Aerosol Consumable Protection Element for Hygiene and Adhesion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-combustible aerosol provision devices face challenges with the handling and hygiene of aerosol generating materials, which often adhere to each other or packaging, leading to cross-contamination and inefficient use.
Innovation Solution
A consumable for non-combustible aerosol provision devices featuring a support with fixing zones and a protection element that is either removable or pierceable, preventing adhesion and allowing for controlled heating of discrete aerosol generating material portions, thereby enhancing handling and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If aerosol generating material is stored without protection, then storage is simple, but the material adheres to packaging and other materials causing cross-contamination
Solution Approach 1:
A protection element is introduced as an intermediary between the aerosol generating material and the external environment. This protection element prevents direct contact and adhesion between the material and packaging or other materials, thereby eliminating cross-contamination while maintaining simple storage conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection element is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after use. This allows for effective protection during storage and transport without adding permanent complexity to the system, resolving the contradiction between simple storage and contamination prevention.
2Ease of operation
If protection element is fully removable, then access to material is easy, but additional waste is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The protection element is segmented into different regions with different properties: a removable portion for easy access to the material, and a fixed portion that remains attached to the consumable. This segmentation allows users to remove only the necessary portion for access while minimizing waste from the remaining fixed portion.
3Productivity
If multiple discrete portions of aerosol generating material are used, then controlled heating is improved, but handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple discrete portions of aerosol generating material are merged into a single integrated consumable unit with a common protection element and support structure. This combining allows for controlled heating of individual portions while simplifying handling, as the user interacts with one unified object rather than multiple separate items.
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 solution improves handling and hygiene by preventing adhesion and facilitating controlled heating, reducing cross-contamination and waste, while allowing for efficient use and storage of aerosol generating materials.
Implementation Method 1
This allows for heating of at least one region of the consumable by means of electrical induction
Implementation Method 2
The heating volatilises at least one component of the material, typically forming an inhalable aerosol
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a consumable for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device; a non-combustible aerosol provision system comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device and the consumable; and a kit comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device and the consumable. The consumable comprises a support, aerosol generating material, and a protection element wherein; the aerosol generating material is at least partially supported on at least one surface of the support; the support comprises at least one surface and at least one fixing zone; the or each fixing zone is located on one or more surface of the support; the area extending between the outermost edges of the or each fixing zone includes at least a portion of the aerosol generating material; and the protection element is affixed to at least one fixing zone.