WO2020094577A1 - Olfactory device for diffusing a stream of air laden with a scent - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an olfactory device (100) for diffusing a stream (F) of air laden with a scent, comprising: a) a supply circuit (10) supplying a stream (F) of air; b) a sweeping hand (20) having a main body (21) connected to said supply circuit (10) and an arm (22), said sweeping hand (20) comprising inside it a duct (23) able to carry said stream (F) of air from the main body (21) as far as the distal end (22a) of said arm (22); c) a ring (30) comprising at its periphery a plurality of perforated sockets (31) able to accept a bottom face (40a) of an olfactory cartridge (40) having an open-ended canal (41) connecting an inlet orifice (42) to an outlet orifice (43), said inlet orifice (42) being formed underneath said bottom face (40a) of the cartridge (40) facing the perforation (31a) of the socket (31) for introducing said stream (F) of air into said cartridge (40) and said canal (41) comprising an olfactory support (44) able to diffuse a scent when said support (44) is brought into contact with said stream (F) of air, and d) movement means (50) for moving the sweeping hand (20), which are configured to position the distal end (22a) of the arm (22) of the sweeping hand (20) beneath the perforation (31a) of one of the sockets (31) of the ring (30) so as to allow the stream (F) of air to be introduced into the inlet orifice (42) of the cartridge (40).

Description

 OLFACTIVE DEVICE FOR BROADCASTING

 OF AN AIRFLOW CHARGED WITH AN ODOR

Preamble

 The present application incorporates the text of the French patent application FR 18 60163 of November 5, 2018 whose priority is claimed.

Technical field and prior art

 The present invention relates to the diffusion of odors.

 The object of the present invention relates more particularly to an olfactory device intended to selectively diffuse one or more odors.

 The present invention will find numerous advantageous applications in particular with people suffering from a degenerative or non-degenerative neurological pathology such as for example a person suffering from Alzheimer's disease or even a person having suffered a stroke, this by offering them reeducation using olfactory memory.

 The present invention will also find other advantageous applications such as, for example, the provision of a fun and educational olfactory game during which the participants must recognize the odor or odors which are diffused.

We already know games that require odor recognition.

 The Applicant submits, however, that in these games, the odors used are stored in containers such as glass vials or jars which must be opened manually one by one and closed with a cap; this is very restrictive and limits the fun aspect of the game.

 The Applicant further submits that once such containers are opened, the odors mix; this makes odor recognition impossible.

 The Applicant finally observes that the diffused odors are most often chemical and smell strong, which very often causes headaches.

 The current offer in olfactory games is therefore very limited and does not provide users with a single device allowing a varied and multisensory olfactory experience.

Object and summary of the present invention

The object of the present invention is to improve the situation described above. The present invention therefore aims to remedy the various drawbacks mentioned above by proposing an easy-to-use olfactory device which allows several odors to be diffused.

 To this end, the object of the present invention relates, according to a first aspect, to an olfactory device for diffusing a flow of air charged with an odor.

 According to the present invention, the device comprises:

 an air flow supply circuit;

 a second hand having a main body connected to the power circuit and an arm, said second hand comprising inside a duct capable of conveying the air flow from the main body to the distal end of said arm; and a crown positioned above the second hand and comprising at the periphery a plurality of perforated bases each forming a receptacle receiving a lower face of a removable olfactory cartridge.

 According to the present invention, each olfactory cartridge has a through channel which connects an inlet port to an outlet port.

 It is understood here that the inlet port is configured to allow the introduction of air flow into the cartridge and that the outlet port is configured to allow the air flow to be removed from the cartridge.

 Preferably, the inlet orifice is provided under the underside of the cartridge opposite the perforation of the base for the introduction of the air flow.

 Preferably, the channel comprises an olfactory support capable of diffusing an odor when the support comes into contact with the air flow.

 According to the present invention, the olfactory device further comprises means for moving the second hand configured to position the distal end of the second hand under the perforation of one of the bases of the crown to allow the introduction of the flow of air in the inlet port of the cartridge so that the air flow enters the channel and comes into contact with the olfactory support so that the air flow leaving the outlet port is responsible for the smell.

