Foldable Aerosol Heater Structure for Flat Storage and 3D Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generating devices lack convenience and aesthetics, as they are not easily storable or portable in a flat shape and do not offer a user-friendly transformation mechanism to a three-dimensional form for use.
Innovation Solution
The aerosol generating device features a plurality of pad units with a heating unit and a hinge unit, allowing it to transform from a flat spread mode to a rolling mode, where the front surfaces face a central axis, forming an elongated cavity to accommodate an aerosol generating article, and includes a magnetic coupling mechanism for edge pad units and a heat insulating member to enhance usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the aerosol generating device is designed in a fixed three-dimensional form, then it can accommodate the aerosol generating article and heating unit, but it increases storage difficulty and reduces portability
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a dynamic structure where pad units can be folded and unfolded between a flattened configuration for storage and a three-dimensional configuration for use. The hinge units enable this dynamic transformation, allowing the device to adapt its shape based on operational needs versus storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
When in the flattened configuration, the device allows pad units to be nested or folded together in a compact arrangement. The hinge units enable the pad units to be folded against each other, creating a compact form that is easy to store and carry.
2Volume of moving object
If the device is designed to be flat for storage, then it improves portability, but it cannot accommodate the aerosol generating article and heating components
Solution Approach 1:
The device structure dynamically changes between a flat, compact state for storage and a three-dimensional operational state. The hinge units enable this transformation, allowing the same structure to serve dual purposes: compact storage and functional operation with proper accommodation of heating components.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a two-dimensional flattened configuration to a three-dimensional operational configuration. This dimensional change allows the device to accommodate the aerosol generating article and heating unit in the 3D space while maintaining a 2D compact form for storage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pad units are used to form the device, then it enables transformation capability, but it increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple discrete pad units that can be independently manufactured and then assembled using hinge units. This segmentation allows for standardized production of individual pad units while enabling the overall transformation capability through their configurable arrangement.
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 device can be conveniently stored in a flat shape and transformed into a three-dimensional form for use, improving portability and aesthetics while ensuring efficient heating and heat management.
Implementation Method 1
the edge pad units may include a magnetic body disposed on the side surface, and the edge pad units may be coupled to each other by an attractive force of the magnetic body as the aerosol generating device is transformed such that the front surface of each of the plurality of pad units faces toward the central axis
Implementation Method 2
a heating unit disposed on the front surface of each of the plurality of pad units
Data Source
AI summary
According to various embodiments, an aerosol generating device includes a plurality of pad units, each including a first end surface, a second end surface formed an opposite side of the first end surface, a front surface formed between the first end surface and the second end surface, and a rear surface formed on an opposite side of the front surface, a heating unit disposed on the front surface of each of the plurality of pad units, and a hinge unit disposed between the plurality of pad units, wherein the aerosol generating device is transformable such that the front surface of each of the plurality of pad units faces toward a central axis.