Movable Sealing Element for Aerosol Provision Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol provision devices face challenges in maintaining the freshness of aerosol forming materials due to atmospheric air exposure, leading to degradation of flavor and quality over time.
Innovation Solution
An assembly for insertion into aerosol provision devices, featuring a movable sealing element that can be attached to the body in both closed and open positions, using adhesives or friction fits to secure the sealing element, thereby reducing atmospheric air contact with the aerosol forming material and ensuring freshness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sealing element is made movable between closed and open positions, then ease of operation for resealing is improved, but device complexity increases due to the movable mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element is designed to be movable between a closed position (sealing the flow path) and an open position (allowing access), transitioning from a static seal to a dynamic one. This enables users to easily open and close the assembly for resealing while maintaining an effective seal when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element is separated from the body as a distinct, movable component rather than being integrally formed. This segmentation allows independent movement of the sealing element while maintaining its sealing function, facilitating easy removal and reapplication.
2Reliability
If adhesive is used to hold the sealing element in the closed position, then reliability of sealing is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases due to additional assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
An adhesive layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the sealing element and the body. This adhesive mediator creates a reliable bond that holds the sealing element in the closed position, ensuring consistent sealing performance while allowing for relatively simple assembly processes.
3Reliability
If the sealing element is attached to the body in both positions, then reliability of sealing is improved, but device complexity increases due to attachment mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is designed to automatically retain the sealing element in both open and closed positions without requiring additional active components or complex control systems. The attachment structure itself provides the retention function, allowing the sealing element to be held securely in either position through its inherent design.
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 quality of aerosol forming materials by minimizing exposure to atmospheric air, allowing for easy resealing and quick reapplication of the sealing element, thus extending the freshness and usability of the aerosol.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive positioned between the sealing element and the body, the adhesive being configured to hold the sealing element in the first position
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly (400) for insertion into an aerosol provision device (100) is provided. The assembly comprises a body (402), aerosol forming material positioned along a flow path at least partially defined by the body, and a sealing element (404). The sealing element is moveable between a first position (FIG. 4A) and a second position (FIG. 4B). In the first position the sealing element is configured to close at least a portion of the flow path to reduce atmospheric air contacting the aerosol forming material. In the second position the sealing element is positioned to allow atmospheric air to travel along the flow path and contact the aerosol forming material. The sealing element is attached to the body in both the first position and the second position.