を前記放出するステップは、前記関連する提供された匂い放出圧電素子に電気信号を加えることを含む請求項13、14又は20 に記載の方法。
- 25各提供された匂い容器が匂いのある物質を含む請求項13、14又は20 に記載の方法。
Independent claims25
81 paragraphs, as filed
The present invention generally relates to the field of electronically controlled odor generation, and more particularly in a device comprising an electronically controlled atomizer, wherein the atomizer is on the first surface of the atomizer, on the opposite side of the atomizer. It relates to a device that is configured to generate an odor corresponding to an odor liquid stored in an odor container that communicates with two sides.
Video games, especially computer-based games and game stations, have become very popular. The combination of visual and audio stimuli has been successful in capturing most of people's leisure time. By considering various input devices, various games that make tactile sensation more involved have been developed with related hardware. In one example, a musical instrument such as a mock guitar is used as game input, and tactile sensation is involved.
Games that provide a virtual reality world have been developed again based on stimulating the senses of various users. However, until now, the remaining sensations, namely olfaction and taste, have not been stimulated.
The above has described the game, but this is by no means intended to be limiting. Without limitation, there are many other uses of electronically controlled odor systems, such as alarm devices, improving communication and uplifting mood, which are specifically included herein.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008/0043204, issued to Guo on February 21, 2008, covers digital-smelling movie projectors with audio channels. The odor-creating device provides film technology that emits odors into the cinema, thereby imparting visual, auditory and olfactory sensations as part of the cinema. Unfortunately, the odor provided by Guo is configured to be emitted into a large space, which is not suitable for personal use. In addition, Guo's odor utilizes multiple odor cans that supply the odor to the pressure reducing valve, and is therefore limited in terms of being able to precisely control the amount of odor persistence.
In contrast to the prior art, various nebulizer methods are known, including placing a vibrating fine mesh in contact with a liquid that atomizes. The mesh is usually configured to be fine enough to block any flow of liquid, usually vibrating at ultrasonic frequencies, thereby spraying the liquid. Unfortunately, these methods have some drawbacks, such as spontaneous odor leakage, because there is no way to prevent the spontaneous release of volatile vapors through the mesh openings. Is. In addition, any molecules adhering to the mesh wall can be released without further vibration, leaving additional unwanted odors. Further, the fine mesh tends to be blocked by organic and / or inorganic molecules such as water-soluble salts adhering to the mesh openings. In addition, microdroplets cannot be properly formed from liquids with viscosities greater than 10 cps, and therefore the liquids are not sufficiently sprayed. In addition, the fixed size mesh openings are designed to produce the desired droplet size for specific liquid viscosities and surface tensions, with nebulizers based on specific fixed meshes, fixed meshes. It cannot be used for any of multiple liquids with a wide range of viscosities without replacement. In addition, vibrating the mesh at frequencies above 1 MHz, which is preferred for improved spraying, will reduce the effectiveness of the spray due to the properties of the mesh.
US Pat. No. 4,301,093, issued November 17, 1981 to Eck, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, is intended for liquid sprayers, where the liquid is on the surface of the spray plate. Placed in, where the liquid is later sprayed. Unfortunately, the liquid being placed is open to the ambient air, which creates a sustainability problem.
U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2011/0266359, issued to Haran on November 3, 2011, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, is an electronically controlled odor generating element. The present invention relates to an electronically controlled odor generating element comprising a sprayer composed of a first plate indicating a microplug and a second plate indicating a plurality of perforations, wherein the microplugs are arranged to coincide with the perforations. Then, the odor liquid is sprayed by a sprayer. Unfortunately, vibrating the disclosed atomizer at frequencies above 1 MHz, which is preferred for improved atomization, reduces the effectiveness of the atomizer due to the characteristics of the atomizer. In addition, microdroplets cannot be properly formed from liquids with viscosities greater than 10 cps, which prevents the liquid from being sufficiently sprayed.
Moreover, many prior art solutions have a residual odor, i.e. an undesired odor. Residual odors are especially problematic when individuals need odors, such as computer gamers, who often play in unobstructed spaces where the odor is easily prolonged. In particular, any physical element that a certain concentration of odor molecules want to contact will continue to ooze the odor. Residual odors further contaminate additional odors that may need to be released quickly in sync with the progress of the game.
Therefore, a main object of the present invention is to overcome at least some of the inconveniences of the prior art. This is achieved in some embodiments by providing an odor generator, which is a plate indicating a control circuit and at least one outlet, wherein at least one outlet is the first of the plates. In connection with each odor container, the plate and at least one odor container communicating with the first surface of the plate, extending from one surface to the second surface opposite the first surface of the plate. Corresponding to a control circuit and a controllable odor emission mechanism configured to release a controlled amount of the contents of the odor container associated with the second surface of the plate through at least one outlet. With a vibrating body communicating with the plate, the control circuit is each controllable to emit a controlled amount of the contents of the odor container associated with the second surface of the plate through at least one outlet. It is configured to control the odor emission mechanism and vibrate the plate to spray the emitted contents of at least one odor container.
In one embodiment, each controllable odor emission mechanism comprises at least one local odor container. In another embodiment, each controllable odor emission mechanism communicates with the first surface of the plate, extends longitudinally from the base end to the tip, and is arranged to coincide with the respective emission port. , The odor emission microneedle and the odor emission conversion mechanism that communicates with the odor emission microneedle and corresponds to the control circuit are further provided, and the control circuit is the first position where the odor emission microneedle is installed in each outlet. Further configured and associated to move the odor-releasing microneedles associated with the plate via an odor-releasing conversion mechanism to a second position at least partially separated from the wall of each outlet. The control of each controllable release mechanism that releases a controlled amount of the contents of the odor container corresponds to each odor release microneedle in the second position. In one further embodiment, the odor emission conversion mechanism comprises an odor emission piezoelectric element.
In one embodiment, the controllable odor emitting mechanism comprises an odor emitting piezoelectric element. In another embodiment, at least one odor container comprises a plurality of odor containers, and at least one outlet comprises a plurality of outlets, each associated with a particular controllable odor emission mechanism, and associated odors. The configuration of the control circuit that releases a controlled amount of the contents of the container and controls each controllable odor emission mechanism is a controlled amount of the odor container associated with the second surface of the plate through the associated outlet. It is configured to release its contents and control each controllable odor emission mechanism.
In one embodiment, the odor generator is controlled with a solvent container communicating with the first surface of the plate and a solvent container associated with the solvent container and on the second surface of the plate via at least one outlet. Further equipped with at least one controllable solvent discharge mechanism configured to release a large amount of contents, the control circuit controls the solvent vessel on the second surface of the plate via at least one discharge port. It is further configured to control at least one controllable solvent release mechanism that releases a given amount of content. In one further embodiment, each controllable solvent release mechanism further comprises a local part of the solvent container.
