Aerosol Delivery Device with Static Ignitor Contacts for Consistent Ignition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional smoking articles suffer from issues such as scorching of paper wrapping material, production of undesirable gases like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, and poor aerosolization of aerosol-forming components, leading to a less enjoyable smoking experience.

Innovation Solution

Aerosol delivery devices with removable and replaceable cartridges that utilize static ignitor contacts for easy loading and secure electrical connection, featuring a holder with a receiving chamber, access door, and static ignitor contacts that ensure consistent ignition and aerosol production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional combustion methods are used to heat tobacco, then aerosol can be generated, but scorching of paper wrapping material and production of harmful gases occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating temperatureVSAvoidscorching and harmful gas production

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical combustion system with an electrical heating system. A heating element powered by a battery provides controlled electrical heating to vaporize tobacco without combustion, eliminating scorching of paper wrapping and harmful gas production while maintaining aerosol generation capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the heating parameter from high-temperature combustion to lower-temperature electrical heating. By controlling the electrical current through the heating element, the temperature is maintained below the combustion point of tobacco and paper, preventing harmful effects while still achieving sufficient heat for aerosolization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If static ignitor contacts are used in aerosol delivery devices, then consistent ignition is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveignition consistencyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the ignitor contacts with the cartridge assembly structure. The static ignitor contacts are integrated into the holder body, and the cartridge is designed to automatically position its heating material against these contacts upon insertion, eliminating the need for separate ignition mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cartridge design enables self-positioning and self-contact with the ignitor contacts. When the cartridge is inserted into the holder, its structure automatically ensures proper alignment and contact with the static ignitor contacts, eliminating the need for complex alignment mechanisms or manual adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 provides a user-friendly and efficient aerosol delivery system that minimizes scorching and gas production, ensuring consistent aerosol generation and improved user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a static ignitor contact disposed on or in the access door and oriented to contact the ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge is secured within the receiving chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

utilize heat sources, such as combustible carbon-based ignition sources, for the production of an aerosol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCombustion: Combustion

Data Source

PatentUS12357024B2Aerosol delivery device with static ignitor contacts

Publication Date: 2025.07.15 R J REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY

AI summary

Disclosed is an aerosol delivery device for use with removable and replaceable cartridges. The device includes a holder defining a proximal end and a distal end and a receiving chamber configured to receive the removable cartridge including an ignitable heat source. The holder defines a first aerosol passageway extending therethrough. The device includes a mouthpiece coupled to the holder and defining a second aerosol passageway extending therethrough and a pair of static ignitor contacts disposed proximate the receiving chamber and oriented to contact the ignitable heat source when the removable cartridge is secured within the receiving chamber. The device may include an access door movably coupled to the holder and configured to provide access to the receiving chamber in an open configuration and secure the cartridge for ignition when in a closed configuration.