Device for simulating and evaluating plateau adaptability of cigarette products

Abstract

The invention discloses a cigarette product plateau adaptability simulation evaluation device which comprises an environment simulation cabin used for containing a to-be-tested cigarette sample, an environment monitoring sensor assembly is arranged in the environment simulation cabin, and a parameter control unit is arranged below the environment simulation cabin. One side of the environment simulation cabin is provided with a sensory smoking test interface and a smoke collection and analysis unit in parallel, the parameter control unit is sequentially connected with a central controller and an upper computer, and the sensory smoking test interface is connected with a smoking test person interface. According to the device for simulating and evaluating the plateau adaptability of the cigarette product, by integrating the multi-parameter coupling environment simulation cabin, the normal-pressure fidelity smoke panel test interface and the dynamic control system, different altitude environments can be accurately, efficiently and repeatedly simulated in a laboratory, and comprehensive performance evaluation of the cigarette product is completed; the original sensory evaluation and the smoke analysis of the cigarette in the simulated plateau environment are synchronously carried out, and the effects of unifying a platform, carrying out one-time experiment and carrying out multi-dimensional evaluation are achieved.

Description

A simulation and evaluation device for the high-altitude adaptability of cigarette products Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cigarette evaluation technology, and more specifically, to a device for simulating and evaluating the high-altitude adaptability of cigarette products. Background Technology

[0002] The sensory quality (such as aroma, balance, and irritation) and combustion performance of cigarette products are significantly affected by environmental conditions (especially atmospheric pressure, oxygen content, temperature, and humidity). Currently, official evaluations and tests of cigarette products are conducted under standard atmospheric conditions (typically 22℃±1℃, 60%±5%RH, 101kPa), using equipment such as smoking machines and conventional sensory evaluation chambers as specified in national standards.

[0003] However, China has a vast territory with significant altitude variations. From coastal areas to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, key environmental parameters such as atmospheric pressure and oxygen content change dramatically. Existing equipment cannot simulate these unique environments, preventing companies from predicting and evaluating the actual performance of their products in different altitude markets during the R&D phase. This can lead to products experiencing "acclimatization problems" after being launched in high-altitude markets, such as incomplete combustion, insufficient aroma release, and increased irritation, severely impacting consumer experience and product competitiveness. Currently, the only solution is to organize evaluation teams to conduct on-site evaluations with samples at different altitudes. However, this method is time-consuming, costly, suffers from uncontrollable environmental parameters, has poor reproducibility of experimental results, and is highly dependent on the condition of the personnel involved.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a device to simulate and evaluate the high-altitude adaptability of cigarette products. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a device for simulating and evaluating the high-altitude adaptability of cigarette products, so as to solve the problems in the prior art. It can accurately, efficiently and repeatedly simulate different altitude environments in the laboratory and complete the comprehensive performance evaluation of cigarette products.

[0006] This invention provides a device for simulating and evaluating the high-altitude adaptability of cigarette products, comprising: an environmental simulation chamber for accommodating cigarette samples to be tested; an environmental monitoring sensor assembly installed inside the environmental simulation chamber; a parameter control unit located below the environmental simulation chamber; a sensory evaluation interface and a smoke collection and analysis unit arranged side-by-side on one side of the environmental simulation chamber; the parameter control unit being sequentially connected to a central controller and a host computer; the sensory evaluation interface being connected to an evaluator interface; the environmental monitoring sensor assembly being connected to the host computer; the environmental monitoring sensor assembly being used to monitor environmental parameters within the environmental simulation chamber in real time and feed them back to the host computer; the host computer being used to set the altitude to be simulated via the central controller and to send working instructions to the parameter control unit based on the detection results of the environmental monitoring sensor assembly; the parameter control unit being used to adjust the environment within the environmental simulation chamber to the target value and maintain stability in response to the working instructions; the evaluator interface being used to evaluate the cigarette samples to be tested; and the smoke collection and analysis unit being used to collect and analyze the smoke components produced by the combustion of the cigarette samples to be tested.

[0007] In the above-described device for simulating and evaluating the high-altitude adaptability of cigarette products, preferably, the environmental simulation chamber is made of a pressure-resistant and inert material to form a sealed chamber, the inner wall of the environmental simulation chamber is provided with a heat insulation layer, and a cigarette holder is placed inside the environmental simulation chamber to fix the cigarette sample to be tested.

