Aerosol Provision Carrier Module for Leak-Free Capillary Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol provision systems face challenges in supplying source liquid to the heating element effectively while preventing leakage and supporting fragile heating elements, particularly in various device orientations.
Innovation Solution
A carrier module with a first and second part supports the heating element in the airflow path, forming a tubular configuration with a gap that creates capillary channels for liquid supply, and engages parallel to airflow direction, ensuring appropriate liquid delivery without leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If source liquid is supplied freely to the heating element, then continuous aerosol generation is maintained, but liquid leakage occurs through the airflow channel to the aerosol outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier module is divided into a first carrier component and a second carrier component that engage together to form a cradle structure. This segmentation allows the heating element to be supported in a suspended position within the reservoir, with capillary channels formed between the components to control liquid supply while preventing leakage through the airflow channel.
2Reliability
If the heating element is supported securely, then fragile elements are protected, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second carrier components are merged into a single integrated cradle structure that supports the heating element. The components engage together to form a unified support system that protects the fragile heating element while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through the coordinated design of the two parts.
3Duration of action of moving object
If source liquid is supplied to replace vaporized liquid, then aerosol generation continues, but the heating element becomes dry and overheats
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary channels formed between the first and second carrier components automatically supply source liquid to the heating element based on capillary action. This self-regulating mechanism ensures continuous liquid supply to replace vaporized liquid without requiring external control, preventing both dry-heating conditions and excessive liquid accumulation.
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
This configuration provides effective source liquid supply to the heating element, preventing leakage and supporting fragile elements, while facilitating easy assembly and maintaining liquid flow regardless of device orientation.
Implementation Method 1
forming a tubular configuration with a gap that creates capillary channels for liquid supply
Implementation Method 2
the heating element is activated to vaporize a small amount of the source liquid, which is thus converted to an aerosol for inhalation by the user
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for an electronic aerosol provision system may include a replaceable cartridge for the electronic aerosol provision system or a fixed component of a re-fillable or disposable electronic aerosol provision system. The apparatus includes a reservoir for a source liquid and a carrier module supported within the reservoir. The carrier module defines an airflow path within the reservoir and includes a heating element supported in the airflow path for generating an aerosol from the source liquid and first and second mounting parts which cooperatively engage to support the heating element. The first and second mounting parts cooperatively engage at an interface which extends in a direction substantially parallel to a direction along which air flows in the airflow path when the apparatus is in normal use. A gap between the first and second mounting parts may provide a capillary channel for drawing source liquid to the heating element from the reservoir heating during use.