Segmented Filter Design for Aesthetic and Filtration Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filters, particularly paper filters, face challenges in enhancing aesthetic appearance and controlling filtration characteristics such as tar, nicotine, and airflow resistance, while maintaining suitable filtration properties for smoking and flavor inhalation articles.
Innovation Solution
A filter design incorporating a first and second filter main body made of a paper sheet or non-woven fabric, with varying crimp depths and air permeability, to achieve improved aesthetic appearance and filtration characteristics, including controlled tar and nicotine levels, by adjusting crimp depth and air permeability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a paper filter is used with visible folding holes, then the filter can be manufactured simply, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different surface characteristics at different locations of the filter. The mouthpiece-side end surface is designed with smaller voids and higher density to provide a smooth, aesthetically pleasing appearance, while the tobacco-side portion maintains the folding structure for manufacturing simplicity. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between easy manufacture and aesthetic appearance.
2Shape
If the filter material is made more dense to reduce visible holes, then the aesthetic appearance improves, but the airflow resistance increases and filtration characteristics worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the filter into two distinct regions with different densities: a mouthpiece-side end surface with smaller voids and higher density for aesthetic purposes, and a tobacco-side portion with larger voids and lower density for maintaining proper airflow and filtration. This segmentation allows each region to optimize its function without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between appearance and filtration performance.
3Shape
If the crimp depth is increased to improve appearance, then the aesthetic appearance improves, but the air permeability decreases and airflow resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different crimp depths in different regions. The mouthpiece-side end surface has a larger crimp depth to create a smooth, aesthetically pleasing appearance with smaller visible voids, while the tobacco-side portion has a smaller crimp depth to maintain larger voids and lower airflow resistance. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction between appearance and airflow characteristics.
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 filter design enhances the aesthetic appearance and filtration performance, allowing for controlled tar and nicotine levels, while maintaining suitable airflow resistance, thus improving the overall smoking experience and reducing environmental impact by using naturally derived materials.
Implementation Method 1
a first filter main body including a first end surface on a mouthpiece side and a second end surface on a side opposite to the mouthpiece side; and a second filter main body
Implementation Method 2
A void volume when the first end surface of the first filter main body is viewed is smaller than a void volume when the third end surface of the second filter main body is viewed
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4C
AI summary
This filter comprises: a first filter body that has a first end face disposed on the side of a mouthpiece and a second end face disposed on the side opposite to the mouthpiece side; and a second filter body that is disposed at the second-end-face side of the first filter body and has a third end face that faces the second end face. The first and second filter bodies are respectively formed of either a sheet of paper or a sheet of nonwoven cloth. The void quantity as seen in the first end face of the first filter body is less than that as seen in the third end face of the second filter body.