UV-C Sterilization Inside Aerosol-Generating Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating devices, such as heat-not-burn devices, produce incidental thermal decomposition byproducts due to heating plant material below its ignition temperature, which can lead to oxidized or other thermal decomposition byproducts, and there is a need for effective internal sterilization to maintain device hygiene.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of UV diodes, specifically UV-C light diodes, within the aerosol-generating device to sanitize the interior when the device is in a non-use mode, such as during charging, ensuring thorough disinfection of the device's internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If heating plant material below ignition temperature to generate aerosol, then aerosol production is achieved, but thermal decomposition byproducts are produced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes thermal decomposition byproducts from the aerosol stream through filtration systems, separating harmful substances from the beneficial aerosol constituents while maintaining aerosol generation below ignition temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs oxidation processes to convert thermal decomposition byproducts into less harmful substances, using controlled oxidation to neutralize harmful compounds generated during heating while preserving the aerosol-forming constituents
2Reliability
If UV diodes are added for internal sterilization, then device hygiene is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the UV sterilization function with existing device components by integrating UV diodes into the housing structure and combining sterilization operation with the device's charging cycle, eliminating the need for separate sterilization hardware and controls
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the device structure multi-functional by designing the housing to serve both structural support and UV light guiding functions, and by making the charging mechanism also trigger the sterilization process, reducing overall device complexity through functional consolidation
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 UV diodes effectively sanitize the device interior, reducing the presence of thermal decomposition byproducts and maintaining hygiene, thereby enhancing user safety and device performance.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one UV diode can be configured to sanitize an interior of the aerosol-generating device when the at least one UV diode is actuated
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol-generating device includes a housing, a lid, a mouthpiece, and at least one UV diode. The housing defines a capsule-receiving cavity. The lid is configured to close the housing. The lid is fixedly coupled by a hinge to the housing at a first point and releasably couplable to the housing at a second point that is different from the first point. The mouthpiece is couplable to the lid opposite the housing such that air entering the housing and drawn through the capsule-receiving cavity exits out of the mouthpiece. The at least one UV diode is configured to sanitize an interior of the aerosol-generating device when the at least one UV diode is actuated.