Heating-cooling inhalation device

Abstract

This invention discloses an inhalation device, including a heating and cooling device that absorbs heat from a first side and releases heat from a second side; an airflow channel is thermally coupled to the first side of the heating and cooling device, and a container holding a vaporizable material is thermally coupled to the second side of the heating and cooling device; the device may also include an atomizer for thermally decomposing the substance in the container, the decomposed substance flowing through the airflow channel, which may be configured to maximize heat absorption from the vaporized or decomposed substance. In some embodiments, the heating and cooling device may be a thermoelectric device, and a fan may be used to force airflow through one or more heat sinks to improve the device's efficiency.

Description

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 766,708, filed March 4, 2025, entitled “Heated and Cooled Inhalation Device,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] This invention belongs to the technical field of portable inhalation devices, and more specifically, relates to a heated and cooled inhalation device. Background Technology

[0003] Portable electronic inhalation devices rely on one or more thermal management components to vaporize the inhaled substance. These devices are typically equipped with resistance coils, ceramic heating elements, or other thermally active heating elements. Current portable inhalation devices have many shortcomings.

[0004] For example, the substances used in portable inhalation devices have extremely high temperature-sensitive viscosity; their viscosity increases significantly when the ambient temperature decreases. Increased viscosity hinders the flow of the substance to the heating element, resulting in insufficient delivery of the substance to the atomizer, leading to incomplete vaporization and negatively impacting the user experience.

[0005] For example, some portable inhalation devices attempt to preheat the storage tank using the atomizer heating element itself to address viscosity issues. This method suffers from low thermal efficiency and carries the risk of substance degradation. The atomizer heating element is designed for rapid, localized heating at the vaporization point, rather than uniform heating of the entire storage tank. This uneven heat distribution can cause thermal degradation in the parts of the substance directly in contact with the heating element, while most of the substance has not yet reached the appropriate vaporization temperature.

[0006] For example, the vaporization process inevitably produces high-temperature steam. After flowing through the airflow channel of the device, this high-temperature steam enters the user's respiratory tract directly without being actively cooled. Existing devices cannot actively cool the internal steam before the user inhales it.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need for a portable inhalation device that can both regulate the heat of the storage tank and control the temperature of the steam delivered to the user. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention provides a heated and cooled inhalation device to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background art.

[0009] In one exemplary embodiment, a heated and cooled inhalation device is provided, comprising: A heating and cooling device is configured to absorb heat from its first side and release heat from its second side; The airflow channel is thermally coupled to the first side of the heating and cooling device; The container is thermally coupled to the second side of the heating and cooling device; The atomizer is used to thermally decompose the substances in the container, and then the decomposed substances flow through the airflow channel.

[0010] A method for heating and cooling a suction device includes: The substance inside the container of the inhalation device is heated, and the heating is at least partially achieved by a heating and cooling device configured to absorb heat from a first side of the device and release heat from a second side of the device; The substance is at least partially vaporized by a heating component; The atomized material flows through an airflow channel, which is thermally coupled to the first side of the heating and cooling device. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, 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 some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the thermoelectric heating and cooling principle applicable to embodiments of this disclosure; Figure 2A This is an exemplary cross-sectional view of an inhalation device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, which can achieve heating of internal oil and internal cooling of an airflow containing vaporized oil. Figure 2B This is an exemplary cross-sectional view of another inhalation device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, which can achieve heating of internal oil and internal cooling of the inhalation airflow containing vaporized oil; Figure 2C This is an exemplary cross-sectional view of another inhalation device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, which can achieve heating of internal oil and internal cooling of the inhalation airflow containing vaporized oil. Figure 3 This is an exemplary perspective view of an inhalation device employing a heating and cooling apparatus according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 4 This is a partial perspective internal structural view of the device shown in FIG3 according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; Figure 5 Figures 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views of the apparatus shown according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Specific Implementation To make the technical problems to be solved, the technical solutions, and the beneficial effects of the present invention clearer, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0014] It should be noted that when a component is said to be "fixed to" or "set to" another component, it can be directly on or indirectly on that other component. When a component is said to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to or indirectly connected to that other component.

[0015] It should be understood that the terms "length", "width", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the present invention.

[0016] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of some inventions, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0017] This invention discloses an inhalation device for vaporizing a substance and controlling the temperature of the substance and its vapor production. An exemplary inhalation device includes a heating and cooling unit that absorbs heat from a first side and releases heat from a second side; for example, the heating and cooling unit may be a thermoelectric device. An airflow channel is thermally coupled to the first side of the heating and cooling unit, and a container holding the vaporizable substance is thermally coupled to the second side of the heating and cooling unit. The device may also include an atomizer for thermally decomposing the substance in the container. The decomposed substance flows through the airflow channel, which can maximize heat absorption from the vaporized or decomposed substance by incorporating guide vanes in certain areas. A fan can also force the airflow through one or more radiators to improve the device's efficiency.

