Device, system, and method for sensing temperature in an induction heating system

Abstract

To provide a system for sensing temperature in an induction heating system.SOLUTION: A system includes an inductive element, a susceptor element, and a temperature sensor circuit in thermal contact with the susceptor element. The temperature sensor circuit includes a capacitor with a capacitance value equal to C and an inductor with an inductance value equal to L. A resonant frequency of the temperature sensor circuit changes on the basis of the temperature of the susceptor element, and the inductive element is electromagnetically coupled to the temperature sensor. The resonant frequency of the temperature sensor circuit is equal to 1 / 2π√LC.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Related Applications) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 486,212, filed Apr. 19, 2017, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. This application is related to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015 / 0320116, filed May 12, 2015, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention generally relates to systems, devices, products, apparatuses, and methods used for detecting temperature within an induction heating system, and in particular embodiments, to devices, systems, and methods for detecting temperature within an induction heating system of a vaporizer device.

Background Art

[0003] Induction heating involves heating an electrically conductive object (e.g., a metallic body) by electromagnetic induction. For example, induction heating can include heating the object based on heat generated within the object by eddy currents flowing within the object. In some cases, an induction heating system can include an induction heating element and an electrically conductive object that is heated based on electromagnetic induction. The induction heating element can include an electromagnet and an electronic oscillator that passes an alternating current (AC) through the electromagnet so that the electromagnet can generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field can be directed towards the electrically conductive object, and the magnetic field can penetrate the electrically conductive object. Based on the magnetic field, a current can be generated within the electrically conductive object. This current can be referred to as an eddy current. The eddy current can flow through the electrically conductive object and generate heat within the electrically conductive object based on Joule heating. In some cases, the electrically conductive object can include a ferromagnetic material (e.g., iron) and can generate heat within the electrically conductive object based on magnetic hysteresis (e.g., magnetic hysteresis loss).

[0004] In some cases, the conductive object may include a susceptor. The susceptor may be a material having the ability to absorb electromagnetic energy and convert the electromagnetic energy into heat. In some examples, the susceptor may be designed to emit the heat as radiation (e.g., infrared thermal radiation). The electromagnetic energy may include radiation (e.g., electromagnetic radiation) in the RF (radio frequency) spectrum or the microwave spectrum.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

PROBLEMS TO BE SOLVED BY THE INVENTION

[0005] Disclosed are devices, systems, products, apparatuses, and / or methods for detecting temperature within an induction heating system that overcome some or all of the drawbacks of the prior art.

MEANS FOR SOLVING THE PROBLEMS

[0006] Further embodiments or aspects are set forth in the numbered clauses below.

[0007] Clause 1: A system for detecting temperature within a vaporizer device, comprising an induction element, a susceptor element, and a temperature sensor circuit in thermal contact with the susceptor element, the temperature sensor circuit including a capacitor having a capacitance value equal to C, an inductor around the capacitor having an inductance value equal to L, the resonant frequency of the temperature sensor circuit changing based on the temperature of the susceptor element, and the induction element being electromagnetically coupled to the temperature sensor, the resonant frequency of the temperature sensor circuit being equal to 1 / 2π√LC.

[0008] Clause 2: The system of Clause 1, further comprising an RFID (radio frequency identification) device electrically connected to the temperature sensor circuit.

[0009] Item 3: The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the RFID device includes an RFID microchip electrically connected to the inductor of the temperature sensor circuit.

[0010] Item 4: The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the temperature sensor circuit is encapsulated within a structure.

[0011] Item 5: The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the capacitor of the temperature sensor circuit is in thermal contact with the susceptor element.

[0012] Item 6: The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the temperature sensor circuit is encapsulated within a structure.

[0013] Item 7: The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the structure is a glass structure.

[0014] Item 8: The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the induction element includes an induction heating element configured to create a magnetic field around the susceptor element, and the susceptor element generates heat based on the magnetic field.

[0015] Item 9: The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further including a cartridge, wherein the susceptor element is present within the cartridge and the temperature sensor circuit is present within the cartridge.

[0016] Item 10: The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, further including an RFID device electrically connected to the temperature sensor circuit, and the RFID device is present within the cartridge.

[0017] Item 11: The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further including an induction heating element configured to create a magnetic field around the susceptor element, and the susceptor element generates heat based on the magnetic field.

[0018] Claim 12: A system for detecting the temperature within a vaporizer device, comprising an induction element, a susceptor element, and a temperature sensor circuit in thermal contact with the susceptor element, the temperature sensor circuit including a capacitor, an inductor adjacent to the capacitor and electromagnetically coupled to the capacitor, the resonant frequency of the temperature sensor circuit varying based on the temperature of the susceptor element, and the induction element being electromagnetically coupled to the temperature sensor.

[0019] Claim 13: The system of claim 12, wherein the capacitor has a capacitance value equal to C, the inductor has an inductance value equal to L, and the resonant frequency of the temperature sensor circuit is equal to 1 / 2π√LC.

[0020] Claim 14: The system of claim 12 or 13, further comprising an RFID (radio frequency identification) device electrically connected to the temperature sensor circuit.

[0021] Claim 15: The system of claims 12 to 14, wherein the RFID device includes an RFID microchip electrically connected to the inductor of the temperature sensor circuit.

[0022] Claim 16: The system of any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the temperature sensor circuit is encapsulated within a structure.

[0023] Claim 17: The system of any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the capacitor of the temperature sensor circuit is in thermal contact with the susceptor element.

[0024] Claim 18: The system of any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the temperature sensor circuit is encapsulated within a structure.

[0025] Claim 19: The system of any one of claims 12 to 18, wherein the structure is a glass structure.

