Starch-Plasticizer Composite for Flavor Release in Aerosol Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol generating technologies, such as heat-not-burn devices and e-cigarettes, face challenges in efficiently producing inhalable aerosols without burning, particularly in maintaining flavor and aroma profiles and handling properties of the aerosol generating materials.

Innovation Solution

A solid aerosol generating material comprising a starch matrix with a plasticizer content between 5% to 70% by weight, combined with a plant-derived flavor or aroma component, which forms a stable gel structure that releases flavors and aromas efficiently upon heating, and can be used in aerosol generating articles and assemblies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional aerosol generating materials are used, then aerosol generation is achieved, but flavor and aroma profiles are not maintained effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflavor and aroma releaseVSAvoidflavor and aroma profile maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite material system consisting of starch matrix combined with specific plasticizers (glycerol, sorbitol, or xylitol) in defined ratios. This composite structure enables effective flavor and aroma release while maintaining product stability, resolving the contradiction between ease of flavor delivery and reliability of aroma profile maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of plasticizers within specific ranges (5-70% by weight of starch) to control the balance between flavor release efficiency and aroma profile stability. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal point where both flavor delivery and aroma maintenance are achieved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If heating is applied to vaporize material, then inhalable aerosol is formed, but burning occurs which degrades flavor and aroma

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerosol generation efficiencyVSAvoidburning and degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes controlled phase transition through heating the starch-plasticizer composite from solid to vapor state without reaching combustion temperatures. The plasticizer modifies the thermal properties of the starch matrix, enabling vaporization at temperatures that generate inhalable aerosol while avoiding burning and degradation of flavor and aroma compounds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #36Phase transitions

3Stability of the object's composition

If starch matrix is used for aerosol generation, then structural integrity is maintained, but handling properties are difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidhandling properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The plasticizer acts as an intermediary substance between the starch matrix and the user's handling requirements. It modifies the physical properties of the starch composite, improving handling characteristics while preserving the structural integrity and aerosol generation capabilities of the starch matrix.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If heating process is optimized for vaporization, then aerosol generation is improved, but microbial degradation increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerosol generationVSAvoidmicrobial degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable aerosol generating article with a starch-plasticizer composite that is designed for single use. This eliminates the need for sterilization and reduces microbial degradation risks during storage and handling, while the optimized heating process ensures effective aerosol generation during the brief usage period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

The starch matrix material effectively generates inhalable aerosols with improved flavor and aroma release, enhanced handling properties, and reduced microbial degradation, suitable for use in non-combustible smoking articles and e-cigarettes, while maintaining structural integrity and ease of manufacture.

Implementation Method 1

mixing the constituent parts of the aerosol generating material in a slurry, heating and stirring the slurry to effect gelation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGelation: Gel

Implementation Method 2

The heating volatilizes at least one component of the material, typically forming an inhalable aerosol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

a solid aerosol generating material which comprises a starch and a plasticizer, wherein the amount of plasticizer is from about 5% to 70% by weight of the starch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasticization: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20220248743A1Aerosol generation

Publication Date: 2022.08.11 NICOVENTURES TRADING LTD

AI summary

An aerosol generating article for use in an aerosol generating assembly, the aerosol generating article including an aerosol generating substrate having an aerosol generating material, wherein the aerosol generating material is solid and includes a starch and a plasticizer, wherein the amount of plasticizer is from about 5% to 70% by weight of the starch.