[0018] For ease of expression, the term "heating and cooling device" as used in this disclosure refers, non-exclusively, to any device that absorbs heat on one side and releases heat on the other, including but not limited to thermoelectric devices based on the Peltier effect; the term "substance" refers, non-exclusively, to any vaporizable or combustible material suitable for inhalation, including oils, nicotine liquids, flavoring liquids, and other liquid, semi-liquid, or solid inhalable materials; the term "thermal decomposition" refers, non-exclusively, to any process by which a substance is converted from a liquid or solid state to a vapor or aerosol state through heating, including vaporization and combustion processes; and the term "airflow channel" refers, non-exclusively, to any channel, duct, or group of channels through which the vapor-air mixture is transported within the inhalation device. The above terms do not constitute any limitation and are merely illustrative expressions provided for ease of understanding.

[0019] Figure 1 A method for temperature management during the vaporization and inhalation process of an inhalation device is illustrated, beginning with step 110: a heating and cooling device heats the substance within the container. The purpose of this heating step is to increase the temperature of the substance, reduce its viscosity, and make it easier to vaporize. For example, oils and other viscous substances are more easily atomized when heated, resulting in more stable vapor. In some embodiments, the heating and cooling device transfers heat to the container via direct thermal coupling (e.g., shared walls, thermal interfaces).

[0020] Step 120: The heated substance undergoes at least partial vaporization. The vaporization process can be achieved using an atomizer or other thermal decomposition mechanism, converting the substance from a liquid or semi-liquid state into vapor or aerosol. Exemplarily, the atomizer locally heats the substance, causing a portion of it to convert into a gaseous phase. The resulting aerosol mixes with ambient air within the inhalation device, forming an aerosol mixture suitable for inhalation. This vaporization process releases heat, causing the temperature of the aerosol mixture to exceed the ambient temperature.

[0021] Step 130: The vaporized material flows through an airflow channel thermally coupled to the first side of the heating and cooling device. As the steam-air mixture flows through this channel, the heating and cooling device absorbs heat from the mixture, cooling it before it reaches the user's mouth. For example, the first side of the heating and cooling device absorbs heat from the steam, reducing the steam temperature to a more comfortable level for inhalation. Simultaneously, the absorbed heat is released through the second side of the heating and cooling device, which is thermally coupled to the storage container. This dual-sided heat exchange characteristic allows the device to heat the material while cooling the steam, solving two thermal management challenges with a single component.

[0022] Step 140: Activate the fan inside the intake device body. This fan forces airflow through one or more radiators or heat exchange surfaces, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency and enhancing the overall thermal management performance of the device. In some embodiments, the fan turns on in response to user input (such as pressing a button) or the initiation of the intake cycle; in other embodiments, the fan runs continuously or starts and stops based on a temperature threshold detected by sensors inside the device.

[0023] Figure 2A-2C Cross-sectional views of various exemplary inhalation devices from which the operating methods can be implemented. For example... Figure 2A As shown, the heating and cooling device 210 can be arranged longitudinally along the center of the suction device, dividing the device into a hot side and a cold side. Its hot side is in thermal contact with the container 240 containing the oil or other liquid to be atomized. By heating the oil, the normal atomization and operation of the suction device are ensured.

[0024] Simultaneously, the cold side of the heating and cooling device 210 exchanges heat with the airflow channel 230. When the user inhales through the mouthpiece 220, air is drawn in and flows through the atomizer 250. The atomizer heats the air and mixes it with a portion of the oil in the container 240, atomizing the oil. The atomized oil, after mixing with the hot air, flows through the airflow channel 230, where the heating and cooling device 210 absorbs heat from the hot air and cools it, providing the user with a more comfortable experience.

[0025] Figure 2B Another exemplary inhalation device is shown, which employs a heating and cooling device 215 with an annular cross-section. The central axis of the device passes through the center of the annular cross-section and is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the inhalation device itself, so that the center of the heating and cooling device 215 is aligned with the flow direction of the airflow 235 within the device.

[0026] As shown in the figure, the outer surface of the heating and cooling device 215 exchanges heat with the container 245 containing oil or other liquids. In this embodiment, the container 245 surrounds the outside of the heating and cooling device 215. The outer surface of the heating and cooling device 215 is the hot side, and the inner surface is the cold side.

[0027] In use, the user inhales through the nozzle 225, causing air to enter the atomizer 255 and be heated, thereby atomizing some of the material inside the container 245. The air heated by the atomizer 255 vaporizes some of the material inside the container 245, and the hot air carrying the vaporized material then flows through the airflow channel 235, achieving cooling through heat exchange with the low-temperature inner surface of the heating and cooling device 215.

[0028] Figure 2C Another embodiment is shown, which also employs a heating and cooling device 218 with an annular cross-section, but its hot and cold side configuration is different from that of the other embodiment. Figure 2BConversely, the inner surface of the heating and cooling device 218 releases heat, while the outer surface absorbs heat. In this embodiment, the oil container 248 is located inside the heating and cooling device 218 to receive the heat released from its inner surface. At the same time, the airflow carrying vaporized or combusted materials flows in the outer channel 238, and the outer surface of the heating and cooling device is cooled before the airflow is discharged through the suction nozzle 228.