 Preferably, the distal end of the arm is flush with the back of the base so as to make the conduit communicate with the perforation of the base.

Thus, thanks to this combination of technical means, characteristic of the present invention, there is a device implementing in particular a supply circuit, a conduit and a channel together forming a passage for the air flow. During its journey, said air flow is brought into contact in the cartridge channel with an olfactory support to take charge of said odor and diffuse this odor outside the device by evacuating through the outlet orifice of the cartridge.

 The displacement means ensure a relative displacement of the crown relative to the second hand, the second hand relative to the crown or a synchronized movement of the two elements relative to each other.

 Advantageously, the crown and the arm are dimensioned relative to each other so that, during the relative movement of the second hand and / or the crown, the distal end of the arm passes under each of the bases of the crown.

 Advantageously, the second hand is able to turn on itself and the crown is centered on the second hand.

 It is thus understood that, during the rotation of the second hand, the end of the second hand arm makes a circular path which follows the peripheral turn of the crown.

 In the case of a relative displacement of the crown relative to the second hand, we will have the same effect.

 The rotation of the second hand is simple to implement; it is preferred to rotating the crown on itself, the crown supporting the cartridges being able to be heavy to move. In addition, it may be preferable not to agitate the contents of the cartridges.

 Obviously, the alternative according to which the crown constitutes a carousel which revolves around itself can also be envisaged by a person skilled in the art.

 Advantageously, the means for moving the second hand comprise motorization means.

 In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the motorization means are configured to cause the second hand (or the crown) to rotate on itself.

 In this mode, provision is preferably made for the motorization means to be of the servomotor or stepper motor type.

 Advantageously, the olfactory device according to the present invention comprises a control unit configured to electronically control the motorization means so as to position the distal end of the arm under a base receiving a determined olfactory cartridge.

It is understood here that the central unit knows beforehand the odor associated with each cartridge. Depending on the odor selected, the central unit therefore sends to the means of motorization of the control signal enabling the arm to be moved as far as the base receiving the cartridge containing the desired odor.

 Advantageously, the control unit is further configured to electronically control the supply circuit so that it propels the air flow in the second hand when the distal end of the second hand is positioned under the base.

 The control unit makes it possible to orchestrate the diffusion of the air flow charged with the odor by allowing the positioning of the second hand under the base corresponding to the cartridge containing the olfactory support presenting the desired odor as well as the supply in air from the duct.

 Preferably, the control unit can be operated (controllable) remotely by a user terminal on which a software application dedicated to managing the diffusion of odors is registered.

 Such a software application can for example implement an algorithm for learning and / or memorizing odors for an olfactory game or for rehabilitation.

 By user terminal is meant here a terminal of the communication terminal type such as a smart phone (from the English “Smartphone”) or a digital tablet or alternatively a joystick type.

 In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the cartridge comprises closure means implemented at the inlet orifice and the outlet orifice to guarantee the hermeticity of the cartridge, said means shutter being configured to open when the air flow passes.

 It will be understood here that these are therefore shutter means which open during the passage of the air flow at the inlet port and the outlet port. These shutters open in one direction, which is that of the air flow. Thus, the shutter means used at the inlet orifice open upon arrival of the air flow in the cartridge, then close. The sealing means implemented at the outlet orifice open when the air flow leaves the cartridge, then close.

In this mode, it is preferably provided that the shutter means are of the non-return type and authorizes the introduction of the air flow into the inlet orifice and the evacuation of said air flow through the orifice. exit while preserving the odor in the channel when no air flow enters the channel. Optionally, such closure means are of the non-return valve type. This notably avoids an exit of the air flow through the inlet orifice.

 Preferably, the supply circuit, the second hand conduit, the perforation of the base as well as the cartridge channel together form a hermetic passage of the air flow.

 Such an airtight passage prevents an air leak between the supply circuit and the cartridge.

 Advantageously, the olfactory device according to the present invention comprises means for ventilating the air flow positioned in the center of the crown and configured to diffuse the air flow charged with said odor.

 The positioning of these ventilation means which are preferably oriented upwards ensures a uniform diffusion of the flow of air charged with the odor in the room.

