Sensor-Guided Tobacco Humidification by Direct Fluid Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for treating and storing cigars and other tobacco products fail to provide a controlled environment for maintaining specific humidity levels, as they rely on atmospheric moisture absorption, which is impractical and cannot detect the actual moisture level within the tobacco product, making it difficult to meet individual consumer preferences.
Innovation Solution
A handheld treatment device with a closable receptacle and a hollow needle for injecting fluid into the tobacco product, equipped with sensors to monitor and control humidity, temperature, and other parameters, allowing for precise conditioning of the smoking article.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If moisture is supplied by a moist sponge or hydrogel in a humidor, then the atmosphere in the humidor maintains a certain moisture level, but the actual moisture level in the tobacco product cannot be detected and controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor as an intermediary device that directly contacts the tobacco product to detect its actual moisture level. This sensor acts as a mediator between the tobacco product and the control system, providing real-time feedback on the true moisture content inside the product, thereby resolving the inability to detect actual moisture levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where sensors continuously monitor the moisture level in the tobacco product and transmit this information to a controller. The controller then adjusts the moisture supply (via the sponge or hydrogel) based on this feedback, creating a closed-loop system that maintains precise moisture control according to detected actual conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a humidor uses atmospheric moisture absorption to condition tobacco products, then the storage environment maintains general humidity, but individual and precise moisture control for different tobacco products cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the humidor into individual compartments or chambers, each capable of independently conditioning different tobacco products. Each compartment can have its own sensor and moisture control, allowing individual and precise moisture adjustment for each product type or even each individual product, thereby achieving adaptability without requiring an overly complex centralized system.
3Quantity of substance
If a needle is used to inject fluid into a cigarette, then the cigarette can be moistened, but the device becomes complex and is not suitable for cigars or other tobacco articles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic needle mechanism that can automatically adjust its position, depth, and injection parameters based on the type, size, and moisture content of the tobacco product being treated. This dynamic adaptation allows the same device to effectively treat different products (cigarettes, cigars, etc.) with varying requirements, maintaining simplicity while achieving precise moisture control through automated adjustment rather than complex manual operation.
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 individual and controlled treatment of tobacco products to achieve specific humidity levels, accommodating different types of cigars and consumer preferences, ensuring optimal moisture content for better preservation and enjoyment.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure generating means which allows for the provision of the treatment substance to the smoking article
Implementation Method 2
at least one sensor which is chosen and positioned, preferably in the receptacle, such that it can detect the effect of injecting the fluid into the smoking article
Data Source
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AI summary
An analysis and/or treatment device (100) for at least one smoking article (60), comprising a closable receptacle (4) for receiving the at least one smoking article (60) therein; a reservoir (62) for a fluid treatment material (8, 9); a hollow injection needle (2) interiorly insertable into the smoking article (60) received in the receptacle (4) and operably connected to the reservoir (62); means (3) for moving the treatment material (9) from the reservoir (62) through the needle (2) into the interior of the smoking article (60); and at least one sensor means (15) provided in the receptacle (4) for detecting at least one parameter characterizing a property of the smoking article (60) and/or characterizing the treatment conditions in the receptacle (4). A method for applying a treatment to a smoking article (60), wherein the smoking article (60) is enclosed by a receptacle (4), and a treatment material (8,9) is inserted into the receptacle (4) and directly into the interior of the smoking article (60) as a function of parameters measured by sensor means (15), said parameters being indicative of at least one of the temperature and the humidity in the receptacle (4) and the smoking article (60).