Porous Heating Element Atomization in Flavor Inhalers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flavor inhalers require a separate member to hold the aerosol source for efficient atomization, and they consume more electric power due to continuous heating during aerosol supply, leading to inefficient heat transfer and increased energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A flavor inhaler with a heating element having a porous structure, disposed apart from the discharge port, which can hold the aerosol source and control atomization based on user puff operations, reducing unnecessary heating and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a separate member is used to hold the aerosol source, then atomization efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the aerosol source holding function and the heating function into a single integrated heating element with porous structure. The porous material serves dual purposes: it holds the aerosol source through capillary action and provides the heating surface for atomization, eliminating the need for separate holding members while maintaining atomization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the heating source and as the aerosol source holder. The porous structure enables the heating element to perform multiple functions simultaneously, reducing the overall number of components required in the atomizing unit.
2Reliability
If continuous heating is applied during aerosol supply, then atomization is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic heating control based on user puff operations. The control unit activates the heating element only during detected puff events and deactivates it between puffs, converting continuous heating into periodic heating cycles. This maintains reliable atomization during use while significantly reducing energy consumption during idle periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating control system transitions from a static continuous heating state to a dynamic state that adapts to user behavior. The control unit dynamically adjusts the heating element's operational state based on real-time detection of puff operations, optimizing the balance between atomization reliability and energy efficiency.
3Power
If heating element is disposed close to discharge port, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but residue and overheating issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality optimization by positioning the heating element at a specific distance from the discharge port that balances heat transfer efficiency with residue prevention. The porous structure of the heating element creates localized heat distribution that efficiently heats the aerosol source while the spatial separation prevents excessive heat concentration that would cause residue formation and overheating.
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 porous heating element allows for efficient aerosol atomization without a separate holding member and minimizes electric power consumption by optimizing heating based on user interactions, enhancing atomization efficiency and reducing residue and heat transfer issues.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element that atomizes an aerosol source
Implementation Method 2
the heating element is a heating resistor composing the porous structure
Implementation Method 3
the heating element has a porous structure
Data Source
AI summary
A flavor inhaler includes a heating element that atomizes an aerosol source and a supply member that has a discharge port for supplying the aerosol source to the heating element. The heating element has a porous structure, and is disposed apart from the discharge port.