 Preferably, a shell is provided covering the assembly, the shell having a directional diffuser nozzle making it possible to direct the air flow towards the user (s) / participants.

 In an advantageous embodiment, the olfactory support is a porous support soaked in the odor and positioned across the channel. The presence of such a support in the channel forces the air flow to pass through it.

 Advantageously, the arm extends substantially transversely, preferably perpendicularly, relative to the main body.

The object of the present invention relates according to a second aspect to an olfactory system comprising: an olfactory device as described above, at least one user terminal capable of controlling said olfactory device and on which a software application dedicated to management is recorded odor diffusion, and - wireless communication means capable of allowing communication between the olfactory device and said at least one terminal.

The object of the present invention relates, according to a third aspect, to the use of an olfactory system as described above for a playful game based on olfactory memory.

Thus, the object of the present invention, through its various functional and structural aspects described above, makes it possible to offer an olfactory experience in a playful form while requesting memory. Brief description of the attached figures

 Other characteristics and advantages of the present invention will emerge from the description below, with reference to Figures 1 to 5a-5b attached which illustrate an embodiment thereof devoid of any limiting nature and in which:

 Figure 1 schematically shows a side view of an olfactory device according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 schematically shows a top view of an olfactory device according to Figure 1;

 Figure 3 shows schematically a cross-sectional view of an olfactory device according to Figures 1 and 2;

 Figure 4 schematically shows a perspective view of an olfactory device according to Figures 1 to 3 without the cartridges; Figures 5a and 5b each schematically show a view of a cartridge respectively in transparency and from the side.

Detailed description according to an advantageous exemplary embodiment

 An olfactory device according to an exemplary embodiment will now be described in what follows with reference to Figures 1 to 5a-5b.

 As recalled in the preamble to the description, there is to date no drug to permanently stop this pathology.

 Being able to diagnose this disease early represents a real public health issue.

 To date, early diagnosis remains complicated, however; indeed, the anatomical and cognitive signs are not always equivocal at the start of the disease.

 In recent years, researchers have been interested in the loss of olfaction as a characteristic and early sign of Alzheimer's disease. Numerous scientific publications testify to the major impact of odors and physical activity on cognitive performance and its clinical interest in preventing, diagnosing and treating certain pathologies such as Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.

 The olfactory track therefore presents itself as promising for the diagnosis of this type of neurological disease.

One of the objectives of the present invention is therefore to propose an olfactory device making it possible to offer an olfactory experience to one or more users, in particular in the context of rehabilitation or diagnosis for a person presenting with the first symptoms of a neurological disease such as Alzheimer's disease or stroke.

 The concept underlying the present invention is to design an olfactory device in the form of an organ capable of successively diffusing several odors while preserving odors without having to handle the containers.

 This is made possible in the following example.

 In this example, there is an olfactory device 100 in the form of an olfactory organ allowing the diffusion of an air flow F charged with an odor.

 To this end, the device 100 comprises a supply circuit 10 for an air flow F.

In FIGS. 1 and 3, the supply circuit 10 is only represented by its conduit lOa which allows the introduction of an air flow F.

 It will be understood here that such a circuit 10 may include other elements including in particular, for example, an air flow supply pump.

 It is understood here that the air flow F can be replaced by any other type of gaseous fluid depending on the end use that one wishes to make of it.

 As indicated previously, one of the objectives of the present invention is to allow the diffusion of a flow of air charged with an odor selected from among a plurality of odors available for making an olfactory recognition game.

 In the example described here and as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3, a second hand 20 is provided. Such a second hand 20 is here rotatably mounted on a hollow support 70 taking the form of a tripod. Obviously, the support 70 can take any other type of shape.

 This second hand 20 is characteristic of the present invention.

 This one has a specific design which will allow its positioning under cartridges 40 each containing a different odor.

 In this example and as illustrated in FIG. 3, the second hand 20 more particularly comprises a main body 21 which is rotatably mounted on the support 70 and which is connected to the supply circuit 10.

 The second hand 20 further comprises an arm 22 extending transversely relative to the axis of the main body 21.

 The main body 21 and the arm 22 include inside a conduit 23 opening allowing the passage of air from the supply circuit 10 to the distal end 22a of the arm 22.

