Personal Inhalation Device Atomization Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Regulatory agencies have raised concerns about the uncontrolled and inconsistent delivery of nicotine by personal inhalation devices, leading to potential bans or restrictions on their use and sale, necessitating a device that can meter and regulate the delivery of substances for safer and more approved operation.

Innovation Solution

A personal inhalation device with an outer shell, an atomizing unit, and control electronics that meter the delivery of substances, using a pressure transducer and micro-electronic components to regulate the atomization process, ensuring consistent and controlled vapor delivery through a user-controlled orifice.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If personal inhalation devices deliver nicotine without control mechanisms, then the device is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the delivery amount becomes uncontrolled and inconsistent, leading to regulatory concerns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistency of nicotine deliveryVSAvoidcomplexity of metering system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by controlling the atomization process through regulated power delivery to the heating element. By changing electrical parameters (voltage, current, pulse duration) in response to user activation signals, the system achieves consistent nicotine vapor delivery without requiring complex mechanical metering mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control through micro-electronic components that detect user activation (puff detection) and adjust the atomization process accordingly. The system monitors user input and provides real-time feedback control to maintain consistent deliverable delivery, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Quantity of substance

If personal inhalation devices use unregulated atomization, then the device operation is simpler, but the amount of deliverables discharged becomes inconsistent and uncontrolled

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of nicotine deliveredVSAvoidcomplexity of control electronics

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces potential mechanical metering systems with electronic control mechanisms. Micro-electronic components and circuitry are used to precisely control the atomization process and meter the quantity of nicotine delivered, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic precision for better delivery control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs periodic action through controlled pulsing of power to the atomizing unit. By delivering energy in regulated pulses rather than continuous flow, the system achieves consistent per-puff nicotine delivery, with each pulse corresponding to a user activation event, thereby controlling the quantity of substance delivered.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If personal inhalation devices lack metering capability, then manufacturing is easier and cheaper, but regulatory approval becomes difficult or impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompliance with regulatory standardsVSAvoidease of manufacturing controlled delivery system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves regulatory compliance through multi-functional control electronics that perform multiple tasks: detecting user activation, regulating power delivery, controlling atomization, and metering deliverable discharge. This universal control system provides the required metering capability without requiring separate dedicated components for each function, improving ease of manufacture.

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

The device provides a regulated and consistent delivery of nicotine or other substances, enhancing safety and compliance with regulatory standards, reducing health risks and environmental hazards associated with traditional tobacco products.

Implementation Method 1

The atomizing unit atomizes the medium when a user puffs on the orifice such that vapor containing the deliverables is discharged through the orifice

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAtomization:

Implementation Method 2

The atomizing unit atomizes the medium when a user puffs on the orifice such that vapor containing the deliverables is discharged through the orifice

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS8851068B2Personal inhalation devices

Publication Date: 2014.10.07 AJ MARKETING

AI summary

A personal inhalation device includes an outer shell having an orifice formed therein and containing a medium having one or more deliverables and an atomizing unit disposed within the shell. The atomizing unit atomizes the medium when a user puffs on the orifice such that vapor containing the deliverables is discharged through the orifice. The personal inhalation device is further capable of metering the deliverables discharged with the vapor.