Specialized Odor Management Systems for Niche Environments

Publication ID: 24-11857138_0009_PTD
Published: November 07, 2025
Category:Specialized Variations & Niche Solutions

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Specialized Odor Management Systems for Niche Environments,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857138_0009_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857138_0009_PTD
This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,138.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

The present inventive concept discloses adaptations of surface cleaning devices with odor management capabilities for specific, high-demand markets, including high-security, disaster relief, extreme weather, confined spaces, and sensitive electronics environments.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent, 'Surface cleaning device with odor management,' addressed the issue of odor control during surface cleaning. However, it did not cater to the unique requirements of specialized markets. The present inventive concept builds upon the original patent by providing tailored solutions for these niche environments, where conventional odor management systems may be inadequate.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The inventive concept comprises four primary variations, each designed to address the distinct challenges of its respective market. The high-security variation features a tamper-evident fragrance member and secure adjustment member to restrict access to authorized personnel. The disaster relief variation is adapted for high-humidity environments and outputs fragrance particles at a rate of at least 8 mg/h to combat mold and mildew. The extreme weather variation incorporates a weather-resistant fragrance member and adjustment member capable of withstanding temperatures ranging from -20°C to 40°C. The confined spaces variation employs a compact odor control assembly with a fragrance member and adjustment member configured to output fragrance particles at a rate of at least 2 mg/h in low-airflow environments. The sensitive electronics variation minimizes electromagnetic interference and outputs fragrance particles at a rate of at most 1 mg/h.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The present inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptations of the original odor management system to cater to the specific demands of high-security, disaster relief, extreme weather, confined spaces, and sensitive electronics environments. The inventive step resides in the tailored design of each variation, which provides a unique solution for its respective market, thereby overcoming the limitations of the original patent.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments of the inventive concept could include variations for other niche markets, such as healthcare facilities, schools, or public transportation systems. These variations could incorporate additional features, such as antimicrobial coatings, air purification systems, or smart sensors to optimize fragrance particle output.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

The present inventive concept has significant commercial potential in various industries, including cleaning services, disaster relief organizations, and facility management companies. The specialized odor management systems can provide a competitive advantage in these markets, enhancing the user experience and improving overall cleanliness and hygiene.

CPC Classifications

SectionClassGroup
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

Field of Art

Surface cleaning devices with integrated odor management systems, encompassing mechanical engineering, fluid dynamics, and fragrance delivery technologies. Expertise requires understanding of vacuum cleaner design, thermal management, and particulate control systems

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with 3-5 years experience in home appliance design, familiar with surface cleaning device architectures, thermal systems, and modular component integration techniques

Obviousness Rationale

A PHOSITA would recognize the PTD's variations as straightforward adaptations of the source patent's core odor management system. The disclosed market-specific modifications represent predictable engineering solutions that leverage the fundamental fragrance delivery mechanism described in US 11857138. Each variation applies known design principles to extend the original concept into specialized environments using routine technical modifications.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element
Dial body with fragrance cavity and adjustable passageway for controlling fragrance output
PTD Variation
Tamper-evident and secure adjustment mechanism for high-security environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Modifying access control is a predictable design variation that a PHOSITA would find obvious when adapting the device for restricted environments
Source Patent Element
Nozzle housing with drive motor generating heat for air circulation
PTD Variation
Weather-resistant fragrance assembly capable of operating across -20°C to 40°C temperature ranges
Obviousness Reasoning
Extending thermal performance specifications represents a standard engineering approach to environmental adaptation using known material and design techniques
Source Patent Element
Fragrance member integrated with surface cleaning device's airflow system
PTD Variation
Compact odor control assembly optimized for low-airflow environments with adjusted particle output rates
Obviousness Reasoning
Scaling and tuning fragrance delivery for specific airflow conditions is a routine engineering optimization that would be obvious to a skilled practitioner
Source Patent Element
Odor inlet in fluid communication with atmospheric air
PTD Variation
Disaster relief variant configured to output higher fragrance particle rates for mold and mildew prevention
Obviousness Reasoning
Adjusting particle output to address specific environmental challenges represents a predictable solution using known fragrance delivery principles
Source Patent Element
Rotating agitator driven by drive motor
PTD Variation
Electromagnetic interference minimization for sensitive electronics environments
Obviousness Reasoning
Implementing electromagnetic shielding and reducing particle output are standard engineering techniques for adapting devices to electronics-sensitive contexts
35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US 11857138 and the disclosed technical variations, a person of ordinary skill in the art would find the claimed surface cleaning device adaptations obvious. The published technical disclosure demonstrates that the proposed market-specific modifications represent predictable engineering solutions that would be readily conceived by a skilled practitioner without requiring inventive insight beyond the scope of the original patent's fundamental odor management system.

Original Patent Information

Patent NumberUS 11,857,138
TitleSurface cleaning device with odor management
Assignee(s)SharkNinja Operating LLC