Disposable Corrugated Cardboard Cleaning Tool for Aerosol Heating Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an effective device to clean the heating chamber and heating element of aerosol-generating devices after operation, as residues often remain and are difficult to remove.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning tool with an elongate element featuring an abrasive surface, made from corrugated cardboard, designed to be inserted into the heating chamber to scrape off residues from both the heating element and chamber, with a tapered and rounded distal end for reaching corners and a tubular element for cleaning the base and inner surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cleaning device is provided for cleaning the heating chamber and heating element, then residues can be removed effectively, but the device adds complexity to the aerosol-generating system
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tool is designed as a disposable item made from corrugated cardboard with an abrasive surface. After use, it is discarded rather than cleaned and reused. This eliminates the need for complex cleaning mechanisms, maintenance procedures, and durable construction, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effective cleaning functionality.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the cleaning tool is made from durable materials, then it can be reused multiple times, but the cost and environmental impact increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tool is intentionally designed with a short lifespan as a disposable product. It is manufactured from inexpensive corrugated cardboard with an abrasive surface, enabling easy production and disposal. This approach reduces manufacturing costs and environmental impact compared to producing durable, reusable cleaning tools, while still providing effective cleaning during its brief service life.
3Area of stationary object
If the abrasive surface covers the entire elongate element, then cleaning coverage is maximized, but the mechanical stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tool features localized abrasive surfaces positioned at specific locations on the elongate element rather than covering the entire surface. This allows the tool to maintain mechanical stability in the body structure while providing effective cleaning contact areas where needed. The abrasive surfaces are strategically placed to clean the heating element and chamber without compromising the overall structural integrity of the cardboard body.
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 tool effectively removes residues from the heating element and chamber, providing mechanical stability and environmental sustainability, while being inexpensive and disposable, suitable for use with aerosol-generating devices.
Implementation Method 1
The abrasive surface of the elongate element is configured for scraping off of residues of the aerosol-generating substrate from the heating element
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The invention relates to a cleaning tool for cleaning an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device comprises a heating chamber and a heating element arranged in the heating chamber. The cleaning tool comprises an elongate element that has a proximate end and a distal end. The elongate element comprises an abrasive surface and is configured to be inserted into the heating chamber of the aerosol-generating device for cleaning at least the heating element. The abrasive surface of the elongate element is configured as a corrugated cardboard surface.