Arts & Humanities Research Board Innovation Award

Photo courtesy of Thomas Eisner and Daniel Aneshansley from Cornell University

PROJECT SUMMARY

This wearable technology project aims to invent a new method of aroma delivery. The e.Scent device is a small microprocessor controlled unit capable of dispensing minute amounts of scent as an atomised mist providing a non-invasive, localised delivery of the fragrance.

It could be disposable, re-fillable or a cartridge based variable mix device with a sensor triggered by the body's behaviour. This system will be a new vehicle for inter-action design in fashion and textiles.

Start 1 April 2004 . Finish 28 Feb. 2005

CREDITS

Thomas Eisner and Daniel Aneshansley, Cornell University.
http://www.nbb.cornell.edu/neurobio/eisner/eisner.html

INSPIRATION

• Bombardier beetle ring
• Bombardier text
  
  
  

  Bombardier beetle ring

PROTOTYPES
‘Scent Whisper'

The ‘Scent Whisper’ jewellery utlisies Microfluidics which is a the technology
that involves the design and production of devices that deal with extremely
small volumes of fluids. These devices can combine electrical and mechanical
components down to a characteristic length scale of 1 micron.

Microfluidics is the generic technology of manipulating fluids on a chip, including the
integration of pumps, valves, mixers and reaction chambers that enable the
fabrication of microreactors and lab-on-a-chip devices.

Other research (Eisner and Aneshansley, 1999) has identified the principles for defence mechanism in bombardier beetles that squirt predators with a high-pressure jet of boiling liquid in a rapid-fire action, and this delivery system was chosen as the main source of inspiration for the Innovation Award.

Microfluidic technology, to some extent replicates the ‘firing chambers’ that
bombardier beetles facilitate to mix their deadly poison and ‘pulse’ at immense speed from their tail pipes.

 photos by Don Baxendale

PATENT AND REGISTERED DESIGN
Further information coming soon…..