[0029] Figure 3 This is an external perspective view of an inhalation device according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The view shows the device housing and user-operated components, with internal thermal management components and airflow structures integrated therein. The specific construction will be discussed in conjunction with... Figure 4 and Figure 5 To elaborate further, this device integrates heating, cooling, atomization, and airflow control functions into a compact, portable structure suitable for handheld operation.

[0030] like Figure 3 As shown, the main housing of the inhalation device is composed of a body portion 310, which is a roughly rectangular shell with rounded edges. This body portion 310 provides structural protection for the internal components and also determines the overall shape of the device. A lower body portion 320 is located at the bottom of the body portion 310, forming the base area of ​​the housing. This lower area features a curved corner design, smoothly transitioning from the vertical sidewall to the base, creating a stable support surface when the device is placed on a flat surface. For example, in some configurations, support protrusions or support feet slightly lift the device off the support surface, allowing airflow beneath the device and promoting heat dissipation from the internal components.

[0031] A set of air vents 330 is provided near the top edge of the body section 310. These vents consist of several short, parallel protrusions or recesses spanning a portion of the top surface, and may also employ other configurations. These vents 330 allow air to enter and exit the interior of the body section 310, promoting heat dissipation from internal thermal management components through convective airflow. Exemplarily, a heating and cooling device (in conjunction with...) Figure 4 and Figure 5 (Explanation) The hot air released from the second side is discharged from the body part 310 through this vent, maintaining the temperature difference between the two sides of the heating and cooling device and improving the overall thermal efficiency. In some configurations, the air vent 330 is designed to guide the exhaust airflow away from the nozzle 340, preventing the hot exhaust gas from mixing with the cooling steam flow discharged from the nozzle 340.

[0032] The nozzle 340 extends upward from the top surface of the body portion 310, forming a tower-like protrusion. Its vertical portion is roughly rectangular, with a circular opening at the top. Located near a corner of the body portion 310, the nozzle 340 provides an ergonomic air outlet through which the user inhales a cooled vapor-air mixture. The circular opening at the top of the nozzle 340 marks the end of the internal airflow channel, through which the treated vapor-air mixture is delivered to the user's mouth. In some examples, an internal contour design or tapered structure guides the vapor-air mixture smoothly from the internal airflow channel to the outlet opening, reducing turbulence and improving the user experience.

[0033] Figure 3 The configuration shown gives the device a compact and portable form factor, suitable for handheld operation. The outer casing encloses the internal thermal management components, airflow channels, and vaporization mechanism, which are described in detail below. Figure 4 and Figure 5 By integrating heating, cooling, and airflow control functions into a single housing, this device addresses several thermal management challenges while maintaining a user-friendly design. In some examples, the housing 310 is made of insulating material to reduce heat transfer to the user's hands during operation, improving comfort and safety. In other examples, internal components are secured in designated positions via internal mounting structures or brackets, ensuring stable thermal coupling and airflow performance during repeated use.

[0034] Figure 4 An internal assembly view of the inhalation device, showing Figure 3 The thermal management components, airflow structure, and atomizing mechanism are located within the body section 310. This view shows the device after the outer casing has been removed or is semi-transparent, revealing the internal architecture that enables heating, cooling, and steam regulation. All components are mounted on a substrate, which supports and calibrates each component, ensuring proper heat conduction and airflow path operation of the entire device.

[0035] The vertical support structure on the left extends upward from the base plate and consists of several stacked or integrated components, labeled 420, 430, 440, and 450. Component 420 is a fan motor located near the top of the component, providing power for airflow within the device. Component 430 below the fan motor 420 contains fan blades that rotate under the drive of the motor 420, forcing airflow through adjacent channels and heat exchange surfaces, accelerating the intake of surrounding air, enhancing convective heat transfer, and improving thermal management efficiency. Component 440 is a heating and cooling device located next to the fan blades 430, having a first side for heat absorption and a second side for heat dissipation. For example, this heating and cooling device 440 operates based on the Peltier effect, transferring heat energy from one side to the other when energized. Component 450 is an airflow channel with guide vanes located above the heating and cooling device 440, serving as a transmission channel for the steam-air mixture. The guide vanes within the channel 450 can change the airflow direction and increase turbulence, maximizing thermal contact between the steam-air mixture and the cold side of the heating and cooling device 440.

[0036] Component 440 is a heating and cooling device located next to fan blade 430, having a first side for heat absorption and a second side for heat dissipation. This device can extend vertically (see Figure 5 for details). Its configuration is as follows: the cold side is thermally coupled to the airflow channel 450, and the hot side is thermally coupled to the fan, radiator, and / or storage container. Exemplarily, the heating and cooling device 440 operates based on the Peltier effect, transferring heat energy from one side to the other when energized.