[0008] In the cigarette product high-altitude adaptability simulation and evaluation device described above, preferably, the parameter control unit includes a pressure regulation subsystem, a gas distribution subsystem, and a temperature and humidity control subsystem. The pressure regulation subsystem includes a vacuum pump and an intake valve. The gas distribution subsystem includes a nitrogen cylinder, an oxygen cylinder, and a gas distribution valve. The temperature and humidity control subsystem includes a refrigeration / heater, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, and an airflow circulation fan.

[0009] In the cigarette product high-altitude adaptability simulation evaluation device described above, preferably, the pressure regulation subsystem and the gas distribution subsystem are arranged side by side above the environmental simulation chamber and are respectively connected to the environmental simulation chamber through pipes; the temperature and humidity control subsystem is located on the right side of the environmental simulation chamber and exchanges air with the environmental simulation chamber through the airflow circulation fan.

[0010] In the cigarette product high-altitude adaptability simulation evaluation device described above, preferably, the sensory evaluation interface includes a smoke duct and a pressure balancing structure arranged sequentially. The smoke duct is connected to the cigarette sample to be tested. The sensory evaluation interface also includes a smoke insulation pipe covering the outside of the smoke duct and the pressure balancing structure, extending from the interface between the smoke duct and the interior of the environmental simulation chamber to the evaluator's interface. The pressure balancing structure has an evaluation branch interface and a collection branch interface connected in parallel. The evaluation branch interface is connected to the evaluator's interface, and the collection branch interface is connected to the smoke collection and analysis unit. The pressure balancing structure allows the negative pressure generated when the evaluator inhales through the evaluator's interface at normal pressure to be transmitted to the environmental simulation chamber.

[0011] In the cigarette product high-altitude adaptability simulation evaluation device described above, preferably, the pressure balance structure includes a high-pressure chamber, a balance chamber, and a low-pressure chamber arranged in sequence, wherein the high-pressure chamber is located near the environmental simulation chamber, and a flexible diaphragm is provided inside the balance chamber.

[0012] In the cigarette product high-altitude adaptability simulation and evaluation device described above, preferably, the air pressure balance structure is connected to the evaluation branch interface and the data acquisition branch interface respectively via switching valves.

[0013] In the cigarette product high-altitude adaptability simulation evaluation device described above, preferably, the flue gas insulation pipeline includes an inner electric heating wire structure and an outer insulation layer structure, and the electric heating wire structure is connected to a temperature controller.

[0014] In the cigarette product high-altitude adaptability simulation evaluation device described above, preferably, the environmental simulation chamber is connected to the sensory evaluation interface and the smoke collection and analysis unit via a suction switch.

[0015] In the above-described device for simulating and evaluating the high-altitude adaptability of cigarette products, preferably, the environmental monitoring sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor, an oxygen sensor, and a temperature and humidity sensor.

[0016] This invention provides a device for simulating and evaluating the high-altitude adaptability of cigarette products. By integrating a multi-parameter coupled environmental simulation chamber, a normal-pressure authentic smoking interface, and a dynamic control system, it enables simultaneous sensory evaluation and smoke analysis of cigarettes in a simulated high-altitude environment. This achieves a unified platform, a single experiment, and multi-dimensional evaluation, overcoming the technical bottlenecks of authentic smoking and smoke insulation under low-pressure conditions. It solves two core technical problems: existing environmental test chambers can only simulate pressure but not low oxygen partial pressure, and there is a complete lack of a dedicated interface for authentic sensory evaluation under low-pressure conditions. It shortens the time required for field experiments, which previously spanned multiple regions and lasted weeks or even months, to hours in a laboratory, greatly improving R&D efficiency and reducing costs and uncertainties. It significantly enhances the efficiency and accuracy of developing high-altitude-adaptable cigarette products, possessing significant industry value. Integrating sensory evaluation and smoke chemical composition analysis functions, it can simultaneously obtain subjective evaluations and objective data, providing multi-dimensional data support for product adaptability research. All experimental conditions are precisely controlled by the control system, avoiding interference from uncontrollable factors such as weather and personnel in field experiments, ensuring accurate, reliable, and repeatable experimental results. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of an embodiment of the cigarette product plateau adaptability simulation and evaluation device provided by the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 is a block diagram of the parameter control unit architecture;

[0020] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the interaction between the parameter control unit and the central controller;

[0021] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the connection relationship between the sensory evaluation interface, the environmental simulation chamber, and the smoke collection and analysis unit.