In one further embodiment, each controllable solvent discharge mechanism communicates with the first surface of the plate, extends longitudinally from the base end to the tip, and is arranged to coincide with the respective discharge port. The solvent-releasing microneedles are further provided with an odor release conversion mechanism that communicates with the solvent-releasing microneedles and corresponds to the control circuit, and the control circuit is provided with the solvent-releasing microneedles installed in the respective discharge ports. Further configured to move the solvent release microneedles associated with the plate from one position through a solvent release conversion mechanism to a second position where the solvent release microneedles are at least partially separated from the walls of their respective outlets. The control of each controllable release mechanism that releases a controlled amount of the contents of the solvent container corresponds to each solvent release microneedle in the second position. In one further embodiment, the solvent release conversion mechanism comprises a solvent release piezoelectric element.
In one further embodiment, the controllable solvent release mechanism comprises a solvent release piezoelectric element. In another further embodiment, at least one controllable odor release mechanism comprises a plurality of controllable odor release mechanisms, and at least one controllable solvent release mechanism each comprises a plurality of controllable odors. Includes multiple controllable solvent release mechanisms associated with a particular one of the release mechanisms. In one embodiment, each odor container contains an odorous substance.
In an independent embodiment, a method of producing an odor is provided, which extends from the first surface of the provided plate to the second surface opposite the first surface of the provided plate. A step of providing a plate indicating at least one outlet, a step of providing at least one odor container communicating with the first surface of the provided plate, and a plate provided through at least one outlet. A step to release a controlled amount of content in at least one odor container provided on the second side of the plate and a plate provided to spray the released content in at least one odor container provided. Including steps to vibrate.
In one embodiment, a step of providing a controllable odor release mechanism associated with each provided odor container is further included, and a step of releasing a controlled amount of contents of each provided odor container is provided. Corresponding to the associated controllable odor emission mechanism, each provided controllable odor emission mechanism comprises a local part of the associated odor container provided. In one further embodiment, each provided controllable odor emission mechanism communicates with the first surface of the provided plate, extends longitudinally from the base end to the tip, and each outlet. Equipped with odor emitting microneedles that are arranged to match The step of releasing a controlled amount of the contents of at least one provided odor container further comprises the step of moving the odor emitting microneedle associated with the plate provided to a second position partially separated. Corresponds to each odor emitting microneedle in two positions.
In one further embodiment, the method further comprises providing an odor emitting piezoelectric element that communicates with the local area of each provided odor container, and the step of moving each odor emitting microneedle is provided relevant. It involves applying an electrical signal to the odor emitting piezoelectric element. In another embodiment, the method further comprises providing an odor emitting piezoelectric element that communicates with each provided odor container, the step of releasing a controlled amount of content in each provided odor container. Includes applying an electrical signal to the associated provided odor emitting piezoelectric element.
In one embodiment, at least one provided odor container comprises a plurality of odor containers, and at least one outlet comprises a plurality of outlets each associated with a particular odor container, each provided odor. The step of releasing the contents of the controlled amount of the container is to release the content of the controlled amount of the specific provided odor container to the second surface of the provided plate through the associated outlet. including. In another embodiment, the method provides a solvent container that communicates with the first surface of the plate and controls the solvent container provided on the second surface of the plate provided through at least one outlet. It further includes a step of releasing a squeezed amount of content.
In one further embodiment, the method further comprises the step of providing at least one controllable solvent release mechanism associated with the provided solvent container, the contents of a controlled amount of the provided solvent container. The step of releasing the solvent corresponds to at least one controllable solvent release mechanism provided, and each controllable solvent release mechanism further comprises a local part of the provided solvent container. In one further embodiment, each provided controllable solvent discharge mechanism communicates with the first surface of the provided plate, extends longitudinally from base end to tip, and at least one discharge port. Equipped with solvent-releasing microneedles that are arranged to match The step of releasing the controlled amount of the contents of the provided solvent vessel further comprises moving the solvent release microneedles associated with the provided plate to a second position at least partially separated from the second position. Corresponds to at least one odor emitting microneedle in.
In one further embodiment, the method further comprises providing a solvent-releasing piezoelectric element that communicates with each local part of the provided solvent container, and the step of moving each solvent-releasing microneedle is provided as relevant. Includes applying an electrical signal to the solvent-releasing piezoelectric element. In another further embodiment, the method further comprises providing a solvent-releasing piezoelectric element that communicates with the provided solvent container, the step of releasing a controlled amount of the contents of the provided solvent container. , Includes applying an electrical signal to the solvent-releasing piezoelectric element provided.
In one further embodiment, at least one controllable odor release mechanism comprises a plurality of controllable odor release mechanisms, and at least one controllable solvent release mechanism each comprises a plurality of controllable odor release mechanisms. Includes multiple controllable solvent release mechanisms associated with a particular one of the mechanisms.
In one embodiment, each provided odor container comprises an odorous substance. In another embodiment, the method further comprises discharging a predetermined amount of neutralizing agent onto a second surface of a plate provided through at least one outlet, the step of vibrating. Spray the released contents of at least one odor container and the released neutralizer.
Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the drawings and description below.
Here, in order to better understand the various embodiments of the present invention and to show how the various embodiments of the present invention can be implemented, similar numbers correspond to the corresponding elements or parts throughout. The attached drawing showing the above is simply referred to as an example.
Here, in particular, by referring to the drawings in detail, the details illustrated are for example, merely for the purpose of exemplifying preferred embodiments of the present invention, and the principles of the present invention and It is presented to provide what is considered to be the most useful and easily understood description of the conceptual aspect. In this regard, no attempt has been made to show the structural details of the present invention in more detail necessary for a basic understanding of the present invention, and the illustrations provided with the drawings actually describe some embodiments of the present invention. Clarify to those skilled in the art how it can be embodied.
