Aerosol Generating Material Deposition With Constant-Volume Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing aerosol generating material products face challenges in maintaining a consistent volume of fluid aerosol generating material during deposition, leading to instability and inefficiencies in the production process.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus is employed that includes a storage means, supply means, substrate deposition means, and control means to maintain a constant desired volume of fluid aerosol generating material, utilizing features like weirs and overflow pipes to regulate flow and ensure precise deposition on a surface, forming a dimensionally stable aerosol generating substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If fluid aerosol generating material is deposited on a surface during manufacturing, then aerosol generating substrate is formed, but the volume of fluid material becomes unstable leading to inconsistent deposition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-filling the storage means with a reservoir of fluid aerosol generating material before the deposition process begins. This ensures that the material is ready and available at a controlled volume before deposition starts, preventing volume instability during the actual deposition operation. The storage means is prepared in advance to maintain constant volume throughout the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The control means implements feedback by continuously monitoring the volume of fluid aerosol generating material in the storage means and automatically adjusting the supply rate to maintain a constant desired volume. This closed-loop control system detects volume changes and makes real-time corrections, ensuring stable deposition conditions throughout the manufacturing process.
2Productivity
If fluid aerosol generating material is continuously supplied to maintain deposition, then production efficiency increases, but volume control becomes difficult leading to waste
Solution Approach 1:
The control means uses feedback control to monitor the volume of fluid material in the storage means and automatically adjusts the supply rate from the supply means. When the volume approaches the desired level, the supply is automatically reduced or stopped, preventing overfilling and waste. This ensures continuous production while maintaining precise volume control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by enabling the storage means to automatically regulate its own volume through the control means, which responds to volume changes by adjusting supply. The system serves itself by detecting its own state (volume level) and making appropriate adjustments without external intervention, optimizing both productivity and material utilization.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the storage means volume varies during deposition, then supply flexibility is maintained, but deposition precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies dynamics by making the supply rate adjustable and responsive to changing conditions. The control means can dynamically modify the supply rate to maintain constant volume despite variations in deposition rate or material consumption. This dynamic adjustment maintains both supply flexibility and deposition precision throughout the manufacturing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The control means changes the supply parameter (flow rate) in response to volume measurements to maintain the desired volume constant. By adjusting this critical parameter, the system ensures that deposition precision is maintained while allowing flexibility in the overall supply process. The parameter change approach enables precise control without sacrificing adaptability.
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 apparatus ensures a consistent and efficient deposition process, transforming flowable fluid material into a stable substrate, minimizing waste and optimizing the production of aerosol generating material for use in aerosol provision devices.
Implementation Method 1
a control means configured to maintain a constant desired volume of fluid aerosol generating material in the storage means
Implementation Method 2
at least one substrate deposition means configured to deposit fluid aerosol generating material on the surface
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus (2) for use in the formation of an aerosol generating substrate on a surface from a fluid aerosol generating material (6) is disclosed. The apparatus comprising a storage means (10) configured to store the fluid aerosol generating material, at least one supply means (18) configured to introduce fluid aerosol generating material into the storage means, at least one substrate deposition means (16) configured to deposit fluid aerosol generating material on the surface, and a control means (14) configured to maintain a constant desired volume of fluid aerosol generating material in the storage means.