Vapour Generating Material Insertion with Axial Rigid Insertor
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for efficient methods and apparatus to manufacture vapour generating products that can be used with vapour generating devices, which heat vapour generating materials without burning them, to produce a vapour that cools and condenses into an aerosol for inhalation, as existing methods lack reliable and scalable manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that position non-liquid vapour generating material within a surrounding unit with walls to constrain movement, and insert a rigid insertor aligned with the material's axial direction, ensuring reliable insertion and efficient manufacturing of vapour generating products, which can include multiple vapour generating rods, using a combination of mechanical and possibly inductively heatable susceptor components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual insertion methods are used for vapour generating products, then flexibility is maintained, but manufacturing efficiency and reliability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical insertion with an automated insertion device that uses controlled mechanical forces. The device includes an insertion member that automatically positions and inserts the vapour generating material into the cartridge with precise force control, eliminating manual operation while ensuring consistent, reliable insertion every time.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion device is designed to automatically perform the insertion operation without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the insertion process through programmed motion control and force monitoring, allowing the manufacturing process to proceed autonomously with high reliability and efficiency.
2Productivity
If automated insertion is implemented, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated insertion device is divided into distinct functional modules: a cartridge holder module, an insertion member module with controlled motion, and a force monitoring system. Each module performs a specific function and can be independently controlled or replaced, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion device is designed with universal components that can handle different types of vapour generating materials and cartridge configurations. The insertion member and holder are configured to accommodate various material forms (loose fill, pre-packaged) through adjustable parameters, reducing the need for multiple specialized devices and simplifying the overall system.
3Manufacturing precision
If vapour generating material is not constrained during insertion, then material flexibility is maintained, but insertion precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge holder includes a flexible retaining structure that gently constrains the vapour generating material during insertion. This flexible constraint system maintains material positioning precision without requiring rigid, complex mechanical fixtures, allowing the material to be held securely while preserving its natural form and insertability.
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 approach allows for the efficient and mass production of vapour generating products with reliable insertion of the rigid insertor into the vapour generating material, ensuring consistent heating without burning, and maintaining the quality of the generated vapour by preventing unwanted deformation and off-taste.
Implementation Method 1
an induction coil is provided with the device and a susceptor is provided typically with the vapour generating material. Electrical energy is supplied to the induction coil when a user activates the device which in turn generates an alternating electromagnetic field. The susceptor couples with the electromagnetic field and generates heat
Implementation Method 2
The susceptor couples with the electromagnetic field and generates heat which is transferred, for example by conduction, to the vapour generating material
Implementation Method 3
The susceptor couples with the electromagnetic field and generates heat
Implementation Method 4
a resistive heating element is provided to heat the vapour generating material and vapour is generated as the vapour generating material is heated by heat transferred from the heating element
Implementation Method 5
heating the vapour generating products to generate a vapour that cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by a user
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a vapour generating product includes positioning non-liquid vapour generating material in a space defined by one or more walls configured to prevent movement of the vapour generating material by more than 2 mm in a direction perpendicular to an axial direction of the vapour generating material, the one or more walls extending substantially in the axial direction of the vapour generating material. The method further includes aligning an axis of a rigid insertor with the axial direction of the vapour generating material and inserting the rigid insertor into the vapour generating material from a first end of the vapour generating material. An apparatus for manufacturing a vapour generating product is also disclosed.