Non-combustible Aerosol Device Retention for Variable Consumables

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing alternatives to combustible tobacco products, such as heat-not-burn devices, face challenges in efficiently generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials without combustion, requiring innovative solutions for aerosol production and consumable retention.

Innovation Solution

A non-combustible aerosol provision device with a retention apparatus that accommodates consumables of different sizes, utilizing heating elements and magnetic field generators to volatilize aerosol-generating materials, and a system with interchangeable retention members for various consumable sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single retention apparatus is used for all consumable sizes, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different consumable sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different consumable sizesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention apparatus is divided into multiple independent retention members (first retention member, second retention member, etc.), each designed to hold specific consumable sizes. This segmentation allows the system to accommodate various consumable dimensions while keeping each individual retention member structurally simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retention apparatus is designed with multiple retention members that can be selectively installed to accommodate different consumable sizes. This multi-functionality approach allows a single retention apparatus structure to serve multiple purposes by simply changing which retention member is installed, without requiring completely different apparatus for each consumable size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple retention members are provided for different consumable sizes, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different consumable sizesVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retention apparatus incorporates a selection mechanism that allows dynamic switching between different retention members based on the consumable size being used. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to adjust its configuration without requiring permanent complex structures for each possible consumable size simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The retention members are designed as separate, replaceable components that can be easily installed and removed. This approach allows the system to handle different consumable sizes using simple, inexpensive retention members rather than requiring a complex, permanent multi-functional retention apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Productivity

If heating elements are used to volatilize aerosol-generating material, then aerosol generation efficiency improves, but risk of combustion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerosol generation efficiencyVSAvoidrisk of combustion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system carefully controls the temperature parameter of the heating element to volatilize aerosol-generating material without reaching combustion thresholds. By precisely adjusting and maintaining the temperature within a specific range, the system achieves efficient aerosol generation while avoiding the harmful combustion effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces direct combustion (chemical reaction) with controlled heating and volatilization (physical phase change). Instead of burning the aerosol-generating material to create aerosol, the system uses controlled thermal energy to vaporize the material, substituting a mechanical/thermal process for a chemical combustion process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables efficient aerosol generation from aerosol-generating materials without combustion, accommodating different consumable sizes, and providing a user-friendly inhalation experience.

Implementation Method 1

volatilizing at least one component of aerosol-generating material in a consumable to generate a flow of aerosol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVolatilization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

magnetic field generators to volatilize aerosol-generating materials

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field generation: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS20240074494A1Non-combustible aerosol provision device

Publication Date: 2024.03.07 NICOVENTURES TRADING LTD

AI summary

A non-combustible aerosol provision device for generating an aerosol from aerosol-generating material in a consumable is disclosed. The non-combustible aerosol provision device includes a retention apparatus configured to hold in position, one at a time, each of the plurality of consumables comprising aerosol-generating material of different sizes.