Aerosol-Generating Article with Internal Heating Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating devices with external heating elements require higher heating energy and may lead to inefficient aerosol generation due to indirect heating methods, whereas devices with internal heating elements provide efficient heating but can cause damage and uneven heating during insertion and withdrawal.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate, a support element, an aerosol-cooling element, and an outer wrapper, where the aerosol-forming substrate is penetrable by an internal heating element, allowing for direct and efficient heating, and a method involving a front-plug to facilitate insertion and withdrawal of the heating element while preventing aerosol egress and ensuring optimal engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an external heating element is used, then heating energy is provided, but heating efficiency is low and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an aerosol-forming substrate as an intermediary medium between the external heating element and the aerosol generation process. This substrate absorbs heat from the heating element and transfers it to the aerosol-forming material, improving heat transfer efficiency and reducing direct energy consumption while maintaining aerosol generation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct thermal contact heating with radiant heating from an external source. The external heating element emits thermal radiation that is absorbed by the aerosol-forming substrate, substituting mechanical/physical contact heating with a non-contact thermal field approach, thereby improving efficiency and reducing energy loss
2Productivity
If an internal heating element is used, then heating efficiency is improved, but damage occurs during insertion and withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a support element positioned upstream of the heating element that creates a recess or cavity in advance. This preliminary structural preparation allows the heating element to be inserted and withdrawn without causing damage to the aerosol-forming substrate, as the support element absorbs mechanical stress and prevents direct contact between the heating element and the substrate
Solution Approach 2:
The support element acts as a cushioning structure that protects the aerosol-forming substrate from mechanical damage during heating element insertion and withdrawal. By positioning the support element upstream, it creates a buffer zone that absorbs impact forces and prevents the heating element from directly contacting and damaging the substrate
3Productivity
If an internal heating element is used, then heating efficiency is improved, but uneven heating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The aerosol-forming substrate serves as an intermediary that distributes heat uniformly. The external heating element heats the substrate, which then acts as a heat distribution medium, transferring heat evenly across the aerosol-forming material through conduction and radiation, thereby eliminating hot spots and ensuring uniform aerosol generation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating parameters by using an external heating source with controlled temperature and radiation patterns. This allows for optimized heat distribution across the aerosol-forming substrate, maintaining consistent heating conditions that prevent uneven heating while preserving the efficiency benefits of direct heating
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 enables efficient aerosol generation with reduced heating energy requirements, minimizes damage during insertion and withdrawal, and ensures uniform heating by using an internal heating element with a support element to resist movement and a front-plug for secure engagement.
Implementation Method 1
heat from the internal heating element may be conveyed almost instantaneously to at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate when the internal heating element is actuated
Implementation Method 2
During smoking, volatile compounds are released from the aerosol-forming substrate by heat transfer from the heat source
Implementation Method 3
As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the user
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol-generating article for an aerosol-generating device including a heating element is provided, the aerosol-generating article including: an aerosol-forming substrate including homogenised tobacco material; a support element disposed immediately downstream of the aerosol-forming substrate; an aerosol-cooling element disposed downstream of the support element; and an outer wrapper circumscribing the aerosol-forming substrate, the support element, and the aerosol-cooling element, the support element abutting the aerosol-forming substrate.