[0026] Item 20: The system according to any one of Items 12 to 19, wherein the induction element includes an induction heating element configured to create a magnetic field around the susceptor element, and the susceptor element generates heat based on the magnetic field.

[0027] Item 21: The system according to any one of Items 12 to 20, further including a cartridge, wherein the susceptor element is present in the cartridge and the temperature sensor circuit is present in the cartridge.

[0028] Item 22: The system according to any one of Items 12 to 21, further including an RFID device electrically connected to the temperature sensor circuit, and the RFID device is present in the cartridge.

[0029] Item 23: The system according to any one of Items 12 to 22, further including an induction heating element configured to create a magnetic field around the susceptor element, and the susceptor element generates heat based on the magnetic field.

[0030] Item 24: A system for detecting the temperature in a vaporizer device, including a susceptor element, a temperature sensor circuit including a capacitor and an induction coil adjacent to the capacitor and in contact with the susceptor element, and at least one processor interconnected with the temperature sensor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to determine the temperature of the susceptor element based on the resonance frequency of the temperature sensor circuit.

[0031] Item 25: The system according to Item 24, wherein the capacitor has a capacitance value equal to C, the inductor has an inductance value equal to L, and the resonance frequency of the temperature sensor circuit is equal to 1 / 2π√LC.

[0032] Item 26: The system according to Item 24 or 25, further including an RFID (radio frequency identification) device electrically connected to the temperature sensor circuit.

[0033] Claim 27: The system according to any one of claims 24 to 26, wherein the RFID device includes an RFID microchip electrically connected to the inductor of the temperature sensor circuit.

[0034] Claim 28: The system according to any one of claims 24 to 27, wherein the temperature sensor circuit is encapsulated in a structure.

[0035] Claim 29: The system according to any one of claims 24 to 28, wherein the capacitor of the temperature sensor circuit is in thermal contact with the susceptor element.

[0036] Claim 30: The system according to any one of claims 24 to 29, wherein the temperature sensor circuit is encapsulated in a structure.

[0037] Claim 31: The system according to any one of claims 24 to 30, wherein the structure is a glass structure.

[0038] Claim 32: The system according to any one of claims 24 to 31, wherein the induction element includes an induction heating element configured to create a magnetic field around the susceptor element, and the susceptor element generates heat based on the magnetic field.

[0039] Claim 33: The system according to any one of claims 24 to 32, further including a cartridge, wherein the susceptor element is present in the cartridge and the temperature sensor circuit is present in the cartridge.

[0040] Claim 34: The system according to any one of claims 24 to 33, further including an RFID device electrically connected to the temperature sensor circuit, and the RFID device is present in the cartridge.

[0041] Claim 35: The system according to any one of claims 24 to 34, further including an induction heating element configured to create a magnetic field around the susceptor element, and the susceptor element generates heat based on the magnetic field.

[0042] Claim 36: A method for detecting the temperature within a vaporizer device, the method comprising heating a susceptor element based on a current induced in the susceptor element, determining a resonance frequency of a temperature sensor circuit associated with the susceptor element based on heating the susceptor element, and determining the temperature of the susceptor element based on the resonance frequency of the temperature sensor circuit.

[0043] Claim 37: The method of claim 36, wherein the capacitor has a capacitance value equal to C, the inductor has an inductance value equal to L, and the resonance frequency of the temperature sensor circuit is equal to 1 / 2π√LC.

[0044] Claim 38: The method of claim 36 or claim 37, further comprising receiving, from the RFID device, information associated with the susceptor element, wherein the RFID (radio frequency identification) device is electrically connected to the temperature sensor circuit.

[0045] Claim 39: The method according to any one of claims 36 to 38, wherein the RFID device includes an RFID microchip electrically connected to the inductor of the temperature sensor circuit.

[0046] Claim 40: The method according to any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein the temperature sensor circuit is encapsulated within a structure.

[0047] Claim 41: The method according to any one of claims 36 to 40, wherein the capacitor of the temperature sensor circuit is in thermal contact with the susceptor element.

[0048] Claim 42: The method according to any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein the temperature sensor circuit is encapsulated within a structure.

[0049] Claim 43: The method according to any one of claims 36 to 42, wherein the structure is a glass structure.

[0050] Item 44: The method according to any one of Items 36 to 43, wherein the induction element includes an induction heating element configured to create a magnetic field around the susceptor element, and the susceptor element generates heat based on the magnetic field.

[0051] Item 45: The method according to any one of Items 36 to 44, further including a cartridge, wherein the susceptor element is present in the cartridge and the temperature sensor circuit is present in the cartridge.

[0052] Item 46: The method according to any one of Items 36 to 45, further including an RFID device electrically connected to the temperature sensor circuit, and the RFID device is present in the cartridge.

[0053] Item 47: The method according to any one of Items 36 to 46, further including an induction heating element configured to create a magnetic field around the susceptor element, and the susceptor element generates heat based on the magnetic field.

[0054] Item 48: A method for detecting the temperature in an induction heating system, including heating a susceptor element based on a current induced in the susceptor element, determining a resonance frequency of a temperature sensor circuit associated with the susceptor element based on heating the susceptor element, and determining the temperature of the susceptor element based on the resonance frequency of the temperature sensor circuit.

[0055] Item 49: The method according to Item 48, wherein heating the susceptor element includes providing a magnetic field to the susceptor element by an induction heating element, and the magnetic field induces the current in the susceptor element.

[0056] Item 50: The method according to Item 48 or 49, wherein the induction heating element includes an induction coil, and providing the magnetic field includes providing a second current from a power source to the induction heating element.

[0057] Item 51: The method according to any one of Items 48 to 50, wherein determining the resonance frequency of the temperature sensor circuit includes determining the resonance frequency based on the inductance and capacitance of the temperature sensor.

