Nanocellulose Substrate for Aerosol Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smoking articles face challenges in providing consistent performance characteristics, such as inconsistent flavor release and inadequate loading of aerosol precursor compositions, particularly when using electrically heated tobacco or plant-derived materials without significant combustion.
Innovation Solution
The use of a nanocellulose substrate impregnated with aerosol precursor compositions in aerosol delivery devices, which can be heated by either electrically-powered or combustible ignition sources, enhancing absorbency and mechanical strength while allowing for high loading levels of aerosol precursors without combustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional substrates are used for aerosol delivery, then the device structure is simple, but the loading capacity of aerosol precursor composition is inadequate and flavor release is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the substrate by using nanocellulose with controlled particle size (1-100 nm), degree of substitution (0.1-3.0), and crosslinking density. These parameter changes enable the substrate to achieve both high loading capacity (up to 50% w/w) and consistent flavor release through optimized molecular structure and surface properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining nanocellulose with aerosol precursor compositions containing specific flavor compounds, propylene glycol, and glycerol. This composite structure allows the substrate to simultaneously provide structural support, high absorbency, and controlled release properties, resolving the contradiction between loading capacity and release consistency
2Quantity of substance
If high loading levels of aerosol precursor composition are used, then the quantity of active substance increases, but the mechanical strength of the substrate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions of varying crosslinking density and nanocellulose crystallinity within the substrate. Highly crosslinked regions provide mechanical strength while less crosslinked regions provide high loading capacity for aerosol precursors. This spatial variation in properties allows the substrate to simultaneously achieve high loading levels (up to 50% w/w) and maintain adequate mechanical strength
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous nanocellulose structures with controlled pore size and distribution. The porous architecture provides extensive surface area for aerosol precursor loading while the nanocellulose framework maintains structural integrity. The porosity allows high loading levels without compromising mechanical strength, as the load is distributed throughout the three-dimensional network
3Temperature
If combustion is used to heat the substrate, then the temperature required is lower, but harmful combustion products are generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical combustion process with an electrical heating system. Instead of using combustion to generate heat, the invention employs an electrical heating element that directly converts electrical energy to thermal energy. This substitution eliminates harmful combustion products while maintaining the necessary heating temperature for aerosol generation, resolving the contradiction between low temperature requirement and harmful emissions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of combustion into a beneficial non-combustion heating process. By using electrical heating, the system achieves the desired temperature elevation without producing harmful combustion byproducts. The heating process is controlled to remain below combustion thresholds while still effectively vaporizing the aerosol precursor composition
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 enables the production of aerosolized substances that mimic the sensations of smoking without combustion, offering improved consistency and performance by utilizing nanocellulose's high absorbency and mechanical strength, ensuring efficient aerosol formation and delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a nanocellulose substrate impregnated with an aerosol precursor composition
Implementation Method 2
nanocellulose material impregnated with an aerosol precursor composition
Implementation Method 3
a heat source configured to heat the aerosol precursor composition from the substrate portion forming an aerosol
Implementation Method 4
heated by either electrically-powered or combustible ignition sources, enhancing absorbency
Implementation Method 5
heat the aerosol precursor composition from the substrate portion forming an aerosol
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an aerosol delivery device comprising an aerosol source member. In an example embodiment, an aerosol source member of the present disclosure may comprise a substrate portion comprising a nanocellulose material impregnated with an aerosol precursor composition, a heat source configured to heat the aerosol precursor composition from the substrate portion forming an aerosol, and an aerosol pathway extending from the substrate portion to a mouth-end of the aerosol delivery device.