Aerosol Conductivity Sensor for Nicotine Concentration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol-generating systems struggle to accurately determine and control the nicotine concentration in different liquid formulations, leading to inconsistent nicotine delivery and difficulty in standardizing manufacturing across various aerosol-forming substrates.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a conductivity sensor with at least two electrodes to measure the electrical conductivity of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, allowing the control electronics to determine the nicotine concentration and adjust power supply to the atomizer accordingly, thereby standardizing nicotine delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different liquid formulations with varying nicotine concentrations are used, then the system can accommodate diverse product requirements, but the nicotine concentration control becomes inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveliquid formulation compatibilityVSAvoidnicotine concentration control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The conductivity sensor provides real-time feedback on the electrical conductivity of the liquid formulation, which correlates with nicotine concentration. The control system uses this feedback to adjust the atomization parameters dynamically, ensuring consistent nicotine delivery regardless of the specific liquid formulation used. This closed-loop control resolves the contradiction by enabling both formulation diversity and concentration precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system measures and responds to changes in electrical conductivity as a key parameter indicator of nicotine concentration. By monitoring this physical parameter and adjusting atomization conditions accordingly, the system maintains consistent nicotine delivery across different liquid formulations with varying compositions and concentrations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If manual monitoring methods are used to determine liquid exhaustion, then the device structure remains simple, but the measurement precision and reliability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor system structureVSAvoidliquid exhaustion detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated electrical conductivity measurement system. The conductivity sensor continuously monitors the liquid formulation's properties, providing objective and precise detection of liquid exhaustion based on electrical conductivity changes rather than subjective visual assessment. This substitution of mechanical/manual monitoring with electrical measurement resolves the contradiction between simplicity and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If no conductivity sensor is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to determine nicotine concentration and control aerosol generation is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor and control systemVSAvoidnicotine concentration determination

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces electrical conductivity measurement as a non-invasive, precise method to determine nicotine concentration in the liquid formulation. This electrical measurement approach replaces the need for complex chemical analysis systems while providing accurate concentration data for consistent aerosol generation, resolving the contradiction between device simplicity and manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 precise control of nicotine concentration in generated aerosols, ensuring consistent nicotine delivery and facilitating standardized manufacturing processes regardless of the aerosol-forming substrate used.

Implementation Method 1

The conductivity sensor comprises at least two electrodes and is arranged to sense the electrical conductivity of liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conductivity measurement: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

an atomiser in fluid connection with the liquid storage portion... for atomising liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3989757B1Aerosol-generating device and system with conductivity sensor

Publication Date: 2025.08.06 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA

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AI summary

An aerosol-generating system comprising: a liquid storage portion for holding a liquid aerosol-forming substrate; an atomiser in fluid connection with the liquid storage portion; a conductivity sensor; a power supply; and control electronics. The conductivity sensor comprises at least two electrodes (104, 106) and is arranged to sense the electrical conductivity of liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the liquid storage portion. The control electronics are configured to: control a supply of power from the power supply to the atomiser for atomising liquid aerosol- forming substrate from the liquid storage portion; and control a supply of power from the power supply to the electrodes (104, 106) of the conductivity sensor, the supply of power being provided to the conductivity sensor as an alternating voltage. The control electronics are further configured to: receive one or more measurements indicative of the conductivity of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate from the conductivity sensor; and determine the nicotine concentration of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate based on one or more of the measurements from the conductivity sensor.