<figref num="1A">A plurality of figures of an exemplary embodiment of an odor generator comprising a multi-scent cartridge communicating with an atomizer are shown.</figref><figref num="1B">A plurality of figures of an exemplary embodiment of an odor generator comprising a multi-scent cartridge communicating with an atomizer are shown.</figref><figref num="1C">A plurality of figures of an exemplary embodiment of an odor generator comprising a multi-scent cartridge communicating with an atomizer are shown.</figref><figref num="1D">A plurality of figures of an exemplary embodiment of an odor generator comprising a multi-scent cartridge communicating with an atomizer are shown.</figref><figref num="1E">A plurality of figures of an exemplary embodiment of an odor generator comprising a multi-scent cartridge communicating with an atomizer are shown.</figref><figref num="1F">A plurality of figures of an exemplary embodiment of an odor generator comprising a multi-scent cartridge communicating with an atomizer are shown.</figref><figref num="1G">A plurality of figures of an exemplary embodiment of an odor generator comprising a multi-scent cartridge communicating with an atomizer are shown.</figref><figref num="1H">A plurality of figures of an exemplary embodiment of an odor generator comprising a multi-scent cartridge communicating with an atomizer are shown.</figref><figref num="1I">A plurality of figures of an exemplary embodiment of an odor generator comprising a multi-scent cartridge communicating with an atomizer are shown.</figref><figref num="2">A high-level schematic diagram of a drive circuit for driving the odor generator of FIGS. 1A to 1I in a controllable manner is shown.</figref><figref num="3A">A plurality of figures of an exemplary embodiment of an odor generator comprising a single-scent cartridge communicating with an atomizer are shown.</figref><figref num="3B">A plurality of figures of an exemplary embodiment of an odor generator comprising a single-scent cartridge communicating with an atomizer are shown.</figref><figref num="3C">A plurality of figures of an exemplary embodiment of an odor generator comprising a single-scent cartridge communicating with an atomizer are shown.</figref><figref num="4">High-level flowcharts of the operations of the odor generators of FIGS. 1A to 1I and the odor generators of FIGS. 2A to 2C are shown.</figref><figref num="5">A high-level flowchart of an embodiment of an odor generation method that utilizes a neutralizer to achieve a given persistence is shown.</figref><figref num="6A">A perspective view of an odor container containing an odorous substance is shown.</figref><figref num="6B">A side cut-out view of a multi-smell cartridge with multiple scent containers of FIG. 6A is shown.</figref><figref num="6C">FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a solvent container configured to be used in conjunction with the multi-odor cartridge of FIG. 6B.</figref><figref num="7A">A plurality of figures of various components of an odor generator having a plurality of solvent release mechanisms for each odor release mechanism are shown.</figref><figref num="7B">A plurality of figures of various components of an odor generator having a plurality of solvent release mechanisms for each odor release mechanism are shown.</figref><figref num="7C">A plurality of figures of various components of an odor generator having a plurality of solvent release mechanisms for each odor release mechanism are shown.</figref><figref num="7D">A plurality of figures of various components of an odor generator having a plurality of solvent release mechanisms for each odor release mechanism are shown.</figref><figref num="7E">A plurality of figures of various components of an odor generator having a plurality of solvent release mechanisms for each odor release mechanism are shown.</figref><figref num="7F">A plurality of figures of various components of an odor generator having a plurality of solvent release mechanisms for each odor release mechanism are shown.</figref><figref num="7G">A plurality of figures of various components of an odor generator having a plurality of solvent release mechanisms for each odor release mechanism are shown.</figref>
Before elaborating on at least one embodiment, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the structural and arranging details of the components shown in the following description or illustrated in the drawings in its use. .. The present invention is applicable to other embodiments, or can be implemented or implemented in various ways. It should also be understood that the terminology and terms used herein are for explanatory purposes only and should not be considered limiting.
The term nebulizer as used herein is intended to include any device configured to convert a liquid into a fine mist approximately instantly and is synonymous with the term nebulizer, the difference being the term nebulizer. Is usually used to indicate that the device sprays slowly and has less control over the amount of fine mist formed in response to the command.
FIG. 1A shows a perspective view of various components of the odor generator 900 including a multi-smell cartridge 910 communicating with the atomizer 920, FIG. 1B shows a side cut view of the odor generator 900, and FIG. 1C shows the atomizer. A side cut of a multi-smell cartridge 910 showing multiple controllable release mechanisms 930 communicating with the 920 is shown, FIG. 1D shows side cuts of multiple controllable discharge mechanisms 930 located on a common base 940. FIG. 1E shows a top view of a plurality of controllable release mechanisms 930 arranged on a common base 940, with each controllable release mechanism 930 comprising a plurality of optional microneedles 125. FIG. 1F shows a top view of the spray plate 1020, FIG. 1G shows a side cut of a controllable release mechanism 930 with the optional microneedle 125 in the first position, FIG. 1H is optional. A side cut view of the controllable release mechanism 930 with the selective microneedle 125 in the second position is shown, FIG. 1I shows the controllable release mechanism 930 with the optional microneedle 125 in the third position. A side cut-out view of is shown, and FIGS. 1A to 1I are also considered.
More specifically, the odor generator 900 comprises a multi-smell cartridge 910, a sprayer 920, a plurality of controllable emission mechanisms 930, and a first surface 942 and a second surface 944 opposite to the first surface 942. It includes a common base 940 shown, a segmented nozzle device 960, a housing 970 forming a solvent container 980, a housing extension 990 showing a plurality of solvent outlets 1000, and a pair of vibration isolation rings 1010. The sprayer 920 is a spray plate 1020 showing a first surface 1022, a second surface 1024 opposite the first surface 1022, and multiple outlets 1030 extending from the first surface 1022 to the second surface 1024. It comprises a spray plate 1020 and a vibrating mechanism 1040, where each outlet 1030 forms the chassis of a particular microvalve. In one embodiment, outlets 1030 are separated from each other by at least 300 microns. In one embodiment, the vibration mechanism 1040 comprises a piezoelectric element. In one embodiment, the vibrating mechanism 1040 is disc-shaped, with multiple holes 1045 extending through the interior, each hole 1045 aligned with multiple microvalves associated with a particular controllable release mechanism 930. Arranged to be. In another embodiment (not shown), the vibration mechanism 1040 is ring-shaped.
Each controllable release mechanism 930 is a plurality of optional microneedles 125 extending longitudinally from the common base 940 to the tip 127, each of which provides a specific microvalve needle portion as described below. Forming optional microneedles 125, inlet 1050, first conversion mechanism 1060, second conversion mechanism 1070, and extending from common base 940 to spray plate 1020, as described below. , The local odor container boundary ring 1080 forming the local 1090 of each odor container 20, and, as will be described further, extend from the common base 940 to the spray plate 1020, and together with the local odor container boundary ring 1080, the solvent container 980 local. It is equipped with a local solvent container boundary ring 1100 that forms 1110. In one embodiment, the distance between the common base 940 and the spray plate 1020 is 100 microns to 300 microns. In one embodiment, the first conversion mechanism 1060 and the second conversion mechanism 1070 are provided as a single conversion mechanism implemented as a piezoelectric element in one particular embodiment without exceeding the range. In one embodiment (not shown), each of the first conversion mechanism 1060 and the second conversion mechanism 1070 comprises an electrode configured to provide power to the respective conversion mechanism 1060, 1070, the electrode being a control circuit. Receive power from. In one embodiment, the diameter of each optional microneedle 125 in the common base 940 is 25 to 50 microns, and in one further embodiment it is about 30 microns.
The segmented nozzle device 960 includes a surface 1180 indicating a plurality of openings 1190 and a nozzle extension 1200 having a plurality of nozzles 1210, each indicating an inlet 1220 and an outlet 1230, where each outlet 1230 has a specific opening. It consists of part 1190.
