Heated Aerosol Consumable Air Gap Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alternatives to traditional smoking articles, such as 'heat not burn' products, face challenges in efficiently heating aerosolisable materials to volatilise components without combustion, requiring innovative consumable designs that effectively generate aerosols.
Innovation Solution
A consumable comprising an outer tube, an inner member, and supports that create air gaps, where at least one of the components is heatable to generate aerosol, with the option of the inner or outer tube comprising aerosolisable material, and a system that includes a heating zone for heating the consumable using a magnetic field or heatable element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aerosolisable material is heated to generate aerosol, then the effectiveness of heat not burn product is improved, but the risk of combustion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The consumable is divided into multiple components (inner member, outer tube, support structure) with distinct functions. The aerosolisable material is segmented into multiple zones within the air gap, allowing controlled heating of specific regions without propagating combustion throughout the entire structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The air gap acts as an intermediary medium between the heating source and the aerosolisable material. This air layer provides thermal insulation and controls heat transfer, enabling efficient aerosol generation while preventing excessive heat accumulation that could lead to combustion.
2Productivity
If air gaps are created between inner member and outer tube, then aerosol generation efficiency is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple discrete elements distributed between the inner member and outer tube. This segmentation creates the necessary air gaps while maintaining structural integrity through a modular design that is relatively simple to manufacture and assemble.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure utilizes thin-walled elements that provide structural support while minimizing material usage. These thin film-like supports create effective air gaps without adding significant structural complexity or weight to the overall consumable design.
3Temperature
If inner member is spaced from outer tube, then heat transfer control is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple discrete support elements rather than requiring continuous spacing. This segmentation allows each support element to be manufactured and positioned independently with standard tolerances, reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements while still achieving effective heat transfer control through the created air gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for variation in the spacing parameters between the inner member and outer tube. By optimizing the size and distribution of air gaps within a range of acceptable values, the system achieves effective heat transfer control without requiring extremely precise manufacturing tolerances.
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
The design allows for efficient generation of aerosols from aerosolisable materials, providing a non-combustible and effective heating solution for 'heat not burn' products, enhancing the consumption experience.
Implementation Method 1
heating apparatus for heating aerosolisable material of the consumable to volatilise at least one component of the aerosolisable material
Implementation Method 2
heating aerosolisable material to volatilise at least one component of the aerosolisable material
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a consumable for use with apparatus for heating aerosolisable material to volatilise at least one component of the aerosolisable material. The consumable comprises an outer tube, an inner member inside the outer tube, and at least one support that supports the inner member relative to the outer tube so that at least one air gap exists between the inner member and the outer tube. At least one of the inner member, the outer tube and the support comprises aerosolisable material that is heatable to generate aerosol in the air gap. The consumable has at least one outlet for permitting the aerosol to pass out of consumable from the air gap.