[0022] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the sensory evaluation interface.

[0023] Figure labeling: 101-Environmental simulation chamber, 102-Cigarette holder, 103-Cigarette sample to be tested, 104-Insulation layer, 200-Parameter control unit, 201-Pressure regulation subsystem, 201a-Vacuum pump, 201b-Inlet valve, 202-Gas distribution subsystem, 202a-Nitrogen cylinder, 202b-Oxygen cylinder, 202c-Gas distribution valve, 203-Temperature and humidity control subsystem, 203a-Refrigeration / heater, 203b-Humidifier, 203c-Dehumidifier, 203d-Airflow circulation. Fan, 300-Sensory evaluation interface, 301-Flue gas duct, 302-Pressure balance structure, 302a-High pressure chamber, 302b-Balance chamber, 302c-Flexible diaphragm, 302d-Low pressure chamber, 303-Flue gas insulation pipeline, 304-Evaluation branch interface, 305-Collection branch interface, 306-Switching valve, 400-Flue gas collection and analysis unit, 500-Central controller, 600-Environmental monitoring sensor assembly, 701-Evaluator interface, 702-Suction switch, 800-Host computer. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The descriptions of the exemplary embodiments are merely illustrative and are in no way intended to limit the present disclosure or its application or use. The present disclosure may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. These embodiments are provided so that the present disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully express the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. It should be noted that, unless specifically stated otherwise, the relative arrangement of components and steps, the composition of materials, numerical expressions, and values ​​set forth in these embodiments should be interpreted as exemplary only and not as limiting.

[0025] The terms “first,” “second,” and similar terms used in this disclosure do not indicate any order, quantity, or importance, but are merely used to distinguish different parts. Terms such as “including” or “contains” mean that the element preceding the term encompasses the element listed after it, and do not exclude the possibility of encompassing other elements as well. Terms such as “above” and “below” are used only to indicate relative positional relationships; when the absolute position of the described object changes, this relative positional relationship may also change accordingly.

[0026] In this disclosure, when a specific component is described as being located between a first component and a second component, an intermediary component may or may not be present between the specific component and the first or second component. When a specific component is described as connecting to other components, the specific component may be directly connected to the other components without having an intermediary component, or it may not be directly connected to the other components but may have an intermediary component.

[0027] All terms used in this disclosure (including technical or scientific terms) have the same meaning as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains, unless otherwise specifically defined. It should also be understood that terms defined in a general dictionary, such as a dictionary, should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and not as having an idealized or highly formalized meaning, unless expressly defined herein.

[0028] Techniques, methods, and equipment known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, they should be considered part of the specification.

[0029] Currently, the method for sensory evaluation of cigarette products is "testing in a standard environment or evaluation room, conducting single or pairwise tests". A comparative analysis of existing cigarette sensory evaluation technologies is shown in Table 1.

[0030] Table 1 Comparison of existing cigarette sensory evaluation technologies

[0031]

[0032] In summary, all three existing technologies suffer from substantial drawbacks, including the inability to simulate the real low-oxygen environment of high-altitude regions, a complete lack of in-situ sensory evaluation capabilities, fragmented system functions, and insufficient control precision. Specifically, standard smoking machines cannot simulate the low-pressure, low-oxygen environment of high-altitude regions, resulting in data distortion; environmental test chambers can simulate pressure but cannot replicate the coupling effect of low-oxygen partial pressure, and they completely lack a design specifically for sensory evaluation, either placing the evaluator in an unsafe low-pressure environment or causing distortion due to smoke condensation. Furthermore, existing systems are isolated, separating environmental simulation, evaluation, and smoke analysis, resulting in cumbersome processes and significant errors; their control logic also fails to consider the dynamic process of cigarette combustion.

