SPR-Heated Wick Structure for Compact Aerosol Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generating devices face challenges in enhancing atomization efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A wick for aerosol generating devices is designed with a heating element that utilizes surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and is surrounded by fiber strands, featuring a hollow portion and a light collector or diffuser, which includes a substrate with metal particles, and is integrated with a light source and reflector to enhance heating efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional heating elements are used in aerosol generating devices, then heating function is achieved, but device size is large and atomization efficiency is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional resistive heating elements with a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) heating element that uses optical energy to generate heat. The SPR heating element comprises a substrate with metal particles that convert light energy into thermal energy through surface plasmon resonance, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical/electrical heating components and reducing overall device size while improving heating efficiency and atomization performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating mechanism from resistive heating to SPR-based optical heating. By adjusting parameters such as metal particle size (50-500 nm), metal particle material (gold, silver, copper, aluminum), and light source wavelength to match the plasmon resonance frequency, the system achieves more efficient energy conversion and higher atomization efficiency with a compact design
2Device complexity
If conventional heating elements are used, then heating is achieved, but additional components like Pogo™ pins are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating element, light source, and reflector into an integrated SPR-based heating system. The reflector is positioned to direct light onto the metal particles in the substrate, combining multiple functions into a single compact assembly that eliminates the need for separate electrical connections via Pogo™ pins, thereby reducing component count and simplifying manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate with metal particles serves multiple functions: it acts as the heating element through SPR, provides structural support, and enables optical energy conversion. This multi-functional design replaces several separate components with a single integrated element, reducing device complexity while maintaining manufacturing ease
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 design increases atomization efficiency and allows for a reduction in device size and the removal of components like Pogo™ pins, improving overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element disposed inside the extension and configured to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance (SPR)
Implementation Method 2
a reflector disposed in the extension and configured to reflect light toward the heating element
Data Source
AI summary
The aerosol generating device includes a wick including a first end portion, a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, an extension extending between the first end portion and the second end portion, and a heating element disposed inside the extension and configured to generate heat by surface plasmon resonance (SPR).