Aerosol Matter Collection Device Puff-by-Puff Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing equipment is inadequate for accurately collecting and analyzing aerosol matter samples from aerosol-generating devices, such as heat not burn systems and e-cigarettes, as it struggles to control nicotine and botanical aroma levels on a puff-by-puff basis and requires multiple substrates for analysis, leading to variable results and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol matter collection device that automatically collects each puff of aerosol on individual filter pads within sample cartridges, using a rotatable cartridge holder and a controller to synchronize the docking and aerosol withdrawing mechanisms, allowing for precise control of puff volume and interval, and minimizing substrate usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional testing equipment is used to collect aerosol samples, then sample collection is possible, but accurate control of nicotine and botanical aroma levels on a puff-by-puff basis cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the aerosol sampling process into discrete puff-by-puff segments, with each puff collected on a separate filter pad within a cartridge. This segmentation enables precise measurement of nicotine and botanical aroma levels for each individual puff, resolving the technical contradiction by making accurate control achievable through systematic division of the sampling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the sampling parameters by controlling puff volume and interval through automated mechanisms, and by using specific filter pad materials and configurations. These parameter changes enable consistent and accurate measurement of aerosol constituents across multiple puffs, achieving precise nicotine level control while maintaining operational feasibility.
2Reliability
If multiple substrates are used for analysis to overcome variability, then adequate sampling is possible, but the number of substrates required increases leading to inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sampling process so that each puff is collected on an individual filter pad within a single cartridge, which itself is one of multiple cartridges in a wheel. This segmentation allows adequate sampling and variability assessment to be achieved using far fewer total substrates compared to conventional methods, as each puff within a cartridge provides a reliable data point without requiring replication across multiple separate substrates.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary organization of sampling capacity by pre-configuring multiple cartridges in a rotatable wheel, where each cartridge contains multiple filter pads ready for sequential puff collection. This preliminary arrangement enables efficient use of substrates by ensuring that adequate sampling capacity is already in place before testing begins, eliminating the need to use excessive substrates to compensate for variability.
3Device complexity
If cumulative puff analysis is performed, then data collection is simplified, but puff-by-puff variability cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains data collection simplicity while enabling puff-by-puff variability detection by segmenting the physical collection medium into discrete filter pads, each capturing one puff. The system automatically tracks which puff corresponds to which filter pad, providing both the simplicity of automated collection and the precision of individual puff analysis, thus resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary recording mechanism that tracks the sequence of puffs and their corresponding filter pad locations within the cartridge wheel. This intermediary system bridges the gap between simple automated collection and detailed puff-by-puff analysis, enabling variability detection without complicating the overall data collection process.
4Quantity of substance
If a single cartridge is used for multiple puffs, then substrate usage is reduced, but aerosol components may contaminate subsequent samples
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sampling surface into multiple separate filter pads within a single cartridge, with each pad dedicated to capturing one puff. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination between puffs while still using a single cartridge structure, thereby maintaining sample purity without excessive cartridge consumption. The filter pads are arranged and configured to minimize aerosol component transfer between adjacent pads.
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
Enables accurate, puff-by-puff analysis of aerosol components, reducing variability and the need for multiple substrates, while maintaining controlled conditions to analyze aerosol matter samples effectively, thus improving the refinement of aerosol-generating systems.
Implementation Method 1
a filter material, such as a filter pad, positioned in the interior volume
Data Source
AI summary
A system and process for collecting aerosol matter samples is disclosed. The system includes a circular sample cartridge holder that contains a plurality of sample cartridges. Each sample cartridge contains a filter media for collecting aerosol matter samples. The system further includes a docking device for receiving an aerosol-generating system. The docking device places the aerosol-generating system in engagement with one of the sample cartridges. The aerosol matter collecting system further includes an aerosol withdrawing device that causes a controlled puff volume to flow through a sample cartridge for collecting an aerosol matter sample. The system can be completely automated and can collect samples on a puff by puff basis. The system and process are well suited to analyzing aerosols collected heated tobacco product system, but can also be used to test smoking articles, such as cigarettes, or any other device or product such as e cigarette that produces an aerosol.