Compressed Foam Matrix for Aerosol Consumable Storage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generating consumables face issues with bulkiness due to porous structures and limited lifespan due to oxidation and premature reactions between materials, leading to inefficient use and storage.
Innovation Solution
A consumable product featuring a foam matrix housed in a packaging element with sacrificial seals that compress the foam matrix, allowing it to expand and facilitate the ingestion of aerosol-generating media, thereby reducing oxidation and improving distribution and shelf life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a porous structure is used for the consumable, then it can be impregnated with aerosol-generating materials, but the consumable becomes bulky and occupies high volume
Solution Approach 1:
The foam matrix undergoes a parameter change from compressed low-density state during storage to expanded high-density state during use. This allows the same material to provide both compact storage volume and sufficient capacity for aerosol-generating materials when expanded.
Solution Approach 2:
The foam matrix is nested within the packaging element in a compressed state, allowing multiple consumables to be stored compactly. When activated, the foam expands from its nested compressed state to its functional expanded state.
2Ease of operation
If the consumable is stored in a relaxed state, then it is ready for use, but oxidation occurs and lifespan is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The foam matrix is pre-compressed during manufacturing and storage, preparing it for subsequent expansion during use. This preliminary compression action prevents oxidation during storage while enabling rapid expansion when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The compressed foam matrix creates a protected environment that limits exposure to oxygen and other reactive substances during storage. The compression state itself acts as a protective mechanism against oxidation before the consumable is activated.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple aerosol generating materials are used within a single consumable, then variety is achieved, but unwanted reactions between materials occur and limit lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple aerosol-generating materials are segmented and distributed throughout the foam matrix structure. The foam's cellular architecture provides natural separation zones that prevent unwanted reactions while allowing each material to function effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
Different aerosol-generating materials are placed in different local regions of the foam matrix. This local distribution allows material variety while the foam structure ensures proper spacing and prevents premature reactions between different materials.
4Volume of moving object
If the consumable is compressed for storage, then it is compact and easy to store, but the aerosol generating materials may not distribute properly
Solution Approach 1:
The foam matrix and aerosol-generating materials are prepared and distributed in the correct proportions during manufacturing while in a compressed state. The compression is then maintained during storage, and expansion occurs uniformly during use, preserving the pre-established material distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerosol-generating materials are nested within the compressed foam matrix structure during manufacturing. This nested arrangement ensures proper material distribution is established before compression, and the foam structure maintains this distribution during both compressed storage and expanded use.
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 solution results in a more compact and longer-lasting consumable product that efficiently generates aerosols with improved air flow and reduced oxidation, enhancing user experience and storage convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the packaging element is configured to hold the foam matrix in a first, compressed, configuration prior to use
Implementation Method 2
upon opening the first sacrificial seal the packaging element holds the foam matrix in a second, less compressed, configuration
Implementation Method 3
releasing the compressed state of the foam matrix such that this assists in ingestion of the aerosol generating medium from the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
A consumable product for use in an aerosol generating device is disclosed, the consumable product comprising a foam matrix (302); and a packaging element housing the foam matrix; wherein the packaging element is configured to hold the foam matrix in a first, compressed, configuration prior to use of the consumable product in an aerosol generating device, the packaging element having a first sacrificial seal, wherein upon opening the first sacrificial seal the packaging element holds the foam matrix in a second, less compressed, configuration.