The common base 940 has a plurality of controllable emission mechanisms 930 arranged on the first surface 942, preferably offset from each other in the radial direction. The common base 940 further places a temporary solvent container boundary ring 1120 on the first surface 942, which extends from the common base 940 to the spray plate 1020 and extends through the common base 940. It forms a temporary solvent container 1130 indicating the inlet 1140. The temporary solvent container boundary ring 1120 shows multiple solvent passages 1150 through the interior, and each of these solvent passages 1150 passes through the respective local solvent container boundary ring 1100 to the temporary solvent container 1130 and each local 1110 of the solvent container 980. It is configured so that there is communication between them. In particular, at least one solvent passage 1150 is provided for each local 1110 of the solvent container 980. Each first conversion mechanism 1060 communicates with each local 1090 of the odor container 20, and in particular communicates with the region of the second surface 944 of the common base 940 opposite to each local 1090 of the odor container 20. .. Each second conversion mechanism 1070 communicates with the respective local 1110 of the solvent container 980, and in particular communicates with the region of the second surface 944 of the common base 940 opposite to each local 1110 of the solvent container 980. ..
Each of the plurality of optional microneedles 125 is configured to match one of each of the outlets 1030, thereby forming a microvalve, which forms a microvalve array. .. Preferably, a portion of each optional microneedle 125 and particularly a portion extending through the outlet 1030 is conical with vertices extending away from the common base 940. The outlet 1030 is also preferably conical in shape, whereby each of the optional microneedles 125 is in the first position as described below. , Installed in contact with the inner wall of each outlet 1030, thus forming a seal sufficient to prevent the flow of volatile odor liquid 1160 from passing through each outlet 1030. In one embodiment, the optional microneedles 125 are placed in contact with the inner wall of each outlet 1030 at the same height, thus forming a seal. Preferably, each outlet 1030 exhibits a diameter of approximately 30 optional micron on the first surface 1022 of the spray plate 1020, which is the diameter of the optional microneedle 125 when fully installed therein. Matches.
Each odor container 20 contains a volatile odor liquid 1160. Preferably, the volatile odorant 1160 has an ultra-high concentration. Each controllable release mechanism 930 is associated with one of a plurality of odor containers 20, and each inlet 1050 extends into each odor container 20 through a common base 940. Preferably, each inlet 1050 is provided with a one-way valve, whereby the volatile odor liquid 1160 can only flow into the respective local 1090 of each odor container 20.
The solvent container 980 contains the common solvent 1170. The term common solvent is used herein as the solvent used for each content of the odor container 20, and in one particular embodiment is water. The housing extension 990 extends through the odor cartridge 910 and communicates with the common base 940, each of the plurality of solvent outlets 1000 communicates with each one of the plurality of solvent inlets 1140, and the common solvent 1170. A passage to the temporary solvent container 1130 is formed. Preferably, the housing extension 990 comprises a one-way valve, which allows the common solvent 1170 to flow only into the local solvent container 1130. The vibration mechanism 1140 communicates with the second surface 1024 of the spray plate 1020. The vibration isolation ring 1010 is configured to isolate the housing 970 from the odor cartridge 910, whereby the housing 970 does not vibrate when the odor cartridge 910 vibrates, as described below. The inlet 1220 of each nozzle 1020 communicates with the second surface 1024 of the spray plate 1020 through the respective holes 1045 of the vibrating mechanism 1040. In particular, the inlet 1220 of each nozzle 1210 communicates with a plurality of microvalves associated with a particular controllable discharge mechanism 930. In one embodiment, the housing 970, the odor cartridge 910, the atomizer 920 and the nozzle extension 1200 are located inside the outer housing 1240.
In one embodiment, the housing 970 is removable and the solvent container 980 can be refilled once the common solvent 1170 has been drained. In another embodiment, the housing 970 is provided with an opening (not shown) to allow refilling of the solvent container 980 when the common solvent 1170 is discharged. In one embodiment, the multi-smell cartridge 910 is removable from the scent generator 900, and when the volatile scent liquid 1160 is discharged from one or more scent containers 20, a new multi-smell cartridge 910 Can be exchanged for. In another embodiment, the plurality of odor containers 20 (not shown) have openings to allow refilling of any of the plurality of odor containers 20 when the volatile odor liquid 1160 is discharged. It is provided.
The common solvent 1170 stored in the solvent container 980 is configured to enter the housing extension 990, promoted by gravity. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), a positive pressure mechanism is provided. Then, the common solvent 1170 enters the temporary solvent container 1130, and enters each local portion 1110 of the solvent container 980 via the solvent passage 1150. The volatile odor liquid 1160 from each odor container 20 enters the respective local 1090 through the respective inlet 1050. In one embodiment, the volatile odorant 1160 flows through the inlet 1050, driven by gravity, as described above in connection with the common solvent 1170. In another embodiment, the volatile odorant 1160 flows through the inlet 1050, facilitated by capillary action.
In embodiments without the optional microneedle 125, the diameter of the outlet 1030 is such that the volatile odor liquid 1160 and the common solvent 1170 stored in the controllable discharge mechanism 930 correspond only to gravity, respectively. It is configured to be small enough so that it cannot exit the outlet 1030, and the diameter of the outlet 1030 is selected according to the viscosities of the volatile odor liquid 1160 and the common solvent 1170.
During operation, each controllable release mechanism 930 is to discharge a controlled amount of volatile odor liquid 1160 and common solvent 1170 from a particular associated odor container 20 into the atomizer 920, as described further below. It is configured. In the first position where the first conversion mechanism 1060 and the second conversion mechanism 1070 are not contracted respectively, in one embodiment, each optional microneedle 125 is installed in contact with the wall of the respective outlet 1030. Close each outlet 1030. In one embodiment, the optional microneedles 125 are placed abutting the inner wall of each outlet 1030 at the same height, thus forming a seal that closes each outlet 1030. To release a controlled amount of volatile odor liquid 1160 and common solvent 1170 from a particular controllable release mechanism 930, the associated first conversion mechanism 1060 and by control circuit 250 (not shown) in FIG. A low frequency electric signal and a DC electric signal are provided to the second conversion mechanism 1070. In the high state of the low frequency signal, the first conversion mechanism 1060 and the second conversion mechanism 1070 contract, thereby bending the common base 940 and moving the optional microneedle 125 to the second position, where The optional microneedle 125 moves away from the outlet 1030. In one embodiment, the optional microneedles 125 partially from the outlet 1030 to allow the volatile odorant 1160 or the common solvent 1170 to enter the respective outlets 1030 in the second position. Only leave.
