Heated Partition Wall Aerosol Droplet Size Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smoking substitute systems are inefficient in delivering nicotine to the lungs due to aerosol droplet size distribution issues, where large droplets are deposited in the mouth and upper respiratory tract, and small droplets may be exhaled without being absorbed.
Innovation Solution
A smoking substitute apparatus with a partition wall heated by the aerosol generator to slow cooling rates, generating aerosol with desired particle sizes, and a bypass airflow configuration to reduce thermal degradation and allow closer aerosol generator and enclosure positioning, promoting larger aerosol droplet formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If air is not preheated before entering the aerosol generator, then the device structure is simpler, but the aerosol droplet size is too small and may be exhaled without nicotine delivery
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the air preheating function with the existing housing structure by forming the partition wall as an integral part of the housing that is heated by the aerosol generator. This merges the heating function into the structural component, avoiding additional heating devices while achieving the desired aerosol droplet size for effective nicotine delivery to the lungs.
2Volume of moving object
If aerosol generator and enclosure are positioned closer, then the device is more compact, but thermal degradation occurs in the enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a partition wall as an intermediary thermal barrier between the aerosol generator and the enclosure. This partition wall is heated by the aerosol generator to preheat air, creating a thermal gradient that protects the enclosure from direct high-temperature exposure while allowing the device to maintain a compact design.
3Speed
If aerosol cooling rate is too fast, then the aerosol forms quickly, but the droplet size becomes unsuitable for lung absorption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary heating action to the air before it enters the aerosol generator by using the heated partition wall to preheat the incoming air. This preliminary thermal preparation slows the cooling rate of the vaporized e-liquid, allowing aerosol droplets to form at an optimal size range for lung absorption while maintaining efficient aerosol generation.
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 enhances nicotine delivery by producing aerosol droplets of optimal sizes for lung absorption, improving user experience and reducing thermal risks in the device.
Implementation Method 1
a partition wall is provided between the aerosol generator and air inlet passage, in use the partition wall being heated by the heater of the aerosol generator and thereby heating the air in the air inlet passage before entraining the aerosol
Implementation Method 2
an aerosol generator, and an outlet, the aerosol generator comprising a heater and being operable to generate an aerosol by vaporising a liquid aerosol precursor
Data Source
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AI summary
A smoking substitute apparatus. The smoking substitute apparatus comprising at least one air inlet (202a) and an air inlet passage (203a), an aerosol generator and an outlet, the aerosol generator comprising a heater (164) and being operable to generate an aerosol by vaporising a liquid aerosol precursor, air flowing in use through said at least one air inlet and air inlet passage, entraining the aerosol and flowing to the outlet when a user draws on the apparatus. A partition wall (201a) is provided between the aerosol generator and air inlet passage, in use the partition wall being heated by the heater of the aerosol generator and thereby heating the air in the air inlet passage before entraining the aerosol. The partition wall is formed at least in part by an electrical contact for the heater.