Aerosol Generating Device with Segmented Nicotine Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a growing demand for alternatives to traditional cigarettes that generate vapor by heating aerosol materials rather than combusting them, and existing technologies have not effectively addressed the need for a satisfactory smoking experience with nicotine and non-nicotine aerosol generation.

Innovation Solution

An aerosol generating article and device that includes a nicotine-free aerosol generator, a tobacco filler with nicotine, a cooler for temperature regulation, and a mouthpiece, along with a heater and sensor system for controlled heating and temperature profiling, allowing for customizable aerosol production based on user preferences and environmental conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single aerosol generating material is used, then the device structure is simple, but the smoking experience cannot satisfy different nicotine preferences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenicotine preference adaptabilityVSAvoidaerosol generator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The aerosol generator is divided into two separate generating portions: a first aerosol generating portion containing non-nicotine material and a second aerosol generating portion containing nicotine material. This segmentation allows independent control and optimization of each portion for different nicotine preferences while maintaining a unified device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The aerosol generator is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating both non-nicotine and nicotine aerosol generating capabilities in a single device. The heater can selectively heat different portions based on user preferences, making the device universally applicable to different smoking preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If high temperature heating is used to generate sufficient aerosol, then vapor production is adequate, but taste quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerosol volumeVSAvoidtaste quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements temperature profiling by changing the heating temperature over time through multiple stages: a first temperature period for initial aerosol generation, a second temperature period for optimized vapor production, and a third temperature period for cleanup. This dynamic parameter adjustment ensures adequate aerosol volume while maintaining taste quality by avoiding excessive temperatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The heating process is divided into periodic stages with different temperature profiles. The controller alternates between different temperature periods and heating rates, creating a periodic heating pattern that optimizes both aerosol generation quantity and taste quality at different phases of the heating cycle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Speed

If rapid heating is applied to quickly generate aerosol, then response time is short, but temperature control precision is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating speedVSAvoidtemperature control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The heating process uses periodic action with distinct phases: a first heating period with higher heating rate for rapid aerosol generation, followed by a second heating period with lower heating rate for precise temperature control and taste optimization. This periodic heating pattern balances speed and precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The heating system dynamically adjusts the heating rate based on the current phase of aerosol generation. The controller modifies heating parameters in real-time, transitioning from rapid heating to controlled heating as needed, making the heating process adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides a user with a satisfactory smoking experience by generating aerosol with adjustable temperature profiles, ensuring optimal taste and vapor quality, catering to different nicotine preferences and environmental conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a heater heating an aerosol generating article

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a cooler arranged adjacent to an end of the tobacco filler and configured to cool aerosol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCooling: Cooling

Data Source

PatentUS11930840B2Aerosol generating device and aerosol generating article

Publication Date: 2024.03.19 KT&G CO LTD

AI summary

An aerosol generating article includes an aerosol generator including a first aerosol generating material which does not include nicotine; a tobacco filler arranged adjacent to an end of the aerosol generator and including a second aerosol generating material including nicotine; a cooler arranged adjacent to an end of the tobacco filler and configured to cool aerosol; and a mouth piece arranged adjacent to an end of the cooler.