Heat-Not-Burn Air Inlet Layout for Lower Draw Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current HT smoking substitute devices face issues with increased draw resistance and limited airflow due to air inlets being located away from the consumable, which affects aerosol generation and Total Particulate Matter (TPM) output.

Innovation Solution

The design of a heat not burn device with air inlets positioned adjacent to the heating element base allows direct airflow into the housing, reducing draw resistance and improving heat transfer within the aerosol-forming article, enhancing aerosol generation and TPM output.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If air inlets are located away from the consumable, then device structure is simplified, but draw resistance increases and airflow is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoiddraw resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional air inlet positioning by placing it adjacent to the heating element base rather than away from the consumable. This reversal of the traditional design approach directly reduces draw resistance and improves airflow while maintaining structural simplicity, effectively resolving the technical contradiction between device complexity and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Device complexity

If air inlets are located away from the consumable, then device structure is simplified, but aerosol generation is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidaerosol generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the air inlet positioning strategy and placing it adjacent to the heating element base, the patent improves aerosol generation and TPM output without increasing device complexity. This inverted approach optimizes the airflow path for better heat transfer and vaporization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If air inlets are positioned adjacent to the heating element base, then airflow is improved, but device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveairflowVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the air inlet positioning with the heating element base structure, integrating the airflow entry point directly into the existing thermal zone. This merging approach improves airflow and aerosol generation without adding separate complex structural elements, as the air inlet utilizes the space and structure already present around the heating element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 arrangement reduces draw resistance and increases airflow, leading to improved aerosol generation and increased TPM output, thereby enhancing the user experience.

Implementation Method 1

improving heat transfer within the aerosol-forming article

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20260013562A1Smoking substitute system

Publication Date: 2026.01.15 IMPERIAL TOBACCO LTD

AI summary

A heat not burn device comprising: a housing; a heating element having a base in connection with the housing; a plurality of air inlets defined at the housing; wherein the plurality of air inlets are configured to allow an airflow to enter the housing adjacent to the base of the heating element.