A composite aerosol-generating system

Abstract

The patent discloses a composite aerosol generating system, comprising: a first branch configured to flow through a first aerosol generated by a solid smoking substrate; a second branch configured to flow through a second aerosol generated by a liquid atomized substrate; a confluence channel; wherein the second branch communicates with the first branch through the confluence channel, so that in operation, the second aerosol is configured to merge into its flow path after the first aerosol is generated to form a mixed aerosol, and the mixed aerosol is sucked from the first branch, effectively solving the technical problem in the prior art that the atomized smoke aerosol covers the original flavor of the heated cigarette, ensuring that the final mixed aerosol can be dominated by the flavor of the heated cigarette, while also having the richness and sufficient smoke amount of the atomized smoke, significantly improving the level of the smoking experience and satisfaction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This patent relates to the field of novel tobacco aerosol generation technology, specifically to a composite aerosol generation system. Background Technology

[0002] Heated tobacco products (hereinafter referred to as "heated cigarettes"), as a representative of new tobacco products, have the core advantage of fully releasing nicotine and flavor substances in a specially formulated tobacco matrix through precisely controlled low-temperature heating technology (usually below 300℃), while minimizing the harmful substances produced during traditional combustion. This heating method not only significantly reduces health risks but, more importantly, fully preserves the rich aroma and complex flavor characteristics of the tobacco itself, providing traditional cigarette users with a familiar yet more technologically advanced alternative. Meanwhile, electronic atomization technology exhibits distinctly different advantages: it uses a liquid atomizing agent as a matrix, generating a large amount of rich and delicate aerosol within milliseconds through instantaneous vaporization by the atomizing element. Furthermore, thanks to the characteristics of the liquid matrix, various flavorings and fragrances can be flexibly added, achieving almost limitless flavor combinations from fruits and beverages to desserts, greatly expanding the boundaries of the taste experience of tobacco products.

[0003] However, these two technological systems differ fundamentally in their aerosol generation kinetics, directly hindering their effective integration. Heated tobacco, based on the physical properties of a solid tobacco matrix, follows specific heat conduction laws in its aerosol generation process: a certain amount of time is required from the start of heating to the tobacco matrix reaching its optimal release temperature range, and the aerosol release is gradual and continuous, with an unavoidable "lag" throughout the process. In contrast, atomized tobacco, based on the physical properties of a liquid matrix, generates aerosols almost instantaneously upon energization, exhibiting explosive and immediate characteristics, with a faster response time than heated tobacco systems. When existing technologies attempt to simply combine the two, this fundamental kinetic difference leads to severe sensory conflict—the large amount of atomized tobacco aerosol generated in the early stages not only prematurely occupies the user's sensory channels, creating a strong "first impression," but also, through physical dilution and sensory masking effects, severely interferes with the perception of the subsequent, slowly released, and more delicate aroma of heated tobacco. This imbalance in sensory experience caused by the uncoordinated timing of smoke generation has become a key technological bottleneck restricting the development of composite aerosol products, and urgently needs to be solved through innovative system architecture design. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this patent is to provide a composite aerosol generation system, which mixes atomized smoke aerosol with a solid smoke-generating substrate after smoke is generated, and achieves a smoking experience with the original flavor of heated smoke as the main component and the smoke from the atomizing agent as the secondary component, thereby solving the problems of excessive atomizing agent flavor and masking of the original flavor of heated smoke in the prior art.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this patent adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A composite aerosol generation system includes: a first branch configured to circulate a first aerosol generated from a solid smoke-generating substrate; a second branch configured to circulate a second aerosol generated from a liquid atomizing substrate; and a confluence channel; wherein the second branch is connected to the first branch via the confluence channel, such that during operation, the second aerosol is configured to flow into its flow path after the first aerosol is generated to form a mixed aerosol, and the mixed aerosol is drawn from the first branch.

[0007] Furthermore, the second end of the confluence channel is connected to the outlet of the second branch.

[0008] Furthermore, the first end is connected to the first branch.

[0009] Furthermore, the first branch includes a cavity for accommodating the solid smoke-generating substrate and a heater.

