Electrostatic Flavor Inhaler Atomization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional non-combustion type flavor inhalers require high-output batteries for heating, leading to frequent charging and thermal decomposition issues, with limited discharge of volatile components.

Innovation Solution

A non-heating, non-combustion type flavor inhaler using a liquid flow path with a conductive portion and a power supply to atomize aerosol bases via voltage application, accompanied by a static elimination unit to neutralize charges and prevent thermal decomposition, allowing for stable discharge of both volatile and nonvolatile components with low electric power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If heating type atomizing means is used to atomize aerosol base, then atomization function is achieved, but thermal decomposition products are generated and high-output batteries are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveatomization functionVSAvoidthermal decomposition products

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the heating-based atomization system with an electrostatic-based system. A high-voltage power supply generates electrostatic fields that directly atomize the aerosol base through electrostatic forces, eliminating the need for thermal energy and preventing thermal decomposition of flavor components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the fundamental operating parameter from thermal energy (heating) to electrostatic energy (high voltage). By applying voltages of several kilovolts to the atomization electrodes, the system achieves atomization through electrostatic field forces rather than thermal effects, fundamentally altering the energy input mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If heating type atomizing means is used, then aerosol generation is achieved, but high-output large-capacity batteries are necessary and need frequent charging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerosol generationVSAvoidelectric power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the high-power heating system with a low-power electrostatic system. The electrostatic atomization requires only high voltage at very low current levels, dramatically reducing power consumption from several watts to milliwatt levels, enabling use of small batteries with long operational life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Quantity of substance

If heating is applied to atomize aerosol base, then volatile components can be discharged, but thermal decomposition products are generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevolatile component dischargeVSAvoidthermal decomposition products

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes thermal atomization with electrostatic atomization. The electrostatic field directly charges and propels aerosol particles without heating, allowing volatile components to be discharged intact while preventing thermal decomposition that would otherwise occur at heating temperatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Object-generated harmful factors

If electrostatic atomization is used, then thermal decomposition is prevented, but charge accumulation may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal decomposition productsVSAvoidcharge accumulation

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-generated harmful factorsVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a ground electrode as an intermediary element in the electrostatic field configuration. This grounded electrode provides a discharge path for accumulated charges, preventing charge buildup while maintaining the electrostatic atomization process. The ground electrode acts as a charge sink that neutralizes accumulated charges safely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 enables stable discharge of both volatile and nonvolatile components without thermal decomposition, reducing power consumption and eliminating the need for high-output batteries, while preventing particle deposition and ensuring safe user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a power supply and a control unit applying a voltage to the conductive portion, to atomize the aerosol base and to eject the aerosol from an opening of the other end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic atomization: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

a static elimination unit neutralizing charge of the aerosol ejected from the opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCharge neutralization: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS11864579B2Flavor inhaler

Publication Date: 2024.01.09 JAPAN TOBACCO INC

AI summary

A flavor inhaler includes a control unit configured to control operation of the flavor inhaler; a main switch electrically connected to an input side of the control unit, the main switch configured to send a signal to the control unit to start operation of the control unit; and a sub switch electrically connected to the control unit, the sub switch configured to send a signal to the control unit to start supplying liquid from a liquid holding unit accommodating an aerosol base.