Odor Management Technology for Diverse Industries
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
The inventive concept leverages the core odor management technology of the original patent to address diverse industries and applications, including industrial air quality, healthcare, agriculture, retail, and personal use.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent focused on surface cleaning devices with odor management, but it did not explore the broader potential of this technology. The new inventive concept tackles the limitations of the original patent by adapting the odor management technology to various industries and use cases, solving specific problems such as air pollution, stress reduction, and customer experience enhancement.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The new inventive concept comprises a fragrance emission device, a sensor for detecting air pollutants, and an odor control assembly with a removable fragrance member and a timer. The system can be integrated into various devices, including surface cleaning devices, wearable devices, and industrial equipment. The odor control assembly can be adjusted to output a predetermined amount of fragrance particles per hour based on sensor readings, user input, or scheduling. The inventive concept enables the creation of a soothing environment, mitigates odors, and enhances customer experience across multiple industries.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new inventive concept introduces a novel application of the odor management technology to diverse industries, demonstrating an inventive step beyond the original patent. The specific combination of components and their adaptation to new use cases provide a non-obvious solution to the addressed problems.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept may include variations of the fragrance emission device, such as different types of fragrance dispensers or aerosol generators. The odor control assembly could be integrated into other devices, like HVAC systems or air purifiers. The inventive concept could also be adapted for use in other industries, such as hospitality or transportation.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including industrial air quality, healthcare, agriculture, retail, and personal use. The technology can be licensed to companies operating in these industries, or SharkNinja Operating LLC can develop and market its own products. The market size for odor management solutions is substantial, and the inventive concept is well-positioned to capture a significant share.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A47 | A47L7/0061 |
| A | A47 | A47L5/30 |
| A | A47 | A47L7/04 |
| A | A47 | A47L9/0411 |
| A | A47 | A47L9/0477 |
| A | A61 | A61L9/042 |
| A | A61 | A61L9/12 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Surface cleaning devices, air quality management systems, and fragrance distribution technologies, with expertise in mechanical design, fluid dynamics, and sensor integration across industrial and consumer applications
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer or industrial designer with 3-5 years experience in surface cleaning technologies, familiar with sensor integration, fragrance delivery mechanisms, and cross-industry adaptation of air quality management systems
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize the fundamental odor management principles in the source patent as readily adaptable to diverse industrial contexts. The core technical elements of fragrance emission, sensor integration, and controllable output are fundamentally transferable across different application domains. The PTD demonstrates predictable variations that extend the original patent's core technological concept through straightforward modifications and combinatorial design approaches.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,138 |
|---|---|
| Title | Surface cleaning device with odor management |
| Assignee(s) | SharkNinja Operating LLC |