[0010] Furthermore, the carrier of the solid smoke-generating substrate is a heated cigarette.

[0011] Furthermore, the connection point between the confluence channel and the first branch is located downstream of the heating smoke branch.

[0012] Furthermore, the heated cigarette also includes a hollow section located downstream of it.

[0013] Furthermore, the hollow section has pores on its peripheral wall.

[0014] Furthermore, the first end of the confluence channel is positioned flush with or adjacent to the vent.

[0015] Furthermore, the second branch includes a hopper for storing the liquid atomized substrate.

[0016] Furthermore, the top of the silo is equipped with an openable sealing cover.

[0017] Furthermore, the heater is configured to internally heat the solid smoke-generating substrate.

[0018] Furthermore, the system is configured to incorporate the second aerosol after the first aerosol is generated, such that the first aerosol dominates in the mixed aerosol.

[0019] The heater in the first branch of this patent can be implemented using one or more combinations of the following heating principles, depending on actual needs. For example, resistance heating: Resistance heating is one of the most mature and widely used heating technologies in the field. Its basic principle is to directly convert electrical energy into heat energy when current passes through a conductor with resistance (heating element). The system battery supplies power to the heating element, which heats up due to its own resistance. The heat is mainly transferred to the solid smoking substrate in contact with it through thermal conduction and thermal radiation. The heating element can be designed in various forms, including but not limited to: a central heating rod: a needle-shaped, rod-shaped, or sheet-shaped heating element that is inserted into the interior of the heated cigarette during operation. A circumferential heating cylinder: a cylindrical heating element that surrounds the outer periphery of the heated cigarette during operation. A composite heating element: a combination of a central heating rod and a circumferential heating cylinder to achieve a more three-dimensional heating effect; Infrared heating: Infrared heating is a heating method based on radiative heat transfer. Its principle is that after the heating element is energized, it emits infrared rays of a specific wavelength. These rays are absorbed by the solid smoking substrate, directly causing increased molecular vibration within the substrate, thereby generating heat throughout the material. The system drives an infrared heating element (such as carbon fiber, ceramic, or a specific alloy material) to generate far-infrared or mid-infrared radiation. This radiation can penetrate the air gap and be directly absorbed by the solid matrix, achieving rapid and uniform heating from the inside out. Infrared heating can be deployed by arranging infrared radiation tubes or radiation coatings around the cavity; Electromagnetic induction heating: Electromagnetic induction heating is a technology that uses the principle of electromagnetic induction (eddy current effect / hysteresis loss) to make the metal sensor heat up itself. The AC circuit in the system generates a high-frequency alternating magnetic field. The metal sensor placed in this magnetic field (such as a metal sheet implanted in the cigarette or placed on the cavity wall) will induce eddy currents, thereby rapidly heating up and then transferring the heat to the adjacent tobacco matrix.

[0020] Preferably, in this patent, the heater of the first branch adopts a center resistance heating method.

[0021] The solid smoke-generating substrate in the first branch is a smoking article, preferably, the aerosol-forming matrix includes nicotine. In some preferred embodiments, the solid smoke-generating substrate includes tobacco. For example, the solid smoke-generating substrate may be formed from sheets of homogeneous tobacco. Alternatively or additionally, the solid smoke-generating substrate may include a tobacco-free aerosol-forming material. For example, the aerosol-forming material may be a sheet comprising nicotine salts and an aerosol-forming agent. The solid smoke-generating substrate may include one or more of powders, granules, pellets, fragments, strips, bars, or sheets, containing one or more of herbaceous leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco ribs, flat tobacco, and homogeneous tobacco. In this patent, the term aerosol-forming agent describes any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds that promotes aerosol formation in use and is substantially heat-resistant to degradation at the operating temperature of the aerosol-generating article. Suitable aerosol forming agents are known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyols, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and glycerol; esters of polyols, such as glycerol monoacetate, glycerol diacetate, or glycerol triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di-, or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanoate and dimethyl tetradecanoate. Preferred aerosol forming agents are polyols or mixtures thereof, such as propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol, and most preferably glycerol. A solid smoke-generating substrate may comprise a single aerosol forming agent. Alternatively, an aerosol-forming matrix may comprise a combination of two or more aerosol forming agents.

