Aerosol Chamber Condensate Control Using Absorbent and Hydrophobic Layers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol provision devices suffer from liquid condensation and leakage issues due to aerosol cooling and condensation inside the device, which can lead to liquid runoff and leakage through the device's openings and gaps.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of absorbent materials, such as foam or filamentary tow, within the device to absorb liquid condensate, combined with hydrophobic materials to prevent leakage, and a removable cover to collect and dispose of excess liquid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If aerosol generating material is heated to generate aerosol, then aerosol production is achieved, but liquid condensation and leakage occur
Solution Approach 1:
A hydrophobic material is introduced as an intermediary substance within the chamber to intercept and block liquid condensate before it can leak through openings or gaps. This material acts as a mediator between the generated aerosol and the device structure, preventing harmful liquid flow while allowing aerosol passage.
Solution Approach 2:
A removable cover configured to receive liquid from the chamber is implemented as a flexible containment structure. This thin film-like cover can be positioned to block openings and collect liquid condensate, providing a adaptable barrier that prevents leakage while maintaining device functionality.
2Productivity
If liquid condensate is allowed to accumulate, then aerosol generation continues, but leakage through openings and gaps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrophobic material and removable cover are positioned in advance within the chamber to preemptively intercept liquid condensate. By establishing these protective barriers before leakage can occur, the system maintains continuous aerosol generation while preventing reliability issues from liquid accumulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable cover is designed to be detachable, allowing liquid condensate to be extracted from the chamber separately from the aerosol generation process. This enables maintenance and cleaning without disrupting the overall device functionality or aerosol generation capability.
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
Effectively reduces liquid leakage by absorbing and retaining condensate within the device, maintaining cleanliness and usability, and allowing easy maintenance of the device.
Implementation Method 1
Incorporation of absorbent materials, such as foam or filamentary tow, within the device to absorb liquid condensate
Implementation Method 2
a hydrophobic material arranged within the housing to substantially prevent liquid from leaking out of the aerosol provision device
Data Source
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AI summary
An aerosol provision device comprises a housing delimiting a first opening at a first end of the housing through which to receive aerosol generating material and delimiting a second opening at a second end of the housing. A chamber is positioned between the second opening and the first opening, wherein at least part of the chamber is configured to receive the aerosol generating material. At least one heater is arranged within the housing and configured to heat aerosol generating material received within the chamber thereby to generate an aerosol. An absorbent material for absorbing liquid is provided. In use, the aerosol is drawn along a flow path through the chamber towards the first opening and the absorbent material is at least partially positioned upstream of the part of the chamber configured to receive the aerosol generating material.