[0033] As shown in Figures 1-5, the cigarette product high-altitude adaptability simulation evaluation device provided in this embodiment includes: an environmental simulation chamber 101 for containing cigarette samples 103 to be tested; an environmental monitoring sensor assembly 600 is installed inside the environmental simulation chamber 101; a parameter control unit 200 is installed below the environmental simulation chamber 101; a sensory evaluation interface 300 and a smoke collection and analysis unit 400 are arranged side by side on one side of the environmental simulation chamber 101; the parameter control unit 200 is sequentially connected to a central controller 500 and a host computer 800; the sensory evaluation interface 300 is connected to an evaluator interface 701; and the environmental monitoring sensor assembly 600 is connected to the host computer 800. The sensor component 600 is used to monitor the environmental parameters inside the environmental simulation chamber 101 in real time and feed them back to the host computer 800. The host computer 800 is used to set the altitude to be simulated through the central controller 500 and send a working command to the parameter control unit 200 according to the detection results of the environmental monitoring sensor component 600. The parameter control unit 200 is used to adjust the environment inside the environmental simulation chamber 101 to the target value and keep it stable in response to the working command. The taster interface 701 is used to taste the cigarette sample 103 to be tested. The smoke collection and analysis unit 400 is used to collect and analyze the smoke components produced by the combustion of the cigarette sample 103 to be tested.

[0034] The environmental simulation chamber 101 is a sealed chamber made of pressure-resistant and inert materials (such as stainless steel and tempered glass), and its internal volume can be designed as needed. The inner wall of the environmental simulation chamber 101 is provided with a heat insulation layer 104. A cigarette holder 102 is placed inside the environmental simulation chamber 101 to fix the cigarette sample 103 to be tested. In this invention, the environmental simulation chamber 101 can simulate an altitude range from 0 meters to 5500 meters.

[0035] In the process, the cigarette sample 103 to be tested is placed in the environmental simulation chamber 101 and sealed; the altitude to be simulated is set on the central controller 500; the parameter control unit 200 starts working, adjusting the environment inside the environmental simulation chamber 101 to the target value and keeping it stable; then, the taster tastes the cigarette through the taster interface 701 and fills in the electronic taste test form; at the same time, the smoke collection and analysis unit 400 can be activated to perform parallel sampling; a single experiment can complete a comprehensive evaluation of a certain cigarette brand under a specific altitude environment.

[0036] Furthermore, the parameter control unit 200 is used to receive instructions from the central controller 500 and to precisely and coupledly regulate the environmental parameters within the environmental simulation chamber 101. Specifically, the parameter control unit 200 includes a pressure regulation subsystem 201, a gas distribution subsystem 202, and a temperature and humidity control subsystem 203. The pressure regulation subsystem 201 is used for vacuuming and air intake to regulate the air pressure inside the chamber, and includes a vacuum pump 201a and an intake valve 201b. The gas distribution subsystem 202 is used to control the gas composition to regulate the oxygen content inside the chamber, and includes a nitrogen cylinder 202a, an oxygen cylinder 202b, and a gas distribution valve 202c. The temperature and humidity control subsystem 203 is used to control the temperature and humidity of the air, and includes a refrigeration / heater 203a, a humidifier 203b, a dehumidifier 203c, and an airflow circulation fan 203d. The refrigeration / heater 203a is a semiconductor refrigeration / heater.

[0037] Specifically, the pressure regulation subsystem 201 and the air distribution subsystem 202 are arranged side by side above the environmental simulation chamber 101 and are respectively connected to the environmental simulation chamber 101 through pipes; the temperature and humidity control subsystem 203 is located on the right side of the environmental simulation chamber 101 and exchanges air with the environmental simulation chamber 101 through the airflow circulation fan 203d.

[0038] The parameter control unit 200 can precisely regulate the environmental parameters within the environmental simulation chamber 101, including at least atmospheric pressure, oxygen content, temperature, and relative humidity. The parameter control unit 200, through the pressure regulation subsystem 201 and the gas distribution subsystem 202, can adjust the chamber pressure and oxygen content to simulate atmospheric pressure (approximately 101 kPa to 50 kPa) at altitudes ranging from 0 meters to 5500 meters. The temperature and humidity regulation subsystem 203, through the cooling / heating module 203a, the humidifier 203b, and the dehumidification module 203c, maintains the chamber environment at the set temperature and humidity.