[0022] Preferably, the solid smoke-generating substrate has an aerosol forming agent content of more than 5% by dry weight. More preferably, the solid smoke-generating substrate may have an aerosol forming agent content between about 5% and about 30% by dry weight. In one embodiment, the solid smoke-generating substrate has an aerosol forming agent content of about 20% by dry weight.

[0023] Preferably, the carrier of the solid smoking substrate is a heated cigarette, which includes the solid smoking substrate, a cooling element, and a mouthpiece. Preferably, the aforementioned element is generally cylindrical and has a substantially uniform outer diameter. The various parts of the cigarette are surrounded by an outer packaging. The outer packaging is formed of any suitable material or combination of materials. Preferably, the outer packaging is cigarette paper.

[0024] The mouthpiece may be located directly downstream of and in close proximity to the cooling element. The mouthpiece may include a filter. The filter may be formed of one or more suitable filter materials. Many such filter materials are known in the art. In one embodiment, the mouthpiece may include a filter formed of cellulose acetate tow.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of this patent, the structure of the heated cigarette is specifically optimized to achieve more thorough and uniform instantaneous mixing with the second aerosol delivered through the confluence channel. Specifically, multiple air holes are provided on the circumferential wall of the cooling element of the cigarette. These air holes can be uniformly or non-uniformly arrayed along the circumference. The first end of the confluence channel is preferably positioned flush with or directly opposite these air holes. When the first aerosol flows through the cooling section, external air and the second aerosol introduced through the confluence channel can flow into the main stream of the first aerosol from multiple directions with higher turbulence through these air holes.

[0026] The second branch of this patent can atomize a liquid atomizing substrate. This technical approach differs fundamentally from the first branch's heat-not-burn technology in that it generates an aerosol through physical vaporization rather than pyrolysis of the solid matrix. The liquid atomizing substrate, commonly referred to as e-liquid or atomizing liquid, is a homogeneous mixture that is liquid at room temperature. Its formulation is designed to ensure effective vaporization and the formation of a sensorily acceptable aerosol at relatively low temperatures (typically much lower than the heating temperature of the solid smoke-generating substrate). The main components of the liquid atomizing substrate are one or more aerosol-forming agents, which function similarly to those in the solid matrix, but act as solvents and carriers in the liquid state. The most core and common is a mixture of propylene glycol and glycerin. The atomizing element in the second branch operates based on the principle of resistance heating. A preferred design uses a metal heating wire as the heating element. When current passes through, the heating wire rapidly heats up to the operating temperature through the Joule effect. The e-liquid, which is in direct or indirect contact with the heating wire, is instantaneously vaporized through capillary action, thus completing the efficient conversion from a liquid state to an aerosol state.

[0027] This patent provides a composite aerosol generation system, which has the following advantages compared to the prior art:

[0028] This technology fundamentally solves the technical challenge of flavor masking: through an innovative "heating before atomization" timing control design, it ensures that the first aerosol generated by the heated cigarette forms first and establishes the dominant flavor profile, while the atomized aerosol introduced later serves only as a supplement. This timing arrangement effectively avoids the problem in existing technologies where the atomized aerosol is generated too early and in excessive amounts, thus masking the delicate tobacco aroma of the heated cigarette. It truly achieves the sensory experience goal of "heated cigarette as the main component, atomized cigarette as an auxiliary component."

[0029] Flavor adjustment is achieved through a unique physical structural design: the system innovatively employs a combination of a confluence channel and a specific branch structure. Through a purely physical structural design rather than a complex electronic control system, the timing effect of the second aerosol converging after the first aerosol is generated is naturally and inevitably achieved. This integrated structural and temporal design scheme is not only highly reliable but also cost-effective.

