Cigarette Filter Salt Layer Sorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current filter devices for cigarettes and pipes are inadequate in effectively removing harmful substances such as lead, strontium, and vanadium from cigarette smoke, as they lack sufficient sorption capacity and filter efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The filter device employs multiple filter layers coated with a salt layer, preferably made from sodium salts like table salt, and incorporates a brine capsule that can be squeezed to release an aqueous salt solution, enhancing the filter's sorption capacity and efficiency by moistening the salt layers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional filter devices are used, then the basic filtration function is provided, but the sorption capacity for harmful substances like lead, strontium, and vanadium is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidsorption capacity for harmful substances
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The filter material undergoes parameter change by coating with salt solution and drying to form a crystalline salt layer. This transformation from liquid coating to solid crystalline structure enhances the sorption capacity for heavy metals while maintaining the filter's physical integrity and filtration function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention creates a composite filter structure combining the carrier material (textile or non-woven fabric) with a salt layer coating. This composite material integrates the mechanical strength of the carrier with the heavy metal sorption capability of the salt crystals, achieving both structural stability and enhanced filtration efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If the filter layers are made thinner to reduce resistance, then the airflow resistance decreases, but the sorption capacity may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow through filterVSAvoidsorption capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The salt layer thickness is optimized within the range of 0.5-10 μm to achieve the right balance. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient sorption capacity while maintaining acceptable airflow resistance, resolving the contradiction between filtration efficiency and breathability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If multiple filter layers are added to increase sorption capacity, then the filtration efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration efficiencyVSAvoidnumber of filter layers
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter device is segmented into multiple filter layers (at least two), each coated with salt. This segmentation allows each layer to contribute to sorption capacity while distributing the functional load, achieving enhanced filtration without requiring a single overly complex layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple filter layers are combined in series within the filter device, creating a multi-stage filtration system. The layers work together synergistically, with each layer contributing to the overall sorption capacity, while the combining approach maintains a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 improved filter device demonstrates increased sorption capacity for harmful elements like lead, strontium, and vanadium, providing enhanced filtration efficiency and improved protection against smoking-related health risks.

Implementation Method 1

X-ray fluorescence analysis demonstrated an increased sorption capacity of the filter device for the elements lead, strontium, calcium, and vanadium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSorption: Sorption

Implementation Method 2

the at least one brine capsule is arranged on the at least one filter layer... the at least one brine capsule contains an aqueous salt solution which is surrounded by a capsule shell

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3815553B1Filter device for cigarettes and/or pipes
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 KORPAN NIKOLAI N
  • EP3815553B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

Filter device (10) for a cigarette and/or pipe for filtering harmful substances during smoking, wherein the filter device (10) comprises at least one filter layer (100) with a carrier medium (110), wherein the at least one filter layer (100) has a salt layer which is arranged on the carrier medium (110), wherein the salt layer is formed from at least one inorganic salt.