[0058] Item 52: The method according to any one of Items 48 to 51, wherein heating the susceptor element includes providing a first magnetic field to the susceptor, and determining the resonance frequency of the temperature sensor circuit includes receiving a second magnetic field from an inductor of the temperature sensor circuit and determining the resonance frequency of the temperature sensor circuit based on the second magnetic field.

[0059] Item 53: The method according to any one of Items 48 to 52, wherein determining the resonance frequency of the temperature sensor circuit includes determining a first resonance frequency of the temperature sensor circuit before heating the susceptor element and determining a second resonance frequency of the temperature sensor circuit after heating the susceptor element.

[0060] Item 54: The method according to any one of Items 48 to 53, wherein determining the temperature of the susceptor element includes determining a change in resonance frequency based on a comparison between the first resonance frequency and the second resonance frequency, and determining the temperature of the susceptor element based on the change in resonance frequency.

[0061] Item 55: The method according to any one of Items 48 to 54, wherein heating the susceptor element includes providing a first magnetic field to the susceptor element by an induction heating element, the first magnetic field inducing a first current in the susceptor element, and determining the resonance frequency of the temperature sensor circuit includes determining a first resonance frequency of the temperature sensor circuit associated with the susceptor element based on heating the susceptor element by the first current.

[0062] Item 56: The method according to any one of Items 48 to 55, further comprising: providing, by the induction heating element, a second magnetic field to the susceptor element, the second magnetic field inducing a second current in the susceptor element; and determining a second resonance frequency of the temperature sensor circuit associated with the susceptor element based on heating the susceptor element with the second current.

[0063] Item 57: The method according to any one of Items 48 to 56, wherein determining the temperature of the susceptor element includes determining a change in resonance frequency based on a comparison of the first resonance frequency and the second resonance frequency, and determining the temperature of the susceptor element based on the change in resonance frequency.

[0064] Item 58: The method according to any one of Items 48 to 57, wherein heating the susceptor element includes providing a first magnetic field at a first frequency to heat the susceptor, and determining the resonance frequency of the temperature sensor circuit includes exciting the inductor of the temperature sensor circuit with a second magnetic field at a second frequency and determining the resonance frequency of the temperature sensor circuit based on the second magnetic field at the second frequency.

[0065] Item 59: The method according to any one of Items 48 to 58, wherein heating the susceptor element includes providing a first magnetic field coil at a first frequency to heat the susceptor, and determining the resonance frequency of the temperature sensor circuit includes exciting the inductor of the temperature sensor circuit with a second magnetic field coil at a different frequency and determining the resonance frequency of the temperature sensor circuit based on the magnetic field having the different frequency.

[0066] The above and other features and characteristics of the present invention, as well as the methods of operation and functions of the related elements of the structure and the combination of parts and manufacturing economy, will become more apparent when considering the following description and the appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, all of which form a part of this specification, and like reference numerals indicate corresponding parts in the various drawings. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustrative and explanatory purposes only and are not intended to define the limits of the present invention. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0067] Further advantages and details of the present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying schematic drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0068]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 4C

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

[0069] For the purposes of the following description, the terms "end", "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal" and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as it is oriented in the said drawings. However, it must be understood that the invention may assume various alternative variations and step sequences, unless specifically specified to the contrary. It must also be understood that the specific devices and processes shown in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary embodiments or aspects of the invention. Accordingly, the specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein and aspects of such embodiments should not be considered as limiting, unless otherwise indicated.

[0070] As used herein, aspects, components, elements, structures, acts, steps, functions, instructions, etc. should not be considered important or essential unless explicitly described as such. Also, as used herein, the articles "a" and "an" are intended to include one or more units and may be used interchangeably with "one or more" and "at least one". Further, as used herein, the term "set" is intended to include one or more units (e.g., related units, unrelated units, combinations of related and unrelated units, etc.) and may be used interchangeably with "one or more" and "at least one". When only one unit is intended, the term "one" or similar words are used. Also, as used herein, terms such as "has", "have", "having", etc. are intended to be open-ended terms. Further, the expression "based on" is intended to mean "based at least partially on" unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0071] In some non-limiting embodiments, an induction heating system may include an induction heating element and a susceptor. The induction heating system may be used to heat an object in thermal contact with the susceptor (e.g., adjacent to the susceptor so that the susceptor can heat the object, in contact with the susceptor so that the susceptor can heat the object, etc.). For example, a vaporizer device may include the induction heating system, and the induction heating system may be used to heat a material (e.g., an organic material, a synthetic material, etc.) in thermal contact with the susceptor. In some non-limiting embodiments, the temperature of the susceptor may be controlled based on measuring the temperature of the susceptor. In some non-limiting embodiments, the temperature of the susceptor may be controlled such that the chemical composition of the vapor generated by the material heated by the induction heating system is within a desired chemical composition range.

[0072] However, detecting the temperature of the susceptor by a device such as a thermocouple, a silicon sensor chip, and / or an infrared radiation thermometer may be difficult due to the size of the susceptor and / or the size of the device used to measure the temperature of the susceptor. For example, in a vaporizer device, the induction heating system may be small, and due to the size of a device such as a thermocouple, a silicon sensor chip, and / or an infrared radiation thermometer, the device may be prevented from being used to detect the temperature of the susceptor because the device cannot be in thermal contact with the susceptor. Further, the device may not be able to withstand being in thermal contact with the susceptor and the temperature of the susceptor. In addition, the device may not be able to accurately detect the temperature of the susceptor because the device cannot be in thermal contact with the susceptor.