[0030] A synergistic mixing mechanism has been created: by setting circumferential air holes in the cooling section of the heated cigarette and positioning the outlet of the confluence channel at or near the air holes, the second aerosol can flow into the main stream of the first aerosol from multiple directions with high turbulence. This multi-inlet mixing mechanism greatly enhances the mixing uniformity of the two aerosols at the microscale, ensuring a consistent taste and distinct flavor profile with every puff. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The above content of this patent and the following detailed embodiments will be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the drawings are merely examples of the claimed technical solution.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a composite aerosol generation system;

[0033] The reference numerals in the attached figures are explained as follows:

[0034] First branch road: 100

[0035] Solid smoke-generating substrate: 110

[0036] Heated cigarette: 120

[0037] Stomata: 130

[0038] Heater: 140

[0039] Second branch road: 200

[0040] Liquid atomizing substrate: 210

[0041] Storage bin: 220

[0042] Sealing cap: 230

[0043] Atomizing element: 250

[0044] Convergence Channel: 300

[0045] First end: 310 Detailed Implementation

[0046] The detailed features and advantages of this patent are described below in the specific embodiments. The content is sufficient to enable any person skilled in the art to understand the technical content of this patent and implement it accordingly. Based on the specification, claims and drawings disclosed in this specification, a person skilled in the art can easily understand the related objectives and advantages of this patent.

[0047] This specification also uses several compound terms to describe devices, components, equipment, etc. that include more than one function, or to assign additional functions to a corresponding device, component, equipment, etc. Those skilled in the art will understand that such compound terms can be implemented by a single or multiple devices, components, equipment, etc., as long as they are reasonable under the interpretation rules of this patent terminology.

[0048] It should be noted that in this specification, similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and interpreted in subsequent figures. In this specification and claims, several terms will be used, and unless otherwise indicated, these terms will be defined as having the following meanings:

[0049] The terms “comprising” or “having” have the same meaning as “containing”, and also include other forms of the term, such as the gerund and singular forms in English, meaning including but not limited to, and not intended to exclude, for example, other elements, components, integers or steps.

[0050] All other terms used herein for special definition are intended to have the general meaning understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, and in particular, meaning that one of ordinary skill in the art, upon reading the claims, specification and drawings of this patent, can directly and without doubt determine how the technical solution of this patent can be implemented.

[0051] Even if there are incomplete descriptions, omissions, or ambiguities in the grammar, words, punctuation, graphics, symbols, etc. of the claims, specification, and drawings of this patent, a person skilled in the art can still arrive at the only correct understanding by reading the claims, specification, and drawings as a whole without extensive reasoning or experimentation, and effectively exclude various incorrect interpretations that are not aimed at achieving the purpose of this patent.

[0052] Those skilled in the art would first choose to read the claims, specification, and drawings of this patent to reasonably interpret the terms; secondly, they would choose to refer to the relevant definitions in other documents published by the applicant before the filing date to reasonably interpret the terms; thirdly, they would choose the references cited in this patent to reasonably interpret the terms; and finally, they would choose to combine the technical dictionaries, technical manuals, reference books, textbooks, national or industry technical standards, etc., commonly used by those skilled in the art to reasonably interpret the terms.

[0053] All references cited in this application are incorporated herein by way of quotation, to the extent that they do not contradict the disclosure herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that products (apparatus, components, devices, compounds, compositions, materials, etc.) and methods (processes, steps, conditions, parameters, equipment, and test methods, equipment, etc.) not specifically described herein can be applied to the implementation of the patented creation fully disclosed herein without the need for excessive experimentation. This patent is intended to cover all functional equivalents known in the art of the methods, apparatus, apparatus components, materials, processes, and techniques specifically described herein. All cited references include:

[0054] The following publications are included: Marks' Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers (11th edition and other editions prior to the filing date of this application), published by McGraw-Hill, Inc.; DeGarmo's Materials and Processes in Manufacturing (13th edition and other editions prior to the filing date of this application), published by Wiley; Oberg's Machine Handbook (32nd edition and other editions prior to the filing date of this application), published by IndustrialPress Inc.; Cheng Daxian's Mechanical Design Handbook (6th edition and other editions prior to the filing date of this application), published by Chemical Industry Press; and Wen Bangchun's Modern Mechanical Design Handbook (6th edition and other editions prior to the filing date of this application), published by Machinery Industry Press.

