Triple Capsule Structure for Aerosol Heating Without Off-Flavor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol generating articles, particularly those with double capsules made of water-soluble materials, suffer from mechanical weakness and inability to effectively generate aerosols through heating due to insufficient mechanical strength.

Innovation Solution

A triple capsule structure comprising a core region with nicotine and aerosol generating material, surrounded by a fat-soluble first shell and a water-soluble second shell, is manufactured through coextrusion, which is then heated to generate aerosols using an aerosol generating device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a double capsule structure with water-soluble materials is used, then the capsule can be heated to generate aerosol, but the mechanical strength is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidoff-flavor generation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a triple capsule structure with composite materials: the first shell uses a water-soluble polymer (e.g., gelatin, starch, or cellulose derivative) that provides mechanical strength and structural integrity, while the second shell uses a fat-soluble wax (e.g., carnauba wax, candelilla wax, or beeswax) that prevents off-flavor generation during heating. This composite material approach allows the capsule to maintain both high mechanical strength and resistance to off-flavor generation when heated to generate aerosol.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If a single-shell capsule is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot effectively support liquid contents during heating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport capability for liquidVSAvoidcapsule structure
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested capsule structure where an inner capsule containing the liquid composition is positioned within an outer capsule. The inner capsule has a first shell made of water-soluble polymer, and the outer capsule has a second shell made of fat-soluble wax. This nested configuration allows the inner capsule to effectively support and contain the liquid contents during heating while the outer capsule provides additional structural support and prevents off-flavor generation, thereby enhancing the overall support capability without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Temperature

If water-soluble materials are used for the capsule, then the capsule can be heated, but the mechanical strength is not high enough

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidmechanical strength
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dual-shell composite structure where the first shell is made of water-soluble polymer materials (such as gelatin, starch, or cellulose derivatives) that enable heating capability and aerosol generation, while the second shell is made of fat-soluble wax materials (such as carnauba wax, candelilla wax, or beeswax) that provide enhanced mechanical strength. The combination of these two material systems allows the capsule to maintain both high heating capability and sufficient mechanical strength, resolving the contradiction between thermal processing requirements and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 triple capsule design enhances mechanical strength, prevents off-flavor generation, and effectively produces aerosols by supporting the liquid contents during heating.

Implementation Method 1

The second portion is heated by a heating element arranged to cover at least a portion of the second portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

the capsule includes a core region, a first shell, and a second shell... supporting the liquid contents during heating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

A triple capsule structure comprising a core region with nicotine and aerosol generating material, surrounded by a fat-soluble first shell and a water-soluble second shell, is manufactured through coextrusion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCoextrusion: Extrusion

Data Source

PatentEP3831219B1Aerosol-generating article including triple capsule and aerosol-generating system using same
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 KT&G CO LTD
  • EP3831219B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3831219B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3831219B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are an aerosol generating article including a triple capsule, and an aerosol generating system using the same.