Wick-Bore Heating for Unobstructed Aerosol Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol generating apparatuses face issues with heating systems obstructing the flow path, reducing total particulate matter and particle size due to turbulent flow, which affects the aerosol delivery to the user.
Innovation Solution
The heating system is integrated within a wick that defines a flow path, with a heating filament affixed to the inner surface of the wick, allowing air to pass unobstructed through the bore, enhancing particle size and total particulate matter in the aerosol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the heating system is disposed within the flow path, then the heating function is achieved, but the flow is obstructed and total particulate matter is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into a wick structure with a central bore, separating the heating function from the flow path. The heating filament is positioned within the wick but does not obstruct the central flow channel, allowing unobstructed airflow while maintaining heating capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wick acts as an intermediary structure that holds the heating filament and facilitates liquid delivery while allowing air to pass through the central bore. This intermediary design enables the heating system to function without directly obstructing the flow path.
2Quantity of substance
If the heating element obstructs the flow, then heating is effective, but turbulent flow increases cooling rate and reduces particle size
Solution Approach 1:
The heating filament is extracted from the direct flow path and positioned within the wick structure. The central bore of the wick provides a clear passage for airflow, eliminating the obstruction that would otherwise cause turbulence and excessive cooling.
3Quantity of substance
If the heating filament is coiled around the wick, then heating surface area is increased, but flow path is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The heating filament is positioned to provide heating surface area at specific locations within the wick structure rather than coiling around the entire wick. This localized positioning maintains adequate heating while preserving unobstructed airflow through the central bore.
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 ensures unobstructed airflow through the heating system, increasing particle size and total particulate matter in the aerosol delivered to the user, improving the aerosol quality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elongate heating filament affixed along at least part of its length to the inner surface of the wick
Implementation Method 2
The wick of the heating system provides a wicking action for drawing liquid precursor from the fluid-holding reservoir towards the at least one elongate heating filament
Implementation Method 3
This may increase the cooling rate of the vapour and reduce the particle size in the aerosol delivered to the user
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3b
Figure 4
AI summary
An aerosol generating apparatus (1) and a consumable (30) for an aerosol generating apparatus. The aerosol generating apparatus or the consumable comprising a fluid-holding reservoir (32) configured to store a liquid precursor, a heating system (34) for aerosolising the precursor, and a flow path extending from an air inlet (36), through the heating system, to an air outlet (42). The heating system comprises a wick (44) in fluidic contact with the fluid-holding reservoir. The wick has an inner surface (50) defining a bore through the wick, and the bore defines the flow path through the heating system. The heating system further comprises at least one elongate heating filament (52) affixed along at least part of its length to the inner surface of the wick.