Removable Laminar Blank Cleaning Tool for Aerosol Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol-generating devices face issues with residue buildup from heated aerosol-forming substrates, leading to reduced performance and unpleasant flavors, as cleaning consumables are often forgotten or cumbersome, resulting in infrequent cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A container for aerosol-generating articles that incorporates a removable laminar blank with a longitudinal line of weakness, foldable to form an elongate cleaning tool with a scraping surface, allowing for convenient and frequent cleaning of the device without additional space or weight, attached to the lid or box portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cleaning consumable (such as a brush) is provided separately to the user, then cleaning can be performed, but the user must carry additional items which leads to the cleaning consumable being forgotten or viewed as an inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tool is merged with the container structure by integrating a removable laminar blank into the container. This blank can be folded along longitudinal lines to form a cleaning tool, combining the storage function of the container with the cleaning function in a single integrated structure, eliminating the need to carry separate cleaning consumables
Solution Approach 2:
The container serves multiple functions: it stores aerosol-generating articles and also provides a cleaning tool for maintaining the device. The removable laminar blank can be configured in different ways to form cleaning tools suitable for different cleaning needs, making the container a multi-functional item that addresses both storage and maintenance requirements
2Reliability
If pyrolysis is used to burn residues, then cleaning can be achieved, but it may not always be effective and requires high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning process is segmented into multiple approaches: pyrolysis for burning off residues at high temperatures, and mechanical cleaning using the folded laminar blank for removing particles and deposits. This segmentation allows the system to use different cleaning methods depending on the type and severity of contamination, improving overall cleaning reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The laminar blank acts as an intermediary cleaning tool that can be used in conjunction with or alternative to pyrolysis. It provides a mechanical means of cleaning that complements the thermal cleaning method, allowing users to address different types of residues with appropriate tools
3Ease of operation
If the cleaning tool is integrated into the container, then no additional space or weight is required, but the cleaning tool must be compact and fit within the container structure
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning tool is designed with dynamic configurability through the removable laminar blank that can be folded along longitudinal lines. This allows the cleaning tool to transform from a compact flat state (when stored in the container) to an extended functional state (when deployed for cleaning), adapting its shape to suit both storage and operational requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The laminar blank is constructed as a thin, flexible structure that can be easily folded and configured. This flexible design allows it to fit within the compact container structure while still providing sufficient length and surface area to form an effective cleaning tool when deployed
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
Facilitates frequent and effective cleaning of aerosol-generating devices, maintaining performance and user convenience by integrating the cleaning tool within the container, encouraging regular use and easy disposal with the aerosol articles.
Implementation Method 1
an aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-forming substrate
Implementation Method 2
heat from a heating element may be conveyed almost instantaneously to at least a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate when the heating element is actuated
Implementation Method 3
As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the consumer
Implementation Method 4
a removable laminar blank being foldable along the at least one longitudinal line of weakness to form an elongate cleaning tool having a distal end with a diameter of less than or equal to the diameter of at least one of the aerosol-generating articles and having a scraping surface at the distal end
Data Source
AI summary
A container for aerosol-generating articles is provided, including: a box portion formed from a single laminar blank; a lid portion formed from a same single laminar blank as the box portion; a plurality of aerosol-generating articles disposed within the box portion; and a removable laminar blank made from a same material as the single laminar blank, the removable laminar blank being disposed within and attached to the lid portion, the removable laminar blank including at least one longitudinal line of weakness, and the removable laminar blank being foldable along the at least one longitudinal line of weakness to form an elongate cleaning tool having a scraping surface at a distal end thereof.