Variable-Ventilation Filter Tip for Dual Smoking Modes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional cigarette filter tips are designed to meet only single sucking manners, either by ignition or non-ignition heating, failing to accommodate the increasing consumer demand for a filter tip that can handle both methods effectively.

Innovation Solution

A variable-ventilation filter tip with a coating layer featuring phase-change and non-phase-change ventilation areas, where phase-change material-filled first holes open automatically with temperature changes to adjust ventilation volume, and a starch tube provides cooling and support, ensuring effective smoke filtration in both ignition and non-ignition heating modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional filter tip is designed for single sucking manner (ignition or non-ignition), then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot meet the needs of both sucking methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different sucking mannersVSAvoidfilter tip structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coating layer is segmented into distinct functional areas: a phase-change ventilation area with first ventilation holes containing phase-change material, and a non-phase-change ventilation area with second ventilation holes. This segmentation allows different regions to serve different purposes - the phase-change area adapts to non-ignition heating by opening holes when temperature rises, while the non-phase-change area provides consistent ventilation for ignition smoking, thereby achieving multi-functionality without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the coating layer are assigned different properties: the phase-change ventilation area has temperature-responsive holes that open under heat, while the non-phase-change ventilation area maintains constant ventilation. This local differentiation enables the filter tip to handle both ignition and non-ignition sucking methods effectively, with each area optimized for its specific function

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Extent of automation

If phase-change material is added to enable automatic ventilation adjustment, then the ventilation rate can be automatically changed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic ventilation adjustmentVSAvoidcoating layer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The phase-change material in the first ventilation holes automatically responds to temperature changes during non-ignition heating, opening the holes when heated and closing when cooled. This self-service mechanism requires no external control systems, sensors, or power sources, achieving automatic ventilation adjustment while keeping the structure relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transition of the phase-change material (typically from solid to liquid or change in physical state) in response to temperature changes during non-ignition heating. This phase transition naturally opens the first ventilation holes when heated, providing automatic ventilation adjustment through a simple physical phenomenon rather than complex mechanical or electronic systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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 variable-ventilation filter tip achieves a suitable ventilation rate and cooling effect, allowing for consistent smoke quality and reduced temperature, enabling the cigarette to be used in both traditional ignition and non-ignition heating methods, enhancing user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a phase-change material is filled in the first ventilation hole; a phase-change temperature of the phase-change material ranges from 45°C to 60°C

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentEP3799729B1Mouthpiece filter and cigarette having variable ventilation
Publication Date: 2023.12.13 CHINA TOBACCO GUANGDONG IND
  • EP3799729B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3799729B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention discloses a variable-ventilation filter tip and a cigarette. The above filter tip includes a filter element and a coating layer, wherein the coating layer wraps the filter element; the filter element includes a smoke inlet end and a smoke release end; a phase-change ventilation area and a non-phase-change ventilation area are arranged on the coating layer, a plurality of first ventilation holes are arranged in the phase-change ventilation area, and a plurality of second ventilation holes are arranged in the non-phase-change ventilation area; outside air penetrates through the coating layer through the first ventilation holes and the second ventilation holes to enter a part of the filter element; a part in the filter element close to the smoke inlet end is provided with a starch tube; and a phase-change material is filled in the first ventilation hole; and a phase-change temperature of the phase-change material ranges from 45°C to 60°C. The invention further discloses the cigarette applying the above filter tip. According to the invention, the cigarette may be smoked in an ignition manner or a non-ignition heating manner.