[0037] Component 450 is a flow-guiding airflow channel located next to the heating and cooling device 440. It is a transmission channel for the steam-air mixture. The guide vanes in the channel can change the airflow direction and increase turbulence, so that the steam-air mixture can achieve maximum thermal contact with the cold side of the heating and cooling device 440.

[0038] Above the airflow channel 450 is a suction nozzle tube 410 (shown as a dashed line in the figure). The dashed line indicates that this component is semi-transparent, detachable, or located behind other components from this perspective. The suction nozzle tube 410 connects the airflow channel 450 and the suction nozzle 340 (in combination). Figure 3 (Note) Connected together, it is a channel for delivering the cooled steam-air mixture from the thermal management components to the user's mouth. In some embodiments, the vertical arrangement of components 410 to 450 forms a continuous airflow path, guiding the steam-air mixture from the vaporization zone through the thermal conditioning zone, and finally to the outlet of the mouthpiece 340.

[0039] The right-side outer casing of the main body 310 houses a container 460 for storing substances to be atomized, such as oils, nicotine liquids, or other liquid or semi-liquid inhalable substances. In some embodiments, the container 460 is equipped with a threaded cap, a snap-on cap, or a resilient seal to facilitate the user in replenishing the container.

[0040] The heat-conducting fins 470 are connected between the hot side of the heating and cooling device 440 and the container 460, increasing the heat exchange surface area between the heating and cooling device 440 and the material inside the container 460. This allows heat to be conducted from the second side of the heating and cooling device 440 to the material, causing the material to heat up and its viscosity to decrease, thereby promoting vaporization. For example, the heat-conducting fins 470 are made of aluminum, copper, or other highly thermally conductive metals. By increasing the contact area between the heat source and the material, the heating rate and heating uniformity are improved, ensuring stable vaporization performance.

[0041] The heating and cooling device 440 is designed such that its first side (cold side) is thermally coupled to the flow channel 450, absorbing heat as the steam-air mixture flows through the channel; its second side (hot side) releases the absorbed heat, and the hot side is thermally coupled to one or more heat dissipation structures, in some examples, the hot side is coupled to the heat conduction fins 470.

[0042] In other examples, the hot side is coupled to fan motor 420, fan blades 430, or a dedicated heat sink, using a fan to force ambient airflow through the device and carry away absorbed heat. In still other examples, the hot side is coupled to multiple structures simultaneously, transferring heat to both container 460 and the fan assembly, optimizing overall thermal management through multi-path heat distribution. Internal components also include mounting brackets, insulation materials, and sealing gaskets, which maintain precise alignment of components and prevent unintended heat transfer between hot and cold areas. By placing these components between the left-side components and container 460, the device achieves efficient thermal management while maintaining a compact overall size.

[0043] Figure 4 The internal components shown integrate multiple thermal management functions into a unified structure: the vertical components on the left (components 410-450) realize airflow control, thermal regulation and steam delivery; the container 460 and heat conduction fins 470 are responsible for material storage and thermal regulation; the fan motor 420 and fan blades 430 force air to flow through the device and heat conduction fins 470, enhancing the convective heat transfer effect of the heating and cooling device 440; the guide airflow channel 450 maximizes the thermal contact between the steam-air mixture and the cold side of the heating and cooling device 440, while the heat conduction fins 470 maximize the thermal contact between the hot side of the device 440 and the material in the container 460, as well as the airflow driven by the fan 420.

[0044] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the inhalation device shows Figure 3 and Figure 4The airflow path, thermal interface, and component arrangement inside the body section 310 present a vertically stacked structure of internal components, as well as the routing of two independent airflow channels within the device. The figure distinguishes between the cooling airflow path 510 and the heating airflow path 520 using a legend. In some embodiments, the two airflow paths can operate simultaneously within the device, each achieving different thermal management functions; in other embodiments, either airflow path can operate independently, meaning the device can be configured for cooling only, heating only, or simultaneous heating and cooling modes.

[0045] like Figure 5 As shown, the device housing includes a body portion 310 forming the right side wall and a lower body portion 320 forming the lower right rounded corner, and... Figure 3 The external features are consistent; the top surface of the outer shell is provided with an internal upper plate or partition, corresponding to the vent 330, which spans the upper width of the device; the left side of the outer shell gradually narrows upward to form a conical area corresponding to the nozzle 340, through which the cooled steam-air mixture is discharged from the device and delivered to the user end.

[0046] Figure 5 The cross-sectional view shows the horizontally layered structure of the device from left (outer side) to right (inner side): the airflow channel wall 550 is the leftmost outer boundary, forming an outer channel through which the steam-air mixture flows downward as part of the cooling airflow path 510; the inner wall of the outer channel is also the outer wall of the guide airflow channel 450, becoming the common boundary of the two flow channels; the other side of the guide airflow channel 450 is thermally coupled to the first side (cold side) of the heating and cooling device 440, so that the device 440 can absorb heat when the steam-air mixture flows through the guide channel.

