Y-Shaped Cellulose Acetate Filter for HNB Draw Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing filter elements for heat-not-burn (HNB) products and hybrid smoking articles face issues such as high draw resistance, excessive filtration performance, and the risk of heating up due to proximity to the heating element, while conventional tobacco products require effective filtration without obstructing airflow or altering taste.

Innovation Solution

A filter element with a filter body made of cross-linked and crimped cellulose acetate filaments, featuring a polygonal or Y-shaped cross-section and a specific mass-related surface area between 0.025 m²/g and 0.15 m²/g, including hollow or tubular filaments, to achieve low filtration performance and sufficient hardness with adjustable cooling effects.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the filter element is placed close to the heating element in HNB products, then the filtering function is improved, but the filter element heats up considerably and may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltering functionVSAvoidfilter element temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cooling element as an intermediary component positioned between the heating element and the filter element. This cooling element acts as a thermal mediator that protects the filter from direct exposure to high temperatures while allowing the filter to remain in its optimal position for filtering aerosol. The cooling element absorbs excess heat and prevents it from reaching the filter element, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining close proximity for effective filtering and preventing thermal damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the filter material removes large quantities of harmful components, then the filtration performance is improved, but the passage of air or smoke is unduly obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefiltration performanceVSAvoidairflow passage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating regions of different filtration densities within the filter element. The filter structure incorporates varying pore sizes and material densities in different zones, allowing optimal balance between filtration efficiency and airflow. The three-dimensional network structure provides high filtration performance in critical areas while maintaining open pathways for adequate airflow, thus resolving the contradiction between removing harmful components and obstructing air passage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If the filter material imparts its own flavor, then the filter function is improved, but the taste of the tobacco smoke is altered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilter functionVSAvoidtaste alteration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs parameter changes by carefully selecting and controlling the chemical and physical parameters of the filter material. The polymer matrix and filler materials are chosen to have neutral flavor characteristics, and their composition ratios are optimized to maintain filter functionality without imparting unwanted flavors. The surface area-to-volume ratio and porosity parameters are adjusted to ensure the filter performs its protective function while remaining flavor-neutral, thus resolving the contradiction between filter effectiveness and taste preservation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 filter element provides reduced draw resistance, effective filtration of phenols, and controlled temperature of inhaled gases, maintaining consistent hardness and economic production, suitable for various smoking products.

Implementation Method 1

the filter element can be used for reliably cooling a heated, particle-laden gas so that the temperature of the gas, aerosol or vapor ingested by the user of a smoking article can be reduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

the filter element provides effective filtration of phenols

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdsorption: Adsorption

Implementation Method 3

the filter element has a filter body made of a tow material, wherein the tow material is formed by a plurality of individual threads of cross-linked and crimped cellulose acetate filaments

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical filtration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP4408205B1Filter element for mouthpieces for use in smoking products or hnb products
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 CERDIA INT GMBH
  • EP4408205B1 patent drawing
  • EP4408205B1 patent drawing
  • EP4408205B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a filter element for mouthpieces for use in smoking products or HNB products. The filter material has a filter main part from a tow material, the tow material being formed by a plurality of individual threads from cross-linked and crimped cellulose acetate filaments. The cellulose acetate filaments have a particularly polygonal and preferably Y-shaped cross-sectional geometry, and the tow material has a mass specific surface area of less than 0.15 m2/g, more particularly less than 0.3 m2/g, and more than 0.025 m2/g.