Aerosol Distribution Column Heating to Reduce Inhalation Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol provision systems, such as tobacco heating devices, face challenges in efficiently delivering aerosol to users without combustion, particularly in maintaining aerosol quality and reducing condensation during inhalation.
Innovation Solution
A non-combustible aerosol provision system with a receptacle, vaporiser, and aerosol distribution column, utilizing an inductive heater and susceptor to generate and distribute aerosol directly into a consumable, along with a design that minimizes condensate accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aerosol is generated and delivered through a conventional heating system, then aerosol can be produced, but condensation occurs during inhalation reducing aerosol quality
Solution Approach 1:
The aerosol distribution column is pre-heated by the inductor coil before aerosol delivery begins. This preliminary heating action ensures that the column maintains sufficient temperature during aerosol flow to prevent condensation, thereby maintaining aerosol quality without requiring continuous high-energy heating during the entire operation cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor coil provides localized heating specifically to the aerosol distribution column where it is most needed to prevent condensation. This targeted approach heats only the critical region (the column) rather than the entire system, improving aerosol quality at the point of delivery while minimizing overall energy consumption and avoiding overheating of other components.
2Productivity
If heating is applied to generate aerosol, then aerosol production is achieved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating of the aerosol distribution column using the inductor coil before aerosol generation begins. This preliminary action prepares the system for efficient aerosol delivery without requiring continuous high-energy input during the entire operation, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining productive aerosol generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor coil enables rapid temperature changes in the aerosol distribution column by adjusting heating parameters. This allows the system to achieve optimal heating temperature quickly for efficient aerosol generation, then reduce or terminate heating when the column is sufficiently warm, changing the thermal parameters dynamically to balance productivity with energy conservation.
3Ease of operation
If a pilot hole is provided in the plug, then aerosol distribution is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The consumable is divided into distinct functional segments: the plug with pilot hole, the aerosol generating material, and the filter material. The pilot hole is specifically segmented as a separate feature within the plug structure, allowing it to be formed independently and integrated into the overall consumable assembly. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing process and assembly while improving aerosol distribution through the dedicated pilot hole pathway.
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
Enhances aerosol delivery efficiency by reducing condensation and maintaining aerosol quality through inductive heating and strategic aperture placement, providing a seamless inhalation experience.
Implementation Method 1
The aerosol distribution column is configured to be inductively heated by the inductor coil
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus is arranged to volatilise or extract at least one component of smokable material
Data Source
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AI summary
A non-combustible aerosol provision device (1) comprising: a receptacle (2) that defines a rod shaped consumable receiving space (3); and a vaporiser (4) for generating an aerosol from an aerosol precursor material (5); wherein the vaporiser (4) communicates with the rod shaped consumable receiving space (3) so that, in use, aerosol may pass from the vaporiser (4) and into a rod shaped consumable received within the rod shaped consumable receiving space (3).