Inhaler Capillary Gap Design for Liquid Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhaler components are space-consuming and have limited capillary gap surface coverage, leading to inefficiencies in liquid supply and potential liquid loss due to gravity-induced partial vacuum, especially when multiple composites are used.
Innovation Solution
The capillary gap is arranged to partially cover the liquid container externally, with a multilayer printed circuit board acting as a carrier plate mounted on the container, allowing for a compact design and increased surface coverage, and the use of sheetlike composites with capillary structures for efficient liquid supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the capillary gap is arranged to cover the liquid container externally, then the capillary gap surface coverage is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the capillary gap structure with the carrier plate by forming the capillary gap between the carrier plate and the liquid container. This merging approach allows the capillary gap to cover a larger surface area of the liquid container while using the existing carrier plate structure, thereby increasing capillary surface coverage without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The capillary gap is arranged in a nested configuration where it covers the liquid container externally while the carrier plate is mounted on the container. This nested arrangement allows the capillary gap to extend over the liquid container surface, maximizing the capillary surface area without requiring additional external components that would increase device complexity.
2Productivity
If multiple composites are used, then the productivity is improved, but the loss of substance increases due to gravity-induced partial vacuum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by creating a capillary gap structure that counteracts the gravity-induced partial vacuum effect before it can cause liquid loss. The capillary forces in the gap prevent liquid from being pulled out of the container by gravitational effects, thereby preventing substance loss while allowing multiple composites to operate simultaneously for improved productivity.
3Device complexity
If the carrier plate is mounted on the liquid container, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier plate is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, electrical contact for the heating element, and forms the capillary gap structure with the liquid container. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying the overall device while the standardized mounting interface maintains reasonable manufacturing precision requirements.
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 configuration results in a more compact inhaler design with improved capillary gap surface coverage, preventing liquid loss and ensuring efficient liquid supply to multiple composites, allowing for effective vapor/air mixture and condensation aerosol formation.
Implementation Method 1
a capillary gap formed at least partly by the carrier plate, for the automatic supplying of the composite with the liquid material, while one end portion of the wick extends into the capillary gap
Implementation Method 2
a wick with a capillary structure, which wick forms a composite with the heating element and automatically supplies the heating element with the liquid material
Implementation Method 3
an electric heating element for evaporating a portion of the liquid material
Implementation Method 4
an electric heating element for evaporating a portion of the liquid material
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an inhaler component for forming a vapor/air mixture or/and condensation aerosol by evaporation of a liquid material and, if appropriate, condensation of the formed vapor, comprising: an electric heating element for evaporating a portion of the liquid material; a wick with a capillary structure, which wick forms a composite with the heating element and automatically supplies the heating element with the liquid material; a carrier plate, preferably a printed circuit board, which carries the composite and on which the heating element is electrically contacted; a capillary gap formed at least partially by the carrier plate and automatically supplying the composite with the liquid material, by means of an end portion of the wick extending into the capillary gap; a liquid container which contains the liquid material and from which the capillary gap draws the liquid material. In order to achieve a compact overall arrangement, it is proposed that the capillary gap at least partially covers the liquid container on the outside, in a view perpendicular to the carrier plate.