[0047] Container 460 is located on the right side of the heating chamber, adjacent to it. One side of Container 460 is in contact with the heat-conducting fins 470 and is connected to the hot airflow within the heating chamber. This thermal coupling causes the material inside Container 460 to heat up and its viscosity to decrease, promoting vaporization at the bottom of the container. To the right of Container 460 is Battery Compartment 530, located at the far right of the device, which houses the battery that powers the fan motor 420, heating and cooling device 440, and other active components. Battery Compartment 530 is isolated from the thermal management components by Container 460, reducing heat transfer to the battery and improving the safety and performance of the device.

[0048] Multiple components within the heating chamber are arranged vertically from top to bottom, forming a vertically stacked structure through which the heating airflow channel 520 passes. A vent 330 is located at the top to introduce ambient air into the heating chamber. After entering through the vent 330, the fan motor 420 drives the blades 430, forcing the air downwards through the chamber and across the heat-conducting fins 470. The heat-conducting fins 470 are located in the central vertical region of the heating chamber, absorbing heat from the hot side of the heating module 440 to heat the container 460. A lower air outlet 560 is located at the bottom of this vertically stacked structure, through which the heated air is discharged from the heating chamber, releasing heat energy into the surrounding environment. In some embodiments, the vertical arrangement of the components minimizes the horizontal footprint of the heating chamber, allowing the device to maintain a compact overall shape while possessing sufficient airflow and heat transfer capabilities.

[0049] Extending inward from the cooling side, the second side (hot side) of the heating and cooling device 440 faces the heating chamber. The heating chamber houses a fan motor 420, fan blades 430, and heat-conducting fins 470. This heating chamber serves as the flow space for the heating airflow path 520, allowing heat energy to be extracted from the hot side of the device 440. The heat-conducting fins 470 extend horizontally from the hot side of the device 440 to the container 460, which forms the opposite side wall of the heating chamber. For example, by increasing the convective heat transfer surface area, the fins 470 enhance the efficiency of the fan-driven airflow in absorbing heat from the hot side of the device 440 and transferring it to the container 460 or completely exhausting it from the device.

[0050] The heating airflow path 520 is indicated by a flow arrow in the cross-sectional view, indicating the general direction of air flow in the heating chamber: As described above, ambient air enters the heating chamber through the ventilation hole 330, sweeps over the heat conduction fins 470 under the drive of the fan blades 430, absorbs heat from the hot side of the device 440, and continues to flow downward to the lower chamber near the base of the container 460; in this lower chamber, the heated air mixes with the ambient air entering through the lower vent 560, preheats the bottom of the container 460 to promote vaporization, and is then discharged through the lower vent 560, dissipating the heat energy to the surrounding environment.

[0051] The cooling airflow path 510 is indicated by a flow arrow in the cross-sectional view, indicating the overall path of the aerosol-air mixture from the atomization zone to the nozzle 340: the atomization process occurs at the bottom of the container 460, where the atomizer or heating component (not separately labeled) thermally decomposes the material; the resulting aerosol-air mixture escapes from the top of the container and enters the intermediate airflow channel 540, which is horizontally arranged along the upper part of the device. This intermediate airflow channel is located above the fan motor 420 and fan blades 430, but does not occupy the entire width of the upper part of the device, allowing hot air from the heating airflow path 520 to enter the fan chamber downward through the ventilation hole 330.

[0052] The aerosol mixture flows downward from the intermediate airflow channel 540 along the airflow channel wall 550, which forms the outer boundary of the cooling airflow path on the left side of the device. Subsequently, the aerosol mixture turns upward and enters the guide airflow channel 450, where the first side (cold side) of the heating-cooling device 440 absorbs heat from the mixture. In some embodiments, the cold side of the heating-cooling device 440 can be thermally coupled to multiple parts of the intermediate airflow channel 540, the airflow channel wall 550, the guide airflow channel 450, or the cooling airflow path 510 simultaneously, maximizing heat absorption and reducing the temperature of the aerosol mixture before it reaches the user's mouth. The cooled aerosol mixture continues upward through the suction nozzle tube 410 and is finally discharged from the suction nozzle 340.

[0053] Figure 5 The cross-sectional view illustrates how the cooling airflow channel 510 and the heating airflow channel 520 operate in parallel within the device without causing thermal interference: the two airflow channels are physically isolated to ensure that the hot air exhausted from the heating chamber does not mix with the cooling vapor-air mixture flowing towards the suction nozzle 340. Exemplarily, the airflow channel walls 550 are made of insulating material to reduce conductive heat exchange between adjacent airflow channels, maintaining the temperature difference required for effective thermal management.

[0054] Figure 5 The layout shown allows the device to perform two functions simultaneously: cooling the vapor-air mixture to provide a comfortable inhalation experience for the user, and dissipating waste heat through the bottom vent 560, completing all thermal management tasks with a single compact component. By directing two airflow paths into independent channels separated by airflow channel walls 550, the device achieves efficient thermal regulation without the need for an additional housing or complex piping systems.