[0073] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention are directed to devices, systems, and methods for sensing temperature within an induction heating system. In some non-limiting embodiments, the system includes an induction element, a susceptor element, and a temperature sensor circuit in thermal contact with the susceptor element. In some non-limiting embodiments, the temperature sensor circuit includes a capacitor having a capacitance value equal to C and an inductor adjacent to the capacitor, the inductor having an inductance value equal to L. Further, a resonance frequency of the temperature sensor circuit varies based on the temperature of the susceptor, and the induction element is electromagnetically coupled to the temperature sensor. Further, the resonance frequency of the temperature sensor circuit is equal to 1 / 2π√LC.

[0074] In this way, embodiments of the present invention enable accurate sensing of the temperature of the susceptor element based on the temperature sensor circuit of the system being in thermal contact with the susceptor element. Further, the temperature sensor circuit of the system can withstand the temperature of the susceptor based on the temperature sensor including a capacitor and an inductor.

[0075] Referring now to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary induction heating system 100 in which the devices, systems, and / or methods described herein may be implemented. As shown in FIG. 1, the induction heating system 100 includes a temperature sensor 102, a susceptor element 108, an RFID (radio frequency identification) device 110, an induction element 112, a control device 114, and a power source 116. The induction element 112 and the RFID device 110 may be interconnected via a wireless connection (e.g., establish a connection for communication). In some non-limiting embodiments, the induction heating system 100 may not include the RFID device 110. Additionally or alternatively, the temperature sensor 102 and the control device 114 may be interconnected (e.g., establish a connection for communication) via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of a wired connection and a wireless connection. In some non-limiting embodiments, the induction heating system 100 may be a component within a device, system, etc. For example, the induction heating system 100 may be a component within a vaporizer device (e.g., the vaporizer device as described herein).

[0076] The temperature sensor 102 may include one or more devices capable of detecting the temperature of a conductive object (e.g., a susceptor) in an induction heating system. For example, the temperature sensor 102 may include a circuit including a capacitor 104 and an inductor 106. In some non-limiting embodiments, the temperature sensor 102 may have a size and configuration based on the application to which the temperature sensor 102 is applied. For example, the temperature sensor 102 may have a length in the range from 4 mm to 10 mm and / or a diameter or width in the range from 4 mm to 7 mm. In one example, the temperature sensor 102 may have a length of 6 mm and / or a diameter or width of 5 mm. In some non-limiting embodiments, the resonant frequency of the temperature sensor 102 is nominally 107 KHz at ambient temperature, and the resonant frequency may increase up to 133 KHz at 200 °C. In some non-limiting embodiments, the sensitivity of the resonant frequency of the temperature sensor 102 may be 400 Hz / °C.

[0077] In some non - limiting embodiments, capacitor 104 may have a size and configuration based on the applications where temperature sensor 102 can be applied. For example, capacitor 104 can be a surface - mount capacitor. In some non - limiting embodiments, capacitor 104 may have a length in the range from 0.5 mm to 6 mm. In one example, capacitor 104 may have a length of 1 mm. In one example, capacitor 104 can be a surface - mount capacitor of standard size 1712 (e.g., 4.45 mm×3.175 mm). In some non - limiting embodiments, capacitor 104 may include a ceramic material. For example, capacitor 104 can be made from XHT ceramic material and / or X7R ceramic material. In some non - limiting embodiments, capacitor 104 may have a capacitance value in the range from 0.2 μF to 1 μF. In one example, capacitor 104 may have a capacitance value of 0.47 μF. In some non - limiting embodiments, capacitor 104 may include a material that can withstand temperatures up to 300 °C.

[0078] In some non - limiting embodiments, inductor 106 may have a size and configuration based on the applications where temperature sensor 102 can be applied. For example, inductor 106 can be an inductive coil such as a spiral inductor or a planar inductor. In one example, inductor 106 can include an inductive coil having 37 turns of 36 - gauge wire in two layers with an inner diameter of 4 mm. In some non - limiting embodiments, inductor 106 may have an inductance value in the range from 2 μH to 6 μH. In one example, inductor 106 may have an inductance value of 4.7 μH. In some non - limiting embodiments, capacitor 104 and inductor 106 can be electrically connected in series.

[0079] The susceptor element 108 may include one or more devices capable of absorbing electromagnetic energy, generating heat based on the absorbed electromagnetic energy, and / or providing heat to an object (e.g., a substance, a device, a component, etc.) that is in thermal connection with one or more devices (e.g., providing heat by conduction, providing heat by radiation, etc.). For example, the susceptor element 108 may include a device made of a conductive material. In some non-limiting embodiments, the susceptor element 108 may include a metal conductor that becomes hot due to eddy currents, iron, steel (e.g., stainless steel), a ceramic magnet (e.g., ferrite), an FeCrAl alloy, Kanthal, and / or a semiconductor. In some non-limiting embodiments, the susceptor element 108 may have a length in the range from 10 mm to 18 mm. In one example, the susceptor element 108 may have a length of 15 mm.

[0080] In some non-limiting embodiments, the susceptor element 108 may have a configuration including a stranded wire, a stranded rope-like material, a mesh, a mesh tube, several concentric mesh tubes, a cloth, a sheet-like material, a porous solid (e.g., a foam), a roll of metal mesh, metal fibers, or any other shape in a suitable size and configuration. In some non-limiting embodiments, the susceptor element 108 may have fins, protrusions, or other details configured to hold a solid material and / or a semi-solid material that is in thermal contact with the susceptor element 108.

