One-Way Valve Sealing Element for Aerosol Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol leakage from the heating area in aerosol-generating devices, such as electronic cigarettes, leads to residue buildup, causing damage to internal components and malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A sealing element with a one-way valve is integrated into the chamber of the device, preventing aerosol flow from the heating area to the mouthpiece end while allowing airflow from the mouthpiece to the heating area, thereby creating a fluidic seal and reducing aerosol ingress into the device's internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a sealing element is provided in the chamber to seal around the consumable cartridge, then aerosol leakage into internal components is reduced, but device complexity increases due to the additional sealing mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing element comprises a flexible sealing member that surrounds the consumable cartridge and is configured to seal between the cartridge and the chamber. This flexible membrane approach provides effective sealing while maintaining a relatively simple structure compared to rigid sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element acts as an intermediary component between the consumable cartridge and the chamber, providing a fluidic seal that prevents aerosol ingress while allowing the cartridge to be inserted and removed. This mediator approach resolves the conflict between sealing effectiveness and structural simplicity.
2Reliability
If a one-way valve is integrated into the sealing element to prevent aerosol backflow, then component damage is minimized, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way valve is integrated into the sealing element, combining two functions (sealing and one-way flow control) into a single component. This merger reduces the total number of parts and simplifies manufacturing compared to having separate sealing and valving mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing element serves multiple functions: it provides a fluidic seal around the cartridge and simultaneously acts as a one-way valve to prevent aerosol backflow into the chamber. This multi-functionality improves reliability while avoiding the need for additional separate components.
3Productivity
If the sealing element allows airflow from the mouthpiece to the heating area, then aerosol generation is enabled, but aerosol backflow to the chamber is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way valve in the sealing element dynamically controls fluid flow, allowing airflow in the forward direction (from mouthpiece to heating area) while automatically preventing backflow in the reverse direction. This dynamic flow control enables productive aerosol generation while eliminating harmful residue buildup.
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 sealing element effectively prevents aerosol backflow and ingress, reducing residue buildup and minimizing damage to electronic components, ensuring device functionality and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
the sealing element comprising: a valve, the valve configured such that, flow of fluid is prevented through the valve in a direction towards the first end of the chamber
Implementation Method 2
the sealing element configured to provide a fluidic seal between the consumable cartridge, when received in the chamber, and the internal side wall of the chamber
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4B
AI summary
There is disclosed an aerosol generation device (10), comprising a chamber (4) for receiving a consumable cartridge (6), the consumable cartridge (6) comprising an aerosol generating material, and a sealing element (22). The chamber (4) comprises: a first end (12) through which the consumable cartridge (6) is received; a second end (14); and an internal side wall extending from the first end (12) to the second end (14), the side wall defining the chamber between the first and second ends. The sealing element (22) is located in the chamber(4), the sealing element (22) configured to provide a fluidic seal between the consumable cartridge (6), when received in the chamber (4), and the internal side wall of the chamber (4). The sealing element (22) comprises a valve (24), the valve (24) configured such that, flow of fluid is prevented through the valve in a direction towards the first end (12) of the chamber (4).