HNB Consumable with Pre-formed Recess for Heating Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved design of Heat-Not-Burn (HNB) consumables to enhance user experience and function, particularly in terms of ease of use and environmental sustainability, as existing HNB systems may have issues with resistance during heating element insertion and material uniformity, and they often rely on non-biodegradable components for construction.
Innovation Solution
The development of an aerosol-forming article with a pre-formed axially-extending recess for an external heating element and the use of biodegradable materials in the consumable's construction, including a plant-based cooling element, to facilitate easier heating and more environmentally friendly disposal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional HNB consumable design is used, then the device structure is simple, but the resistance during heating element insertion is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming an axially-extending recess in the consumable body before the heating element insertion step. This recess is created during consumable manufacturing, so when the heating element is later inserted, it encounters minimal resistance. The preliminary structural preparation eliminates the need for forceful insertion while maintaining a simple overall device design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the consumable structure by creating a distinct axially-extending recess that separates the heating element insertion path from the surrounding consumable material. This segmentation allows the heating element to be inserted through a dedicated pathway without disrupting the overall simplicity of the consumable structure, resolving the contradiction between ease of insertion and structural simplicity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-biodegradable materials are used in consumable construction, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the environmental impact is negative
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining biodegradable materials with sufficient structural properties. The consumable body is made from biodegradable materials that maintain adequate strength for their intended function, while the axially-extending recess provides structural guidance. This composite approach allows the system to achieve both environmental sustainability and functional strength requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by transitioning from non-biodegradable to biodegradable materials while adjusting structural parameters (such as the axially-extending recess geometry) to compensate for any strength differences. This parameter adjustment ensures that biodegradable materials achieve the necessary structural integrity without compromising environmental sustainability.
3Quantity of substance
If slurry-type recon is used, then the aroma and nicotine content are improved, but the uniformity of quality is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a specific axially-extending recess structure in regions where precise dimensional control is critical. This localized structural feature ensures uniform quality in key areas (such as heating element positioning) while allowing the bulk material to maintain the high nicotine content and aroma characteristics of slurry-type recon. The recess provides consistent geometric parameters where precision matters most.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by pre-forming the axially-extending recess during the recon sheet manufacturing process, before the consumable is assembled. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that when the heating element is inserted, it encounters a pre-defined pathway with consistent dimensions, improving quality uniformity while preserving the beneficial properties of slurry-type recon material.
4Ease of operation
If the heating element insertion resistance is reduced, then the ease of use is improved, but the structural integrity of the consumable may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-forming the axially-extending recess structure during consumable manufacturing, creating a dedicated pathway for heating element insertion. This preliminary structural preparation reduces insertion resistance without compromising overall integrity, as the recess is designed to maintain structural strength while providing an easy insertion path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the consumable structure by creating a distinct axially-extending recess that separates the insertion pathway from the load-bearing structure. This segmentation allows the heating element to pass through a low-resistance pathway while the surrounding consumable material maintains its structural integrity and strength for normal operation.
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 reduces resistance during heating element insertion and enhances the user experience by improving aerosol generation, while also enabling more sustainable disposal options through the use of biodegradable materials, reducing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
heating to a temperature sufficient to vaporise at least one volatile compound contained within the aerosol-forming substrate
Implementation Method 2
a downstream aerosol-cooling element axially spaced from the aerosol-forming substrate
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to aerosol-forming articles, including an aerosol-forming article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate wherein the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a pre-formed axially-extending recess adapted to receive an external heating element. The disclosure further relates to smoking substitute articles, including HNB consumables, which may comprise a cooling element formed of, for example, plant material.