Paper Cavity Filter Structure for Biodegradable Smoke Filtration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tobacco smoke filters made from paper lack the filtration efficiency and tar/nicotine retention of cellulose acetate filters while being less firm and more prone to 'paper taste', posing challenges for widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating void spaces in the form of cavities and/or recesses within the filter structure, using paper or non-cellulose acetate material with a wrapper defining these spaces, maintains filtration efficiency and reduces paper taste, similar to cellulose acetate filters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If paper is used as filtering material to replace cellulose acetate, then biodegradability is improved, but filtration efficiency and tar/nicotine retention deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical structure of the paper filter through cavities and recesses, altering density and flow characteristics to achieve filtration efficiency comparable to cellulose acetate while maintaining biodegradability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials by combining paper with specific cavity structures and wrapper configurations, creating a composite filter system that achieves both biodegradability and effective tar/nicotine retention
2Reliability
If paper is used as filtering material, then biodegradability is improved, but filter firmness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes physical parameters by introducing cavities and recesses that redistribute structural stress, allowing the paper filter to maintain firmness comparable to cellulose acetate while remaining biodegradable
3Reliability
If paper is used as filtering material, then biodegradability is improved, but smoking experience deteriorates due to paper taste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes physical parameters including cavity configuration and surface area ratios to reduce the relative contribution of paper taste while maintaining filtration performance and biodegradability
4Quantity of substance
If pressure drop is decreased to match filtration efficiency of paper filters to cellulose acetate, then filtration efficiency is improved, but filter firmness deteriorates due to processing difficulties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes multiple parameters simultaneously including cavity size, shape, distribution, and wrapper properties to achieve the desired balance between filtration efficiency and firmness without excessive pressure drop
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 filter achieves comparable filtration efficiency, tar and nicotine retention, and improved firmness to cellulose acetate filters, while being readily biodegradable, thus providing a comparable smoking experience.
Implementation Method 1
the (e.g. further) wrapper engaged around the plugs of (e.g. wrapped) paper or other non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material defines a cavity between the plugs of (e.g. wrapped) paper or other non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A tobacco smoke filter or filter element comprising: a longitudinally extending core which includes a paper or other non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material and a wrapper engaged around the longitudinally extending core wherein the filter or filter element is readily biodegradable and wherein; the longitudinally extending core includes two plugs of paper or other non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material distanced longitudinally from each other and the wrapper engaged around the plugs of paper or other non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material defines a cavity between the plugs of paper or other non-cellulose acetate containing filtering material; and/or at least one end of the wrapper extends beyond the end of the longitudinally extending core around which is engaged to define a cavity or recess at the end of the filter.