When the low frequency signal is in the low state, the first conversion mechanism 1060 and the second conversion mechanism 1070 partially extend the optional microneedle 125 to move it to the third position, and the third position is the first position. Between the position and the second position. The first conversion mechanism 1060 and the second conversion mechanism 1070 remain partially contracted due to the DC electrical signal. As the optional microneedle 125 moves from position 2 to position 3, droplets 1250 of volatile odorant 1160 and common solvent 1170 pass through their respective outlets 1030 to the second surface 1024 of the spray plate 1020. Released on. Thus, the volatile odorant 1160 and the common solvent 1170 droplet 1250 are released using drop-on-demand technology with the addition of an optional microneedle 125. Advantageously, in the first position, the optional microneedles prevent the volatile odorant 1160 and the common solvent 1170 from being uncontrolledly released from the outlet 1030. More preferably, the volatile odorant 1160 and the common solvent 1170 are placed on the second surface 1024 of the spray plate 1020 while being stored in communication with the first surface 1022 of the spray plate 1020.
In embodiments where the optional microneedle 125 is not provided, the first conversion mechanism 1060 and the second conversion mechanism 1070 are volatile odorants 1160 and as known to those skilled in the art of drop-on-demand technology. It is configured to stretch to release droplets 1250 of the common solvent 1170. In particular, when the first conversion mechanism 1060 and the second conversion mechanism 1070 are stretched, the common base 940 bends, thereby exerting pressure on the volatile odor liquid 1160 and the common solvent 1170. In response to the applied pressure, droplets 1250 of volatile odorant 1160 and common solvent 1170 are discharged through their respective outlets 1030 onto the second surface 1024 of the spray plate 1020.
The control circuit 250 is further configured to provide a high frequency electrical signal to the vibrating mechanism 1040, thereby vibrating the spray plate 1020 and volatile odor liquid 1160 found on the second surface 1024 of the spray plate 1020. And spray any droplet 1250 of common solvent 1170. In an exemplary embodiment, the high frequency electrical signal exhibits a frequency range of 1MHz to 2MHz, which is by no means intended to be limiting. The sprayed droplets 1250 of the volatile odor liquid 1160 and the common solvent 1170 enter the associated nozzle 1210 through the inlet 1220, proceed through the nozzle 1210 and exit the outlet 1230. The volatile odor liquid 1160 and the sprayed droplets 1250 of the common solvent 1170 are mixed inside the nozzle 1210, whereby the odor is emitted outside the segmented nozzle device 960. Advantageously, each of the various sprayed droplets 1250 of the volatile odorant 1160 combined with the common solvent 1170 are combined outside their respective outlets 1230 and not mixed within the odor generator 900. In particular, each of the odors from each odor container 20 is kept isolated from the other odors by the operation of the segmented nozzle device 960. Therefore, the production of a particular odor is not contaminated by other odors that may remain on the inner wall of the segmented nozzle device 960.
Preferably, the control circuit 250 is configured to provide a high frequency electrical signal to the vibrating mechanism 1040 during the emission of the volatile odorant 1160 and the droplet 1250 of the common solvent 1170. Advantageously, any liquid near the outlet 1030 is sprayed and does not prevent the release of additional droplets 1250 of the volatile odorant 1160 and the common solvent 1170.
In one embodiment, the amount and size of the optional microneedles 125 in the local 1090 of each odor container 20 and each local 1110 of the solvent container 980 is a predetermined amount for each release of the volatile odor liquid 1160. The common solvent of 1170 is selected to be released. In one embodiment, the amount of common solvent released 1170 is about 20 times the amount of volatile odor liquid 1160 released. In one embodiment, the frequency of the low frequency electrical signal provided to the first conversion mechanism 1060 and the second conversion mechanism 1070 releases a predetermined amount of the common solvent 1170 for each release amount of the volatile odor liquid 1160. Is selected. In one embodiment, the length of time that the high frequency electrical signals are provided to the vibration mechanism 1040 at predetermined intervals and the low frequency electrical signals are provided to the first conversion mechanism 1060 and the second conversion mechanism 1070 is the volatile odor liquid 1160. A predetermined amount of the common solvent 1170 is selected to be released for each release amount of.
To stop the generation of odors, the control circuit 250 is configured to cut off the electrical signal from the vibration mechanism 1040, and the spray plate 1020 correspondingly stops the vibration. The control circuit 250 is further configured to disconnect electrical signals from the first conversion mechanism 1060 and the second conversion mechanism 1070, respectively. In one embodiment, the first conversion mechanism 1060 and the second conversion mechanism 1070 are fully extended, thereby returning the optional microneedle 125 to the first position.
To generate a composite odor, the control circuit 250 applies low frequency power to the plurality of first conversion mechanisms 1060 and second conversion mechanism 1070, thereby resulting in a controlled amount of different volatile odors, as described above. Liquid 1160 and common solvent 1170 are discharged from their respective outlets 1030. In one embodiment, each of the different volatile odorants 1160 produces a unique odor. Then, as described above, a plurality of odors are generated, and each odor comes out from each nozzle 1210. Multiple odors mix as they exit each nozzle 1210, thereby producing a complex odor.
The above has been described in an embodiment in which a segmented nozzle device 960 is provided. Advantageously, each odor has a separate nozzle 1210, so there is no need to clean the spray plate 1020. In another embodiment, the segmented nozzle device 960 is not provided, as will be described later in connection with FIGS. 3A-3C. In these embodiments, the spray plate 1020 is ultrasonically cleaned after the odor generation is complete. As mentioned above, in one embodiment, at the end of odor generation, the optional microneedle 125 is returned to the first position, whereby the droplet 1250 is not emitted to the second surface 1024 of the spray plate 1020. In one non-limiting embodiment, a medium to high frequency electrical signal from 40kHz to 400kHz is supplied to the vibrating mechanism 1040, thus vibrating the spray plate 1020. Any residual volatile odorant 1160 and common solvent 1170 on the second side 1024 of the spray plate 1020 are rapidly sprayed or atomized and completely removed, thus stopping odor generation and spraying plate 1020. Cleans the previously emitted odors from the second side of 1024, allowing the generation of different subsequent odors without any residual odor from the previous odor generation. Advantageously, the odor generator 900 can be used to generate odors, ultrasonically cleaned and reused to produce different odors.
In another embodiment, the multi-smell cartridge 910 is provided with one or more neutralizer containers instead of one or more scent containers 20. A neutralizer is provided in each neutralizer container. In one embodiment, the neutralizer is an amphoteric substance configured to neutralize any odor produced by the odor generator 900 after a predetermined period of time. In one particular embodiment, the neutralizing agent is a sodium bicarbonate solution. In another embodiment, the neutralizer is a strong basic liquid, preferably having a pH above 9 to neutralize any acidic volatile odorant. In one further embodiment, a neutralizer is used instead of the common solvent 1170 in the container 980. In one further embodiment, an additional container containing the neutralizing agent is provided and is configured to release the neutralizing agent in parallel with or instead of the common solvent 1170. During odor generation, the neutralizing agent droplets 1250 are released onto the second surface 1024 of the spray plate 1020 in addition to or instead of the common solvent, as described above. Therefore, the nebulizer 920 produces an odor with a given persistence. Advantageously, the spray plate 1020 does not need to be ultrasonically cleaned as no residual odor remains on the spray plate 1020. More preferably, the odor emitted by the odor generator 900 does not remain in the vicinity of the odor generator 900 for more than a predetermined time, and the newly generated odor does not mix with the previous odor.
