Aerosol Provision Device With Dual Air Path Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing smoking alternatives, such as heat-not-burn products, face challenges in efficiently delivering aerosol without combustion, particularly in ensuring consistent airflow and cooling around heating elements to enhance user experience and energy efficiency.

Innovation Solution

An aerosol provision device with a dual air path system, comprising an inner and outer air path defined on the inner and outer sides of the receptacle, which directs airflow through the aerosol generating article to provide cooling and ventilation, enhancing airflow efficiency and user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single air path is used to deliver air to the article, then the device structure is simple, but the airflow efficiency and cooling effectiveness are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow efficiencyVSAvoidair path structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air path is segmented into two distinct pathways: an inner air path that delivers air directly through the article, and an outer air path that provides cooling air around the heating element. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall airflow efficiency while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Loss of energy

If cooling air is provided around the heating element, then energy efficiency is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidair path structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air path is segmented into two distinct pathways: an inner air path that delivers air directly through the article, and an outer air path that provides cooling air around the heating element. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall airflow efficiency while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The outer air path acts as an intermediary cooling system that circulates air around the heating element to remove excess heat before it can be lost to the environment. This intermediary cooling mechanism improves energy efficiency by recovering heat that would otherwise be wasted, while the modular air path design keeps the structural complexity manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If air is directed through the article, then aerosol generation is enhanced, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerosol generation efficiencyVSAvoidair path structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air path is segmented into two distinct pathways: an inner air path that delivers air directly through the article, and an outer air path that provides cooling air around the heating element. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall airflow efficiency while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 dual air path system improves airflow efficiency, provides effective cooling around heating elements, and enhances user experience by maintaining device temperature and reducing energy consumption.

Implementation Method 1

an air inlet arranged to direct air into the aerosol provision device; an inner air path defined at least partially on an inner side of the receptacle arranged to provide air from the air inlet to the article; and an outer air path defined at least partially on an outer side of the receptacle arranged to provide air from the air inlet to the article

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP4578312A1Aerosol provision device
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 NICOVENTURES TRADING LTD
  • EP4578312A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4578312A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4578312A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aerosol provision device (100) comprising a receptacle (205) defining a heating chamber (201) for receiving at least a portion of an article (300) comprising aerosol generating material. The receptacle defines an opening (203) through which the article is configured to be received into the heating chamber. An air inlet (221) is arranged to direct air into the aerosol provision device. An inner air path (240) is defined at least partially on an inner side of the receptacle and arranged to provide air from the air inlet to the article and an outer air path (242) is defined at least partially on an outer side of the receptacle and arranged to provide air from the air inlet to the article.