Aerosol Generating System with Airflow Heating for Uniform Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing personal vaporizer devices are not energy efficient and do not provide optimal vapor and flavor generation, lacking control over aerosol production.

Innovation Solution

An aerosol generating system with a receiving portion and locating members that uniformly heat consumable units through airflow contact, ensuring efficient and consistent aerosol generation by positioning consumables to maximize surface contact with airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a heater element is used to heat the substrate, then aerosol generation is achieved, but energy efficiency is poor and temperature distribution is non-uniform

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional heater element (thermal conduction method) with an airflow-based heating system. Air is circulated through the consumable unit, utilizing convective heat transfer instead of direct contact with a heating element. This substitution improves energy efficiency and achieves more uniform temperature distribution throughout the aerosol-forming substance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs an airflow system where air is pumped through the consumable unit to achieve heating and aerosol generation. The pneumatic flow of air serves dual purposes: as the heating medium and as the carrier for aerosol formation, eliminating the need for separate heating elements and improving overall energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Productivity

If airflow passes through the consumable unit, then aerosol generation is achieved, but control over aerosol production is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerosol generation consistencyVSAvoidaerosol production control
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates controllable airflow parameters including variable flow rate, direction, and duration. The pump can be dynamically adjusted to deliver precise amounts of air through the consumable unit, enabling controlled aerosol generation. This dynamic control allows users to regulate aerosol production levels and consistency according to desired output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system includes sensors and control mechanisms that monitor airflow characteristics and aerosol generation in real-time. This feedback enables automatic adjustment of airflow parameters to maintain consistent aerosol production, improving both productivity and ease of operation through closed-loop control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 system achieves more uniform heating and consistent aerosol production, enhancing flavor extraction and energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one locating member is preferably configured to transmit heat to the consumable unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

an airflow path extends along outer sides of the consumable unit and through the consumable unit entering at one end region thereof and exiting from an opposite end region

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

heating the consumable unit in the receiving portion of the apparatus to generate an aerosol from the body or charge of the aerosol-forming substance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3531852B1Aerosol generating system, use of a consumable in the system and method of generating an aerosol
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 JT INTERNATIONAL SA
  • EP3531852B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3531852B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3531852B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention provides an aerosol generating apparatus (1), especially a personal vaporizer device such as an electronic smoking article, for generating an aerosol from a source of aerosol-forming substance (S). The aerosol generating apparatus (1) comprises a receiving portion (2) configured to receive a consumable unit (4), such as a charge or cartridge comprising a solid source of aerosol-forming substance, and at least one locating member (6) for locating the consumable unit (4) within the receiving portion (2). The at least one locating member (6) is configured to locate or position the consumable unit (4) within the receiving portion (2) such that an airflow path (P) extends along outer sides of the consumable unit (4) and through the consumable unit (4) entering at one end region (8) thereof and exiting from an opposite end region (9) thereof, with the outer sides (7) of the consumable unit (4) being arranged between the one end region (8) and the opposite end region (9).