FIG. 2 shows a high-level schematic of drive circuit 800, which includes a pulse generator 810, a first driver 820, a second driver 830, and a control circuit 250. In one embodiment, the drive circuit 800 is on a printed circuit board. Optionally, a plurality of low liquid sensors, each associated with a particular one of the plurality of odor containers 20 of FIGS. 1A-1I, are further provided to communicate with the control circuit 250, respectively. It is configured to output a warning when the amount of liquid in the odor container 20 is less than a predetermined amount. The pulse generator 810 preferably includes a low frequency function unit 850, a high frequency function unit 860, and an ultrasonic cleaning function unit 870. The control circuit 250 communicates with the pulse generator 810, the first driver 820 and the second driver 830. The first output of the pulse generator 810 is connected to the vibration mechanism 1040 of FIG. 1A via the first driver 820, and the second output of the pulse generator 810 is connected to the second driver 830. Each of the plurality of outputs of the second driver 830 is connected to each one of the plurality of first conversion mechanisms 1060 and the second conversion mechanism 1070 in FIG. 1A.
During operation, as described above, the control circuit 250 has a low frequency function such that the second driver 830 produces a low frequency electrical signal driven towards a plurality of first conversion mechanisms 1060 and second conversion mechanism 1070. The unit 850 is operated, whereby a controlled amount of ultra-high frequency volatile odorant and a controlled amount of common solvent are discharged from at least one controllable release mechanism 930. As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the controlled amount of common solvent released is about 20 times the controlled amount released of the ultra-high concentration volatile odorant.
For the operation of the atomizer 920, as described above in connection with FIGS. 1A-1I, the control circuit 250 produces a high frequency signal driven towards the vibration mechanism 1040 by the first driver 820. The functional unit 860 is further operated, whereby the vibration mechanism 1040 vibrates as described above.
In embodiments where the segmented nozzle device 960 is not provided, when odor generation is discontinued, the control circuit 250 performs ultrasonic cleaning by providing vibrational energy to the vibration mechanism 1040, as described above. Operate the ultrasonic cleaning function unit 870 as it does. In one non-limiting embodiment, the ultrasonic cleaning function unit 870 is configured to output power from 40 kHz to 400 kHz. In one embodiment, the ultrasonic cleaning function unit 870 is configured to perform ultrasonic cleaning when both the low frequency electric signal from the low frequency function unit 850 and the high frequency signal from the high frequency function unit 860 are not present. There is.
FIG. 3A shows a perspective view of various components of the odor generator 1300, including an odor cartridge 1310 communicating with the atomizer 920, and FIG. 3B shows a side view of the odor generator 1300 showing a ring-shaped vibration mechanism. A cut-out view is shown, FIG. 3C shows a side cut-out view of the cartridge 1310 communicating with the atomizer 920 and showing multiple controllable discharge mechanisms 1320, and FIGS. 3A-3C are considered together.
More specifically, the odor generator 1300 shows an odor cartridge 1310, an atomizer 920, a plurality of controllable emission mechanisms 1320, and a first surface 1332 and a second surface 1334 opposite the first surface 1332. A common base 1330, a housing 970 forming an external odor container 1340 and containing a volatile odor liquid 1160 (not shown), and multiple odor outlets, as described above in connection with FIGS. 1A-1I. It includes a housing extension 990 indicating the 1350, a vibration isolation ring 1010, a printed circuit board (PCB) 255 with a control circuit 250 (not shown), and a sealing ring 645 indicating the opening 1360. .. The atomizer 920 is as described above in connection with FIGS. 1A-1I. As described above, in one embodiment, the vibration mechanism 1040 has a disk shape. In another embodiment (not shown), the vibration mechanism 1040 is ring-shaped. The controllable release mechanism 1320 is all similar to the controllable release mechanism 930 of FIGS. 1A-1I, except that the solvent container 980 is not provided with the local 1110 and the respective second conversion mechanism 1070. .. As described above in connection with the common base 940 of FIGS. 1A-1I, the common base 1330 has a plurality of controllable emission mechanisms 1320 arranged on the first surface 1332. The PCB255 communicates with each of the first conversion mechanisms 1060. The external odor container 1340 is particularly outside the odor cartridge 1310.
The odor cartridge 1310 is similar in all respects to the multi-odor cartridge 910 of FIGS. 1A-1I, except that only one odor container 20 is provided. The inlet 1050 of each controllable discharge mechanism 1320 extends into the odor container 20 through a common base 1330. The odor container 20 includes a first wall 110 and a second wall 120. In one embodiment, the inlet 1050 is operated by capillarity, and in one further embodiment, the inlet 1050 extends longitudinally through the first wall 110 to the vicinity of the second wall 120. Allows even the smallest amount of volatile odor liquid in the odor container 20 to be drawn out of the inlet 1050 by capillary action. The housing expansion portion 990 extends into the odor container 20 and is configured to pass the volatile odor liquid from the external odor container 1340 into the odor container 20 via the odor outlet 1350. As described above, in one embodiment, the housing extension 990 is provided with a one-way valve to allow the volatile odor liquid to flow only into the odor container 20. The vibration isolation ring 1010 is configured to isolate the housing 970 from the odor cartridge 1310 so that the housing 970 does not vibrate when the odor cartridge 1310 vibrates. The atomizer 920 and the controllable emission mechanism 1320 communicate as described above in connection with the atomizer 920 of FIGS. 1A-1I and the plurality of controllable emission mechanisms 930. The sealing ring 645 is connected to the vibrating mechanism 1040 and defines the end of the odor generator 1300. In one embodiment, the housing 970, the odor cartridge 1310 and the atomizer 920 are located inside the outer housing 1240 and the sealing ring 645 is located outside the outer housing 1240.
As mentioned above, in one embodiment, the housing 970 is removable and the external odor container 1340 can be refilled when the volatile odor liquid is discharged. In another embodiment, the housing 970 is provided with an opening (not shown) to allow refilling of the external odor container 1340 when the volatile odor liquid is discharged. The volatile odor liquid stored in the external odor container 1340 is configured to enter the housing extension 990, driven by gravity. Then, the volatile odor liquid enters the odor container 20.
