Adjustable Mouthpiece Airflow Splitting for Custom Aerosol Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol generating devices lack the ability to provide customizable sensory experiences for users, failing to adapt to individual preferences.

Innovation Solution

A mouthpiece portion with an adjustable mechanism that alters airflow patterns by splitting airflow into multiple paths, allowing users to customize the spatial distribution of air exiting the air outlets through configurations such as sliding components, rotating parts, or baffles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustable mechanism is added to change airflow patterns, then user customization and sensory experience are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow pattern customizationVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a movable baffle within the air channel that can be positioned at different locations to dynamically change the airflow pattern. The baffle's position determines how air is split between the first and second outlets, allowing the device to adapt between different airflow configurations (first pattern with both outlets active, second pattern with only first outlet active) without requiring multiple separate components or complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If airflow is split into multiple substantial flow paths, then sensory experience complexity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow path configurationVSAvoidair channel shaping precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The air channel is designed with a segmented structure that includes a first air channel portion and a second air channel portion, with the baffle creating distinct flow regions. This segmentation allows the airflow to be divided into separate substantial flow paths that exit through different outlets, creating complex sensory patterns while using relatively simple geometric divisions that are easier to manufacture with standard precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a movable baffle is used to control airflow distribution, then airflow pattern control is improved, but ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow control capabilityVSAvoidadjustable mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The baffle is designed to be manually movable by the user without requiring external actuators, motors, or complex control systems. The user can directly adjust the baffle position to select between different airflow patterns, making the device self-regulating and easy to operate while maintaining simple mechanical construction that avoids additional complexity from automated control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables users to tailor their vaping experience by adjusting airflow patterns, providing more complex and enjoyable sensory experiences through different airflow configurations.

Implementation Method 1

the at least one air outlet and/or the air channel are shaped to split the airflow into at least two substantial flow paths exiting the at least one air outlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow separation: Flow Separation

Data Source

PatentEP4702860A1Mouthpiece portion of an aerosol generating device
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 JT INTERNATIONAL SA
  • EP4702860A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4702860A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4702860A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A mouthpiece portion (100) of an aerosol generating device (1) is disclosed, comprising: an air inlet (110) arranged to receive an aerosol; at least one air outlet (118, 120) and an air channel (112), the air channel configured to couple the air inlet to the air outlet to enable a user to inhale aerosol from the at least one air outlet; and a mechanism (114) adjustable from a first configuration configured to cause airflow to exit the at least one air outlet in a first pattern (B) during use to a second configuration configured to cause airflow to exit the at least one air outlet in a second pattern (C) during use that is different to the first pattern; wherein, in at least the first configuration, the at least one air outlet and/or the air channel are shaped to split the airflow into at least two substantial flow paths exiting the at least one air outlet.