Shape-Memory Microvalve for Stable Aerosol Precursor Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol delivery devices lack efficient control over liquid delivery, leading to inconsistent vaporization and aerosol production, particularly when using tobacco-derived components, which affects user experience and product quality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a microvalve mechanism within the aerosol delivery device's cartridge, utilizing shape-memory materials that respond to heat stimuli to control fluid flow, ensuring precise regulation of aerosol precursor composition delivery to the atomizer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a microvalve mechanism with shape-memory material is added to control liquid delivery, 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-based microvalve system. The shape-memory material responds to thermal stimuli to automatically open or close the valve, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuators, springs, or external control mechanisms. This substitution maintains reliable liquid flow control while reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The microvalve utilizes changes in the physical state or properties of the shape-memory material (such as phase transitions or dimensional changes) in response to temperature variations. By controlling the thermal parameter, the valve automatically transitions between open and closed states, providing precise liquid delivery control without requiring complex mechanical or electronic control systems.
2Manufacturing precision
If shape-memory material is used in the microvalve, then liquid delivery control precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shape-memory material is applied locally only to the valve actuation components that require precise dimensional control, rather than throughout the entire device. This localized application allows for high precision in the critical valve opening/closing mechanism while keeping the rest of the device manufacturable using standard processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The microvalve incorporates shape-memory material as a specialized component within the broader valve assembly. This composite approach combines the precision benefits of shape-memory materials with the manufacturability of conventional valve structures, allowing the complex function to be achieved through material selection rather than complex geometry or assembly.
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 microvalve system enables controlled and consistent aerosol production, enhancing user experience by maintaining the quality and consistency of the aerosolized product, particularly when using tobacco-derived components, by precisely managing the flow of aerosol precursor composition.
Implementation Method 1
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
an atomizer configured to receive the aerosol precursor composition and to produce an aerosol
Implementation Method 3
utilize electrical power to aerosolize an aerosol precursor composition for the production of an aerosol
Implementation Method 4
a heat transfer component configured to transfer heat from the heating member to the actuating 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.