[0055] Figures 3 to 5 The specific configuration shown is an exemplary arrangement of the internal components of the inhalation device. Other configurations are also feasible and are all within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the heating and cooling device 440 does not need to be arranged horizontally alongside the fan assembly. In some examples, the heating and cooling device is arranged vertically above or below the fan assembly, and its cold side dissipates heat through thermal coupling with the airflow channel surrounding or penetrating the device. In other examples, the heating and cooling device is installed at an angle relative to the main airflow direction, so that the cold side can exchange heat from multiple directions, while the heating side exhausts heat into a dedicated exhaust chamber.

[0056] Figure 4-5The heat-conducting fins 470 shown extend horizontally within the heating cavity. This disclosure also considers other fin configurations: in some examples, the fins extend vertically, forming a vertical array of heat transfer surfaces through which a fan-driven airflow can pass; in other examples, the fins are arranged radially around a central axis, maximizing the surface area within a cylindrical or annular heating cavity; the fins may also not employ a planar structure. In some configurations, curved, corrugated, or needle-like fin structures can enhance turbulence effects, thereby improving convective heat transfer efficiency. Furthermore, thermal coupling between the heating side 440 and the liquid storage container 460 can be achieved by replacing the separate fins with heat-conducting plates, heat pipes, or direct contact interfaces.

[0057] Figure 5 In the cooling airflow path 510 shown, the airflow flows downward along the outer wall 550 and then turns to enter the guide airflow channel 450. Other path designs are also possible in this disclosure: Example 1: After leaving the container 460, the steam-air mixture directly enters the guide airflow channel, without needing to flow downward along the outer wall, thus shortening the overall flow path length and reducing pressure drop; Example 2: The cooling airflow path is provided with multiple parallel channels, splitting the steam-air mixture into multiple independent airflows. Each airflow is thermally coupled to different areas on the cold side of the device 440, and finally re-converges upstream of the suction nozzle 340. The heating airflow path 520 can also adopt a variable design: ambient air can enter through the side vents instead of the top vents, or be drawn in through the lower vent 560 and discharged from the top vent 330, achieving [the desired effect]. Figure 5 The flow patterns shown are in opposite directions.

[0058] Figure 4-5 The central fan motor 420 and fan blades 430 are located at the top of the heating chamber, but other arrangements are also possible. For example, the fan assembly can be located at the bottom of the heating chamber, drawing air downwards through the top vent 330 and forcing the airflow upwards through the heat conduction fins 470, finally exhausting from the side or top exhaust vents. In some examples, multiple small fans distributed within the heating chamber can replace a single centralized fan, improving airflow uniformity and reducing operating noise. The fan can employ a variable-speed operation mode controlled by a microcontroller, dynamically adjusting the fan speed based on temperature sensor data, user input commands, or battery power levels to achieve an optimal balance between thermal performance and power consumption under different operating conditions.

[0059] Figure 4-5The container 460 shown can be a freestanding cartridge located adjacent to the heating chamber. This cartridge can employ any container structure, such as an industry-standard 510 threaded cartridge, a refillable cartridge, or other types of containers. Exemplary alternative container configurations include: an integrated liquid reservoir molded within the device housing; a pre-filled disposable cartridge that snaps in place without user filling; and modular container assemblies that can be replaced according to different materials or capacity requirements. The container may also not be located on the right side of the heating chamber. In some embodiments, the container can be arranged partially or completely around the heating chamber to maximize the thermal contact area and improve heating uniformity. In other embodiments, multiple distributed small containers are used, each thermally coupled to a different area on the hot side of the device 440, allowing the user to vaporize multiple materials simultaneously or sequentially while avoiding cross-contamination.

[0060] Figure 5 The cooling airflow path 510 shown includes several transition sections with varying cross-sectional areas of the airflow channels, which can achieve additional cooling through the expansion effect: for example, when the steam-air mixture flows out of the intermediate air channel 540 and enters the downward channel along the airflow channel wall 550, the channel width increases, causing the mixture to expand. According to Bernoulli's and Venturi's principles, this expansion reduces the pressure and temperature of the mixture, thereby assisting the heating and cooling device 440 in achieving active cooling. Similarly, the transition section from the guide airflow channel 450 to the nozzle flow tube 410 has an expansion cross-section, allowing the mixture to expand and cool further before reaching the user's mouth. In some examples, the nozzle 340 itself adopts an expansion outlet structure to reduce the flow rate and temperature of the ejected steam-air mixture, improving inhalation comfort. An expansion zone can also be provided in the transition area from the container 460 to the intermediate air channel 540, allowing the newly atomized material to cool down appropriately before entering the main cooling channel, reducing the heat load on the heating and cooling device 440.