It is understood here that the support 70 has a passage opening 70a for the passage of the air flow F coming from the supply circuit 10. To allow the arrival of the air flow F in the cartridge 40, provision is made for the design of a crown 30 which is positioned above the second hand 20 and which have on its periphery a plurality of perforated bases 31 as illustrated in figure 4.

 In this example, each base 31 forms a receptacle which makes it possible to receive the lower face 40a of an olfactory cartridge 40.

 It is thus possible to position all the cartridges 40 containing the desired odors at the periphery of this ring 30.

 In the example described here and illustrated in FIGS. 5a and 5b, each olfactory cartridge 40 has a through channel 41 connecting an inlet orifice 42 to an outlet orifice 43.

 In this example, it is provided that, for each cartridge 40, the inlet orifice 42 is formed under the underside 40a of the cartridge 40. This orifice 42 is opposite the perforation 3a of the base 31 so to allow the introduction of the air flow F into the cartridge 40 when the cartridge 40 is positioned in the base 31 and the distal end 22a of the arm 22 of the second hand 20 is placed under this said base 31 and propels the air flow through said perforation 3 la.

 Here, provision is made for the distal end 22a of the arm 22 of the second hand 20 to be flush with the base 31 of the crown 30. It is also possible to envisage a mechanism in which the arm of the second hand lifts very slightly against the base and includes a seal, for example O-shaped to improve the tightness of the connection between the arm 22 of the second hand and the cartridge.

 In this cartridge 40, provision is also made for the channel 41 to have inside of it an olfactory support 44 positioned between the inlet port 42 and the outlet port 43.

 Provision may be made for the support 44 to be in the form of a porous support soaked in an odor (for example an essential oil or the like), the porosity of such a support 44 allows the flow of air F to pass while allowing said air flow to take charge of the odor.

 Thus, in this example, such a support 44 is positioned across the channel 41 so as to force the air flow F to pass through the porous support 44 to allow diffusion of the odor with said air flow F exiting through the outlet port 43.

 It is therefore understood here that the design of the crown 30 makes it possible to have several cartridges 40 at the periphery, each containing an odor.

Allowing the second hand to be placed under the desired cartridge 40 is one of the objectives of the present invention. To this end, there is provided here displacement means 50 making it possible to position the distal end 22a of the arm 22 of the second hand 20 under the perforation 3 1a of the base 31 receiving the desired cartridge.

 In this example, the displacement means 50 are motorization means taking the form of a servomotor programmed to move the second hand 20 precisely under each of the perforations 3 1a of the crown 30.

 There is therefore provided here a central unit (not shown here) configured to electronically control the booster so as to position the distal end 22a of the arm 22 of the second hand 20 under the base 31 receiving the desired olfactory cartridge 40.

 The control unit is remotely controllable by a plurality of terminals T such as for example a joystick type controller or a communication terminal type Smartphone or digital tablet.

 It is understood here that such a user terminal T comprising a processor implementing a software application dedicated to an olfactory game such as for example an olfactory memory game.

 Thus, during a game or rehabilitation session or even a diagnostic session, the user can select on his user terminal T an entry corresponding to one or more odors to be recognized.

 The selection of this odor on the terminal T will cause a signal to be sent via wireless communication means to the central unit indicating the desired odor or the succession of the desired odors.

 The central unit will then actuate the servomotor 50 so that the second hand 20 rotates on itself so that the distal end 22a of the arm 22 is positioned under the base 31 receiving the cartridge 40 comprising the desired odor.

 Here, the geometry and the dimensions of the crown 30 and of the arm 22 of the second hand are selected so that the trajectory of the end 22a of the arm follows the peripheral contour of the crown 30.

 Once the second hand 20 is in position under the base 31 receiving the cartridge 40 containing the desired odor, the central unit actuates the supply circuit 10 to propel the air flow F in the second hand.

As shown in FIG. 3, the air flow F will then pass through the passage opening 70a of the tripod support 70 then the conduit 23 of the second hand 20 to arrive at the level of the perforation 3 1a of the base 31. In this example, passage through the cartridge 40 is effected by the opening of sealing means (not shown here) present at the level of the inlet orifice 42 of the cartridge 40.

