Hollow Tubular Element With Internal Projection for Stable Aerosol Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol-generating articles that heat rather than combust face challenges in restricting movement of the aerosol-forming substrate while ensuring adequate airflow, leading to inconsistencies in performance and manufacturing difficulties with existing hollow tubular elements.
Innovation Solution
A hollow tubular element formed from a sheet with a support element extending into its inner region, providing a barrier to prevent substrate movement and maintaining airflow, made from materials like paper for biodegradability and reduced material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a hollow tubular element is used to restrict substrate movement, then substrate position stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow tubular element is segmented into a peripheral portion and an internal projection, allowing each segment to perform its specific function independently while simplifying the overall manufacturing process
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow tubular element is formed from a thin sheet material that can be easily molded and assembled, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining structural integrity for substrate support
2Strength
If material is added to restrict substrate movement, then mechanical strength is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow tubular element is constructed from a thin sheet material that provides sufficient mechanical strength through its geometric structure rather than material thickness, minimizing weight while maintaining substrate support capability
Solution Approach 2:
The internal projection extends into the hollow inner region to provide substrate support in the radial dimension, allowing the wall thickness to remain thin and weight to be minimized
3Temperature
If porosity is increased for aerosol cooling, then heat dissipation is improved, but structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow tubular element incorporates porosity to enable aerosol cooling through the walls, while the overall structural strength is maintained by the geometric configuration of the peripheral portion and internal projection
Solution Approach 2:
The structural support functions are concentrated in the peripheral portion and internal projection framework, allowing the walls to be porous for cooling without compromising overall structural integrity
4Temperature
If a hollow tubular element is added to the aerosol-generating article, then aerosol cooling is improved, but resistance to draw increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow tubular element is segmented into a peripheral portion and an internal projection, creating a structured pathway that facilitates aerosol cooling while minimizing flow resistance through optimized geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow tubular element provides partial cooling through its walls rather than complete cooling, allowing aerosol flow to proceed with minimal resistance while still achieving sufficient heat dissipation
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 solution ensures consistent aerosol generation with reduced material consumption, improved airflow, and enhanced mechanical strength, while allowing for simpler design and manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
The hollow tubular element may provide a support barrier to at least one of: (i) movement of the first element; and (ii) movement of a susceptor element of the aerosol-generating article
Implementation Method 2
The empty space within the hollow cellulose acetate tube provides an opening for aerosol to flow from the aerosol-forming substrate towards the mouth end of the aerosol-generating article
Implementation Method 3
increased porosity for enhanced aerosol cooling
Data Source
AI summary
A hollow tubular element (100) for an aerosol-generating article (1), the hollow tubular element (100) comprising: a peripheral portion (110) providing a curved outer surface of the hollow tubular element (100), and defining a hollow inner region (120) of the hollow tubular element (100); and an internal projection (130) extending into the hollow inner region (120). The hollow tubular element (100) is formed from a sheet, the sheet comprising: a first part and a second part adjacent to the first part with a first fold line (141) therebetween. The first part of the sheet forms at least part of the peripheral portion (110) of the hollow tubular element (100). The entirety of the first part of the sheet forms at least part of the curved outer surface of the hollow tubular element (100). The second part of the sheet defines the internal projection (130) of the hollow tubular element (100), the internal projection (130) extending into the hollow inner region (120) of the hollow tubular element (100) from the first fold line (131).