[0081] The RFID (radio frequency identification) device 110 may include one or more devices capable of storing and providing information based on the reception of electromagnetic energy. For example, the RFID device 110 may include an RFID tag, an RFID microchip (e.g., an integrated circuit, a microprocessor, etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments, the RFID device 110 may include an RFID microchip electrically connected to the inductor 106, and the inductor 106 may act as an antenna. In some non-limiting embodiments, the RFID device 110 may store information associated with the susceptor element 108 and / or the temperature sensor 102. For example, the RFID device 110 may store information associated with the identification of the susceptor element 108 and / or the temperature sensor 102, information associated with the characteristics of the susceptor element 108 and / or the temperature sensor 102, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the RFID device 110 may store information associated with the vaporizer device. For example, the RFID device 110 may store information (e.g., a profile for heating the vaporizable substance) associated with the vaporizable substance vaporized by the induction heating system of the vaporizer device. In some non-limiting embodiments, the RFID device 110 may operate in the LF (low frequency) range for RFID. For example, the RFID device 110 may operate in a frequency range from 30 KHz to 300 KHz. In one example, the RFID device 110 may operate at a frequency of 125 KHz. In some non-limiting embodiments, the RFID device 110 may operate within the HF (high frequency) range for RFID. For example, the RFID device 110 may operate within a frequency range from 3 MHz to 30 MHz. In one example, the RFID device 110 may operate at a frequency of 13.5 MHz.

[0082] The inductive element 112 can include one or more devices capable of providing a magnetic field to the susceptor element 108 and / or the temperature sensor 102 (e.g., the inductor 106 of the temperature sensor 102), and / or receiving a magnetic field from the susceptor element 108 and / or the temperature sensor 102 (e.g., the inductor 106 of the temperature sensor 102). For example, the inductive element 112 can include an inductive coil such as a spiral inductor or a planar inductor. In some non-limiting embodiments, the inductive element 112 can include an inductive heating element that provides electromagnetic energy (e.g., a magnetic field) to the susceptor element 108 to generate heat based on the reception of the electromagnetic energy by the susceptor element 108. In some non-limiting embodiments, the inductive element 112 can be separate from the inductive heating element that provides electromagnetic energy to the susceptor element 108.

[0083] The control device 114 can include one or more devices capable of providing a control signal to the inductive element 112, controlling the power supply 116 to provide power to the inductive element 112 (e.g., the inductive heating element), and / or determining the temperature of the susceptor element 108. For example, the control device 114 can include a computing device such as a computer, a processor, a microprocessor, etc. In some non-limiting embodiments, the control device 114 and / or the inductive element 112 can include an RFID reader. For example, the control device 114 and / or the inductive element 112 can include an RFID reader capable of communicating with the RFID device 110.

[0084] The power supply 116 can include one or more devices capable of providing power to the inductive element (e.g., the inductive heating element, the inductive element 112, etc.) and / or the control device 114. For example, the power supply 116 can include an alternating current (AC) power supply (e.g., a generator, an alternator, etc.) and / or a direct current (DC) power supply (e.g., a battery, a capacitor, a fuel cell, etc.).

[0085] The number and arrangement of the devices and networks shown in FIG. 1 are provided as an example. There may be additional devices, fewer devices, different devices, or devices arranged differently with respect to the devices shown in FIG. 1. Further, two or more of the devices shown in FIG. 1 may be implemented within a single device, or the single device shown in FIG. 1 may be implemented as a plurality of distributed devices. Additionally or alternatively, a set of devices (e.g., one or more devices) of the induction heating system 100 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of devices of the induction heating system 100.

[0086] Referring now to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 is a diagram of exemplary components of a device 200. The device 200 may correspond to the control device 114. In some non-limiting embodiments, the control device 114 may include at least one device 200 and / or at least one component of the device 200. As shown in FIG. 2, the device 200 may include a bus 202, a processor 204, a memory 206, a storage component 208, an input component 210, an output component 212, and a communication interface 214.

[0087] Bus 202 may include components that permit communication between the components of device 200. In some non-limiting embodiments, processor 204 may be implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. For example, processor 204 may include a processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), etc.), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and / or any processing component that can be programmed to perform functions (e.g., a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.). Memory 206 may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, etc.) for storing information and / or instructions for use by processor 204.

[0088] Storage component 208 may store information and / or software related to the operation and use of device 200. For example, storage component 208 may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optical disk, a solid state disk, etc.), a compact disc (CD), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a floppy disk, a cartridge, a magnetic tape, and / or another type of computer-readable medium, along with a corresponding drive.

[0089] The input component 210 may include components (such as a touch screen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a switch, a microphone, etc.) that enable the device 200 to receive information, such as via user input. Additionally or alternatively, the input component 210 may include sensors (such as a temperature sensor, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, an actuator, etc.) for detecting information. The output component 212 may include components (such as a display, a speaker, one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs), etc.) that provide output information from the device 200.

[0090] The communication interface 214 may include components such as a transceiver (such as a transceiver, separate receiver and transmitter, etc.) that enable the device 200 to communicate with other devices, such as via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of a wired connection and a wireless connection. The communication interface 214 may enable the device 200 to receive information from and / or provide information to another device. For example, the communication interface 214 may include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, an RF (radio frequency) interface, a USB (universal serial bus) interface, a Wi-Fi (registered trademark) interface, a cellular network interface, etc.

[0091] Device 200 may execute one or more processes described herein. Device 200 may execute one or more processes described herein based on the processor 204 executing software instructions stored by a computer-readable medium such as the memory 206 and / or the storage component 208. A computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) is defined herein as a non-transitory memory device. The memory device includes a memory space that exists within a single physical storage device or memory spaces that are scattered across multiple physical storage devices.

