Aerosol output system

Abstract

The invention discloses an aerosol output system, and relates to the technical field of simulation experiments, the aerosol output system comprises a centralized glue outlet, a plurality of atomization units and a plurality of conveying parts, the plurality of atomization units are all provided with air outlets, the air outlets of the plurality of atomization units are all communicated with the centralized glue outlet, and the conveying parts are communicated with the centralized glue outlet. The plurality of conveying parts are respectively communicated with at least one glue outlet passage so as to convey the aerosol from the atomization units to the concentrated glue outlet, so that the problem that the aerosol output is interrupted due to heating / cooling circulation of a traditional single atomizer is solved, and the aerosol output efficiency is improved. The system can be seamlessly switched among different atomization units, and the output continuity of a total aerosol outlet is kept.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of simulation experiment technology, and more specifically, to an aerosol output system. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of aerosol simulation and research, especially in the testing and environment of inhaled aerosol products such as e-cigarettes and heated cigarettes, there is often a need for continuous, stable, concentration-controllable and rapid-response aerosol output.

[0003] However, current aerosol output devices have the following shortcomings in research and application: discontinuous output, with a single atomizer experiencing cooling / heating cycles during long-term operation, leading to fluctuations in aerosol concentration; insufficient reliability, with the entire system shutting down if a key component fails, making it impossible to meet the requirements of long-term stable experiments; and limited application, as traditional electronic cigarette atomizers cannot operate under high loads continuously, limiting their application in scientific experiments and industrial simulations.

[0004] In conclusion, improving the continuity and stability of aerosol output simulation is a problem that urgently needs to be solved by those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide an aerosol output system that, in conjunction with a multi-channel atomizing unit, enables seamless switching between different atomizing units, maintaining the continuity of output at the total aerosol outlet.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0007] An aerosol output system, comprising:

[0008] Centralized glue outlet;

[0009] Several atomizing units, each of which is provided with an air outlet;

[0010] The air outlets of several atomizing units are all connected to the centralized glue outlet to form several glue outlet channels that are the same number as the several atomizing units and are arranged in parallel.

[0011] A plurality of conveying components, each of which is connected to at least one of the dispensing channels, to convey aerosol from the corresponding atomizing unit to the centralized dispensing port.

[0012] Furthermore, the number of atomizing units is even, and they are arranged in parallel.

[0013] Furthermore, the present invention also includes:

[0014] A plurality of three-way valves, the number of which is the same as the number of atomizing units, each three-way valve including a first interface, a second interface and a third interface, the first interfaces of the plurality of three-way valves respectively connected to the air outlets of the corresponding plurality of atomizing units, and the third interfaces of the plurality of three-way valves all connected to the centralized glue outlet.

[0015] Furthermore, in this invention, the conveying component is a vacuum cylinder, and the three-way valve is a solenoid valve.

[0016] Furthermore, the present invention includes four of each of the plurality of three-way valves and four of the plurality of atomizing units, which are divided into two groups. The number of the conveying components in the same group is one, and the second interfaces of the two three-way valves in the same group are connected to the conveying components after merging.

[0017] Furthermore, the present invention also includes:

[0018] Atomization controller, wherein several atomization units are all connected to the same atomization controller.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention also includes:

[0020] An air supply device is connected to several converging glue outlet channels, so that the air supply device is connected to the centralized glue outlet.

[0021] Furthermore, the present invention also includes:

[0022] A flow controller is provided between the gas supply device and the centralized dispensing port, and is used to control the flow rate of gas entering the centralized dispensing port in order to adjust the concentration of the output aerosol.

[0023] Furthermore, the present invention also includes:

[0024] The main controller, the atomizing controller, the three-way valve, and the delivery component are all connected to the main controller. The main controller is preset with alternating suction mode, parallel suction mode, and mixed suction mode.

[0025] Furthermore, in this invention, the atomizing unit, the three-way valve, the conveying component, and the centralized dispensing port are all connected by hot-swappable connectors.

[0026] The aerosol output system provided by this invention, in practice, includes several atomizing units, each with an air outlet. These air outlets are connected to a central aerosol outlet, forming several aerosol outlet paths equal in number to the number of atomizing units. Several conveying components are each connected to at least one aerosol outlet path to transport the aerosol from the atomizing units to the central aerosol outlet. This multi-atomizing-unit and multi-conveying-component design ensures that even if one or more components fail, the system can still maintain basic output functionality through path switching, significantly extending the mean time between failures (MTBF). Furthermore, in conjunction with multi-channel atomizing units, it fundamentally eliminates the intermittent aerosol output problem caused by heating / cooling cycles in traditional single atomizers. The system can seamlessly switch between different atomizing units, maintaining the continuity of output at the total aerosol outlet. Attached Figure Description

[0027] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without creative effort.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the four atomizing units provided in this invention.