[0061] The heating method employed in the embodiments described in this disclosure overcomes many limitations inherent in traditional atomizer technology that uses heating coils in direct contact with the material. Traditional heating methods suffer from low heat transfer efficiency, often resulting in excessively long heating times, uneven heating, and localized scorching of the material in contact with the coil, affecting flavor and producing harmful byproducts. In contrast, the heating and cooling device 440 (such as a thermoelectric device based on the Peltier effect) indirectly heats the material through heat-conducting fins 470 or other thermal interfaces, ensuring uniform heat distribution within the container 460. This indirect heating method reduces the risk of localized overheating of the material, preserving its flavor and chemical integrity. Compared to resistance coils, it enables a faster and more controllable heating process.

[0062] Given that the device needs to manage multiple temperature zones and airflow paths, sensor-based feedback control can improve device performance and user experience. In some embodiments, temperature sensors are positioned in multiple locations, including inside or near container 460, along cooling airflow path 510, inside the heating chamber, and on the heating-cooling device 440 itself. The microcontroller receives temperature readings and adjusts the power supplied to the heating-cooling device 440 to maintain the target temperature. For example, if the temperature of the steam-air mixture exceeds a threshold, the microcontroller will increase the power of device 440 to enhance cooling; if the material temperature is below the target value, the microcontroller will increase the heating power. The consistency of the material inside container 460 can also be detected by viscosity or flow sensors, and the microcontroller adjusts the heating power based on feedback signals to maintain the optimal vapor viscosity of the material. Fan speed can also be controlled based on sensor feedback, increasing airflow speed when higher cooling capacity is needed and decreasing airflow speed to save battery power when the heat load is low. This adaptive control optimizes the device's thermal performance, power consumption, and battery life according to different usage modes and environmental conditions.

[0063] Figure 4-5 The described flow-guiding airflow channel 450 includes internal structures that alter the flow direction of the steam-air mixture, enhance turbulence, and maximize its contact area with the cold side of the heating / cooling device 440 for heat exchange. In some examples, these internal structures are deflecting blades, which can be thin, inclined plates or fins extending into the airflow channel to guide the steam-air mixture to the cold-side surface. The deflecting blades can be positioned at different angles relative to the mainstream direction, forming swirling or sawtooth flow patterns and extending the residence time of the steam-air mixture within the channel. For example, a series of alternately counter-oriented guide blades form a serpentine flow path, forcing the steam-air mixture to contact the cold-side surface multiple times before leaving the channel. In other examples, the guide blades are curved or spiral-shaped, inducing rotating airflow and improving the convective heat transfer coefficient. The blades can be integrally formed with the airflow channel wall or installed as independent components; their spacing, angle, and geometry can be optimized to achieve an optimal balance between thermal performance, pressure drop, and airflow resistance.

[0064] The nozzle 340 and nozzle flow tube 410 can employ a Venturi tube design to achieve additional cooling by controlling the expansion and acceleration of the aerosol-air mixture. In some embodiments, the nozzle flow tube 410 has a narrowing section between the guide airflow channel 450 and the outlet opening of the nozzle 340. When the aerosol-air mixture flows into this narrowing section, its velocity increases and its pressure decreases according to the Venturi effect. Downstream of the narrowing section, the flow channel cross-section expands again, causing the aerosol-air mixture to decelerate during pressure recovery and further cool down. This expansion cooling effect assists the heating and cooling device 440 in achieving active cooling, reducing the final temperature of the aerosol-air mixture delivered to the user. Exemplarily, the diameter of the narrowing section is smaller than the diameter of the upstream and downstream flow channels, which can create a significant pressure drop and velocity increase; the expansion section downstream of the narrowing section can adopt a gradual (diffuser geometry) or abrupt (sudden expansion) design, depending on the ideal balance between cooling effect and pressure recovery. The Venturi tube structure also creates local low-pressure areas, which can draw more ambient air into the vapor-air mixture through the auxiliary air inlet, diluting the vapor concentration and further cooling the mixture.

[0065] In some embodiments, the device includes an auxiliary airflow channel that can introduce ambient air into the main channel from one or more locations along the length of the cooling airflow path 510. The auxiliary airflow channel provides a secondary source of cooling air; the ambient air mixes with the steam-air mixture, reducing the steam concentration through dilution and lowering the temperature through mixing. For example, the auxiliary channel connects the lower vent 560 to the intermediate airflow channel 540, allowing ambient air to enter the cooling airflow path 510 upstream of the guide airflow channel 450, reducing the heat load on the heating and cooling device 440. In other embodiments, the auxiliary channel connects to the airflow channel wall 550 or the guide airflow channel 450 at multiple points, gradually introducing ambient air along the flow path. The auxiliary channel may be equipped with a one-way valve or a flow limiter to control the input amount of auxiliary air, thereby regulating the steam concentration and cooling rate.

