Aerosol Generating Article With Heat-Conductive Shell

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing disposable aerosol generating articles suffer from poor heat transfer and distribution due to low thermal conductivity of the retaining element, leading to inefficiencies in heating and energy consumption, as well as potential degradation of the liquid vaporizable material.

Innovation Solution

An aerosol generating article with a fluid impermeable shell housing a retaining element, featuring a porous structure and a barrier film that seals and uncovers openings to enhance heat transfer and distribution, using a heat conductive shell material like aluminum to improve thermal efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a porous retaining element is used to store liquid vaporizable material, then the material can be effectively retained and vaporized, but the thermal conductivity is low resulting in poor heat transfer and distribution

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid vaporizable material storageVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A shell made of heat-conductive material (aluminum, stainless steel, titanium, or their alloys) is introduced as an intermediary between the heat source and the porous retaining element. The shell receives heat from the heating element and conducts it to the retaining element, improving heat transfer efficiency while the porous element continues to store and vaporize the liquid material effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If high power is used to compensate for poor heat transfer, then sufficient vapor can be generated, but energy consumption increases and battery size must be larger

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevapor generation capabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heat-conductive shell acts as an efficient heat transfer intermediary, reducing energy losses and improving the overall efficiency of vapor generation. This allows sufficient vapor production with lower power input, reducing energy consumption and extending battery life without compromising productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If insufficient heat distribution is provided, then the device can operate with simpler heating, but local overheating occurs causing degradation of the liquid vaporizable material

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating system complexityVSAvoidmaterial degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The shell made of heat-conductive material serves as a heat distribution intermediary that evenly distributes heat across the retaining element surface. This prevents localized hot spots and overheating, protecting the liquid vaporizable material from degradation while maintaining a relatively simple heating system design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If the retaining element is directly exposed to air, then the material can be accessed for vaporization, but the material degrades and loses freshness when not in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvematerial accessibilityVSAvoidmaterial degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible membrane is introduced to seal the openings of the porous retaining element when not in use, preventing air exposure and material degradation. During operation, the membrane is pierced or retracted to allow air access for vaporization. This maintains material freshness while ensuring ease of operation during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution ensures efficient heating and uniform heat distribution, reducing energy consumption and protecting the liquid vaporizable material from degradation while maintaining freshness.

Implementation Method 1

the shell is designed to be heated by the aerosol generating device and transfer heat to the retaining element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the retaining element presents a rigid porous structure or a foam structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

a retaining element configured to store a liquid vaporizable material able to be vaporized upon heating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP4613124A1Aerosol generating article with improved heating and associated aerosol generating assembly

Publication Date: 2025.09.10 JT INTERNATIONAL SA

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AI summary

The aerosol generating article (50) is configured to operate with an aerosol generating device and comprises: - a retaining element (54) configured to store a liquid vaporizable material able to be vaporized upon heating; - a fluid impermeable shell (60) housing the retaining element (54) and defining at least one opening (62, 64) ; - at least one barrier film (80, 82) sealing the at least one opening (62, 64) when the article (50) is not operating with the device and designed to uncover at least partially the at least one opening (62, 64) when the article (50) is operating with the device. The shell (60) is designed to be heated by the aerosol generating device (10) and transfer heat to the retaining element (54).