Surface Acoustic Wave Aerosol Generator with Variable-Channel Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating devices lack sufficient control over the rate at which a liquid aerosol-forming substrate is supplied to and atomised by the aerosol-generator, resulting in an inconsistent user experience.
Innovation Solution
The use of a surface acoustic wave atomiser with a supply element featuring a channel that varies in cross-sectional area and direction with respect to the active surface, allowing precise control of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate flow rate and atomisation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heater is used to vaporise the liquid aerosol-forming substrate, then the atomisation process can be achieved, but the control of the supply rate and vaporisation rate is insufficient, resulting in inconsistent user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the supply element by varying the cross-sectional area of the channel along its length and adjusting the angle of the channel relative to the active surface. These parameter changes enable precise control of the liquid supply rate to the atomisation region, improving both reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply element is designed with a dynamic geometry where the cross-sectional area varies continuously along the channel length. This dynamic structure allows the liquid flow rate to be controlled by the geometric progression of the channel, providing consistent supply rate control without requiring external adjustment mechanisms.
2Ease of manufacture
If the channel has a constant cross-sectional area, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the control of liquid flow rate to the atomisation region is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The channel cross-sectional area parameter is varied along the length of the channel to optimize liquid flow control. The gradual variation in cross-sectional area provides precise flow rate control while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process, as the gradient can be achieved through standard fabrication techniques.
3Device complexity
If the channel extends perpendicular to the active surface, then the structure is simpler, but the control of liquid delivery to the atomisation region is less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is oriented at an asymmetric angle relative to the active surface rather than perpendicular. This asymmetric orientation optimizes the delivery of liquid to the atomisation region by aligning the channel exit with the optimal location for surface acoustic wave interaction, improving control effectiveness while adding minimal structural 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 configuration provides consistent and reliable atomisation of liquid aerosol-forming substrate with reduced power requirements, enhancing user experience by ensuring controlled and efficient atomisation.
Implementation Method 1
The surface acoustic wave atomiser comprises a substrate comprising an active surface defining at least one atomisation region. The surface acoustic wave atomiser also comprises at least one transducer positioned on the active surface of the substrate for generating surface acoustic waves on the active surface of the substrate.
Implementation Method 2
The channel has at least one of a cross-sectional area that varies in a direction from the inlet to the outlet and a portion that extends in a non-perpendicular direction with respect to the active surface.
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol-generator for an aerosol-generating device is provided, the aerosol-generator including: a surface acoustic wave atomiser including a substrate including an active surface defining at least one atomisation region, and at least one transducer positioned on the active surface to generate surface acoustic waves on the active surface; and a supply element arranged to supply a liquid aerosol-forming substrate to the atomisation region, the supply element including a channel extending through the substrate between an inlet to receive a supply of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate and an outlet positioned within the atomisation region of the active surface, in which the channel has at least one of a cross-sectional area that varies in a direction from the inlet to the outlet and a portion that extends in a non-perpendicular direction with respect to the active surface. An aerosol-generating device including the aerosol-generator is also provided.