Igniter Apparatus Combining Heat and Sensory Precursor Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a desire to enhance the lighting experience of smoking articles by introducing enhanced sensory effects during ignition and smoking, such as flavor or aroma, to improve user satisfaction and enjoyment.

Innovation Solution

An igniter apparatus comprising a heat precursor source and a sensory precursor source, where the sensory precursor substance is released in association with the heat emitted by the heating arrangement, providing a perceptible sensory effect to the user during the smoking process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a traditional igniter is used to light smoking articles, then the ignition function is achieved, but the sensory experience (flavor, aroma) during lighting is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensory effect deliveryVSAvoidigniter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the heating arrangement and sensory precursor source into a single integrated igniter apparatus. The sensory precursor source is positioned to deliver sensory compounds directly to the heating element, which then vaporizes them during the lighting process. This merging allows the igniter to simultaneously provide both ignition and enhanced sensory effects without requiring separate devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensory precursor substance is pre-loaded into the sensory precursor source before use. When the igniter is activated, the sensory precursor is already in position to be delivered to the heating arrangement, ensuring immediate sensory effect delivery upon lighting. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for separate sensory delivery steps during the smoking process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If sensory precursor substance is released during heating, then enhanced sensory effects are provided, but additional components are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensory effect deliveryVSAvoidigniter structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating arrangement serves dual functions: it generates heat for ignition and simultaneously vaporizes the sensory precursor substance. This multi-functionality means the same heating element that lights the smoking article also activates the sensory compounds, eliminating the need for a separate sensory delivery mechanism and reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating arrangement acts as an intermediary between the sensory precursor source and the user. It receives the sensory precursor substance, transforms it through heating/vaporization, and delivers it to the user in an activated form. This intermediary role allows the system to provide enhanced sensory effects while using existing ignition components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 the sensory experience of smoking articles by delivering prominent sensory effects during initial puffs and throughout the smoking process, increasing user satisfaction and enjoyment.

Implementation Method 1

a heating arrangement configured to, on demand, receive the heat precursor from the heat precursor source and to emit heat associated with the heat precursor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat emission: Heating

Implementation Method 2

the sensory precursor source is in communication with the heating arrangement and is configured to release the sensory precursor substance in association with the heat emitted by the heating arrangement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS20230018692A1Igniter apparatus for a smoking article, and associated method

Publication Date: 2023.01.19 R J REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY

AI summary

An igniter apparatus is provided, comprising a heat precursor source having a heat precursor; a heating arrangement configured to, on demand, receive the heat precursor from the heat precursor source and to emit heat associated with the heat precursor and capable of igniting an ignitable article; and a sensory precursor source having a sensory precursor substance, wherein the sensory precursor substance is configured to provide a perceptible sensory effect, and wherein the sensory precursor source is in communication with the heating arrangement and is configured to release the sensory precursor substance in association with the heat emitted by the heating arrangement. An associated method is also provided.