Moisture-Impermeable Containers for Stable Aerosol-Generating Extracts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aerosol-generating materials, particularly those containing tobacco extracts, suffer from volatility issues leading to decreased flavor and nicotine content over time due to moisture absorption, resulting in reduced shelf life and increased energy requirements for aerosol generation.
Innovation Solution
A moisture-impermeable container is used to store a dried aerosol-generating material formed from a flavor- and/or active-containing plant extract, which is dried using methods like spray-drying or freeze-drying to maintain high concentration of volatile components and protect against moisture absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If aerosol-generating material is stored in conventional containers, then accessibility and ease of use are maintained, but moisture absorption occurs leading to flavor and nicotine degradation
Solution Approach 1:
A moisture-impermeable container acts as an intermediary barrier between the aerosol-generating material and ambient moisture. The container includes a moisture-impermeable layer that prevents water vapor from reaching the dried extract material, thereby maintaining flavor and nicotine stability without affecting the material's functionality when in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The container creates a moisture-free (inert) environment for the aerosol-generating material by using moisture-impermeable materials and structures. This inert environment prevents hydrolysis and degradation reactions that would otherwise occur when the dried extract is exposed to ambient humidity.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If dried extract material is used to maintain volatility, then shelf life is improved, but protection against moisture degradation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture-impermeable container serves as a protective intermediary that allows the dried extract material to maintain its low-moisture, high-volatility state during storage. The container's moisture barrier properties extend the shelf life by preventing rehydration and degradation while the material remains in its stable dried form.
Solution Approach 2:
The container utilizes moisture-impermeable films or coatings (such as aluminum foil, plastic laminates, or specialized barrier coatings) to create an effective moisture barrier. These thin film structures provide robust protection against moisture ingress while maintaining the portability and usability of the aerosol-generating material.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If moisture-impermeable container is used to prevent degradation, then shelf life is extended, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The moisture-impermeable container employs thin film or foil-based structures that provide effective moisture barrier properties without requiring complex multi-component assemblies. These flexible barrier materials can be easily formed into containers and sealed, extending shelf life while minimizing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The container may utilize composite material structures (such as laminated films combining different polymer layers or metal-polymer composites) that provide enhanced moisture barrier properties in a single integrated structure. This approach extends shelf life through superior barrier performance while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate components.
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 provides a stable aerosol-generating material with extended shelf life, reduced energy consumption for aerosol generation, and improved flavor authenticity, while preventing moisture-induced degradation.
Implementation Method 1
a moisture-impermeable container comprising an aerosol-generating material comprising a dried precursor material comprising an extract from a flavour- and/or active-containing plant material
Implementation Method 2
dried using methods like spray-drying or freeze-drying to maintain high concentration of volatile components
Implementation Method 3
dried using methods like spray-drying or freeze-drying to maintain high concentration of volatile components
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a moisture-impermeable container comprising an aerosol-generating material comprising a dried precursor material comprising an extract from a flavour- and/or active-containing plant material and optionally an aerosol-former material. The containers comprising the aerosol-generating material may be used to generate an aerosol. For example, the containers may be used in combustible or non-combustible aerosol-provision systems. The invention also relates to aerosol-provision systems comprising the containers, and methods of providing a container.