Segmented Aerosol Precursor Layout for Stable Pressure Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol generating apparatuses face inconsistent pressure drops due to variable shapes of aerosol precursors, leading to inconsistent aerosol and flavor delivery, with some precursors allowing air bypass or forming solid plugs that hinder airflow.
Innovation Solution
A consumable design featuring a solid aerosol precursor arrangement with multiple separate bodies and gaps along its axial length, enhancing airflow consistency and density, and optionally using a penetrative heater within the gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If injection process is used to form aerosol precursor, then precursor can be formed, but variable shapes result in inconsistent pressure drop
Solution Approach 1:
The precursor is divided into multiple separate precursor bodies (first precursor body, second precursor body, etc.) arranged in series within the consumable. Each precursor body has a defined shape and volume, and they are separated by gaps. This segmentation allows for more consistent manufacturing of each individual body while maintaining overall precursor functionality, resolving the inconsistency issue caused by variable injection shapes.
2Stress or pressure
If void forms in precursor, then pressure drop decreases, but aerosol formation becomes poor due to air bypass
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the precursor into multiple separate bodies with gaps between them, the design ensures that air flow must pass through each precursor body sequentially rather than bypassing through a single void. This maintains consistent pressure drop across the precursor while ensuring reliable aerosol formation at each segment, eliminating the bypass problem.
3Stress or pressure
If solid plug forms in precursor, then pressure drop increases, but airflow cannot easily pass through
Solution Approach 1:
The precursor is segmented into multiple bodies with gaps between them, preventing the formation of a continuous solid plug that would block airflow. The gaps ensure that air can easily pass through the precursor structure while still maintaining adequate pressure drop for aerosol generation, resolving the airflow blocking issue.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the precursor have different properties: the precursor bodies provide the necessary resistance and aerosol generation zones, while the gaps between bodies provide low-resistance airflow paths. This local differentiation of properties ensures both adequate pressure drop and easy airflow passage.
4Device complexity
If single-segment precursor arrangement is used, then structure is simple, but flavor delivery intensity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The precursor is divided into multiple bodies arranged in series, increasing the total surface area and volume of precursor material exposed to airflow. This segmentation allows for greater flavor substance capacity and more intense flavor delivery, compensating for the increased structural complexity through systematic arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple precursor bodies are arranged in a spatial configuration (series arrangement along the airflow path) that maximizes the interaction between airflow and precursor material. This dimensional arrangement increases flavor delivery effectiveness without requiring excessive material volume.
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 design ensures consistent pressure drop and improved flavor delivery by maintaining airflow reliability and customizability, while reducing cleaning needs and material waste.
Implementation Method 1
an aerosol generating unit that is driven by the power supply
Implementation Method 2
the pressure drop across the consumable may be different between consumables
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~4B
AI summary
A consumable for use with an aerosol generating apparatus comprising: a solid aerosol precursor arrangement (6) and a mouthpiece (71) downstream of the solid aerosol precursor arrangement, the solid aerosol precursor arrangement having an axial length extending from an upstream end (72) to a downstream end (73) of the solid aerosol precursor arrangement, wherein the solid aerosol precursor arrangement includes a plurality of separate precursor bodies, including a first precursor body (74) and a second precursor body (75); wherein a gap (76) is formed between the first precursor body and the second precursor body and the gap extends along the entire axial length of the solid precursor arrangement.