Aerosol Generating Device Helical Rib Airflow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generating devices for non-combustible aerosol generation, such as heat-not-burn devices, face challenges in efficiently heating aerosol-generating materials without burning them, and in providing a secure and efficient mechanism for inserting and heating articles containing these materials.
Innovation Solution
The aerosol generating device incorporates a receptacle with a heating zone and an elongate rib that forms a helical path around the peripheral wall, along with a heating element that can be heated by a magnetic field or electric current, and a threaded arrangement to securely engage and deform the article, facilitating efficient heating and aerosolization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an article is inserted into the heating zone without spacing mechanism, then the device structure is simpler, but the airflow path is blocked and heating efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle wall is segmented by adding elongate ribs that divide the heating zone into multiple sections. These ribs create controlled airflow paths between the article and the receptacle wall, allowing air to circulate efficiently around the article while maintaining structural integrity. The ribs are distributed throughout the heating zone to optimize airflow distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The elongate ribs extend in the circumferential direction around the heating zone, adding a circumferential dimension to the airflow path. This creates a three-dimensional airflow pattern that wraps around the article, improving heat transfer efficiency by exposing all surfaces of the article to flowing air rather than relying solely on axial airflow.
2Productivity
If the article is held firmly against the heating element, then heating efficiency improves, but the article cannot be securely inserted or positioned
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate ribs create localized contact points with the article at specific circumferential positions, rather than requiring uniform contact around the entire article. This allows the article to be firmly held at critical heating zones while maintaining ease of insertion, as the ribs engage the article at discrete locations rather than requiring continuous contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The ribs are positioned and dimensioned to allow dynamic engagement during insertion. As the article is inserted, the ribs gradually engage with the article surface, providing progressive positioning and securing. The rib height and spacing are optimized to allow smooth insertion while ensuring firm contact during the heating phase.
3Productivity
If the heating zone is enclosed without airflow paths, then heat retention is improved, but aerosol generation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The elongate ribs create continuous airflow paths that allow air to circulate constantly around the article throughout the heating zone. This continuous airflow ensures sustained aerosol generation by continuously supplying oxygen to the heating process and removing generated aerosol, while the enclosed structure maintains overall heat retention. The ribs ensure the airflow path extends along the entire length of the heating zone.
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
This configuration ensures efficient heating of aerosol-generating materials without combustion, providing a secure and efficient mechanism for article insertion and heating, leading to effective aerosol generation and improved user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The heating element may comprise a material heatable by penetration with a magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
The heating element may comprise a material configured to heat under application of an electric current therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol generating device generates an aerosol from aerosol-generating material. The device has a receptacle including a peripheral wall defining a heating zone for receiving at least a portion of the aerosol-generating material. An elongate rib protrudes into the heating zone. The elongate rib has a locating face arranged to space the heating zone from the peripheral wall and to provide an airflow path between the article and the peripheral wall. The elongate rib extends at least partially circumferentially about the peripheral wall.