Surface Acoustic Wave Atomiser With Feedback-Controlled Liquid Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol-generating devices provide insufficient control over the rate at which a liquid aerosol-forming substrate is supplied to and atomised by the aerosol generator, resulting in an inconsistent user experience.

Innovation Solution

An aerosol generator using a surface acoustic wave atomiser with a transducer and controller that operates as both an input and output transducer, coupled with a reflector and flow control element, to precisely control the supply and atomisation of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate based on sensed properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a heater is used to vaporize the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, then the aerosol generation function is achieved, but the control of the supply rate and vaporisation rate is insufficient, resulting in inconsistent user experience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser experience consistencyVSAvoidcontrol of supply rate and vaporisation rate

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transducer is operated as an output transducer to sense surface acoustic waves on the active surface, providing feedback to the controller. The controller adjusts the input to the transducer based on this feedback, enabling closed-loop control of the atomisation process. This ensures consistent control of the supply rate and vaporisation rate of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the surface acoustic wave sensing capability to automatically monitor and adjust the atomisation process without requiring external sensors or complex control mechanisms. The transducer serves both as an actuator and a sensor, enabling the system to self-regulate the supply and vaporisation rates for consistent user experience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If a single transducer is used for both generating and sensing surface acoustic waves, then the number of electronic components is minimized, but the system must efficiently manage dual functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of electronic componentsVSAvoiddual transducer functionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The transducer is designed to perform multiple functions: it operates as an input transducer to generate surface acoustic waves for atomisation and as an output transducer to sense surface acoustic waves for feedback control. The controller is configured to switch between these modes, enabling a single component to fulfill multiple roles and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The transducer's functionality is dynamically switched between input and output modes based on operational requirements. The controller adjusts the operating mode of the transducer in real-time, allowing the system to adapt between atomisation and sensing functions without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 improved control over the atomisation process, ensuring consistent and efficient aerosol production with reduced power consumption and minimal electronic components, allowing for optimized performance and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a controller configured to operate the transducer as an input transducer for generating surface acoustic waves on the active surface of the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface acoustic wave: Surface Acoustic Wave

Implementation Method 2

a controller configured to operate the transducer as an output transducer for sensing surface acoustic waves on the active surface of the substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface acoustic wave sensing: Surface Acoustic Wave

Data Source

PatentUS12527348B2Aerosol generator comprising a surface acoustic wave atomiser

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA

AI summary

An aerosol-generator for an aerosol-generating device is provided, the aerosol-generator including: a surface acoustic wave atomiser including a substrate including an active surface defining an atomisation region, and a transducer disposed on the active surface of the substrate; a supply element arranged to supply a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the atomisation region; and a controller configured to operate the transducer as an input transducer to generate surface acoustic waves on the active surface of the substrate, operate the transducer as an output transducer to sense surface acoustic waves on the active surface of the substrate, and receive an output signal from the transducer when the transducer is operated as the output transducer. An aerosol-generating device including the aerosol-generator is also provided.