Channelled Aerosol-Generating Material for Faster Aerosolization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating systems face inefficiencies in aerosol production and delivery, particularly in non-combustible tobacco heating devices, due to the lack of optimized structures for aerosol generation and distribution within the aerosol-generating materials.
Innovation Solution
The development of an aerosol-generating material in the form of a body with channels defined by a continuous perimeter wall, which includes a cavity for receiving an aerosol generator, and is formed from non-tobacco botanical materials, with features such as multiple fluid inlets and outlets, and a porous structure that enhances aerosol generation and delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heat conduction through the entire material volume is used for aerosol generation, then aerosol can be produced, but the rate of aerosolization is limited and energy efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The aerosol-generating material is segmented into multiple discrete channels extending through the body, allowing aerosol to be generated and distributed simultaneously through multiple pathways rather than through a single volume, thereby increasing the overall aerosolization rate and energy efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from volume-based heat conduction to surface-based aerosol generation at channel walls, effectively moving the generation process to a different dimensional approach where aerosol forms at the two-dimensional channel surfaces rather than throughout the three-dimensional material volume
2Productivity
If channels are added to the aerosol-generating material, then aerosol distribution is improved, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The channels are formed as porous structures within the aerosol-generating material body, allowing for simplified manufacturing through porous material formation techniques while achieving effective aerosol distribution through the channel network
Solution Approach 2:
The channel dimensions, spacing, and configuration are optimized as specific parameters to achieve effective aerosol distribution while maintaining manufacturability and minimizing structural complexity
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 proposed structure improves aerosol generation efficiency by allowing rapid aerosol entry and distribution through channels, reducing the need for heat conduction through the entire material volume, thereby enhancing the rate of aerosolization and overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
the aerosol-generating material is porous
Implementation Method 2
the flavour is absorbed or adsorbed on the surface of the aerosol-generating material
Implementation Method 3
the flavour is absorbed or adsorbed on the surface of the aerosol-generating material
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2~3a
Figure 3b~4
AI summary
An aerosol-generating material in the form of a body comprising a cavity for receiving an aerosol generator of an aerosol provision device, two or more channels extending through the body, each channel of the two or more channels being defined by a continuous perimeter wall and a flavour.