Bidirectional Cleaning Element for Aerosol Deposit Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol generating apparatuses face issues with aerosol deposition on internal surfaces, leading to the accumulation of dirt and debris, which is difficult to clean and affects their performance over time.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning element with asymmetrical edges is introduced, allowing for directional manipulation and removal of deposits by sliding and scraping, facilitated by user-controlled movement within the apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning element with asymmetrical edges is used, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element features asymmetrical edges where the first edge has a first angle relative to the movement direction and the second edge has a second angle relative to the movement direction. This asymmetry enables different cleaning actions (scraping vs. smoothing) on opposite sides of the same component, resolving the contradiction by improving cleaning effectiveness through functional differentiation while maintaining a single integrated structure rather than multiple separate components.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual cleaning is performed, then cleaning cost is reduced, but cleaning effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element is designed to be self-effective through its asymmetrical geometry. The first edge automatically performs scraping action while the second edge performs smoothing action during bidirectional movement, eliminating the need for specialized cleaning tools or professional service. This resolves the contradiction by enabling effective cleaning through the component's own structural design rather than external intervention.
3Productivity
If frequent cleaning is performed, then performance maintenance is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning element enables continuous cleaning action through bidirectional movement capability. Both the first edge and second edge are functional in both forward and reverse directions, allowing uninterrupted cleaning without requiring repositioning or tool changes. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining cleaning effectiveness while reducing total cleaning time through continuous operational capability.
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
Effectively removes accumulated dirt and debris from internal cavities, maintaining the apparatus' cleanliness and prolonging its usability by facilitating regular cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
the first edge, when the component is moved in the first direction, is arranged to slide over deposits on the surface of the structural element between the cleaning element and the structural element
Implementation Method 2
the second edge, when the component is moved in the second direction, is arranged to scrape off said deposits from the surface of the further part
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a component for an aerosol generating apparatus, an aerosol generating apparatus and a method of cleaning at least one further part of an aerosol generating. A drawback with known aerosol generating apparatuses is part of the aerosolised aerosol precursor may not leave the aerosol generating apparatus but may deposit itself on surfaces or structures within the aerosol generating apparatus, requiring periodic cleaning of said surfaces or structures. Accordingly, there is provided component (200) of an aerosol generating apparatus (1) for cleaning at least one further part (206) of the aerosol generating apparatus (1), wherein the component (200) comprises a cleaning element (202) which, in use, forms a region of surface contact (216) with the further part (206), wherein the component (200) is slidingly movable relative to the further part (206), thereby maintaining the surface contact, in a first direction (208a) and an opposite second direction (208b), wherein the cleaning element (202) in the region of surface contact (216) with the further part (206) comprises a first edge (210a) which forms a leading edge in the first direction of movement and a second edge (210b) which forms a leading edge in the second direction of movement, wherein the first edge (210a), when the component (200) is moved in the first direction (208a), is arranged to slide over deposits (204) on the surface of the structural element (206) between the cleaning element (202) and the structural element (206), and wherein the second edge (210b), when the component (200) is moved in the second direction (208b), is arranged to scrape off said deposits (204) from the surface of the further part (206).