Vapor-Generating System With Piercing Element And Frangible Seal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handheld electrically operated vaping systems require separate replacement of tobacco-based substrates and nicotine solutions, leading to impractical device size and complex replenishment processes.

Innovation Solution

A vapor-generating system comprising a cartridge with a solid and liquid aerosol-forming substrates housed within a single cartridge, along with a piercing element that automatically exposes the liquid substrate to an external electric heater upon cartridge insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate replacement of tobacco-based substrates and nicotine solutions is used, then the system can provide both substrate types, but the device becomes impractically large and requires complex replenishment processes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to provide both tobacco-based and liquid substratesVSAvoidcomplex replenishment process and large device size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines both solid tobacco-based substrate and liquid nicotine solution into a single cartridge assembly. The cartridge housing contains both substrate types, eliminating the need for separate replacement operations and reducing device complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single cartridge serves multiple functions by containing both solid and liquid aerosol-forming substrates, allowing the device to provide diverse vaporization options without requiring multiple separate components or complex replenishment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If the electric heater is positioned inside the cartridge, then it can directly heat the substrate, but cleaning becomes difficult and the heater cannot be separately maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidcleaning difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the system into separate functional modules: the cartridge containing the substrates and the electric heater positioned externally in the device housing. This segmentation allows the heater to be independently accessed, cleaned, and maintained without removing the cartridge, while still maintaining effective heating through the piercing element connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a piercing element is used to expose the liquid substrate, then automatic exposure occurs upon insertion, but the seal must be fragile enough to pierce

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic exposure upon insertionVSAvoidseal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The frangible seal is pre-positioned on the liquid storage housing to remain intact during storage and transport. Upon cartridge insertion into the device, the piercing element automatically pierces the seal in a controlled manner, initiating liquid flow only when needed and maintaining seal integrity during non-use periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This design simplifies the replenishment process, reduces device size, and allows for separate cleaning and use of the electric heater with multiple cartridges, while minimizing volatile compound loss.

Implementation Method 1

expose the liquid storage housing interior to be in fluid communication with the electric heater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid communication:

Implementation Method 2

an electric heater... configured to supply power from the power supply to the electric heater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

vapor-generating system... aerosol-forming substrate... generated vapor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVapor generation: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS20250064123A1Vapor-generating systems

Publication Date: 2025.02.27 ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC

AI summary

A vapor-generating system includes a cartridge, a vapor-generating device and a piercing element. The cartridge includes a cartridge housing configured to hold a solid vapor-forming substrate within the cartridge housing interior, a liquid storage housing configured to hold a liquid vapor-forming substrate within the liquid storage housing interior, and a frangible seal on the liquid storage housing. The vapor-generating device includes a device housing at least partially defining a cavity, an electric heater, and a power supply. The piercing element is configured to pierce the frangible seal of the cartridge to expose the liquid storage housing interior to be in fluid communication with the electric heater based on the vapor-generating device coupling with the cartridge such that the device housing at least partially receives the cartridge into the cavity. The electric heater is located externally from the piercing element.