[0039] Furthermore, the environmental monitoring sensor assembly 600 includes a pressure sensor, an oxygen sensor, and a temperature and humidity sensor. The parameter control unit 200 can automatically couple and adjust the temperature, humidity, and air pressure inside the environmental simulation chamber 101 to the typical meteorological data for that altitude based on the target altitude. The central controller 500 uses a PID algorithm and has built-in data information on different altitudes and corresponding typical environmental parameters. It can receive instructions from the host computer 800 and automatically control the parameter control unit 200 to adjust the environment inside the environmental simulation chamber 101 to the parameters corresponding to the target altitude. Based on the real-time feedback from the environmental monitoring sensor assembly 600, it dynamically coordinates and controls the working states of the pressure regulation subsystem 201, the gas distribution subsystem 202, and the temperature and humidity control subsystem 203 to resist environmental disturbances caused by the consumption of oxygen, heat, and gases generated by cigarette combustion, so that the environmental parameters inside the chamber can be quickly stabilized at the set values, thus achieving multi-parameter closed-loop coupled control of environmental parameters. In some embodiments of the present invention, the central controller 500 is located at the bottom of the environmental simulation chamber 101 and is connected to the environmental simulation chamber 101, the temperature and humidity control subsystem 203, and the host computer 800 via signal lines. Furthermore, the central controller 500 integrates a touchscreen and control software, allowing users to set a target altitude (e.g., "simulating Lhasa at 3650 meters"). The central controller automatically calls upon its built-in database to set the typical air pressure, oxygen content, temperature, and humidity corresponding to that altitude as the control targets. Simultaneously, all environmental data and collected physicochemical data are automatically recorded and stored.

[0040] In this invention, the sensory evaluation interface 300 is disposed on the wall of the environmental simulation chamber 101 and passes through the wall. One end is located inside the environmental simulation chamber 101 to connect to the cigarette sample 103 to be tested, and the other end is located outside the chamber for use by the evaluator. Furthermore, the sensory evaluation interface 300 includes a smoke duct 301 and a pressure balancing structure 302 arranged sequentially. The smoke duct 301 is connected to the cigarette sample 103 to be tested, and a sealing flange is used at the interface where the smoke duct 301 passes through the chamber wall to ensure the airtightness of the chamber. The sensory evaluation interface 300 also includes a flue gas insulation pipe 303 that covers the outside of the flue gas duct 301 and the pressure balancing structure 302, extending from the interface between the flue gas duct 301 and the interior of the environmental simulation chamber 101 to the evaluator interface 701. In this invention, the entire flue gas passage is wrapped by the flue gas insulation pipe 303. The pressure balancing structure 302 has an evaluation branch interface 304 and a collection branch interface 305 connected in parallel. The evaluation branch interface 304 is connected to the evaluator interface 701, and the collection branch interface 305 is connected to the flue gas collection and analysis unit 400. The pressure balancing structure 302 is used to allow the negative pressure generated when the evaluator inhales through the evaluator interface 701 at normal pressure to be transmitted to the environmental simulation chamber 101, so as to ensure that the evaluator can taste the cigarette smoke from the environmental simulation chamber 101 at normal pressure.

[0041] Specifically, the pressure balancing structure 302 includes a high-pressure chamber 302a, a balancing chamber 302b, and a low-pressure chamber 302d arranged sequentially. The high-pressure chamber 302a is located near the environmental simulation chamber 101, and a flexible diaphragm 302c is disposed inside the balancing chamber 302b. In this invention, the pressure balancing structure 302 is a three-chamber structure. The high-pressure chamber 302a is connected to the environmental simulation chamber 101, and the low-pressure chamber 302d is connected to the inhalation assessor interface 701. Thus, when the inhalation assessor draws air through the assessor interface 701, the diaphragm in the balancing chamber 302b deforms, transferring negative pressure to the high-pressure chamber. When inhalation stops, the diaphragm resets and closes, blocking pressure transmission and effectively isolating the low-pressure environment inside the chamber from the inhalation assessor. The air pressure balance structure 302 of this invention allows the smoke tester to inhale under normal atmospheric pressure outside the chamber. The negative pressure in the low-pressure chamber 302d causes the flexible diaphragm 302c to deform towards the high-pressure chamber 302a, opening the airflow channel. The resulting negative pressure can be effectively transmitted into the chamber, igniting the cigarette and allowing the smoke to escape. In other embodiments of this invention, the flexible diaphragm 302c can be replaced by a one-way valve. When the smoke tester inhales through the smoke tester interface 701, the one-way valve opens; when inhalation stops, the one-way valve closes, effectively blocking the influence of the low-pressure environment inside the chamber on the smoke tester.

