Shape-Memory Microvalve for Precise Reservoir-to-Atomizer Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol delivery devices lack efficient mechanisms for controlling the flow of aerosol precursor compositions, leading to inconsistent vaporization and user experience, particularly in devices that utilize electrical power to vaporize tobacco-derived materials without significant combustion.
Innovation Solution
The aerosol delivery device incorporates a microvalve with a shape-memory material actuating member that moves between positions in response to heat stimuli, controlling fluid flow from the reservoir to the atomizer, ensuring precise regulation of aerosol production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a microvalve with shape-memory material actuating member is added to control liquid flow, then aerosol production consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical valve actuation mechanisms with a shape-memory material actuating member that responds to thermal stimuli. The shape-memory material undergoes phase transitions in response to heat from the heating member, automatically opening or closing the valve aperture without requiring complex mechanical linkages, motors, or electronic control systems. This substitution of mechanical actuation with thermally-driven shape-memory material achieves reliable aerosol production consistency while minimizing the addition of mechanical complexity to the device
2Manufacturing precision
If shape-memory material is used for actuating member, then flow control precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the inherent phase transition parameters of shape-memory materials, which change their physical state and dimensions in response to temperature variations. The actuating member is designed to undergo controlled expansion, contraction, or shape changes at specific temperature thresholds, enabling precise flow control. By leveraging these intrinsic material parameter changes rather than requiring precision-machined mechanical components, the patent achieves accurate flow regulation while simplifying the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs shape-memory materials, which are themselves composite or alloyed materials (such as nickel-titanium alloys or polymer composites) that combine multiple properties within a single component. These composite shape-memory materials integrate both the actuating function and the flow control function in one element, reducing the need for separate precision-manufactured parts and simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining precise flow control
3Reliability
If microvalve is positioned between liquid reservoir and atomizer, then vaporization control is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the microvalve structure with the existing liquid reservoir and atomizer components. The actuating member of the microvalve is integrated into the heating assembly, and the valve aperture is positioned within the liquid delivery pathway of the atomizer. This merging of the microvalve with existing device components enables precise vaporization control at the point of liquid-vapor transition without adding separate, complex valve assemblies, thereby improving control reliability while minimizing overall device 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 solution enables consistent and controlled aerosol production, enhancing user experience by maintaining the desired vaporization levels and sensory characteristics associated with smoking without significant combustion.
Implementation Method 1
at least one actuating member at least a portion of which is constructed of a shape-memory material, and which is configured, in response to a stimulus, to move between a first position and a second position
Implementation Method 2
the stimulus comprises heat generated by the heating member
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an aerosol delivery device and a cartridge for an aerosol delivery device. In various implementations, the cartridge may comprise a housing defining a liquid reservoir, an atomizer configured to produce an aerosol, the atomizer comprising a first liquid transport element, a second liquid transport element, and a microvalve located between the liquid reservoir and the second liquid transport element. The microvalve may comprise a base member including at least one channel, and an actuating member at least a portion of which comprises a shape-memory material, and which is configured to move between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position, the actuating member substantially blocks fluid flow from the liquid reservoir through the channel, and in the second position, the actuating member allows fluid flow from the liquid reservoir through the channel and to the second liquid transport element.