Rotatable Nozzle Aerosol Delivery Component for Flavor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol delivery devices, such as vaping systems, face challenges in providing effective flavor delivery to users while ensuring safety and user control over flavor inhalation, as heating flavor compounds can lead to thermal degradation and toxicity concerns.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol delivery component with a rotatable mouthpiece nozzle or a movable cap that allows users to choose between inhaling a combination of aerosols or just the second aerosol, separating the aerosolization of flavorants from the aerosol former to prevent thermal degradation, and using a frangible capsule system to release flavor agents downstream of the heating element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If flavor compounds are heated in traditional vaping systems, then aerosol generation is achieved, but thermal degradation and toxicity occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the aerosol generation process into two separate modules: a first aerosolization module that heats the aerosol former (propylene glycol/vegetable glycerine) without flavor compounds, and a second aerosolization module that contains and releases flavor compounds downstream without heating them. This segmentation prevents thermal degradation of flavor compounds while maintaining aerosol generation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The flavor compounds are extracted from the heating zone and placed in a separate containment structure (frangible capsule) downstream of the heating element. The flavor compounds are released into the already-generated aerosol stream without being subjected to high temperatures, thereby eliminating thermal degradation and toxicity concerns.
2Ease of operation
If flavor compounds are included in e-liquid, then flavor delivery is achieved, but thermal degradation occurs during heating
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates flavor delivery from the heating process by using two distinct aerosolization modules. The first module generates aerosol from the aerosol former without flavor compounds, and the second module introduces flavor compounds downstream without heating, thereby achieving flavor delivery without thermal degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first aerosol stream acts as an intermediary carrier that transports the flavor compounds released from the frangible capsule. The flavor compounds mix with the already-formed aerosol particles downstream, allowing flavor delivery without direct exposure to heating elements.
3Device complexity
If a single aerosol stream is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but user control over flavor inhalation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a rotatable mouthpiece nozzle with selectable positions that dynamically change the flow path configuration. Users can rotate the nozzle between a first position that delivers both aerosol streams (flavored) and a second position that delivers only the second aerosol stream (unflavored or differently flavored), providing real-time control over flavor inhalation without increasing overall device complexity.
4Productivity
If flavor compounds are heated to generate aerosol, then aerosol production is achieved, but safety concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The aerosol generation system is segmented into two independent modules: the first module handles aerosol former heating and aerosol generation, while the second module handles flavor compound containment and release downstream. This segmentation ensures that flavor compounds never undergo heating, eliminating safety concerns related to thermal degradation while maintaining effective aerosol production.
Solution Approach 2:
Flavor compounds are extracted from the heating process entirely and placed in a separate frangible capsule system downstream. The flavor compounds are released into the pre-formed aerosol stream without any thermal exposure, thereby ensuring safety while maintaining aerosol production efficiency.
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
Enhances flavor delivery and user control, reduces toxicity by preventing flavor compounds from being heated, and improves the quality and safety of the vapor produced by keeping flavorants separate from the aerosol former and heating element.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element configured to heat the aerosol former to generate an aerosol or vapour
Implementation Method 2
the frangible capsule is configured to release the flavor agent upon contact with the heating element
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery component (e.g., a smoking substitute component) comprising: a first aerosolisation portion (which may be a passive aerosolisation portion) configured to generate a first aerosol from a first aerosol precursor; and a second aerosolisation portion (which may be an active aerosolisation portion) configured to generate a second aerosol from a second aerosol precursor. The component further comprises a mouthpiece nozzle rotatable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the component is configured to supply the first aerosol and the second aerosol through the mouthpiece nozzle, and in the second position the component is configured to supply only the second aerosol through the mouthpiece nozzle.