[0042] Furthermore, the pressure balancing structure 302 is connected to the sensory evaluation branch interface 304 and the sampling branch interface 305 respectively via a switching valve 306. In some embodiments of the present invention, the switching valve 306 is a three-way valve located at the branch fork of the sensory evaluation interface 300, which can simultaneously or separately guide the flue gas to the sensory evaluator interface 701 and the flue gas sampling and analysis unit 400, controlling the flue gas flow direction. This enables two working modes: evaluation mode and analysis mode. In evaluation mode, the flue gas flows through the evaluation branch interface 304 to the sensory evaluator interface 701; in analysis mode, the flue gas flows through the sampling branch interface 305 to the flue gas analysis unit 400. The above two modes are in parallel, and both channels can be opened simultaneously to achieve synchronous evaluation.

[0043] Furthermore, the flue gas insulation pipeline 303 includes an inner electric heating wire structure and an outer insulation layer structure, and the electric heating wire structure is connected to a temperature controller (e.g., a PID temperature controller). In some embodiments of the present invention, the flue gas insulation pipeline 303 uses armored electric heating wire winding and is used in conjunction with a PID temperature controller to maintain the pipeline temperature of the flue gas insulation pipeline 303 at 50°C-80°C, preferably 65°C, to prevent the condensation of moisture and aromatic substances such as organic acids in the flue gas.

[0044] Furthermore, the environmental simulation chamber 101 is connected to the sensory evaluation interface 300 and the smoke collection and analysis unit 400 via a suction switch 702. The smoke collection and analysis unit 400 is connected in parallel or alternately to the sensory evaluation interface 300 via the suction switch 702, and is used to collect and analyze the mainstream smoke generated by cigarette combustion. For example, the suction switch 702 is a valve.

[0045] In one embodiment of the present invention, to verify the effectiveness of the device, an environment simulating an altitude of 3650 meters (pressure 64.5 kPa, oxygen concentration 19.8%) was used to evaluate the smoking and analyze the smoke of "Yunyan (Soft Premium)" cigarettes, and the results were compared with data collected in Lhasa, Tibet. The results showed that the sensory evaluation showed a similarity of over 90% in key indicators such as aroma quantity, irritation, and dryness, and the measurement error of total particulate matter and tar release in the smoke was less than 5%, fully demonstrating the realism and effectiveness of the simulation provided by the device.

[0046] The high-altitude adaptability simulation and evaluation device for cigarette products provided in this invention integrates a multi-parameter coupled environmental simulation chamber, a normal-pressure authentic smoking interface, and a dynamic control system. This enables simultaneous sensory evaluation and smoke analysis of cigarettes in a simulated high-altitude environment, achieving a unified platform, a single experiment, and multi-dimensional evaluation. It overcomes the technical bottlenecks of authentic smoking and smoke insulation under low-pressure conditions, solving two core technical challenges: existing environmental test chambers can only simulate pressure but not low oxygen partial pressure, and there is a complete lack of a dedicated interface for authentic sensory evaluation under low-pressure conditions. This shortens the time required for field experiments spanning multiple regions and weeks or even months to hours in a laboratory, significantly improving R&D efficiency and reducing costs and uncertainties. It greatly enhances the efficiency and accuracy of developing high-altitude-adaptable cigarette products, possessing significant industry value. Integrating sensory evaluation and smoke chemical composition analysis functions, it can simultaneously obtain subjective evaluations and objective data, providing multi-dimensional data support for product adaptability research. All experimental conditions are precisely controlled by the control system, avoiding interference from uncontrollable factors such as weather and personnel in field experiments, ensuring accurate, reliable, and repeatable experimental results.

[0047] The embodiments of this disclosure have now been described in detail. To avoid obscuring the concept of this disclosure, some details known in the art have not been described. Those skilled in the art can fully understand how to implement the technical solutions disclosed herein based on the above description.