 Such sealing means which are also present at the outlet orifice 43 of the cartridge 40 ensure the hermeticity of the cartridge 40 in order to preserve the odor and avoid leaks.

 Here, the shutter means are of the non-return valve type.

 Obviously, a person skilled in the art may consider other means.

 In this example, the air flow F therefore penetrates inside the cartridge 40 via the inlet orifice 42 and then enters the channel for bringing it into contact with the olfactory support 44. This bringing the flow into contact of air F with the support (here for example a porous support soaked in the odor) allows said flow F to take charge of the odor so that the air flow leaving the cartridge 40 through the outlet orifice 43 is responsible for the smell.

 Ventilation means 60 of the air flow F are then provided which are positioned in the center of the crown 30 and which are electronically controlled by the central unit to operate in order to ventilate the outgoing air flow so as to diffuse this in the environment close to the device 100 (that is to say here a diffusion of the flow within a perimeter of 2 to 4 meters around the device).

 It is also possible to place a shell provided with a diffusing spout (not shown here) to orient the diffusion of the air flow F in a desired direction.

 Provision may also be made for such a diffuser nozzle to be adjustable manually or automatically for example to direct the diffusion of the air flow towards the participant (s) / user.

 The design of such a device 100 typically implements an airtight passage of the air flow F from the supply circuit 10 to the cartridge 40 passing through the conduit 23 of the second hand 20, the perforation 3 la of the base 31 as well as channel 41 of cartridge 40.

 It then becomes possible to diffuse one or more odors in a simple and automated manner by selecting on the user terminal T the desired odor (s).

 The provision of such a system 200 comprising an olfactory device 100 as described above and one or more user terminals T makes it possible to organize a real multisensory game.

The playful aspect of such a system 200 is beneficial and also brings a social, psychological and cognitive dimension. It is also planned via a user terminal T to synchronize and script a session with digital games.

 The olfactory aspect can therefore be associated with sounds and / or images.

 It is also understood that the odors can be chosen in collaboration with neuropsychologists and have been categorized. The odors generated can be categorized into the following different categories, such as "fruit", "vegetables", "drinks", "habitat", "sea", "countryside", "city", etc.

 It is also possible to personalize each session according to the personal data of the users so that each session is personalized automatically according to the profile of the user (s). The data taken into account can be, for example, information relating to the following elements: allergies, place of birth, passions, age, sex and cognitive profile. Such data is preferably stored securely with a health host.

 One of the objectives of such a 200 system is to prevent various neurological disorders and to fight against the cognitive decline of people suffering from neurological disorders.

 Another objective is to reduce the isolation of the elderly by creating a strong social bond.

 The present system 200 will find an advantageous application with the elderly, say the seniors, living in establishment (EHPAD, clinics, hospitals, senior residence, CCAS, homes homes), the present system 200 offering an innovative and personalized working tool for animators / therapists working in these establishments.

 Thus, the system 200 can be used by the animators within these establishments to organize playful sessions making it possible to collectively stimulate the memory of each resident while creating a strong social bond.

 The 200 system can also be used by therapists (neuropsychologist, speech-language pathologist, psychomotor therapist, caregiver and occupational therapist) in individual or group sessions as a tool to assist with consultation or even rehabilitation by the speech-language pathologist, the occupational therapist.

Other advantageous applications are also envisaged such as, for example, the use of the system 200 intended for people suffering from brain injury or victims of stroke as a rehabilitation tool. Finally, the 200 system as proposed below will also find its place in families as well as in schools as an olfactory and educational game whose objective is to make a group of players recognize different smells attached to projected images. .

 It will thus be understood that the present invention will find an advantageous application with children by providing them with an educational game allowing them to learn odors while stimulating their olfactory memory.

 It should be observed that this detailed description relates to a particular embodiment of the present invention, but that in no case this description does not have any limiting character with the object of the invention; on the contrary, it aims to remove any possible inaccuracy or misinterpretation of the claims which follow.

 It should also be observed that the reference signs put in brackets in the claims which follow are in no way limiting; the sole purpose of these signs is to improve the intelligibility and understanding of the claims which follow, as well as the scope of the protection sought.

