Specialized Odor Management Systems for Niche Environments
Legal Citation
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
| 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 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
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,138 |
|---|---|
| Title | Surface cleaning device with odor management |
| Assignee(s) | SharkNinja Operating LLC |