[0092] The software instructions may be read into the memory 206 and / or the storage component 208 from another computer-readable medium or from another device via the communication interface 214. The software instructions stored in the memory 206 and / or the storage component 208, when executed, may cause the processor 204 to execute one or more processes described herein. Additionally or alternatively, a hardware circuitry may be used instead of or in combination with the software instructions to execute one or more processes described herein. Thus, the embodiments described herein are not limited to a particular combination of hardware circuitry and software.

[0093] The number and arrangement of the components shown in FIG. 2 are provided as an example. In some non-limiting embodiments, device 200 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or components arranged differently than those shown in FIG. 2. Additionally or alternatively, a set of components of device 200 (e.g., one or more components) may execute one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of device 200.

[0094] Referring now to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a non-limiting embodiment of process 300 for detecting temperature within an induction heating system. In some non-limiting embodiments, one or more of the steps of process 300 may be performed (e.g., fully, partially, etc.) by control device 114. In some non-limiting embodiments, one or more of the steps of process 300 may be performed by a device or group of devices separate from control device 114 or including control device 114.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 3, at step 302, process 300 includes heating the susceptor element based on the current induced in the susceptor element. For example, an induction heating element (e.g., induction element 112) may provide a magnetic field (e.g., induction magnetic field, magnetic field, etc.) received by susceptor element 108. Susceptor element 108 may generate heat within the susceptor element based on the current generated within the susceptor element based on the magnetic field being received by the susceptor element 108.

[0096] In some non-limiting embodiments, the induction heating element may be driven by power supply 116. For example, the induction heating element may receive current from power supply 116 based on control device 114 controlling the induction heating element and / or power supply 116. In some non-limiting embodiments, control device 114 may cause the induction heating element to provide a magnetic field to susceptor element 108. For example, control device 114 may provide a control signal to the induction heating element, and the induction heating element may provide the magnetic field to susceptor element 108 based on the control signal from control device 114.

[0097] Still referring to FIG. 3, at step 304, process 300 includes determining the resonant frequency of a temperature sensor circuit associated with the susceptor element based on heating the susceptor element. For example, control device 114 may determine the resonant frequency of temperature sensor 102 associated with susceptor element 108 when susceptor element 108 generates heat.

[0098] In some non - limiting embodiments, the control device 114 may determine the resonance frequency of the temperature sensor 102 based on the capacitor 104 and the inductor 106. For example, the control device 114 may determine the resonance frequency of the temperature sensor 102 based on the formula 1 / 2π√LC, where in the above formula, L is the inductance value of the inductor 106 and C is the capacitance value of the capacitor 104. In some non - limiting embodiments, the control device 114 may determine the resonance frequency of the temperature sensor 102 based on the magnetic field provided by the inductor 106 and received by the induction element 112. For example, the control device 114 may cause the induction element 112 to provide a first magnetic field to the temperature sensor 102, and the first magnetic field is received by the inductor 106. The inductor 106 may provide a second magnetic field based on receiving the first magnetic field from the induction element 112. The induction element 112 may receive the second magnetic field from the inductor 106. The control device 114 may determine the resonance frequency of the temperature sensor 102 based on the second magnetic field provided by the inductor 106 and received by the induction element 112. In some non - limiting embodiments, the second magnetic field may include a component of the first magnetic field having a frequency different from that of the first magnetic field.

[0099] Further, as shown in FIG. 3, at step 308, process 300 includes determining the temperature of the susceptor element based on the resonant frequency of the temperature sensor circuit. For example, control device 114 may determine the temperature of susceptor element 108 based on the resonant frequency of temperature sensor 102. In some non-limiting embodiments, control device 114 may determine the temperature of susceptor element 108 based on a change in the resonant frequency of temperature sensor 102. For example, when susceptor element 108 is heated by an induction heating element, control device 114 may determine a first resonant frequency of temperature sensor 102 based on a first magnetic field provided by the induction heating element. When susceptor element 108 is heated by the induction heating element based on a second magnetic field provided by the induction heating element, control device 114 may determine a second resonant frequency of temperature sensor 102. Control device 114 may compare the first resonant frequency and the second resonant frequency to determine the temperature of susceptor element 108 based on a change in the resonant frequency of temperature sensor 102 from the first resonant frequency to the second resonant frequency.

[0100] In some non-limiting embodiments, the resonant frequency of temperature sensor 102 may change based on a change in the capacitance value of capacitor 104. For example, when susceptor element 108 is heated, the temperature of capacitor 104 of temperature sensor 102 may increase. Based on the increase in the temperature of capacitor 104, the capacitance value of capacitor 104 may decrease.

[0101] Figures 4A through 4C are diagrams of a non-limiting embodiment of a vaporizer device 400 having an induction heating system. Figures 4A and 4B show an assembled view of the vaporizer device 400, and Figure 4C shows an exploded view of the vaporizer device 400. As shown in Figure 4A, the vaporizer device 400 may include a housing 402. For purposes of illustration, Figure 4B depicts the vaporizer device 400 with the housing 402 being transparent. As shown in Figure 4B, the vaporizer device 400 may include an induction heating assembly 420, a housing 402, a power source 416, and a tube 444. As shown in Figure 4C, the vaporizer device 400 may include an electronic control component 436, at least one activation button 438, an induction heating assembly 420, a cartridge 418, a housing 402, a power source 416, a valve 442, a tube 444, and a mouthpiece component 446.

