Self-Powered Aerosol Generator Assembly for Recharge-Free Operation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol delivery devices face challenges in providing a reliable and self-sustaining power source, as they require periodic recharging or replacement, which can be inconvenient, especially in situations where external power sources are unavailable.

Innovation Solution

The aerosol delivery device incorporates an electrical generator assembly with a moveable input member that produces electrical current, which is stored in a storage device and can be charged externally or via a solar cell, allowing for continuous operation without reliance on external power sources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a rechargeable battery is used as the power source, then the device can be reused and operated multiple times, but it requires periodic recharging which is inconvenient when external power sources are unavailable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational durationVSAvoidrecharging convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the self-service principle by enabling the device to generate its own electrical power through manual input mechanisms (cranking, pumping, or pressing actions). The electrical generator assembly converts mechanical energy from user input directly into electrical energy to power the heating element, eliminating the need for external recharging infrastructure and making the device self-sufficient in remote locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by providing multiple operational modes for power generation. The device can switch between different manual input methods (cranking the generator, pumping the chamber, or pressing the piston) depending on the situation, allowing flexible adaptation to various user needs and environmental conditions while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If an electrical generator assembly is added to enable self-powered operation, then the device can function without external power sources, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower source independenceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the electrical generator assembly with existing device components. The generator shares the housing with the aerosolization chamber, and its mechanical input mechanisms are combined with the piston and chamber structure. This integration allows the device to generate its own power while minimizing the addition of separate, standalone components that would increase overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution enables the aerosol delivery device to function independently, providing a consistent power source for heating the aerosol precursor composition and producing aerosols, regardless of the availability of external power, enhancing user convenience and autonomy.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical generator configured to produce an electrical current from movement of the moveable input member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an atomizer configured to produce an aerosol from an aerosol precursor composition by heating the aerosol precursor composition with a heating element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12057759B2Aerosol delivery device including an electrical generator assembly
Publication Date: 2024.08.06 RAI STRATEGIC HOLDINGS INC
  • US12057759B2 patent drawing
  • US12057759B2 patent drawing
  • US12057759B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery devices. The aerosol delivery devices may include an atomizer, a reservoir configured to contain an aerosol precursor composition and an electrical circuit coupled to the atomizer. The electrical circuit may include an electrical generator assembly including a moveable input member and an electrical generator configured to produce an electrical current from movement of the moveable input member. The electrical circuit may be configured to direct the electrical current to the atomizer to produce an aerosol from the aerosol precursor composition. A related aerosol production method is also provided.