Microfluidic Wiper for Thermal Bubble Jet Die Cleaning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aerosol smoking systems using bubble jet technology face issues with hygiene and sustainability due to the exposure of the die on the outer periphery, which becomes soiled with smoking liquid and clogs over time, leading to inefficient aerosol generation and increased cartridge consumption.

Innovation Solution

A manual microfluidic wiper integrated into the mouthpiece that slides over the die on the aerosol generation apparatus, accompanied by foam for fluid absorption, to clean the die and prevent long-term build-up.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the bubble jet head is integrated into the reusable aerosol generation apparatus, then the system cost is reduced and sustainability is improved, but the die becomes exposed to the external environment and accumulates smoking liquid deposits over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem costVSAvoiddie soiling

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The wiper performs preliminary cleaning action during the mouthpiece mounting process, before the die can accumulate significant deposits. This proactive cleaning approach prevents harmful buildup while maintaining the cost benefits of integrating the bubble jet head into the reusable apparatus.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses its own operational movements (sliding the mouthpiece into place) to trigger the cleaning function. The act of mounting the mouthpiece simultaneously activates the wiper to clean the die, making the system self-cleaning without requiring separate maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If the die is exposed on the outer periphery for operational access, then the aerosol generation functionality is maintained, but smoking liquid deposits build up and clog the nozzles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerosol generationVSAvoidnozzle clogging

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The wiper acts as an intermediary element between the mouthpiece and the die. It provides a protective cleaning function that mediates between the need for die exposure (for operation) and the need to prevent deposits (for reliability), allowing the die to remain accessible while staying clean.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning action occurs continuously with each mouthpiece mounting event, ensuring the die surface is regularly maintained. This continuous cleaning during normal operation prevents intermittent clogging issues that would occur with periodic maintenance alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Reliability

If the mouthpiece slides over the die during mounting, then the wiper can clean the die surface, but the sliding mechanism adds complexity to the mounting process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedie cleanlinessVSAvoidmounting mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning function is merged with the mounting function. The same sliding motion that positions the mouthpiece for operation also activates the wiper to clean the die. This combination eliminates the need for separate cleaning mechanisms while maintaining die cleanliness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mouthpiece mounting action serves multiple functions simultaneously: it positions the mouthpiece for aerosol generation, activates the wiper cleaning mechanism, and maintains die cleanliness. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while achieving multiple goals.

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 solution effectively maintains the hygiene and sustainability of the aerosol smoking system by regularly cleaning the die, reducing clogging and extending the system's functionality without the need for frequent cartridge replacements.

Implementation Method 1

a manual microfluidic wiper for an aerosol smoking system... the wiper is configured to wipe fluid from the die during the sliding of the mouthpiece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

The aerosol smoking system may further comprise a piece of foam positioned in fluidic contact with the wiper and configured to absorb fluid from the wiper

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20240315326A1Manual Microfluidic Wiper for a Thermal Bubble Jet Technology Aerosol Smoking System

Publication Date: 2024.09.26 JT INTERNATIONAL SA

AI summary

An aerosol smoking system includes a mouthpiece and a thermal bubble jet technology aerosol generation apparatus, wherein the aerosol generation apparatus is configured with a die located on its outer periphery, the mouthpiece is configured to be removably mountable on the outer periphery of the aerosol generation apparatus, by sliding the mouthpiece over the die on the outer periphery to an operating position. The mouthpiece further includes a wiper that protrudes from the mouthpiece on a side facing the die when the mouthpiece in mounted on the outer periphery, and the wiper is configured to wipe fluid from the die during the sliding of the mouthpiece before the mouthpiece reaches the operating position.