Shape-Memory Microvalve for Precise Aerosol Liquid Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol delivery devices lack enhanced functionality and efficient control over liquid delivery, particularly in vaporizing aerosol precursor compositions without significant combustion or chemical alteration.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a microvalve with an actuating member made of shape-memory material, which moves between positions to control fluid flow in response to a stimulus, such as heat generated by a heating member, allowing precise regulation of aerosol precursor composition delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a microvalve with shape-memory actuating member is incorporated to control liquid delivery, then delivery precision and functionality are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical valve actuation mechanisms with a shape-memory material actuating member that responds to thermal stimuli. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical linkages, springs, and actuators while achieving precise liquid delivery control through the shape-memory effect, directly resolving the contradiction between delivery precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes changes in temperature parameters to trigger phase transitions in the shape-memory material, which in turn controls the valve opening and closing. By changing the temperature parameter rather than using mechanical force, the system achieves precise delivery control with simpler device architecture, addressing the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If shape-memory material is used for actuating member to enable controlled liquid delivery, then functionality and adaptability are enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent exploits phase transitions in shape-memory materials (martensite-austenite transformation) to achieve controlled liquid delivery. The material transitions between soft and rigid phases in response to temperature changes, enabling the valve to open and close without complex mechanical components. This phase transition mechanism enhances functionality while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes compared to traditional mechanical valve systems
Solution Approach 2:
The shape-memory actuating member is self-actuating through thermal stimuli from the vaporization process itself, eliminating the need for external actuators, motors, or complex control mechanisms. The material automatically responds to temperature changes to control liquid flow, enhancing adaptability while simplifying manufacturing by removing additional components
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 precise control over aerosol production, mimicking smoking sensations without combustion, and allows for customizable delivery of flavors and pharmaceutical ingredients in inhalable form.
Implementation Method 1
at least one actuating member at least a portion of which is constructed of a shape-memory material, and which is configured, in response to a stimulus, to move between a first position and a second position
Implementation Method 2
the stimulus comprises heat generated by the heating member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an aerosol delivery device and a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device. In various implementations, the cartridge may comprise a housing defining a liquid reservoir, an atomizer configured to produce an aerosol, the atomizer comprising a first liquid transport element, a second liquid transport element, and a microvalve located between the liquid reservoir and the second liquid transport element. The microvalve may comprise a base member including at least one channel, and an actuating member at least a portion of which comprises a shape-memory material, and which is configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the actuating member substantially blocks fluid flow from the liquid reservoir through the channel, and in the second position, the actuating member allows fluid flow from the liquid reservoir through the channel and to the second liquid transport element.