[0102] In some non-limiting embodiments, the induction heating assembly 420 may include a chassis 448 (e.g., an internal frame for supporting components of the induction heating assembly 420), an induction heating element 412 (e.g., an induction coil), and / or a heating element body 440. For example, the heating element body 440 may be sized and / or configured to hold the induction heating element 412 when the induction heating element 412 is disposed within the heating element body 440. Additionally or alternatively, the chassis 448 may be sized and / or configured to hold the induction heating element 412 and the heating element body 440 in proximity to the electronic control component 436, and may enable control of the induction heating element 412 by the compact-sized electronic control component 436. Additionally or alternatively, the heating element body 440 may function as a heat insulator against the heat generated by induction heating of a susceptor element (e.g., a wick element, a wick, etc.) within the cartridge 418, and may shield electronic components from the radiation of electromagnetic energy generated by the induction heating element 412.

[0103] In some non-limiting embodiments, the cartridge 418 may be sized and / or configured to fit within the inductive heating element 412 and may enable a compact structure of the vaporizer device 400. The cartridge 418 may have a hole at one end that allows vapor or aerosol from the vaporizable substance to flow out of the cartridge 418. In some non-limiting embodiments, the cartridge 418 may be configured to have a reservoir, and the reservoir may be structured to hold the vaporizable substance. The susceptor element may be configured to be contained within the reservoir, and the susceptor element may contact the vaporizable substance of the reservoir. The inductive heating element 412 may be configured to be housed within the heating element body 440. The inductive heating element 412 may be inductively coupled to the susceptor element within the cartridge 418 such that the susceptor element is heated by electromagnetic induction through heat generated within the susceptor element by eddy currents.

[0104] In some non-limiting embodiments, the cartridge 418 may be an exchangeable and / or disposable container for the vaporizer device 400. For example, the cartridge 418 may contain a predetermined amount of the vaporizable substance, and when the vaporizable substance is used up or nearly used up, the user may replace the cartridge 418 (e.g., with another cartridge). By way of example, the vaporizable substance may be any composition, material, or substance that produces a vapor for human inhalation when heated to a predetermined temperature. In some non-limiting embodiments, the vaporizer device 400 may include an indicator of the amount of vaporizable substance remaining in the cartridge. For example, the indicator may be present on the cartridge of the vaporizer device 400 and / or on the housing. In some non-limiting embodiments, the indicator may include a digital or analog output screen that is visible to the user and is present on the vaporizer device 400. In some non-limiting embodiments, the vaporizer device 400 may have a second indicator that indicates when the cartridge 418 is nearing empty and functions as a low-level indicator for the vaporizable substance.

[0105] In some non-limiting embodiments, the cartridge 418 can be configured to be refilled with a vaporizable substance. Additionally or alternatively, the cartridge 418 can be configured to be refilled while being present within the vaporizer device 400, such as by passing through a hole or opening in the housing 402. In some non-limiting embodiments, the inductive heating element 412 (e.g., an induction coil) can be formed as a replaceable cartridge component such that the cartridge structure (e.g., the body of the cartridge, the susceptor element, and the induction coil) can be designed to be replaced. For example, such a replaceable cartridge can include an electrical connection for connecting the induction coil to other electronic control components.

[0106] In some non-limiting embodiments, the replacement of the cartridge 418 can be achieved by removing the housing 402 and separating any additional desired components. In some non-limiting embodiments, the replacement of the cartridge 418 can be achieved without removing the housing 402. For example, the vaporizer device 400 can allow the user to remove an empty cartridge 418 and replace the empty cartridge 418 with a new filled cartridge 418 within the inductive heating assembly 420 without removing any components. In some non-limiting embodiments, the vaporizer device 400 can include a channel or chamber defined in the vaporizer device 400 that allows for the removal of an empty or nearly empty cartridge 418 and accepts a replacement cartridge 418. In some non-limiting embodiments, the vaporizer device 400 can include a channel or chamber that can be operated (e.g., folded, twisted, etc.) to open to receive a new cartridge 418 and then closed and operated to position the cartridge 418 appropriately (e.g., to allow heating of the vaporizable substance within the cartridge 418). In some non-limiting embodiments, the housing 402 can have a chamber or channel defined in the vaporizer device 400, and the housing 402 can be configured to receive the cartridge 418 within the chamber or channel.

[0107] In some non-limiting embodiments, the susceptor element may be present within the cartridge 418, and the susceptor element may be heated inductively even without an electrical connection to the power source 416. Additionally or alternatively, the cartridge 418 may include a body having an inner surface, and the susceptor element may be disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the cartridge 418. Additionally or alternatively, the body and / or neck of the cartridge 418 may function as a heat insulating member between the susceptor element and the induction heating assembly 420. For example, such a heat insulating member may remove (e.g., separate) the induction heating assembly 420 (e.g., induction coil) from contact with the vaporizable substance (e.g., liquid) within the cartridge 418. In some non-limiting embodiments, the cartridge 418 may be made of a suitable heat insulating material including, but not limited to, glass, fiberglass, ceramic, etc. In some non-limiting embodiments, the open end of the cartridge 418 may define an air passage through the vaporizer device 400.

[0108] In some non-limiting embodiments, the activation button 438 may be configured to protrude through an opening in the housing 402 such that, for example, a user may activate the vaporizer device 400. Additionally or alternatively, the activation button 438 may be configured such that physical button pressing is not required. For example, the activation button 438 may include a touch screen component such as a capacitive touch screen. Additionally or alternatively, by using such a touch screen, a user may interact with the vaporizer device 400 to view and / or verify information such as age, number of uses, and other analytical information. Additionally or alternatively, the capabilities of such a touch screen may be combined with internal sensors to form a smart vaporizer that may be connected for communication and networked to a local computer or the Internet.

