3D Printed Aerosol Components Customization via Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aerosol-generating systems lack the ability to customize aerosol components according to user preferences, limiting flexibility in shape, size, and composition, which restricts their adaptability to various delivery systems.

Innovation Solution

An additive manufacturing process using a 3D printing system that allows users to select and combine feedstock materials to create customized aerosol-generating components based on computer-aided design models, enabling the production of components with intricate shapes and desired properties, such as incorporating active substances and flavors, and subsequent curing for readiness in non-combustible aerosol provision systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional aerosol-generating systems are used, then production efficiency is maintained, but customization capability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the aerosol-generating component into multiple feedstock materials that can be independently selected and combined. Each feedstock material can be customized separately, allowing users to create unique compositions while maintaining efficient automated processing through the additive manufacturing system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables parameter changes by allowing users to modify the composition, shape, and properties of aerosol-generating components through digital instructions. The additive manufacturing process translates these parameter changes into physical components without requiring complete redesign of the production system, thus maintaining productivity while enhancing customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If additive manufacturing process is implemented, then customization capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The additive manufacturing apparatus serves multiple functions: it stores feedstock materials, processes them according to user instructions, and manufactures customized aerosol-generating components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each operation, thereby managing device complexity while enabling comprehensive customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automated processes where the additive manufacturing apparatus itself manages the selection, combination, and formation of feedstock materials based on digital instructions. This self-service capability reduces the need for manual intervention and complex external control systems, balancing customization with manageable device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple feedstock materials are incorporated, then composition flexibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomposition flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the manufacturing process into segments where each feedstock material is processed independently before being combined. This segmentation allows for simple handling of individual materials while achieving complex multi-material compositions, thus maintaining manufacturing simplicity despite composition flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Feedstock materials are prepared and stored in readiness before the manufacturing process begins. This preliminary action includes pre-measuring and pre-positioning materials according to the desired recipe, which simplifies the actual manufacturing process by reducing on-the-fly complexity while enabling flexible compositions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 the creation of customized aerosol components with tailored properties and shapes, enhancing user experience by providing flexibility and adaptability to different delivery systems, ensuring components are ready for use without further processing.

Implementation Method 1

the additive manufacturing process is a 3D printing process depositing layer upon layer of feedstock material

Methodology Applied

Scientific Effect3D Printing: 3D Printing

Implementation Method 2

the system cures the aerosol-generating component formed by the additive manufacturing process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCuring:

Data Source

PatentUS20230218011A1System and process for preparing aerosol-generating components

Publication Date: 2023.07.13 NICOVENTURES TRADING LTD

AI summary

A system for preparing an aerosol-generating component customized by a user including an apparatus for using one or more feedstock materials in an additive manufacturing process, wherein the one or more feedstock material is selected and formed into an aerosolizable substrate by the additive manufacturing process in accordance with instructions provided by the user. There is also provided a process for producing a customized aerosol-generating component, the process including forming one or more feedstock materials into the aerosol-generating component by an additive manufacturing process in accordance with instructions provided by the user.