[0029] Figure 1 In the accompanying drawings, the reference numerals include:

[0030] 1. Centralized dispensing port; 2. Atomizing unit; 3. Conveying component; 4. Three-way valve; 401. First interface; 402. Second interface; 403. Third interface; 5. Atomizing controller; 6. Air supply device; 7. Flow controller. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0032] The core of this invention is to provide an aerosol output system that, in conjunction with a multi-channel atomizing unit, allows the system to seamlessly switch between different atomizing units, maintaining the continuity of output at the total aerosol outlet.

[0033] Please refer to Figure 1An aerosol output system includes a centralized outlet 1, a plurality of atomizing units 2, and a plurality of conveying components 3. Each of the atomizing units 2 is provided with an air outlet, and the air outlets of the atomizing units 2 are all connected to the centralized outlet 1 to form a plurality of outlet paths with the same number as the atomizing units 2. Each of the conveying components 3 is connected to at least one outlet path to transport the aerosol from the atomizing units 2 to the centralized outlet 1.

[0034] It should be noted that, in the embodiments of the present invention, the atomizing unit 2 may be an ultrasonic atomizer, a heated atomizer, a piezoelectric atomizer, or a microfluidic atomizing chip, etc.

[0035] In addition, if a higher atomization efficiency is required in the embodiments of the present invention, a porous media atomizer can be selected; if a smaller particle size distribution is required, an electrostatic atomizer can be used.

[0036] Optionally, in some embodiments, the air outlets of several atomizing units 2 are provided with adhesive outlet passages, and the several adhesive outlet passages are merged and connected to the central adhesive outlet 1. That is, the central adhesive outlet 1 is provided with a main pipe, and the air outlets of several atomizing units 2 are connected to the main pipe through a multi-channel connector.

[0037] Optionally, in some embodiments, the number of conveying elements 3 may be the same as the number of air outlets of the atomizing units 2, so that a single conveying element 3 can control the air supply of a single atomizing unit 2, and the system output will not be affected when a single atomizing unit 2 malfunctions.

[0038] Optionally, in some embodiments, a mixer can be provided at the centralized dispensing port 1 to improve the mixing effect of the aerosol, specifically a static mixer can be used.

[0039] Optionally, in some embodiments, the atomization effect of the atomization unit 2 can be monitored in real time by integrating a particle size sensor or a concentration sensor at the outlet of each atomization unit 2.

[0040] In a specific implementation of this invention, several atomizing units 2 are each provided with an air outlet, and the air outlets of several atomizing units 2 are all connected to a centralized dispensing port 1 to form several dispensing paths with the same number as several atomizing units 2. Several conveying components 3 are each connected to at least one dispensing path to convey aerosol from the atomizing units 2 to the centralized dispensing port 1. The design of multiple atomizing units 2 and multiple conveying components 3 ensures that the system can still maintain basic output function through path switching when one or more components fail, which greatly extends the mean time between failures. In addition, in conjunction with the multi-channel atomizing units 2, the problem of intermittent aerosol output caused by heating / cooling cycles in traditional single atomizers is fundamentally eliminated. The system can seamlessly switch between different atomizing units 2 to maintain the continuity of output at the total aerosol outlet.

[0041] Optionally, in some embodiments, the number of atomizing units 2 is even; specifically, the number of atomizing units 2 can be extended to more than 12.

[0042] The present invention features an open and easily expandable structure with strong compatibility. The system adopts an open architecture design, supporting easy expansion to six, twelve, or more output paths by adding atomizing units 2, three-way valves 4, and corresponding control channels. This design not only enhances the system's overall output capability but also makes it compatible with different types of smoke-generating agents and aerosol-generating media, possessing broad potential for scientific research and industrial applications.

[0043] Optionally, in some embodiments, the atomizing unit 2 is expandable, that is, a fixed number of conveying components 3 and dispensing channels are provided, and the atomizing unit 2 can be expanded according to usage requirements by disassembling, replacing, adding or removing atomizing units 2.

[0044] Please refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the system also includes a plurality of three-way valves 4, the number of which is the same as the number of atomizing units 2. Each three-way valve 4 includes a first interface 401, a second interface 402, and a third interface 403. The first interfaces 401 of the plurality of three-way valves 4 are respectively connected to the air outlets of the corresponding plurality of atomizing units 2, and the third interfaces 403 of the plurality of three-way valves 4 are all connected to the centralized glue outlet 1.

[0045] In the above embodiments, in specific implementation, the first port 401, the second port 402 and the third port 403 of the three-way valve 4 are all provided with pipes, which will enable it to connect with the corresponding atomizing unit 2 and the centralized dispensing port 1.

