Non-combustible smoking device with segmented heating and airflow control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic vaping devices do not effectively expose tobacco elements to vaporized pre-vapor formulations in a way that preserves the physical integrity of the tobacco while providing a flavorful vapor, leading to inefficient nicotine delivery and flavor release.
Innovation Solution
A non-combustible smoking device with a heating element that vaporizes a pre-vapor formulation and directs a portion of the vapor to a tobacco element, using an air flow element to control the exposure and ensure that the tobacco element is heated without combustion, maintaining its physical integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the heater directly heats the tobacco element, then the flavor release is improved, but the tobacco physical integrity is destroyed due to combustion
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into two distinct heating elements: a first heater that vaporizes the pre-vapor formulation without combustion, and a second heater that gently heats the tobacco element to release flavor compounds. This segmentation allows each heater to operate at optimized temperatures for its specific function, preventing combustion while achieving effective flavor release.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-vapor formulation acts as an intermediary medium between the heat source and the tobacco element. The first heater vaporizes this formulation, and the resulting vapor interacts with the tobacco element heated by the second heater. This intermediary approach allows heat transfer and flavor release without direct combustion of the tobacco, preserving its physical integrity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the vapor is directly delivered to the user without exposing to tobacco element, then the tobacco integrity is preserved, but the nicotine delivery efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The vapor delivery path is segmented into two channels: one portion of the vapor flows directly to the user, preserving tobacco integrity, while another portion is directed through the tobacco element to enhance nicotine delivery efficiency. This segmentation allows both objectives to be achieved simultaneously by optimizing the function of each vapor pathway.
Solution Approach 2:
Different qualities are applied to different portions of the vapor stream. One portion maintains a cleaner path for direct delivery, while another portion is exposed to the heated tobacco element to extract additional nicotine and flavor compounds. This local differentiation optimizes both tobacco preservation and nicotine delivery efficiency in different regions of the system.
3Productivity
If the heater temperature is increased to improve vaporization, then the vapor generation is improved, but the tobacco combustion occurs destroying its integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is segmented into two independent heating zones with different temperature profiles. The first heater operates at a higher temperature optimized for vaporizing the pre-vapor formulation, while the second heater operates at a lower temperature optimized for gently heating the tobacco element without combustion. This segmentation allows high-temperature vaporization without compromising tobacco integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different temperature parameters are applied to different heating zones. The first heater uses a higher temperature parameter for efficient vaporization of the pre-vapor formulation, while the second heater uses a controlled lower temperature parameter to heat the tobacco element below its combustion point. This parameter differentiation enables effective vapor generation while preserving tobacco integrity.
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 device efficiently delivers flavored vapor with preserved tobacco integrity, enhancing nicotine delivery and flavor release while preventing combustion, thus offering a safer alternative to traditional smoking.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element coupled to the pre-vapor formulation reservoir and configured to heat at least a portion of the pre-vapor formulation material into a generated vapor
Implementation Method 2
at least one air flow element in the tobacco housing to direct at least a first portion of the generated vapor towards an end of the non-combustible smoking element
Implementation Method 3
a heater that heats a pre-vapor formulation and may provide heat to a tobacco element that receives the generated vapor
Data Source
AI summary
At least one example embodiment discloses a pre-vapor formulation reservoir configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation material, a heating element coupled to the pre-vapor formulation reservoir and configured to heat at least a portion of the pre-vapor formulation material into a generated vapor and provide the generated vapor to a first portion of a channel, a tobacco housing at a second portion of the channel and positioned to receive the generated vapor, the tobacco housing including tobacco and at least one air flow element in the tobacco housing to direct at least a first portion of the generated vapor towards an end of the non-combustible smoking element.