Composite Inhaler Heating Wick for Intermittent Vaporization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhalators face challenges in achieving high specific evaporative capacity for intermittent operation synchronous with inhalation or drawing, while maintaining high evaporator efficiency, and are often complex, costly, and prone to thermal decomposition and liquid leakage.
Innovation Solution
A planar or linear composite design with a contact-free arrangement of the heating element and a capillary structure exposed on one or both sides, utilizing materials like stainless steel or NiCr alloys, allows efficient heat conduction and capillary action to enhance evaporative capacity and prevent boiling crises, while minimizing thermal decomposition and liquid exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a complex evaporator design with multiple components is used to achieve high evaporative capacity, then the evaporative capacity increases, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heating element and wick into a single integrated composite structure. The heating element is directly embedded in the wick material, eliminating the need for separate components and their associated mounting mechanisms. This merging achieves high evaporative capacity through effective heat transfer while significantly reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure where the heating element material is integrated with the wick material. This composite design allows the heating element to be surrounded by capillary structures that continuously supply liquid, creating an efficient evaporative system without requiring multiple separate components.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the heating element is in direct contact with the liquid material, then heat transfer efficiency increases, but thermal decomposition and liquid leakage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different material properties to different regions of the heating element. The heating element has a first region with high thermal conductivity for efficient heat transfer to the liquid, and a second region with lower thermal conductivity that prevents excessive heat accumulation. This local differentiation maintains effective heat transfer while preventing thermal decomposition and liquid leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the heating element material or its structure. By using materials or configurations with varying thermal conductivity properties, the system achieves efficient heat transfer in contact regions while limiting peak temperatures that would cause thermal decomposition or liquid leakage.
3Reliability
If the capillary structure is fully covered by the heating element, then the heating element is protected, but the evaporative capacity is limited due to restricted vapor outlet
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the heating element into different functional regions. A first region is embedded in the wick for heat transfer and liquid supply, while a second region extends beyond the wick as an exposed vapor outlet. This segmentation allows the heating element to be protected in the liquid-contact region while maintaining an open vapor outlet path for high evaporative capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element extends in multiple dimensions relative to the wick. While embedded in the wick for heat transfer, the heating element protrudes or extends beyond the wick structure to provide exposed vapor outlet surfaces. This multi-dimensional configuration protects the heating element while maintaining efficient vapor release pathways.
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 design achieves high evaporative capacity and efficiency with reduced thermal decomposition, cost-effectiveness, and user-friendly operation, allowing for ergonomic and safe use in various positions, with controlled vapor-air mixture properties.
Implementation Method 1
an electric heating element for evaporating a portion of a liquid material
Implementation Method 2
for evaporating a portion of a liquid material, wherein the vapor which is formed
Implementation Method 3
a wick with a capillary structure, which wick forms a composite with the heating element and automatically resupplies the heating element with the liquid material
Implementation Method 4
the vapor which is formed is mixed in the chamber with the air supplied through the air admission opening
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an inhaler component for producing a steam/air mixture or/and condensation aerosol in an intermittent and inhalation- or pull-synchronous manner, the inhaler component including: a housing; a chamber arranged in the housing; an air inlet opening for the supply of air from the surroundings to the chamber; an electrical heating element for evaporating a portion of a liquid material; and a wick having a capillary structure, which wick forms a composite structure with the heating element and automatically supplies the heating element with fresh liquid material after evaporation.