Optical Aerosol Generation via Light Beam Intersection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-combustible aerosol provision systems, such as electronic cigarettes, often require electrical connections for aerosol generation, which can be inconvenient and may pose safety risks due to the need for direct electrical contact with heating elements.

Innovation Solution

An aerosol provision system utilizing an optical arrangement with irradiative light sources to generate light beams that intersect at a spatial point near the aerosol-generating material, allowing for aerosol generation without the need for direct electrical contact, thereby enhancing user safety and convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If resistive heating elements with electrical connections are used for aerosol generation, then aerosol can be generated effectively, but safety risks increase due to direct electrical contact requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerosol generation effectivenessVSAvoidsafety risks from electrical contact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical resistive heating system with an optical system using light sources (such as lasers or LEDs) to heat the aerosol-generating material. The light energy is focused onto the material to generate aerosol without requiring direct electrical contact, thereby eliminating the safety risks associated with exposed electrical components while maintaining effective aerosol generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces light as an intermediary energy carrier between the power source and the aerosol-generating material. Instead of direct electrical contact with the heating element, electrical energy is converted to light energy which then transfers thermal energy to the material, providing a safe intermediary mechanism that eliminates harmful electrical exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If multiple light sources are used to concentrate energy at a spatial point, then aerosol generation efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerosol generation efficiencyVSAvoidoptical arrangement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the light source system into multiple separate light sources (such as multiple LEDs or laser diodes) arranged around the aerosol-generating material. Each light source contributes to heating the material from a different angle, and their combined effect concentrates energy at the target spatial point, improving aerosol generation efficiency while allowing each individual component to remain relatively simple

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple light sources into a unified optical arrangement where the individual light beams converge at a common focal point on the aerosol-generating material. This merging of multiple energy streams creates a concentrated heating zone that efficiently generates aerosol, while the modular nature of the arrangement allows for manageable complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system effectively generates aerosols by concentrating light energy at a specific point, improving safety by reducing electrical contact requirements and allowing for efficient aerosol production, even with lower power light sources, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.

Implementation Method 1

an optical arrangement provided by the system and comprising at least one irradiative light source, the optical arrangement configured to generate a plurality of light beams from the at least one irradiative light source; wherein the optical arrangement is configured to direct the plurality of light beams to intersect at a spatial point within the system, the spatial point located at or adjacent to at least a part of the aerosol-generating material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight absorption and conversion to heat: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS20240016212A1Aerosol provision systems and methods

Publication Date: 2024.01.18 NICOVENTURES TRADING LTD

AI summary

Described is an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, the system including an optical arrangement provided by the system and including at least one irradiative light source, the optical arrangement configured to generate a plurality of light beams from the at least one irradiative light source; an aerosol-generating material contained within the system; wherein the optical arrangement is configured to direct the plurality of light beams to intersect at a spatial point within the system, the spatial point located at or adjacent to at least a part of the aerosol-generating material or a target material.