Structured Surface Aerosol Device Heat Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol provision devices face challenges in efficiently generating aerosols from aerosol-generating materials while minimizing condensation and heat transfer issues, which affect user experience and device performance.
Innovation Solution
The aerosol provision device features a receptacle with a structured surface and a heater, where the structured surface is designed to create an air gap and retain condensate, improving insulation and reducing condensation, while the heater efficiently heats the aerosol-generating material.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a smooth outer surface is used on the peripheral wall, then the device structure is simple, but condensation forms on the surface causing moisture-related problems
Solution Approach 1:
The outer surface of the peripheral wall is provided with a structured surface comprising structuring elements (protrusions and/or indentations) that create a micro-rough texture. This structured surface reduces the contact area between condensate and the surface, preventing continuous moisture buildup while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful condensation effect into a beneficial one by using the structured surface to channel and manage condensate formation. The structuring elements create controlled pathways for moisture dissipation, transforming the unavoidable condensation into a managed process that prevents harmful moisture accumulation
2Productivity
If the heater is exposed to the chamber, then aerosol generation efficiency is improved, but heat transfer to the device housing increases causing the device to become warmer
Solution Approach 1:
The peripheral wall acts as an intermediary thermal barrier between the heater and the device housing. By providing a structured surface with air gaps and using materials with appropriate thermal properties, the peripheral wall mediates heat transfer, allowing the heater to remain exposed for efficient aerosol generation while preventing excessive heat transfer to the housing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different thermal management properties to different regions. The peripheral wall adjacent to the heater is designed with specific thermal insulation characteristics, while other portions of the housing may have different thermal properties. This localized approach allows efficient heat transfer where needed for aerosol generation while preventing heat buildup in user-contact areas
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 effectively reduces condensate formation and heat transfer issues, enhancing user experience by keeping the device cooler and minimizing moisture-related problems, thus improving the overall performance of the aerosol provision system.
Implementation Method 1
The heater may be a resistive heating heater. The heater may comprise a resistive heating element in the housing.
Implementation Method 2
The heater may be an inductive heating heater. The heater may comprise an inductive heating element in the housing.
Implementation Method 3
The structured surface is designed to create an air gap and retain condensate, improving insulation and reducing condensation
Implementation Method 4
the inner surface of the peripheral wall of the receptacle may be provided as or associated with a reflecting surface configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation towards the article
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Aspects disclosed herein include an aerosol provision device configured to heat at least part of an article comprising aerosol generating material comprises a receptacle configured for receiving at least a portion of the article, the receptacle comprising a peripheral wall. An outer surface of the peripheral wall is at least partly provided as a structured surface comprising structuring elements.