Shape-Memory Alloy Dispensing Mechanism for Aerosol Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol delivery devices lack efficient mechanisms to regulate the flow of aerosol precursor compositions for optimal vaporization and delivery, often resulting in incomplete vaporization and potential leakage.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a shape-memory alloy in the dispensing mechanism that changes shape in response to electrical heat to control the flow of aerosol precursor compositions from a reservoir to an atomizer, allowing for precise regulation and efficient vaporization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional dispensing mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but the flow regulation of aerosol precursor composition is inefficient leading to incomplete vaporization and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the temperature-dependent shape change property of shape-memory alloy to dynamically adjust the dispensing mechanism structure. When heated, the alloy transitions from a closed configuration to an open configuration, enabling precise flow regulation of the aerosol precursor composition without adding complex mechanical components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical valve or pump-based dispensing mechanisms with a shape-memory alloy actuated system. The alloy's shape change in response to thermal stimulation controls the flow path opening and closing, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuation systems while improving flow regulation precision
2Reliability
If flow regulation is not precisely controlled, then the device operation is simple, but aerosol precursor composition leaks or vaporizes incompletely
Solution Approach 1:
The shape-memory alloy automatically adjusts its shape in response to thermal stimulation from the heating element, self-regulating the flow of aerosol precursor composition without requiring external mechanical intervention. The alloy's intrinsic shape memory effect enables automatic opening and closing of the flow path based on temperature conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the phase transition of shape-memory alloy between martensite and austenite phases through thermal stimulation. This phase transition causes a reversible shape change that precisely controls the flow path opening, enabling reliable flow regulation while simplifying the operation through automatic thermal response
3Productivity
If shape-memory alloy is used in dispensing mechanism, then flow regulation is precise and vaporization is complete, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shape-memory alloy component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both the actuator and the flow control valve, and also serves as a structural element of the dispensing mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving precise flow regulation and complete vaporization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the actuation mechanism and flow control valve into a single integrated shape-memory alloy component. The alloy's shape change directly controls the flow path opening, combining what would traditionally be separate mechanical components into one element, thereby improving aerosol production efficiency with minimal increase in overall device complexity
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 improved aerosol production by ensuring complete vaporization and minimizing leakage, providing a more efficient and controlled delivery of aerosol precursor compositions.
Implementation Method 1
a dispensing mechanism including a shape-memory alloy configured to change shape in response to heat produced from electrical current provided by the power source and to selectively regulate flow of the aerosol precursor composition from the reservoir to the atomizer
Implementation Method 2
The atomizer may be configured to receive electrical current from the power source and to produce an aerosol from the aerosol precursor composition
Implementation Method 3
heat an aerosol precursor, which incorporates materials made or derived from tobacco or otherwise incorporate tobacco, capable of vaporizing to form an inhalable aerosol for human consumption
Data Source
AI summary
Aerosol delivery devices are provided. The aerosol delivery devices may include a power source configured to output electrical current. The aerosol delivery devices may also include an atomizer in fluid communication with a reservoir containing an aerosol precursor composition, the atomizer being configured to receive electrical current from the power source. The aerosol delivery devices may further include a dispensing mechanism including a shape-memory alloy configured to change shape in response to heat produced from electrical current provided by the power source and to selectively regulate flow of the aerosol precursor composition from the reservoir to the atomizer, the atomizer being configured to produce an aerosol therefrom.