Planar Aerosol Generating Component Aperture Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-combustible aerosol delivery systems lack effective control over aerosol particle size and total aerosol production, which is crucial for simulating a specific smoking experience in e-cigarettes and similar products.
Innovation Solution
A planar aerosol generating component with varying aperture sizes and orientations within an aerosol generating chamber, allowing for normalized airflow and optimized aerosol production by distributing aerosolizable material around its periphery, and configuring air inlets and outlets to influence particle size and aerosol amount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional aerosol generator is used, then aerosol can be produced, but control over aerosol particle size and total aerosol production is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The aerosol generating component is segmented into multiple differently sized apertures (first, second, and third sized apertures) that distribute aerosolizable material across multiple flow paths. This segmentation allows different regions of the component to generate aerosol with different characteristics, enabling control over overall aerosol particle size distribution and total aerosol production without requiring a single complex adjustable mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the aerosol generating component have different aperture sizes and flow characteristics. The first sized apertures produce larger particles while second and third sized apertures produce smaller particles. This local variation in quality (aperture size) across different regions of the component enables control over the distribution of aerosol particle sizes in the output aerosol
2Manufacturing precision
If aerosolizable material is concentrated in one area, then easier to deliver material, but aerosol characteristics cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The material distribution system is segmented with multiple delivery paths corresponding to different aperture sizes. Aerosolizable material is distributed across multiple regions of the component rather than concentrated in one area, with each region feeding a specific aperture size. This segmented distribution enables optimization of aerosol characteristics while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing approach using standard porous materials
Solution Approach 2:
The aerosol generating component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a heating element, a material distribution system, and an aerosol generation device. The same component structure with its multiple aperture sizes enables both material distribution and aerosol characteristic control in a single integrated element, reducing manufacturing complexity
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 solution provides improved control over aerosol characteristics, enhancing the user experience by adjusting particle size and aerosol quantity, thus optimizing the sensorial and efficiency aspects of aerosol delivery systems.
Implementation Method 1
the aerosol generated is a condensation aerosol whereby an aerosolizable material is first vaporized and then allowed to condense into an aerosol
Implementation Method 2
an aerosolizable material is first vaporized and then allowed to condense into an aerosol
Implementation Method 3
the aerosol generated is an aerosol, which results from the atomization of the aerosolizable material. Such atomization may be brought about mechanically, e.g. by subjecting the aerosolizable material to vibrations so as to form small particles of material that are entrained in airflow
Data Source
AI summary
A generally planar aerosol generating component for use with an electrically operated non-combustible aerosol delivery system, the aerosol generating component includes a plurality of differently sized apertures extending from one surface of the planar aerosol generating component to the opposite surface of the planar aerosol generating component.