[0046] Optionally, in some embodiments, the conveying component 3 is a vacuum cylinder and the three-way valve 4 is a solenoid valve, so that the response time is <50ms.

[0047] In this embodiment of the invention, the aerosol concentration and composition are flexibly adjustable to adapt to complex simulation needs. By adjusting the suction rate of the suction cylinder and coordinating with precise flow control of the bypass dilution gas, a wide range and high precision adjustment of the aerosol output concentration can be achieved. Combined with the ability of different atomization units 2 to generate aerosols with different parameters, the system can simulate multi-component and complex flue gas aerosols, making it suitable for various scenarios such as environmental exposure studies, toxicology experiments, and product performance evaluation.

[0048] In other embodiments, the three-way valve 4 is a pneumatic three-way valve 4, a plug valve, or a micro fluid switching valve to achieve rapid switching of the air path and support high-frequency alternating suction.

[0049] This system achieves truly continuous and highly stable aerosol output. Through the alternating operation of dual suction cylinders, coupled with the coordinated switching of the multi-channel atomizing unit 2 and the three-way valve 4, it fundamentally eliminates the intermittent aerosol output problem caused by the heating / cooling cycle in traditional single atomizers. The system can seamlessly switch between different atomizing units 2, maintaining the continuity of output at the total aerosol outlet. The concentration fluctuation coefficient (CV value) can be controlled below 3.5%, significantly improving output stability and the reliability of experimental data.

[0050] Please refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the number of three-way valves 4 and atomizing units 2 are both four, and they are divided into two groups. The number of conveying components 3 in the same group is one. The second interfaces 402 of the two three-way valves 4 in the same group are connected to the conveying component 3 after they merge. That is to say, after using three-way valves 4, the two atomizing units 2 can be controlled by one conveying component 3, which reduces the cost of system manufacturing.

[0051] Optionally, in some embodiments, an atomization controller 5 is also included, and several atomization units 2 are all connected to the same atomization controller 5, which is beneficial for controlling the atomization parameters of each atomization unit 2, especially when outputting aerosols with the same parameters. In order to unify the control parameters, obstacles caused by factors such as model and manufacturer are avoided.

[0052] Please refer to Figure 1 In some embodiments, the system also includes a gas supply device 6 and a flow controller 7. The gas supply device 6 is connected to several converging dispensing channels so that the gas supply device 6 is connected to the centralized dispensing port 1. The flow controller 7 is located between the gas supply device 6 and the centralized dispensing port 1 and is used to control the flow rate of gas entering the centralized dispensing port 1 to adjust the concentration of the output aerosol. The output of aerosol usually requires the participation of dilution gas. By adjusting the flow controller 7, the flow rate of the dilution gas output from the gas cylinder is controlled to achieve precise control of the aerosol concentration in the range of 0.1 μg / L–100 mg / L.

[0053] Featuring rapid response and flexible multi-mode switching capabilities, the system employs a high-speed response three-way valve (switching time <100ms) and a programmable controller. It supports multiple vaping modes, including alternating, parallel, and mixed modes, and can simulate the vaping curves of a real cigarette. Users can quickly switch operating modes according to experimental needs, meeting the high dynamic response requirements for vaping behavior simulation in product testing of electronic cigarettes, heated cigarettes, and other similar products.

[0054] Optionally, in some embodiments, the gas supply device 6 may be a multi-component gas mixing station that supports various dilution gases such as nitrogen, air, and inert gas.

[0055] Optionally, in some embodiments, a main controller is also included. The atomizing controller 5, the three-way valve 4, and the suction cylinder are all connected to the main controller. The main controller has preset alternating suction mode, parallel suction mode, and mixed suction mode to accommodate the simulation needs of different smokes. It is especially suitable for scientific research on smoke aerosols, electronic cigarette simulation, and industrial testing.

[0056] Optionally, in some embodiments, the atomizing unit 2, the three-way valve 4, the suction cylinder, and the centralized dispensing port 1 are all connected by hot-swappable connectors to achieve modular design. The replacement time for a single component is less than five minutes, which greatly improves the efficiency of system maintenance.

[0057] The system boasts high reliability, fault tolerance, and ease of maintenance. The redundant design of multiple atomizing units and dual suction channels ensures that even in the event of a single or multiple component failure, the system can maintain basic output functionality through path switching, significantly extending the mean time between failures (MTBF). Furthermore, the entire system employs hot-swappable connectors and a modular design, reducing component replacement time to less than 3 minutes, significantly improving system maintainability and experimental continuity.