Claims

1. Olfactory device (100) for diffusing an air flow (F) charged with an odor, said device (100) comprising:  a supply circuit (10) for an air flow (F);  - a second hand (20) having a main body (21) connected to said supply circuit (10) and an arm (22), said second hand (20) comprising in its interior a conduit (23) capable of conveying said flow of air (F) from the main body (21) to the distal end (22a) of said arm (22);  - a crown (30) centered on said second hand (20) and positioned above said second hand (20), said crown (30) comprising on the periphery a plurality of perforated bases (31) each forming a receptacle receiving a lower face (40a) of a removable olfactory cartridge (40) comprising a through channel (41) connecting an inlet orifice (42) to an outlet orifice (43), said inlet orifice (42) being formed under said face lower (40a) of the cartridge (40) opposite the perforation (3 la) of the base (31) for the introduction of said air flow (F) into said cartridge (40) and said channel (41) comprising an olfactory support (44) capable of diffusing an odor when said support (44) comes into contact with said air flow (F), and  displacement means (50) of the second hand (20) configured to rotate said second hand (20) on itself so as to position the distal end (22a) of the arm (22) of the second hand (20) under the perforation (3 la) of one of the bases (31) of the crown (30) to allow the introduction of the air flow (F) into the inlet orifice (42) of the cartridge (40) so that said air flow (F) enters the channel (41) of the cartridge (40) and comes into contact with said olfactory support (44) so that the air flow (F) leaving said outlet orifice ( 43) is charged with said odor. 2. Device (100) according to claim 1, wherein said crown (30) and said arm (22) are dimensioned relative to each other so that, during the relative movement of the second hand (20 ), the distal end (22a) of said arm (22) passes under each of the bases (31) of the crown (30). 3. Device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the displacement means (50) of the second hand (20) comprises motor means. 4. Device (100) according to claim 3 attached to claim 2, wherein the motor means are configured to cause the rotation of the second hand (20) on itself. 5. Device (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the motorization means are of the servomotor or stepper motor type. 6. Device (100) according to claim 4 or 5, which comprises a control unit configured to electronically control the motorization means so as to position the distal end of the arm under a base receiving a determined olfactory cartridge. 7. Device (100) according to claim 6, wherein the control unit is configured to electronically control the supply circuit (10) so that it propels the air flow (F) in the conduit (23) of the second hand (20) when the distal end (22a) of the arm (22) of the second hand (20) is positioned under said base (31). 8. Device (100) according to one of claims 6 or 7, in which the control unit is remotely actuable by a user terminal (T) on which is recorded a software application dedicated to the management of the diffusion of odors . 9. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cartridge (100) comprises closing means implemented at the level of the inlet orifice (42) and the outlet orifice. (43) to guarantee the hermeticity of the cartridge (40), said shutter means being configured to open when the air flow passes. 10. Device (100) according to claim 9, wherein the closure means are of the non-return type to allow the introduction of the air flow (F) into the inlet orifice (42) then the evacuation of said air flow (F) through the outlet orifice (43) while preserving the odor in the channel (41) when no air flow enters the channel (41 ). 11. Device (100) according to claim 10, in which the shutter means are of the non-return valve type. 12. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the supply circuit (10), the conduit (23) of the second hand (20), the perforation (3la) of the base (31) as well as the channel (41) of the cartridge (40) together form a hermetic passage of the air flow (F). 13. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises ventilation means (60) for the air flow (F) positioned at the center of the crown (30) and configured to diffuse the air flow (F) charged with said odor. 14. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said olfactory support (44) is a porous support soaked in said odor and positioned through said channel (41) constraining said air flow (F) to cross this one. 15. Device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said arm (22) of said second hand (20) extends substantially transversely, preferably perpendicularly, relative to the main body (21). 16. Olfactory system (200) comprising:  - an olfactory device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims; and  at least one user terminal (T) capable of controlling said olfactory device (10) and on which is recorded a software application dedicated to managing the diffusion of odors;  wireless communication means able to allow communication between said olfactory device (100) and said at least one terminal (T). 17. Use of an olfactory system according to claim 16 for a playful game based on olfactory memory.