Nicotine Carrier Unit Segmentation for Vapour Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Nicotine delivery devices that use heating to vaporize nicotine solutions can lead to unpleasant flavor release and inconsistent nicotine dosing due to excessive heating, and switching between nicotine and nicotine-free liquids is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A device with a separate nicotine carrier unit that is not directly heated, allowing for reconfiguration between nicotine and nicotine-free modes by inserting or removing the unit, using a porous substrate like BioVyon to hold nicotine or nicotine precursors, and a disposable or replaceable vapour outlet conduit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If heating is used to vaporize nicotine solutions, then nicotine delivery is achieved, but unpleasant flavor release and inconsistent dosing occur due to excessive heating
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a heating assembly that heats a carrier material, and a nicotine reservoir that is not directly heated. The carrier material and nicotine are separated in space, with the carrier material positioned in the heating zone and the nicotine in a separate reservoir. This segmentation prevents direct heating of nicotine while maintaining reliable dosing through controlled vaporization of the carrier.
Solution Approach 2:
A carrier material acts as an intermediary substance between the heat source and the nicotine. The carrier material absorbs heat from the heating assembly and transfers it indirectly to the nicotine through controlled interaction, preventing direct thermal exposure of the nicotine to high temperatures while still enabling nicotine delivery through the heated carrier.
2Ease of operation
If nicotine and nicotine-free liquids are stored in the same reservoir, then device simplicity is maintained, but switching between modes requires extensive cleaning or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir system is segmented into a main reservoir and a separate nicotine reservoir that can be independently configured. The nicotine reservoir can be selectively positioned or engaged with the heating assembly, allowing users to switch between nicotine and nicotine-free modes by simply engaging or disengaging the nicotine reservoir without cleaning the main reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir configuration is made dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The nicotine reservoir can be selectively engaged or disengaged from the heating path, allowing the device to adapt between nicotine-delivery mode and nicotine-free mode. This dynamic configuration enables easy switching without requiring permanent structural changes or cleaning procedures.
3Reliability
If a porous substrate like BioVyon is used to hold nicotine, then consistent nicotine delivery is maintained, but the device requires specialized materials
Solution Approach 1:
A porous substrate material with controlled pore structure is used to hold and deliver nicotine consistently. The porous structure provides high surface area for nicotine loading and controlled release, ensuring reliable and consistent nicotine delivery with each puff. Common porous materials include porous polymers, sintered metals, or ceramic foams that are commercially available.
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs composite material structures combining the porous substrate with the carrier material and nicotine solution. The composite structure integrates multiple functional properties: the porous substrate provides structural support and nicotine holding capacity, while the carrier material provides vaporization properties. This composite approach enables consistent nicotine delivery using commercially available materials.
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 design prevents direct nicotine heating, maintains consistent nicotine delivery, and allows easy switching between nicotine and nicotine-free modes without the need for extensive cleaning or replacement.
Implementation Method 1
A carrier unit located in the fluid passage of the vapour outlet conduit. The carrier unit contains at least one of: nicotine; a nicotine precursor material; and a nicotine compound
Implementation Method 2
vapour creation system in communication with the fluid passage of the vapour outlet conduit
Implementation Method 3
configured to allow a stream of air and/or vapour or aerosolised mist passing through the fluid passage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
There is disclosed a device for nicotine delivery, comprising: a vapour outlet conduit for coupling to, and for fluid communication with, a vapour creation system, said vapour outlet conduit defining a fluid passage therethrough for delivery of vapour from a vapour creation system to a user; wherein said vapour outlet conduit comprises a nicotine carrier unit region configured to accept a nicotine carrier unit and retain said nicotine carrier unit in said fluid passage. Also disclosed is a system for nicotine delivery and kits-of-parts for assembling the device and system.