[0055] In describing specific embodiments of the present invention, it is necessary to clarify the definitions of the directional terms "upstream" and "downstream" used in this application. These terms are determined based on the overall direction of the aerosol flow as it is drawn in by the user during use. "Upstream" refers to the position closer to the source of aerosol generation and relatively first passed through the aerosol flow path. "Downstream" refers to the position further away from the source of aerosol generation and relatively later passed through the aerosol flow path.

[0056] In the first branch: the solid smoke-generating substrate in the heated cigarette is the source of the first aerosol, and therefore is located upstream. The adjacent "hollow section" and its "pores" are located downstream. The mouthpiece is located even further downstream. In the second branch: the atomizing element is the source of the second aerosol, and is upstream. The channel through which the aerosol flows after exiting the atomizing element is downstream.

[0057] Reference Figure 1 The present invention relates to a composite aerosol generation system. This system mainly includes a first branch 100, a second branch 200, and a confluence channel 300 connecting the two. Wherein:

[0058] First branch road:

[0059] The first branch is responsible for processing and circulating the first aerosol generated from the solid smoking substrate 110. By heating, the flavor substances and nicotine in the solid smoking substrate 110 are released, providing an authentic, full-bodied tobacco aroma as the main component of the mixed aerosol.

[0060] The first branch 100 mainly includes a cavity for accommodating a solid smoking substrate 110 and a heater 140. In this embodiment, the carrier of the solid smoking substrate 110 is preferably a heated cigarette stick 120. The heated cigarette stick 120 includes, in sequence along the suction airflow direction, the following: a solid smoking substrate 110 containing homogeneous tobacco sheets, tobacco particles, etc.; a hollow section located downstream of the substrate section 110, with multiple air holes 130 on its circumferential wall surface. These air holes 130 are preferably evenly distributed in a circumferential array; and a mouthpiece located further downstream for cooling and for user inhalation. The entire heated cigarette stick 120 is wrapped in outer packaging paper into a generally cylindrical shape.

[0061] In this embodiment, the solid smoke-generating substrate 110 is prepared and packaged into a standard-sized heated cigarette stick 120 for easy use.

[0062] Second branch road:

[0063] This branch is responsible for processing and circulating the second aerosol generated from the liquid atomizing substrate 210. Its core function is to provide rich additional flavors and sufficient aerosol quantity through instantaneous atomization of the liquid e-liquid, serving as an auxiliary and supplementary element to the main flavor. The second branch 200 mainly includes a feed tank 220 and an atomizing element 250. The feed tank 220 is used to store the liquid atomizing substrate 210 (i.e., e-liquid). Preferably, it has an openable sealing cap 230 at the top for easy filling and replacement of the liquid atomizing substrate 210. The atomizing element 250 is preferably a component based on the principle of resistance heating, comprising a metal heating wire and a porous ceramic wicking body connected thereto. The wicking body continuously draws e-liquid from the feed tank 220 through capillary action, and the heating wire instantly vaporizes it into the second aerosol upon energization.

[0064] Convergence channel:

[0065] It is configured to ensure that the second aerosol from the second branch 200 is introduced into its flow path only after the first aerosol from the first branch 100 has been generated. Its second end (inlet end) is connected to the outlet of the second branch 200 for receiving the second aerosol. Its first end (outlet end) 310 is connected to the downstream section of the first branch 100. Furthermore, the first end 310 is substantially flush with or directly opposite the vent 130 of the heated tobacco stick.

[0066] Operation process:

[0067] The user begins to inhale, drawing air through the mouthpiece to create negative pressure. Simultaneously, the heater 140 activates, heating the matrix section 110 of the heated cigarette 120 to generate a first aerosol rich in tobacco aroma. This first aerosol flows downstream, passing through the cooling element. Subsequently, the atomizing element 250 activates, initiating the generation of a second aerosol. The second aerosol flows through the confluence channel 300. Since the first end 310 of the confluence channel 300 is located downstream of the heated cigarette 120, the first aerosol has already been generated and flowed through it when the second aerosol exits. The second aerosol is discharged through the confluence channel and, via the pores 130 on the hollow section, merges into the main stream of the first aerosol from the side or multiple directions. This design significantly enhances the turbulence and mixing efficiency of the two aerosols, achieving instantaneous and uniform micro-mixing.

