Aerosol-Generating Device With Surface Acoustic Wave Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhalers lack the ability to efficiently control the atomization of aerosol-forming substrates and the amount of aerosol produced, limiting user experience and flexibility.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol generating device utilizing a surface acoustic wave to atomize aerosol-forming substrates, featuring a supplier with multiple storage and channel elements, and a substrate unit that controls the flow and mixing of liquids, along with independent surface wave generators for precise atomization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single substrate unit is used for atomization, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to control atomization of multiple aerosol-forming substrates is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple independent substrate units, each capable of atomizing different aerosol-forming substrates. Each substrate unit includes its own substrate, surface wave generating element, and control element, allowing independent control and atomization of multiple substrates simultaneously or separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The surface wave generator is designed to work with multiple types of substrates through a universal atomization mechanism. The surface wave generating elements can atomize different aerosol-forming substrates (liquids, gels, suspensions) using the same basic surface acoustic wave principle, providing multi-functionality without requiring separate atomization systems for each substrate type.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple surface wave generating elements are used for independent atomization control, then atomization control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The surface wave generator is segmented into multiple independent surface wave generating elements, each capable of generating surface acoustic waves independently. This segmentation allows precise control of atomization for each substrate unit, enabling independent adjustment of atomization parameters for different substrates.
Solution Approach 2:
The control elements are configured to dynamically adjust the operation of surface wave generating elements based on real-time conditions. The system can selectively activate, deactivate, or adjust the intensity of individual surface wave generating elements to optimize atomization control precision for different substrate types and concentrations.
3Ease of operation
If multiple channel elements are used to move different liquids, then the ability to control flow rate of each liquid is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The supplier is segmented into multiple independent channel elements, each dedicated to transporting a specific aerosol-forming substrate. Each channel element connects to a specific substrate unit, allowing independent flow rate control for each liquid through its own channel, eliminating interference between different substrate flows.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel elements act as intermediaries between the storage elements and substrate units, providing controlled transport of liquids. The channel elements include capillary structures that mediate the flow of liquids to substrate units, enabling precise flow rate control and preventing cross-contamination between different substrate types.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple storage elements are used to store different aerosol-forming substrates, then the variety of aerosol compositions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into multiple independent storage elements, each dedicated to storing a specific aerosol-forming substrate. This segmentation allows the device to store and provide multiple different liquids, gels, or suspensions simultaneously without cross-contamination, enabling diverse aerosol compositions while maintaining organized, independent storage for each component.
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 device enables controlled atomization and adjustable aerosol production, enhancing user experience by allowing for varied aerosol compositions and quantities.
Implementation Method 1
a surface wave generator configured to transmit a surface acoustic wave that atomizes the aerosol forming substrate to the substrate unit
Implementation Method 2
The channel element may move the aerosol forming substrate through a capillary phenomenon
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol generating device according to an embodiment includes a supplier including an aerosol forming substrate, a substrate unit configured to atomize the aerosol forming substrate, a surface wave generator configured to transmit a surface acoustic wave that atomizes the aerosol forming substrate to the substrate unit, and an inhaler from which a user inhales the aerosol forming substrate atomized in the substrate unit, in which the supplier is configured to move the aerosol forming substrate to the substrate unit.