[0066] In some embodiments, the device includes a liquid filtration module within the cooling airflow path 510, through which the aerosol mixture flows before reaching the user's mouth. This liquid filtration module removes particulate matter, condensed droplets, or non-target chemicals from the aerosol mixture, improving the purity and quality of the inhaled aerosol. The module contains a chamber housing a liquid filter medium, which may be water, glycerol, propylene glycol, or other liquids with selective adsorption or retention properties for contaminants. As the aerosol mixture passes through or bubbles through the liquid filter medium, particulate matter and water-soluble compounds dissolve or are retained in the liquid, while the gaseous components continue to pass through the module. For example, the liquid filtration module is positioned between the guide airflow channel 450 and the mouthpiece channel 410, allowing the cooled aerosol mixture to be filtered through the liquid medium immediately before being delivered to the user. The user can periodically replace or replenish the liquid filter medium to maintain filtration performance.

[0067] although Figures 4 to 5 The embodiments shown depict a single heating and cooling device 440, but in some configurations, multiple heating and cooling devices can be distributed within the intake device. For example, a first heating and cooling device is used to cool the intermediate air passage 540, a second heating and cooling device is used to cool the airflow passage wall 550, and a third heating and cooling device is used to cool the guide airflow passage 450, enabling staged cooling of the steam-air mixture as it flows through the cooling airflow path 510; the hot sides of multiple devices are all thermally coupled to the same container 460, distributing the heat load to multiple thermal interfaces and improving heating uniformity. In some examples, multiple heating and cooling devices are arranged in series along the cooling airflow path 510, with each device absorbing a portion of the heat energy from the steam-air mixture; in other examples, multiple heating and cooling devices are arranged in parallel, with the steam-air mixture split into multiple independent airflows that pass through different devices before re-merging. Using multiple small devices instead of a single large device can improve device redundancy, achieve finer thermal control, and reduce the peak power requirements of the battery.

[0068] Those skilled in the art will understand other examples of this disclosure by considering the specification and examples disclosed herein. Although some methods described are presented as a series of steps, it should be understood that one or more steps may occur simultaneously, in an overlapping manner, or in a different order. The presented order of steps merely illustrates multiple possibilities, and these steps may be performed in any suitable manner. Furthermore, the various features of the examples described herein are not mutually exclusive. Rather, any feature of any example described herein can be incorporated into any other suitable example.

Claims

1. An inhalation device, characterized in that, include: A heating and cooling device is configured to absorb heat from its first side and release heat from its second side; The airflow channel is thermally coupled to the first side of the heating and cooling device; The container is thermally coupled to the second side of the heating and cooling device; The atomizer is used to thermally decompose the substances in the container, and then the decomposed substances flow through the airflow channel.

2. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The heating and cooling device is a thermoelectric device.

3. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The container is thermally coupled to the second side of the heating and cooling device via multiple heat sinks.

4. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The heating and cooling device is designed such that the airflow channel and the container are located on opposite sides of the inhalation device.

5. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes multiple of the aforementioned heating and cooling devices.

6. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The heating and cooling device is designed to surround the airflow channel, and the container surrounds the heating and cooling device.

7. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The airflow channel is equipped with multiple deflector vanes.

8. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a fan located inside the housing of the inhalation device, and the second side of the heating and cooling device dissipates heat by turning on the fan so that airflow flows to the second side.

9. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a nozzle with a built-in venturi tube, the venturi tube having a reduced diameter section that gradually expands before extending to the nozzle outlet end.

10. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an auxiliary airflow channel that supplies air to the airflow channel.

11. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, At least one section of the airflow channel has a special structure that allows the flowing fluid to expand.

12. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a temperature sensor, which is located at least at one position in the airflow channel and is used to detect the temperature of the fluid flowing through the airflow channel.

13. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a viscosity sensor, which is located inside the device and is used to detect the viscosity of the fluid inside the device.

14. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The heating and cooling device automatically adjusts the input power based on the input signal from the sensor inside the inhalation device.

15. An inhalation device, characterized in that, include: A heating and cooling device is configured to absorb heat from its first side and release heat from its second side; The airflow channel is thermally coupled to the first side of the heating and cooling device; The container is thermally coupled to the second side of the heating and cooling device; Atomizer is used to thermally decompose the substances in the container, and to allow the decomposed substances to flow through the airflow channel. A liquid filtration module is configured to allow the decomposed substances to pass through the liquid within the module.

16. The inhalation device as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, The heating and cooling device is a thermoelectric device.

17. A method for heating and cooling a suction device, characterized in that, include: The substance inside the container of the inhalation device is heated, and the heating is at least partially achieved by a heating and cooling device configured to absorb heat from a first side of the device and release heat from a second side of the device; The substance is at least partially vaporized by a heating component; The atomized material flows through an airflow channel, which is thermally coupled to the first side of the heating and cooling device.

18. The method as described in claim 17, characterized in that, The heating and cooling device is a thermoelectric device.

19. The method as described in claim 17, characterized in that, It also includes expanding the atomized material by increasing the cross-sectional diameter of the airflow channel.

20. The method as described in claim 17, characterized in that, It also includes activating a fan located inside the main body of the suction device, which generates airflow toward the second side of the heating and cooling device to dissipate heat on that side.

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