How a Device Delivers Aerosol with Controlled Airflow During Inhalation

This patent describes an aerosol delivery device that heats a substance from a cartridge to release an aerosol into an airflow passage specifically when a user inhales, and includes a rechargeable internal power source.

What it covers

This device delivers an aerosol, which is like a fine mist, to a user. It has a mouthpiece with an opening for air to come out and a path for air to flow through. A main body, called a housing, holds a replaceable container, or cartridge, which contains a substance that can turn into an aerosol and a heating part, called a vapor element. When the cartridge is in place, a controller tells the vapor element to heat the substance, releasing the aerosol into the air path, but only when the user breathes in through the mouthpiece. The device also has a built-in battery that can be recharged using an external power source through a special connector.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover aerosol delivery devices that do not use a replaceable cartridge for the aerosolizable substance.
• —Does not cover devices where the aerosolizable substance is not heated by a dedicated vapor element.
• —Does not cover devices that release aerosol continuously or without being triggered by a user's inhalation.
• —Does not cover devices that lack an internal power source that can be recharged from an external source.
• —Does not cover devices without a specific airflow passage extending between an inlet and an outlet in the mouthpiece.

The clever bit

The clever part is the system's ability to precisely time the heating and release of the aerosol to coincide with a user's inhalation. This ensures that the aerosol is generated and delivered efficiently when it can be immediately drawn into the user's lungs or mouth, rather than being wasted.

Why it matters

Controlled aerosol delivery is important in various fields, from medical inhalers to personal vaporizers. This patent focuses on precise delivery triggered by inhalation, which can improve efficiency and user experience. Such systems aim to provide a consistent and controlled dose of aerosol, which is crucial for both therapeutic and recreational applications.

Real-world examples

• 1.Electronic cigarettes (vaping devices)
• 2.Personal vaporizers
• 3.Some types of portable medical nebulizers