Heater Module and Extractor Layout for Cleanable Aerosol Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating devices face challenges in ease of cleaning and maintenance, airflow direction, moldability and strength of components, and user safety when handling the heater module.
Innovation Solution
The device features a housing with a heater module and an extractor design that includes airflow paths, a coupling structure for aerosol-generating articles, and a structure that prevents finger contact with the heater, enhancing moldability and strength while facilitating easy cleaning and removal of residual tobacco.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heater module and extractor are closely coupled to improve heat transfer efficiency, then aerosol generation performance is improved, but cleaning and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable modules: the heater module containing the heater element and the extractor containing the airflow path. These modules can be easily separated from each other and from the housing, allowing users to clean each component independently without disassembling the entire device. The heater module can be removed as a complete unit, and the extractor can be accessed separately for cleaning residual tobacco.
2Ease of manufacture
If the heater module structure is simplified for easier manufacturing, then production cost is reduced, but structural strength and moldability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The heater module integrates multiple functions into a single structural unit: the heater element, the support structure, the airflow path definition, and the coupling interface with the extractor are merged into one molded component. This integration maintains structural strength while simplifying manufacturing, as the entire module can be produced in a single injection molding process without requiring assembly of multiple separate parts.
3Productivity
If the airflow path is made larger to improve aerosol generation, then aerosol output is increased, but device volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow path is optimized by utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. The extractor features a tapered structure that expands in the radial dimension while maintaining a compact axial length. The airflow path winds through the extractor in a multi-dimensional pattern, allowing sufficient airflow cross-sectional area without increasing the overall device volume. The heater module's compact design also contributes to efficient space utilization.
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 design improves the ease of cleaning and maintenance, ensures proper airflow, and enhances user safety by preventing direct contact with the heater, while maintaining structural integrity and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a heater extending in the longitudinal direction of the housing
Implementation Method 2
the lower part is spaced apart from the bottom part and the heater to define an airflow path
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an aerosol-generating device including a housing formed to be elongated, a heater module disposed in an internal space in the housing and including a heater extending in the longitudinal direction of the housing, and an extractor surrounding a portion of a side surface of the heater. The heater module includes a bottom part, on which the heater is disposed, and a pair of inner walls, which protrudes from the bottom part and is opposite each other with respect to the heater. The extractor includes a lower part, which faces the bottom part and through which the heater passes, and a pair of side walls, which protrudes from the lower part, is opposite each other with respect to the heater, and is alternately disposed with the pair of inner walls. The lower part is spaced apart from the bottom part and the heater to define an airflow path.