Aerosol Element Disabling Mechanism for Irreversible Inoperability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating systems, such as electrically operated smoking systems, lack a mechanism that allows users to irreversibly disable the system at their discretion, preventing unauthorized use and ensuring the system is not refilled with inappropriate or harmful substances.
Innovation Solution
A manually operated disabling mechanism is integrated into the aerosol-generating system, enabling users to render the system irreversibly inoperable by mechanical means, such as piercing elements or frangible connections, which prevents further operation or refilling with unauthorized substances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a temporary disabling mechanism (caps or rotatable valves) is used to obstruct passages when the system is not in use, then the system can be temporarily disabled, but the mechanism can be removed to restore operation, preventing irreversible disabling
Solution Approach 1:
The disabling mechanism is segmented into a first portion (obstruction element) and a second portion (housing or receiving structure). The first portion can be selectively positioned to obstruct or clear the passage, while the second portion provides structural support and defines the passage. This segmentation allows the obstruction element to be permanently integrated yet controllably positioned, resolving the contradiction between temporary and permanent disabling capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The disabling mechanism incorporates a movable first portion that can be selectively positioned between an obstructing position and a non-obstructing position. This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to transition between disabled and enabled states, providing user control over when the system is rendered inoperable while maintaining the ability to restore operation when needed.
2Extent of automation
If control electronics are used to operate the disabling mechanism, then the system can be remotely disabled, but adult vapers cannot manually control when the system is rendered inoperable
Solution Approach 1:
The disabling mechanism is designed to be manually operable by the user without requiring external control electronics. The user can directly manipulate the first portion to obstruct or clear the passage, providing self-service control over system operation. This eliminates the need for complex electronic control systems while maintaining user autonomy in deciding when to disable the system.
3Reliability
If a disabling mechanism is provided to prevent unauthorized use, then system security is improved, but the mechanism adds structural complexity to the element
Solution Approach 1:
The disabling mechanism merges the obstruction function with the existing passage structure. The first portion is integrated into the housing or defined within the passage, combining the security function with the structural elements already present in the system. This merging approach provides effective unauthorized use prevention while minimizing additional structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An element for an aerosol-generating system, a cartridge for an aerosol-generating system, and an aerosol-generating system, wherein the element, the cartridge and the aerosol-generating system each include a storage portion for storing an aerosol-forming substrate and a manually operated disabling mechanism for rendering the element, the cartridge, or the aerosol-generating system irreversibly inoperable. The element, the cartridge, and the aerosol-generating system may include an aerosol generator and one or more air passages. The disabling mechanism may be configured to render at least one of the storage portion, the aerosol generator, and the one or more air passages irreversibly inoperable.