[0058] The specific implementation of this invention is as follows: When providing a single type of aerosol output, in order to ensure stability, at least one aerosol unit 2 in each of the two sets of atomizing units 2 is in working state. Specifically, in terms of output control, if the first atomizing unit 2 and the fourth atomizing unit 2 are started, the first suction cylinder and the second suction cylinder work alternately, and the first three-way valve 4 and the fourth three-way valve 4 work together to realize the alternating output of aerosol from the first atomizing unit 2 and the fourth atomizing unit 2, but the output is continuous at the centralized outlet 1, and the stability of the output aerosol concentration is improved by 3 times, with a CV value of <3.5%.

[0059] Based on this, the atomizer can be activated alternately in rapid succession (1-second interval) by controlling the inhalation frequency, thereby simulating the rhythm of real smoking.

[0060] When it is necessary to simulate flue gas with complex components, aerosols with different parameters can be generated in different atomizing units 2 in the same group. After being mixed in the suction cylinder, they are then alternately ejected to simulate flue gas with complex components.

[0061] The aerosol concentration can be controlled by adjusting the suction rate of the suction cylinder and the parameters of the flow controller 7, thereby simulating the characteristics of traditional cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and heated cigarettes.

[0062] In addition, the system is an open system that can support more than 12 channels of suction by expanding the valve assembly, thus being compatible with different smoke-generating agents and suitable for scientific experiments, e-cigarette simulation and industrial testing.

[0063] In other words, the key point of this invention is that the air outlets of several atomizing units 2 are all connected to the centralized dispensing port 1 to form several dispensing channels with the same number as the several atomizing units 2. Several conveying components 3 are each connected to at least one dispensing channel to transport aerosol from the atomizing units 2 to the centralized dispensing port 1. The design of multiple atomizing units 2 and multiple conveying components 3 ensures that the system can still maintain basic output function through path switching when one or more components fail, which greatly extends the mean time between failures. In addition, with the multi-channel atomizing units 2, the problem of intermittent aerosol output caused by heating / cooling cycles in traditional single atomizers is fundamentally eliminated. The system can seamlessly switch between different atomizing units 2 to maintain the continuity of output at the total aerosol outlet. It supports parameter preset, mode storage and automatic execution functions, effectively reducing human operation errors and improving the consistency and repeatability of experiments. It is especially suitable for long-term and batch aerosol testing and simulation research.

[0064] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other.

[0065] The aerosol output system provided by this invention has been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the embodiments above are merely for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications to this invention without departing from its principles, and these improvements and modifications also fall within the protection scope of this invention.

Claims

1. An aerosol output system, characterized in that, include: Centralized glue outlet (1); A plurality of atomizing units (2), each of the plurality of atomizing units (2) is provided with an air outlet; The air outlets of several atomizing units (2) are all connected to the centralized glue outlet (1) to form several glue outlet channels that are the same number as several atomizing units (2) and are arranged in parallel. A plurality of conveying components (3) are connected to at least one of the dispensing channels to convey aerosol from the corresponding atomizing unit (2) to the centralized dispensing port (1).

2. The aerosol output system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The number of atomizing units (2) is even, and they are arranged in parallel.

3. The aerosol output system according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: A plurality of three-way valves (4) are provided, the number of which is the same as the number of atomizing units (2). Each three-way valve (4) includes a first interface (401), a second interface (402), and a third interface (403). The first interface (401) of each of the plurality of three-way valves (4) is connected to the air outlet of the corresponding plurality of atomizing units (2), and the third interface (403) of each of the plurality of three-way valves (4) is connected to the centralized glue outlet (1).

4. The aerosol output system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The conveying component (3) is a vacuum cylinder, and the three-way valve (4) is a solenoid valve.

5. The aerosol output system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The number of each of the three-way valves (4) and the number of atomizing units (2) are four, and they are divided into two groups. The number of the conveying components (3) in the same group is one. The second interfaces (402) of the two three-way valves (4) in the same group are connected to the conveying components (3) after they merge.

6. The aerosol output system according to claim 5, characterized in that, Also includes: Atomizing controller (5), and several atomizing units (2) are all connected to the same atomizing controller (5).

7. The aerosol output system according to claim 6, characterized in that, Also includes: An air supply device (6) is connected to several converging glue outlet channels so that the air supply device (6) is connected to the centralized glue outlet (1).

8. The aerosol output system according to claim 7, characterized in that, Also includes: A flow controller (7) is located between the gas supply device (6) and the centralized outlet (1) and is used to control the flow rate of gas entering the centralized outlet (1) in order to adjust the concentration of the output aerosol.

9. The aerosol output system according to claim 8, characterized in that, Also includes: The main controller, the atomizing controller (5), the three-way valve (4) and the conveying component (3) are all connected to the main controller. The main controller is preset with alternating suction mode, parallel suction mode and mixed suction mode.

10. The aerosol output system according to any one of claims 3-9, characterized in that, The atomizing unit (2), the three-way valve (4), the conveying component (3), and the centralized dispensing port (1) are all connected by hot-swappable connectors.

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