Segmented Aerosol Article for Immediate Low-Temperature Nicotine Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol-generating devices require preheating times and do not effectively transfer aerosol at low temperatures, limiting user satisfaction and device durability.

Innovation Solution

An aerosol-generating article with a medium segment containing a pH-treated tobacco medium, a first segment with a moisturizer and organic acid, and a second segment with a cellulose acetate filter, allowing nicotine transfer and adsorption at low temperatures, and nicotine salt formation at higher temperatures through a controller with multiple heating modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of time

If conventional aerosol-generating devices are used, then aerosol can be generated, but preheating time is required and device durability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepreheating timeVSAvoiddevice durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The aerosol-generating article is divided into multiple segments with different functions: a first segment containing moisturizer for immediate aerosol generation, a medium segment with tobacco material, and a second segment with fragrance material. This segmentation allows different materials to be transferred at different temperatures, eliminating the need for preheating while extending device lifespan.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes temperature-dependent transfer characteristics of different materials. The moisturizer transfers at lower temperatures immediately, while tobacco and fragrance materials transfer at higher temperatures. This parameter-based differentiation enables aerosol generation without preheating and reduces thermal stress on the device, improving durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If high temperature heating is applied, then complete nicotine transfer occurs, but aerosol generation efficiency is reduced due to preheating requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerosol generation efficiencyVSAvoidpreheating time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The first segment containing moisturizer is designed to transfer immediately at lower temperatures before high-temperature heating begins. This preliminary action provides immediate aerosol generation, eliminating the need to wait for preheating while ensuring complete transfer of tobacco and fragrance materials follows afterward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The moisturizer in the first segment acts as an intermediary that facilitates immediate aerosol generation at low temperatures. This intermediary enables users to start using the device immediately without preheating, while the subsequent high-temperature phase ensures complete transfer of active ingredients.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If low temperature operation is used, then device durability is improved, but aerosol transfer effectiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice durabilityVSAvoidaerosol transfer effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs dynamic temperature control with multiple operating phases. Initially, low-temperature operation transfers the moisturizer for immediate aerosol generation and device durability. Subsequently, high-temperature operation transfers tobacco and fragrance materials completely. This dynamic approach optimizes both durability and effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The aerosol generation process occurs in periodic stages: first, low-temperature transfer of moisturizer provides immediate aerosol; then, high-temperature transfer of tobacco and fragrance materials follows. This periodic action ensures device durability during initial use while achieving complete material transfer over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables aerosol generation without preheating, improves user satisfaction by immediate aerosol delivery, and enhances device durability by transferring aerosol at low temperatures.

Implementation Method 1

nicotine generated from the tobacco medium of the medium segment is transferred and adsorbed to at least one of the first segment and the second segment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 2

the nicotine adsorbed by the moisturizer may react with the organic acid to generate a nicotine salt in the first segment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

a heater unit for heating the aerosol-generating article

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 4

a vaporizer for heating an aerosol-forming material to generate an aerosol

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP4643670A1Aerosol-generating article and aerosol-generating system
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 KT&G CO LTD
  • EP4643670A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4643670A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4643670A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An aerosol-generating article is disclosed. An aerosol-generating article according to an embodiment comprises: a medium segment containing a tobacco medium; a first segment disposed upstream of the medium segment; and a second segment disposed downstream of the medium segment, wherein: the first segment contains a moisturizer; nicotine generated from the tobacco medium of the medium segment is transferred and adsorbed to at least one of the first segment and the second segment; in a first state where the temperature of the aerosol-generating article is a predetermined temperature or lower, nicotine may be transmitted through the medium segment or the second segment; and in a second state where the temperature of the aerosol-generating article reaches the predetermined temperature, nicotine may be transmitted from the first segment. Various other embodiments may be possible.