The operation of the controllable release mechanism 1320 is similar to that of the controllable release mechanism 930 of FIGS. 1A-1I in all respects. As mentioned above, a controlled amount of volatile odorant is released onto the second surface 1024 of the spray plate 1020.
To generate the odor, the control circuit 250 is configured to provide a high frequency electrical signal to the vibrating mechanism 1040, thereby vibrating the spray plate 1020 and on the second surface 1024 of the spray plate 1020. Spray any volatile odor liquid found. In an exemplary embodiment, the high frequency electrical signal exhibits a frequency of 1MHz to 2MHz, which is by no means intended to be limiting. The sprayed volatile odor liquid is discharged from the opening 1360 so as to emit an odor at the tip of the odor generator 1300. To stop the generation of odors, the control circuit 250 is configured to cut off the electrical signal from the vibration mechanism 1040, and the spray plate 1020 correspondingly stops the vibration.
FIG. 4 shows a high-level flowchart of the odor generation method. In stage 2000, a plate indicating at least one outlet is provided, the at least one outlet extending from the first surface of the provided plate to the second surface of the provided plate, the second surface. Is the opposite side of the first side. Optionally, at least one outlet contains multiple outlets. In stage 2010, at least one odor container communicating with the first surface of the plate is provided. In one embodiment, each odor container contains an odorous substance. In one embodiment, a plurality of odor containers are provided. Optionally provide a solvent container that communicates with the first surface of the plate.
At stage 2020, a controlled amount of the contents of each provided odor container of stage 2010 is released from each outlet of the provided plate of stage 2000 to the second surface of the plate. In one embodiment, the contents of the controlled volume of the solvent container provided optionally in step 2010 are discharged from the respective outlets of the provided plates. In one embodiment, the release of the contents of each provided odor container and the optional release of the contents of the solvent container provided optionally are as described above in connection with FIGS. 1G-1I. Includes moving each microneedle between the first, second and third positions. In one embodiment, the movement of each respective microneedle comprises applying an electrical signal to the piezoelectric element, as described above in connection with the first conversion mechanism 1060 and the second conversion mechanism 1080. In stage 2030, vibrate the co-op plate of stage 2000, thereby releasing the released content of at least one odor container provided and the optional solvent container of stage 2010. Spray with things.
FIG. 5 shows a high-level flowchart of an embodiment of an odor generation method that utilizes a neutralizer to achieve a given persistence. The method of FIG. 5 can be advantageously used with the odor generator 900 as described above. At step 4000, a nebulizer such as the nebulizer 920 described above is provided.
At step 4010, each of the various odor containers 20 is loaded with a particular volatile odor liquid. It is not necessary to load each and all odor containers 20 with a unique volatile odor liquid, and a plurality of odor containers 20 can be loaded with the same volatile odor container without exceeding the range.
At step 4020, the solvent container 980 is loaded with a neutralizer. In one embodiment, the neutralizer is an amphoteric substance configured to neutralize any odor produced by each odor generator after a predetermined time. In one particular embodiment, the neutralizing agent is a sodium bicarbonate solvent. In another embodiment, the neutralizing agent is a strong basic liquid, preferably having a pH above 9 to neutralize any acidic volatile odorant.
In step 4030, a predetermined amount of one or more volatile odorants is released into the nebulizer as described above, and in step 4040, a predetermined amount of neutralizer is further released into the nebulizer. At step 4050, the nebulizer is energized, thereby spraying a mixture of volatile odorant and neutralizer to produce a scent with a predetermined persistence. The neutralizer preferably acts as a solvent for the production of the odor and acts equally to neutralize the odor after a predetermined time.
FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of the odor container 1400. The odor container 1400 is all similar to the odor container 20 of FIGS. 1A-1I, except that the odor container 1400 has an inner mesh 1410 and shows multiple holes 50. In one embodiment, the inner mesh 1410 is impregnated with odor. In another embodiment, the inner mesh 1410 is coated with an odor. In one embodiment, the inner mesh 1410 is made of plastic. In one embodiment, the inner wall 1420 of the odor container 1400 is impregnated with odor. In another embodiment, the inner wall 1420 of the odor container 1400 is coated with an odor. In one embodiment, the inner wall 1420 of the odor container 1400 is made of plastic. The common solvent in the odor container 1400 absorbs odors from the inner mesh 1410 and the inner wall 1420.
FIG. 6B shows a side cut-out view of the multi-smell cartridge 1430. The multi-smell cartridge 1430 is similar in all respects to the multi-smell cartridge 910 of FIGS. 1A-1I, except that the scent container 1400 of FIG. 6A is used instead of the scent container 20.
In one embodiment, the multi-smell cartridge 1430 replaces the multi-smell cartridge 910 of the odor generator 900 of FIGS. 1A-1I. In one embodiment, instead of the odor cartridge 1310 of FIGS. 3A-3C, an odor cartridge containing an odorous substance is used, as described in connection with the odor container 1400.
FIG. 6C shows a perspective view of the housing 970 and the housing extension 1440. The housing extension 1440 is, in all respects, similar to the housing extension 990 in FIG. 1A, except that instead of the hole 1000 in the base of the housing extension 990, a plurality along the length of the housing extension 1440. Hole 1450 is used. The holes 1450 of the housing extension 1440 are positioned in relation to the holes 50 of the odor container 1400 so that the solvent exiting the holes 1450 enters the odor container 1400 through the respective holes 50. Advantageously, the temporary solvent container 1130 and the local 1110 of the solvent container 980 are unnecessary.
FIG. 7A shows a first side cut-out view of the odor generator 1500, FIG. 7B shows a second side cut-out view of the odor generator 1500, FIG. 7C shows a top view of the odor generator 1500, and FIG. 7D. Shows side cuts of the various components of the odor generator 1500, FIG. 7E shows the side cuts of the upper half of the odor generator 1500, and FIG. 7F shows the controllable emission mechanism of the odor generator 1500. A clipped perspective view of the upper part of the odor generator is shown, and FIG. 7G shows a perspective view of a part of the microvalve array of the odor generator 1500, and FIGS. 7A to 7G are considered together.
The odor generator 1500 includes a plurality of odor containers 20, a solvent container 1510 indicating a plurality of ports 1515, a main solvent container 1520, a solvent container extension 1530, a plurality of controllable discharge mechanisms 1540, and a sprayer 1545. It has.
In one embodiment, the solvent container 1510 has a ring shape that surrounds the upper portion of the solvent container expansion portion 1530. The plurality of odor containers 20 are arranged in the radial direction around the lower portion of the solvent container extension portion in one embodiment. The main solvent container 1520 is juxtaposed with a plurality of odor containers 20 and shows an opening 1550. The opening 1550 connects the main solvent container 1520 to the solvent container expansion part 1530, and the main solvent container 1520 is all about FIG. 1A ~. Similar to the solvent container 980 in Figure 1I. The solvent container 1510 communicates with the solvent container extension 1530 via the port 1515.
