Modular Extrusion Mold for Variable Aerosol Article Shapes

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Solution Overview

Problem

The high production cost of aerosol generating articles is due to the need to replace the entire die for producing articles with different cross-sectional shapes, which is inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A die comprising a first body, a second body, and a third body arranged sequentially, with specific passages and posts that allow for the production of aerosol generating articles with different cross-sectional shapes by replacing only one or two components, rather than the entire die, while controlling porosity and extrusion pressure to ensure molding quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the entire die is replaced to produce aerosol generating articles with different cross-sectional shapes, then the production of diversified articles is achieved, but the production cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to produce articles with different cross-sectional shapesVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The die is divided into three independently replaceable bodies: first body, second body, and third body. By replacing only the necessary body(ies) rather than the entire die assembly, the patent reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining the ability to produce articles with different cross-sectional shapes. The modular structure allows selective replacement of components based on production needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The die design allows different bodies to be combined in various configurations to produce multiple article shapes. The first body with cavity can work with different second bodies (with posts) and third bodies (with extrusion passages), creating a universal system that handles diverse production requirements without requiring complete die replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire die is replaced to produce aerosol generating articles with different cross-sectional shapes, then the production of diversified articles is achieved, but the production efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to produce articles with different cross-sectional shapesVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented die structure enables rapid replacement of only the necessary body(ies) rather than the entire die assembly. This reduces downtime during shape changes and improves production efficiency while maintaining versatility for producing different article configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The die design incorporates dynamic reconfigurability through selective body replacement. The modular architecture allows the production system to adapt quickly to different article shape requirements by swapping only the necessary components, maintaining high productivity across diverse production scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the dimensions of cavities and passages are controlled to ensure proper extrusion, then the extrusion stability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveextrusion stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The die is segmented into three bodies with specific functional zones: first body with cavity for material storage, second body with posts for shaping, and third body with extrusion passage for final formation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall extrusion stability, without requiring complex integrated designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each body is designed with specific dimensional characteristics optimized for its local function: the cavity dimensions in the first body, the post dimensions and spacing in the second body, and the extrusion passage geometry in the third body. This localized optimization ensures proper extrusion stability while keeping each component relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 approach reduces production costs by allowing for the production of aerosol generating articles with varying shapes without replacing the entire die, while maintaining extrusion efficiency and ensuring the quality and tightness of the articles.

Implementation Method 1

The third body is formed with an extrusion passage extending in the first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExtrusion: Extrusion

Data Source

PatentEP4728886A1Mold for producing aerosol-generating article
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 SMOORE INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LIMITED
  • EP4728886A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4728886A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4728886A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mold (100) for producing an aerosol-generating article (200), the mold comprising a first main body (10), a second main body (20) and a third main body (30) arranged in sequence in a first direction, wherein an extrusion channel (30a) extending in the first direction is formed in the third main body (30); a first stand column (21) and a feeding channel (20a) is provided on the second main body (20), the feeding channel (20a) extends in the first direction and is in communication with the extrusion channel (30a), and the first stand column (21) extends to the extrusion channel (30a) in the first direction; and a second stand column (11) and a first cavity (10a) is provided on the first main body (10), the first cavity (10a) extends through two opposite ends of the first main body (10) in the first direction and is in communication with the feeding channel (20a), and the second stand column (11) extends to the extrusion channel (30a) in the first direction.