Modular Aerosol Atomizer and Valve Cartridge for Combustion-Free Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol delivery devices, such as electronic cigarettes, lack innovative configurations that effectively simulate the sensations of smoking without significant combustion and provide efficient aerosol production.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol delivery device comprising a control body, an atomizer body, and a cartridge with a valve assembly, air flow apertures, and a heating element to produce aerosol using electrical energy, mimicking smoking rituals and sensations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If electrical energy is used to vaporize or heat a volatile material to simulate smoking sensations, then combustion products are reduced, but aerosol production efficiency needs improvement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by precisely controlling heating temperature and electrical power delivery to the atomizer. The system adjusts power parameters (voltage, current, pulse duration) to optimize aerosol generation efficiency while maintaining temperatures below combustion thresholds, thereby resolving the contradiction between reducing harmful combustion products and improving aerosol production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes periodic action through pulsed heating cycles and intermittent aerosol delivery. The atomizer receives periodic electrical impulses rather than continuous heating, creating controlled vaporization cycles that enhance aerosol production efficiency while preventing combustion. This periodic operation allows heat dissipation between pulses, maintaining safe temperature levels
2Object-affected harmful factors
If alternative smoking products use electrical energy to vaporize material without burning tobacco, then harmful combustion is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the aerosol delivery system into distinct functional modules: a reusable control body containing the power source and control electronics, and a replaceable cartridge containing the atomizer and volatile material. This segmentation simplifies the overall device complexity by allowing the complex electronic components to be isolated in the control body while the cartridge remains a simpler replaceable unit
Solution Approach 2:
The control body serves multiple functions: it houses the power source, controls electrical delivery to the atomizer, manages aerosol flow, and provides user interface functions. This multi-functionality consolidates complex operations into a single reusable unit, reducing the complexity distributed throughout the entire device
3Ease of operation
If aerosol precursor composition is dispensed through a valve assembly, then aerosol delivery control is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements the disposable principle by making the cartridge (containing the valve assembly and atomizer) a replaceable, non-reusable component. This allows the use of simpler, less precision-critical valve assemblies in the disposable cartridge, while the expensive, precision control electronics remain in the reusable control body. The disposable nature compensates for the reduced manufacturing precision of the valve assembly
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 produces aerosol efficiently without combustion, providing a smoking-like experience with inhalable vapors, incorporating tobacco-derived components, and allowing for reusable and disposable configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The atomizer may be configured to heat an aerosol precursor composition, which may be made or derived from tobacco or otherwise incorporate tobacco, to form an inhalable substance for human consumption
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices. The aerosol delivery devices may include a control body, an atomizer body including an atomizer, and a cartridge including a reservoir configured to contain an aerosol precursor composition. The control body may be configured to releasably engage the atomizer body and the atomizer body may be configured to releasably engage the cartridge. The atomizer may be configured to receive an electrical current from the control body and the aerosol precursor composition from the cartridge to produce an aerosol.