Dual Atomizer Aerosol Component for Particle Size Segregation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic smoking devices lack the capability to deliver two distinct aerosols with different particle sizes simultaneously, which limits the efficient deposition of flavor and nicotine products in the respiratory system, affecting user experience and nicotine absorption.

Innovation Solution

An aerosol generating component with two atomizers, each capable of generating aerosols with different particle sizes, where the size of the inlet openings can be adjusted to control the particle size distribution, allowing for targeted deposition of flavor and nicotine products in the respiratory system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single atomizer is used in existing electronic smoking devices, then the device structure is simple, but the capability to deliver two distinct aerosols with different particle sizes is lost, limiting efficient deposition of flavor and nicotine products

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to deliver two distinct aerosols with different particle sizesVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single atomizer is divided into two separate atomizers, each capable of generating aerosols with different particle sizes. The first atomizer produces larger particles for flavor deposition in the upper respiratory tract, while the second atomizer produces smaller particles for nicotine delivery to the lower respiratory tract. This segmentation enables simultaneous delivery of two distinct aerosol types with optimized particle size characteristics for different respiratory deposition targets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each atomizer is configured with specific local qualities - different inlet opening sizes and heating parameters - to produce aerosols with tailored particle size distributions. The first atomizer has larger inlet openings optimized for flavor material atomization, while the second atomizer has smaller inlet openings optimized for nicotine solution atomization, creating locally optimized aerosol generation zones within the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If particle size is not optimized for different materials, then the device structure is simple, but the efficiency of material deposition in the respiratory system is reduced, affecting user experience and nicotine absorption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of material depositionVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device employs parameter changes by varying the inlet opening sizes between the two atomizers. The first atomizer uses larger inlet openings to generate larger aerosol particles (5-10 μm) suitable for flavor deposition in the oral and nasal cavities, while the second atomizer uses smaller inlet openings to generate smaller aerosol particles (1-3 μm) suitable for deep lung penetration and nicotine absorption. This parameter differentiation optimizes deposition efficiency for each material type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If flavor and nicotine products are delivered without particle size differentiation, then the device is simpler to manufacture, but the taste experience is reduced and nicotine absorption efficiency is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetaste experience and nicotine absorptionVSAvoiddevice manufacturing

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device segments the aerosol generation function into two specialized atomizers, each optimized for a specific material type (flavor and nicotine). This segmentation ensures reliable flavor delivery to taste receptors in the upper respiratory tract and reliable nicotine delivery to the lower respiratory tract, while the manufacturing complexity is managed through modular design where each atomizer can be independently fabricated and assembled.

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

Enables efficient deposition of flavor products in the upper respiratory tract for enhanced taste experience and nicotine in the lower respiratory tract for effective absorption, reducing the amount of nicotine needed to achieve a desired effect.

Implementation Method 1

a first atomizer that is adapted to generate the first aerosol, and a second atomizer that is adapted to generate the second aerosol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

the first atomizer and the second atomizer each comprise a mixing chamber for mixing atomized material with gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMixing:

Implementation Method 3

each comprise an inlet opening for supplying gas into the respective mixing chamber, the inlet opening of the first atomizer being adapted to allow for generation of the first aerosol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow:

Data Source

PatentEP3066940B1Aerosol generating component for an electronic smoking device and electronic smoking device

Publication Date: 2020.05.06 FONTEM HOLDINGS 1 BV

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AI summary

An aerosol generating component (2) for an electronic smoking device and an electronic smoking device with an aerosol generating component (2) are provided. In order to improve smoking experience, the aerosol generating component (2) is adapted to generate two aerosols with different particle sizes.