Aerosol Heater Fixing Structure for Internal Liquid Leakage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Non-combustion aerosol generation devices face issues with liquid aerosol penetration into internal air passages, leading to device failure and malfunction due to liquefaction and leakage.

Innovation Solution

The aerosol generation device incorporates a heater and a heater fixing portion with a sealing member to direct liquefied liquid towards the heater, preventing penetration and using a sealing member to seal gaps between components, ensuring the aerosol is effectively generated and delivered without device damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If water or aerosol is partially liquefied and fixed in the form of droplets in the air passage, then aerosol generation is achieved, but liquid leakage penetrates the inside of the device causing failure or malfunction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoidliquid penetration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A liquid guiding portion is introduced as an intermediary structure between the air passage and the heater. This guiding portion directs the liquid material toward the heater, preventing it from penetrating into the device interior while still allowing the liquid to be vaporized and converted back into aerosol form. The intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by providing a controlled pathway for liquid flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid material that would otherwise be harmful (causing penetration and malfunction) is redirected to serve a beneficial function by being vaporized in the heater. The liquid guiding portion channels the liquid droplets to the heater, where they are converted back into vapor and then aerosol, transforming the harmful liquid penetration issue into a beneficial aerosol generation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If a sealing member is added to seal gaps and prevent liquid penetration, then device reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liquid guiding portion serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural support for the heater, provides a pathway for liquid material, and functions as a sealing element preventing liquid penetration into the device interior. By combining multiple functions into a single structure, the design improves reliability without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution effectively prevents liquid penetration into the device, ensuring reliable operation and delivering aerosol with abundant flavor and nicotine to the user, enhancing user experience and device durability.

Implementation Method 1

a heater (1030) installed in the case (1001) such that an end portion is positioned inside the protrusion pipe (1020) and configured to generate heat when an electric signal is applied

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a round surface that leads a liquid material liquefied by passing through an internal air passage, toward a heater, thereby preventing the liquid material from penetrating into the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface tension and gravity:

Implementation Method 3

a sealing member installed in the gap between the protrusion pipe and the heater fixing portion to seal the gap

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP3997993A1Aerosol generation device
Publication Date: 2022.05.18 KT&G CO LTD
  • EP3997993A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3997993A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3997993A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An aerosol generation device (1000) includes a case (1001) into which a cigarette (2000) is to be inserted; a protrusion pipe (1020) of a hollow shape protruding from one end portion (1001a) of the case and having an opening; a heater (1030) installed in the case such that an end portion thereof is positioned inside the protrusion pipe, and configured to generate heat when an electric signal is applied thereto; and a heater fixing portion (1040) installed inside the protrusion pipe to support the heater and comprising a round surface (1040r) that extends from an inner side surface of the protrusion pipe.