[0068] The fully mixed aerosol, dominated by the flavor of the first aerosol, continues to flow downstream to the mouthpiece and is eventually inhaled by the user.

[0069] Industrial application

[0070] This patent provides a composite aerosol generation system, which has the following advantages compared to the prior art:

[0071] This technology fundamentally solves the technical challenge of flavor masking: through an innovative "heating before atomization" timing control design, it ensures that the first aerosol generated by the heated cigarette forms first and establishes the dominant flavor profile, while the atomized aerosol introduced later serves only as a supplement. This timing arrangement effectively avoids the problem in existing technologies where the atomized aerosol is generated too early and in excessive amounts, thus masking the delicate tobacco aroma of the heated cigarette. It truly achieves the sensory experience goal of "heated cigarette as the main component, atomized cigarette as an auxiliary component."

[0072] Flavor adjustment is achieved through a unique physical structural design: the system innovatively employs a combination of a confluence channel and a specific branch structure. Through a purely physical structural design rather than a complex electronic control system, the timing effect of the second aerosol converging after the first aerosol is generated is naturally and inevitably achieved. This integrated structural and temporal design scheme is not only highly reliable but also cost-effective.

[0073] A synergistic mixing mechanism has been created: by setting circumferential air holes in the cooling section of the heated cigarette and positioning the outlet of the confluence channel at or near the air holes, the second aerosol can flow into the main stream of the first aerosol from multiple directions with high turbulence. This multi-inlet mixing mechanism greatly enhances the mixing uniformity of the two aerosols at the microscale, ensuring a consistent taste and distinct flavor profile with every puff.

[0074] The terminology and expressions used herein are for descriptive purposes only and this patent should not be limited to these terms and expressions. The use of these terms and expressions does not imply the exclusion of any illustrative and descriptive equivalent features (or parts thereof), and it should be recognized that various possible modifications should also be included within the scope of the claims. Other modifications, variations, and substitutions may also exist. Accordingly, the claims should be considered to cover all such equivalents.

[0075] Similarly, it should be noted that although this patent has been described with reference to the specific embodiments described above, those skilled in the art should recognize that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate this patent, and various equivalent changes or substitutions can be made without departing from the spirit of this patent. Therefore, any changes or modifications to the above embodiments within the essential spirit of this patent will fall within the scope of the claims of this patent.

Claims

1. A composite aerosol generation system, characterized in that, include: The first branch is configured to circulate the first aerosol generated from the solid fuming substrate; The second branch is configured to circulate a second aerosol generated from a liquid atomizing substrate; Convergence channel; The second branch is connected to the first branch through the confluence channel, such that during operation, the second aerosol is configured to flow into the flow path after the first aerosol is generated to form a mixed aerosol, and the mixed aerosol is drawn from the first branch.

2. The composite aerosol generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second end of the confluence channel is connected to the outlet of the second branch, and the first end is connected to the first branch.

3. The composite aerosol generation system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first branch includes a cavity for accommodating the solid smoke-generating substrate and a heater, wherein the carrier of the solid smoke-generating substrate is a heated smoke stick; the connection point between the confluence channel and the first branch is located downstream of the heated smoke stick.

4. The composite aerosol generation system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heated cigarette also includes a hollow section located downstream of it, and the peripheral wall of the hollow section is provided with air holes.

5. The composite aerosol generation system according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first end of the confluence channel is positioned at or near the air vent.

6. The composite aerosol generation system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second branch includes a hopper for storing the liquid atomized substrate.

7. The composite aerosol generation system according to claim 6, characterized in that, The hopper is equipped with an openable sealing cover.

8. The composite aerosol generation system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heater is configured to internally heat the solid smoke-generating substrate.

9. The composite aerosol generation system according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The system is configured to incorporate the second aerosol after the first aerosol is generated, such that the first aerosol dominates the mixed aerosol.

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