E-vaping Device Ejector Matrix for Droplet Vaporization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing e-vaping devices face challenges in efficiently vaporizing high-viscosity pre-vapor formulations and maintaining consistent vapor generation, often requiring direct contact between the formulation and heating elements, which can lead to splattering and inefficient use of the formulation.

Innovation Solution

The e-vaping device employs a jet dispensing cartridge with a chip that ejects droplets of the pre-vapor formulation onto a temperature-controlled heating element, using a matrix of ejectors to precisely control droplet size and distribution, eliminating direct contact during storage and allowing for high-viscosity formulations and efficient vapor production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of substance

If a wick is used to transport pre-vapor formulation to a heater, then the formulation can be delivered to the heating element, but direct contact during storage leads to splattering and inefficient formulation use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepre-vapor formulationVSAvoidsplattering

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device separates the storage function (cartridge with reservoir) from the vaporization function (heater), allowing the pre-vapor formulation to be stored without direct contact with the heating element. The formulation is only introduced to the heater during controlled vaporization cycles, eliminating continuous contact that causes splattering and formulation loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A wick or capillary structure serves as an intermediary between the reservoir and heater, transporting the pre-vapor formulation only when needed for vaporization. This intermediary allows controlled delivery while preventing direct, continuous contact between the formulation and heating element during storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If high-viscosity pre-vapor formulations are used, then more vapor can be produced, but they require direct contact with heating elements which causes splattering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevapor productionVSAvoidsplattering

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates storage from vaporization, allowing high-viscosity formulations to be stored in the cartridge without contact with the heater. During vaporization, controlled heating and agitation reduce viscosity temporarily, enabling smooth delivery through the wick to the heater without splattering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system temporarily changes the temperature parameter of the pre-vapor formulation during vaporization cycles, heating it to reduce viscosity for easier delivery to the heater. After vaporization, the formulation returns to its original high-viscosity state for stable storage without splattering.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If the heater continuously heats the pre-vapor formulation, then vapor generation is maintained, but formulation loss increases due to splattering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevapor generationVSAvoidpre-vapor formulation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The heater operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only during vaporization cycles when the wick delivers formulation to it. During non-vaporization periods, the heater remains inactive, preventing splattering and formulation loss while maintaining vapor generation capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The wick provides self-regulating capillary flow that delivers formulation to the heater only when the heater is active and creating a temperature gradient. This self-service mechanism ensures formulation is present at the heater only when vaporization is occurring, eliminating waste from continuous heating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution enables precise and consistent vapor generation, reduces splattering, and allows for the use of high-viscosity formulations with a replaceable cartridge, improving the accuracy and efficiency of vapor production while maintaining the device's cleanliness.

Implementation Method 1

energize the at least one substrate heater to heat the chip to a first temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

an ejection heater on a surface of the chamber, the ejection heater being configured to heat and partially vaporize the pre-vapor formulation to form the droplets

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

the vaporizing heater being configured to vaporize the droplets of the pre-vapor formulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS20250098772A1Method of making e-vaping device with ejectors to eject droplets

Publication Date: 2025.03.27 ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC

AI summary

The e-vaping method includes providing a reservoir within a housing, the reservoir being configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation, first configuring ejectors to eject droplets of the pre-vapor formulation towards a vaporizing heater, the ejectors being in fluid communication with the reservoir, and second configuring a vaporizing heater to vaporize at least some of the droplets.