Each controllable release mechanism 1540 comprises an odor release mechanism 1560, a plurality of solvent release mechanisms 1570, a plurality of conversion mechanisms 1580, an odor capillary core 1590, and a solvent capillary core 1600 associated with a specific odor container 20. I have. The odor release mechanism 1560 and the solvent release mechanism 1570 each include a plurality of microneedles 1610, all of which are similar to the optional microneedle 125 of FIGS. 1A-1I, each microneedle 1610. Formed the needle portion of a particular microvalve. The microneedles 1610 of each odor release mechanism 1560 and solvent release mechanism 1570 are arranged in a plurality of arrays 1620, and each array 1620 is connected in series, preferably curved so that each array 1620 is circular. It has multiple connected microneedle 1610s. The first end of the odor capillary core 1590 is located between adjacent arrays 1620 of the odor emission mechanism 1560 and extends through the solvent container 1510 to the second end located within the associated odor container 20. The solvent capillary core 1600 is commonly configured to connect the solvent release mechanism 1570 to the solvent container 1510. In particular, the first end of the solvent capillary core 1600 is located between the adjacent arrays 1620 of the solvent release mechanism 1570, and the second end of the solvent capillary core 1600 is located in the solvent container 1510. In one embodiment, the plurality of solvent release mechanisms 1570 are arranged radially around the odor release mechanism 1560. The odor release mechanism 1560 and the solvent release mechanism 1570 each communicate with a specific conversion mechanism 1580. In one embodiment, each conversion mechanism 1580 is ring-shaped and is arranged to surround each odor release mechanism 1560 or solvent release mechanism 1570. In one embodiment, each conversion mechanism 1580 comprises a piezoelectric element as described above in connection with the first conversion mechanism 1060 and the second conversion mechanism 1070 of FIGS. 1A-1I.
The atomizer 1545 is all similar to the atomizer 920 of FIGS. 1A-1I, except that each outlet 1030 shows a boundary 1630 extending longitudinally from the second surface 1024 of the plate 1020. As described above with respect to FIGS. 1A-1I, each microneedle 1610 is configured to match each one of the outlets 1030, thereby forming a microvalve, where each outlet 1030 is specific. It forms the chassis part of the micro valve. As described above, in one embodiment, the vibration mechanism 1040 has a disk shape, and a plurality of holes 1045 extend through the inside. Each hole 1045 is arranged to align with a plurality of microvalves associated with a particular controllable release mechanism 1540.
During operation, the volatile odor liquid stored in the odor container 20 is transferred to each odor release mechanism 1560 via each odor capillary core 1590, and the common solvent stored in the solvent container 1510 is transferred to each odor capillary core. It is transferred to each solvent release mechanism 1570 via 1600. The operation of the controllable release mechanism 1540 is, in all respects, similar to the operation of the controllable release mechanism 930 of FIGS. 1A-1I. As described above, the conversion mechanism 1580 includes each of the microneedles 1610 with a first position in which the microneedle 1610 is installed within each outlet 1030, preferably at the same height, and the microneedle 1610. Moves between a second position, at least partially separated from the wall of each outlet 1030, and a third position between the first and second positions, and droplets of volatile odor or common solvent. Is discharged from each outlet as the microneedle 1610 moves from the second position to the third position. Any emitted droplets are contained within their respective boundaries 1630.
To generate odors, the conversion mechanism 1580 of a particular controllable release mechanism 1540, as described above, emits droplets of volatile odorous liquid through their respective odor discharge mechanisms 1590, a liquid of a common solvent. The droplets are configured to be ejected via their respective solvent release mechanisms 1600. Then, as described above with respect to the atomizer 920 of FIGS. 1A-1I, the droplets are sprayed by the atomizer 154. To generate a complex odor, the conversion mechanism 1580 of multiple controllable release mechanisms 1540, as described above, emits droplets of volatile odorous liquid through their respective odor release mechanisms 1590 and of the common solvent. The droplets are configured to be ejected via their respective solvent release mechanisms 1600. Then, as described above, the droplets are sprayed by the atomizer 1545.
It is understood that it is also possible to provide a combination of some features of the invention described in the context of separate embodiments for clarity in a single embodiment. Conversely, it is also possible to provide the various features of the invention, described in the context of a single embodiment for brevity, separately or in any suitable subcombination.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Methods similar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, but preferred methods are described herein.
All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In case of conflict, the patent specification containing the definition takes precedence. Moreover, the materials, methods and examples are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to those specifically shown and described above herein. Rather, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims and of the combinations and subcombinations of its modifications and modifications conceived by those skilled in the art by reading the above description along with the various features described herein. Includes both.
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Every citation, both ways
| Document | Relation | Office |
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| WO2010079485A1 | Cites | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) |
| WO2010090169A1 | Cites | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) |
30 members in 7 offices
Priority claims9
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| 201161436197 | United States of America | P | |
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| 2012050025 | Israel | W | |
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| US201161436197P | – | – | – |
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Members30
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|---|---|---|---|
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| WO2010079486A1 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A1 | |
| IL213910A0 | Israel | A0 | |
| IL213911A0 | Israel | A0 | |
| KR20110110291A | Republic of Korea | A | |
| EP2373431A1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A1 | |
| US2011266359A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2011268605A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| CN102325601A | China | A | |
| JP2012514515A | Japan | A | |
| WO2012101642A2 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A2 | |
| WO2012101647A2 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A2 | |
| WO2012101642A3 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A3 | |
| WO2012101647A3 | World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) | A3 | |
| EP2667902A2 | European Patent Office (EPO) | A2 | |
| US2013334336A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| US2013334337A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| EP2373431B1 | European Patent Office (EPO) | B1 | |
| CN102325601B | China | B | |
| JP2014510559A | Japan | A | |
| US8727234B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US8821802B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US2014252106A1 | United States of America | A1 | |
| IL213911A | Israel | A | |
| JP5635536B2 | Japan | B2 | |
| KR101561327B1 | Republic of Korea | B1 | |
| JP5869002B2This record | Japan | B2 | |
| US9283296B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US9289530B2 | United States of America | B2 | |
| US9439994B2 | United States of America | B2 |
9 legal events, as the office reported them to INPADOC
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Numbers
- Publication
- 5869002
- Publication, DOCDB
- 5869002
- Publication, EPODOC
- JP5869002B
- Application
- 2013551009
- Application, DOCDB
- 2013551009
- Application, EPODOC
- JP20130551009
Titles2
- Japanese
- 匂い生成装置
- English
- Smell generator
Classification
- CPC, 6
- A61L9/14
- A61L2209/11
- A61L2209/132
- A61L2209/133
- B05B17/0646
- B05B17/0684
- IPC, 3
- A61L9 14
- A63J5 02
- B05B17 06
