Cross-linked Polysaccharide Fibre Flavorant Provider

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current smoking substitute systems, such as e-cigarettes, face limitations in delivering flavor effectively due to toxicology restrictions and the potential disadvantage of vaporizing flavorants, leading to weak taste experiences for users.

Innovation Solution

A flavorant provider using cross-linked polysaccharide fibers with microcapsules or nanocapsules that release flavorants sustainably when used with a smoking substitute device, enhancing flavor delivery and durability while avoiding sudden flavor release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If flavorants are vaporized with e-liquid in traditional e-cigarettes, then flavor delivery is achieved, but the taste experience becomes weak and underwhelming due to toxicology restrictions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflavor deliveryVSAvoidweak taste experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flavor delivery system is segmented into separate components: e-liquid contains nicotine and base liquid without flavorants, while separate flavorant providers (microcapsules, nanocapsules, or flavorant-impregnated materials) deliver flavor independently. This segmentation allows flavorants to be delivered in higher concentrations without being constrained by e-liquid toxicology restrictions, resulting in stronger and more satisfying taste experiences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If flavorants are provided in e-liquid, then flavor can be delivered to user, but the flavor release is sudden and excessive causing weak and underwhelming taste sensation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflavor delivery speedVSAvoidweak taste sensation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flavorant provider is designed to release flavorants continuously and sustainably during the vaping session rather than all at once. Microcapsules and nanocapsules release flavorant gradually as they are heated and degraded, while flavorant-impregnated materials continuously release flavorant from their porous structure. This continuous release mechanism ensures a sustained and satisfying taste sensation throughout the entire vaping experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Duration of action of moving object

If polysaccharide fibers are used as flavorant carrier, then flavor release is sustained, but the fibers may degrade under device temperatures and solvents

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflavor release durationVSAvoidfiber durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The flavorant provider uses composite materials that combine the flavorant-impregnating properties of polysaccharide fibers with the thermal and chemical stability of cross-linking agents. The polysaccharide fibers are cross-linked to form a stable three-dimensional network structure that maintains its integrity at device temperatures and in contact with solvents, while still allowing sustained flavorant release through controlled degradation of the cross-linked structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Reliability

If cross-linking is applied to polysaccharide fibers, then fiber durability against temperatures and solvents is improved, but the complexity of manufacturing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiber durabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cross-linking process uses parameters that are easy to control and achieve during standard manufacturing: immersion in a cross-linking solution at elevated temperatures for a specified time. This simple parameter-based approach creates stable cross-linked polysaccharide fiber structures without requiring complex equipment or multi-step processes, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving the desired durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides a more satisfying and prolonged flavor experience by ensuring sustained release of flavorants, improving durability against device temperatures and solvents, and allowing for precise thermal control, thus enhancing user satisfaction.

Implementation Method 1

polysaccharide fibres that are cross-linked by a flavourant microcapsule and/or nanocapsule

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCross-linking: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

a heating device, which heats the e-liquid to produce an aerosol (or 'vapour') which is inhaled by a user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

heats the e-liquid to produce an aerosol (or 'vapour') which is inhaled by a user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS20240381923A1Flavourant provider and smoking substitute device
Publication Date: 2024.11.21 NERUDIA LTD
  • US20240381923A1 patent drawing
  • US20240381923A1 patent drawing
  • US20240381923A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided herein is a flavourant provider for a smoking substitute device wherein polysaccharide fibres are cross linked by a flavourant microcapsule and/or nano capsule. Also provided is use of the flavourant provider and a method of forming the flavourant provider.