Removable Exhaled-Breath Filter Unit for Aerosol Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-combustible aerosol delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes, lack flexibility in handling exhaled breath and do not effectively filter exhaled vapor, leading to potential environmental pollution and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
A non-combustible aerosol delivery system with a removable filter unit that allows for separate inhalation and exhalation airflow paths, enabling the system to be used with or without the filter unit, and includes a single assembly of vapor forming material and filter for balanced replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter unit is integrated into the aerosol delivery system, then exhaled breath can be filtered, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is implemented as a separate, removable filter unit that can be independently attached to or detached from the aerosol delivery system. This segmentation allows the filtering function to be added without permanently complicating the device structure, and the filter can be removed when not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter unit is designed to perform multiple functions: filtering exhaled breath, preventing aerosol release into the environment, and potentially serving as a barrier against external contaminants. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing multiple benefits from a single component.
2Loss of substance
If the filter unit is made removable, then resource consumption is reduced, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit is designed as a separate, removable component that can be independently replaced without affecting the rest of the aerosol delivery system. This segmentation enables selective replacement of only the consumable filter portion, reducing waste of the main device components.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter unit is designed as a disposable or easily replaceable component with a limited service life. Once depleted, it can be discarded and replaced with a new filter unit, eliminating the need to discard the entire aerosol delivery system and reducing overall resource consumption.
3Reliability
If the filter unit is integrated permanently, then the system reliability is improved, but the adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter unit is designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on environmental conditions and user needs. The filter can be attached when filtering is required and removed when not needed, providing dynamic adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerosol delivery system is designed to function with or without the filter unit attached, providing versatility for different usage scenarios. The system maintains its core aerosol delivery function while optionally incorporating filtering capability when required.
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 system provides flexible use in various environments, effectively filters exhaled breath, prevents re-inhalation of condensed components, and extends the device's lifespan by allowing separate handling of vapor forming material and filter units.
Implementation Method 1
a non-combustible aerosol delivery system for filtering exhaled breath
Implementation Method 2
electrical power is supplied to the heating element to vaporize a portion of aerosolizable material
Implementation Method 3
a heating element arranged to receive source liquid from the reservoir, for example through wicking/capillary action
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a non-combustible aerosol delivery system for filtering exhaled breath, the aerosol delivery system including a power source; a mouthpiece; a removable filter unit; wherein in a first configuration, the filter unit is present and is in engagement with the non-combustible aerosol delivery system to provide an inhalate airflow path, adapted to convey vapor generated by the non-combustible aerosol delivery system to the user during an inhalation, and an exhalate airflow path, adapted to convey breath from the user during an exhalation into the non-combustible aerosol delivery system to the filter unit; wherein in a second configuration, the filter unit is not in engagement with the non-combustible aerosol delivery system.