Flavor Inhalation Filter Segment With Perforated Flow Zones

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flavor inhalation articles face challenges in adjusting fluid filtration effectively using multiple filter materials, as they often require separate regions with different capabilities formed by multiple members.

Innovation Solution

A flavor inhalation article design featuring a filter segment with a filter material comprising both perforated and hole-free regions, formed as a single member, allowing for varying airflow resistance along the axial direction, thereby adjusting filtration without needing multiple separate filter segments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple filter materials with different capabilities are joined in a direction of flow to adjust filtration, then filtration performance can be adjusted, but device complexity increases due to requiring multiple separate filter segments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration performance adjustmentVSAvoidnumber of filter segments
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple filter materials with different capabilities into a single filter segment by joining them in the radial direction (circumferentially) rather than the flow direction. This merging approach maintains the ability to adjust filtration performance through different material capabilities while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate filter segments arranged in series.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from arranging filter materials in the flow direction (axial arrangement) to arranging them in the radial direction (circumferential arrangement). This dimensional change allows multiple filter capabilities to coexist within a single segment, enabling filtration adjustment without increasing the number of separate segments along the flow path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate filter segments are used to provide different filtration capabilities, then filtration adjustment is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration capability variationVSAvoidproduction process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple filter materials into a single integrated filter segment, reducing the number of separate manufacturing components. This consolidation simplifies the production process by eliminating the need to assemble multiple separate filter segments while maintaining the ability to provide varied filtration capabilities through radially arranged materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If filter materials are arranged in the flow direction to adjust filtration, then filtration performance is optimized, but the structure becomes more complex with multiple members

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration performanceVSAvoidnumber of members
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the arrangement of filter materials from the flow direction (axial) to the radial direction (circumferential). This dimensional shift allows multiple filter materials to be organized within a single segment, maintaining filtration performance optimization while reducing the number of separate members required in the overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 enables efficient adjustment of airflow resistance and filtration properties within a single filter segment, enhancing user experience and product appearance while reducing production complexity.

Implementation Method 1

a perforated region which is partially perforated, and a hole-free region which is not perforated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPerforation:

Data Source

PatentEP4640085A1Flavor inhalation article, and filter segment for flavor inhalation article
Publication Date: 2025.10.29 JAPAN TOBACCO INC
  • EP4640085A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4640085A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4640085A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A flavor inhalation article according to one aspect of the present invention has a flavor generation segment and a filter segment provided on the downstream side of the flavor generation segment. The filter segment includes a filter material and a wrapper that is wound around the exterior of the filter material to form the filter segment as a rod. The filter material is formed of a sheet material that includes a perforated region that is partially perforated, and a hole-less region that is not perforated.