[0048] While specific embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail by way of examples, those skilled in the art should understand that the examples are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments or equivalent substitutions can be made to some technical features without departing from the scope and spirit of this disclosure. The scope of this disclosure is defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for simulating and evaluating the high-altitude adaptability of cigarette products, characterized in that, include: An environmental simulation chamber is used to contain cigarette samples to be tested. An environmental monitoring sensor assembly is installed inside the chamber. A parameter control unit is located below the chamber. A sensory evaluation interface and a smoke collection and analysis unit are arranged side-by-side on one side of the chamber. The parameter control unit is connected to a central controller and a host computer in sequence. The sensory evaluation interface is connected to a user interface. The environmental monitoring sensor assembly is connected to the host computer. The environmental monitoring sensor assembly is used to monitor the environmental parameters inside the environmental simulation chamber in real time and feed them back to the host computer. The host computer is used to set the altitude to be simulated through the central controller and send working instructions to the parameter control unit based on the detection results of the environmental monitoring sensor assembly. The parameter control unit is used to respond to the working instructions, adjust the environment inside the environmental simulation chamber to the target value, and maintain its stability. The user interface is used to evaluate the cigarette samples to be tested. The smoke collection and analysis unit is used to collect and analyze the smoke components produced by the combustion of the cigarette samples to be tested.

2. The device for simulating and evaluating the high-altitude adaptability of cigarette products according to claim 1, characterized in that, The environmental simulation chamber is a sealed chamber made of pressure-resistant and inert material. The inner wall of the environmental simulation chamber is provided with a heat insulation layer. A cigarette holder is placed inside the environmental simulation chamber to fix the cigarette sample to be tested.

3. The device for simulating and evaluating the high-altitude adaptability of cigarette products according to claim 1, characterized in that, The parameter control unit includes a pressure regulation subsystem, a gas distribution subsystem, and a temperature and humidity control subsystem. The pressure regulation subsystem includes a vacuum pump and an intake valve. The gas distribution subsystem includes a nitrogen cylinder, an oxygen cylinder, and a gas distribution valve. The temperature and humidity control subsystem includes a refrigeration / heater, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, and an airflow circulation fan.

4. The device for simulating and evaluating the high-altitude adaptability of cigarette products according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pressure regulation subsystem and the air distribution subsystem are arranged side by side above the environmental simulation chamber and are connected to the environmental simulation chamber through pipes; the temperature and humidity control subsystem is located on the right side of the environmental simulation chamber and exchanges air with the environmental simulation chamber through the airflow circulation fan.

5. The device for simulating and evaluating the high-altitude adaptability of cigarette products according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensory evaluation interface includes a smoke duct and a pressure balancing structure arranged sequentially. The smoke duct is connected to the cigarette sample to be tested. The sensory evaluation interface also includes a smoke insulation pipe covering the outside of the smoke duct and the pressure balancing structure, extending from the interface between the smoke duct and the interior of the environmental simulation chamber to the evaluator's interface. The pressure balancing structure has an evaluation branch interface and a collection branch interface connected in parallel. The evaluation branch interface is connected to the evaluator's interface, and the collection branch interface is connected to the smoke collection and analysis unit. The pressure balancing structure allows the negative pressure generated when the evaluator inhales through the evaluator's interface at normal pressure to be transmitted to the environmental simulation chamber.

6. The device for simulating and evaluating the high-altitude adaptability of cigarette products according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pressure balancing structure includes a high-pressure chamber, a balancing chamber, and a low-pressure chamber arranged in sequence. The high-pressure chamber is located near the side of the environmental simulation chamber, and a flexible diaphragm is installed inside the balancing chamber.

7. The device for simulating and evaluating the high-altitude adaptability of cigarette products according to claim 6, characterized in that, The pressure balancing structure is connected to the evaluation and absorption branch interface and the acquisition branch interface respectively via switching valves.

8. The device for simulating and evaluating the high-altitude adaptability of cigarette products according to claim 6, characterized in that, The flue gas insulation pipeline includes an inner electric heating wire structure and an outer insulation layer structure, and the electric heating wire structure is connected to a temperature controller.

9. The device for simulating and evaluating the high-altitude adaptability of cigarette products according to claim 1, characterized in that, The environmental simulation chamber is connected to the sensory evaluation interface and the smoke collection and analysis unit via a suction switch.

10. The device for simulating and evaluating the high-altitude adaptability of cigarette products according to claim 1, characterized in that, The environmental monitoring sensor assembly includes a pressure sensor, an oxygen sensor, and a temperature and humidity sensor.

Images