Planar HNB Consumable Geometry for Even Heating and Residue Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat not burn (HNB) devices, such as IQOS and Glo, suffer from uneven and incomplete heating of tobacco, potential burning of tobacco regions, and aesthetic and contamination issues due to residue leakage and aerosol former transfer.
Innovation Solution
A heat not burn consumable with a plant product formed into a planar slab or cuboid brick configuration, providing a greater exposed surface area for even heat transfer at lower temperatures, and a self-supporting housing to contain residues, along with a filter and liquid release member to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If tobacco is heated using conventional HNB devices, then nicotine vapor is released, but the heating is uneven and incomplete causing burning of tobacco regions
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent heating zones with separate heating elements positioned at different locations within the consumable. This allows each zone to be heated independently and uniformly, preventing localized overheating and burning while ensuring complete nicotine vaporization throughout the tobacco material.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the consumable are provided with tailored heating characteristics through localized heating elements and varying tobacco density distributions. This ensures that each region receives appropriate heat treatment based on its specific requirements, achieving uniform heating across the entire consumable without burning any particular area.
2Quantity of substance
If tobacco is heated to release vapor, then nicotine is delivered to user, but residue leakage and aerosol former transfer cause contamination issues
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful residue and aerosol former components are extracted and separated from the main tobacco material through selective placement in removable cartridges or disposable components. This allows the nicotine-delivering tobacco to be heated effectively while the residue-generating components are isolated and easily discarded, preventing contamination of the heating element and device.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary barrier layer or coating is introduced between the tobacco material and the heating element to prevent direct contact and subsequent residue transfer. This intermediary layer allows heat transfer while blocking the migration of aerosol formers and combustion residues to the heating element, thereby eliminating contamination issues.
3Quantity of substance
If tobacco is burned in traditional smoking, then nicotine is delivered, but harmful substances are generated through combustion
Solution Approach 1:
The heating parameters are precisely controlled and optimized to maintain temperatures sufficient for nicotine vaporization but below the combustion threshold of tobacco. By changing the temperature parameter from combustion-range to vaporization-range, the system delivers nicotine effectively while avoiding the generation of harmful combustion by-products such as tar and carbon monoxide.
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
Ensures quicker and more even heating of tobacco at lower temperatures, reducing burning risks and effectively containing residues within a robust housing, enhancing user safety and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
heat is imparted to the tobacco material from a heating element of the heating device
Implementation Method 2
the vapours cool and condense to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user
Data Source
AI summary
A heat not burn (HNB) consumable comprising a plant product formed into a planar slab (2) such that the consumable has a substantially rectangular transverse cross section. The planar slab of plant product may dosed with an aerosol former and may comprise a hydrophobic or liquid-impermeable outer coating. The consumable may further comprise a rectangular slab filter (4). The plant product may be formed into a cuboid brick (9) having a hollow core (10), with a core heating element in the hollow core.