[0109] In some non-limiting embodiments, the activation button 438 can be integrated with another aspect and / or component of the vaporizer device 400. For example, the activation button 438 can be integrated with the mouthpiece component 446. For purposes of illustration, contact of the mouthpiece component 446 by the user's mouth can enable activation of the vaporizer device 400 (e.g., function as the activation button 438). Additionally or alternatively, the activation button 438 can include a biometric device (e.g., fingerprint scanner) and / or another form of identification device for identifying the user. For example, the user can personalize the vaporizer device 400 and / or prevent others from using the vaporizer device 400. For purposes of illustration, such features can be useful in situations where monitoring of the vaporizer device 400 is not always available and / or can prevent unauthorized users (e.g., children) from using the device.

[0110] In some non-limiting embodiments, the housing 402 can be sized and / or configured to substantially house, i.e., enclose, the components of the device so as to provide an appearance for the vaporizer device 400 and / or be ergonomically shaped to fit the user's hand. In some non-limiting embodiments, the housing 402 can include an upper housing 402a and a lower housing 402b. For example, the upper housing 402a and the lower housing 402b can be structured to have an aesthetically pleasing appearance (e.g., mimic a wood-grain appearance) and / or can include colors, shapes, markings, etc., as desired. In some non-limiting embodiments, the upper housing 402a and the lower housing 402b can be interchangeable to allow the user to customize a particular appearance of the vaporizer device 400.

[0111] In some non-limiting embodiments, the housing 402 can be made from any suitable material such as wood, metal, fiberglass, plastic, etc. In some non-limiting embodiments, the mouthpiece component 446 can be replaceable. For example, a variation of the mouthpiece component 446 can be designed such that the mouthpiece component 446 can restrict the air flow to reproduce a suction feeling that is more preferable and / or familiar to the user with respect to smoking, such as a cigarette, cigar, pipe, etc. In some non-limiting embodiments, the activation button 438 can include, for example, one or more control buttons, sensors, or switches that enable the user to interact with the vaporizer device 400. In some non-limiting embodiments, the simplest interaction of the activation button 438 can be to turn the vaporizer device on and off.

[0112] In some non-limiting embodiments, the susceptor element can be configured to heat a substance adjacent to and / or in contact with the material of the susceptor element. For example, based on the inductive heating of the susceptor element by the inductive heating assembly 420, the vaporizable substance can be heated. In some non-limiting embodiments, the susceptor element can be configured to move the vaporizable substance from the reservoir based on capillary action of the susceptor element. In some non-limiting embodiments, the vaporizable substance can be a liquid and / or viscous substance, and as the liquid is vaporized, more liquid can move upward through the susceptor element.

[0113] In some non-limiting embodiments, the configuration of the susceptor element can be a twisted wire, a twisted rope-like material, a mesh, a mesh tube, a plurality of concentric mesh tubes, a cloth, a plurality of sheet-like materials, a foam (or other porous solid) having sufficient porosity, a roll of fine metal mesh, or a metal foil, any other arrangement of fibers or mesh, and / or any other shape that is sized and / or configured to perform a wicking action by capillary action. Additionally or alternatively, the susceptor element can further include fins, protrusions, or other details that can be configured to hold a solid or semi-solid material in contact with the susceptor element.

[0114] In some non-limiting embodiments, the susceptor element can be structured from a combination of materials to obtain an appropriate effect. For example, the susceptor element can be a cloth (or other closely mixed combination) that weaves thin induction heating wires, twisted wires, and / or threads with wires, twisted wires, and / or threads that are wicked by capillary action. Additionally or alternatively, the materials of the susceptor element can be combined in the form of a rope or a foam, or can be thin sheet-like materials appropriately arranged. In some non-limiting embodiments, the susceptor element can include wound alternating material foils. Additionally or alternatively, the susceptor element can be surrounded (e.g., partially, completely, etc.) by an induction heating element 412 (e.g., an induction coil), and the induction heating element 412 does not necessarily have to be in contact with the mesh. In some non-limiting embodiments, since the susceptor element can be formed from a mesh, the mesh wick can be made from a material (e.g., FeCrAl alloy) that is efficiently heated by induction. In some non-limiting embodiments, the mesh wick can be formed using a Kanthal mesh. Additionally or alternatively, the susceptor element can be removable from the cartridge 418 such that the susceptor element can be cleaned, reused, and / or replaced separately from the cartridge 418.

[0115] In some non-limiting embodiments, the material used in the susceptor element may include a magnetic material and / or a metal conductor. Additionally or alternatively, the susceptor element may include a material that generates eddy currents and / or magnetic hysteresis when the susceptor element is exposed to electromagnetic energy from an electromagnetic field. For example, a magnetic material and / or a metal conductor material having significant hysteresis within the electromagnetic field may be employed with the vaporizer device 400. In some non-limiting embodiments, the susceptor element may include a material that is heated by both eddy currents and the movement of magnetic walls. In some non-limiting embodiments, the susceptor element may be iron. In some non-limiting embodiments, the susceptor element may include a ceramic magnet such as ferrite. In some non-limiting embodiments, the susceptor element may include a metal conductor that becomes hot by eddy currents. In some non-limiting embodiments, the susceptor element may include a semiconductor.

[0116] In some non-limiting embodiments, the valve 442 can be configured to control the air flow and / or seal the reservoir when the vaporizer device 400 is not in use. In some non-limiting embodiments, the valve 442 can be sized and / or configured to fit onto one end of a cartridge 418 having an opening. Additionally or alternatively, the valve 442 can have a shape that enables accurate attachment to the cartridge 418 and / or is sized and / or configured to contact and / or rest on an end of the induction heating element 412 (e.g., induction coil) for placing the cartridge 418 within the induction heating element 412. In some non-limiting embodiments, the cartridge 418 can be entirely within the induction heating element 412, or only a portion of the cartridge 418 can be within the induction heating element 412. In some non-limiting embodiments, the valve 442 can be electronically controlled and configured to remain closed until the vaporizer device 400 is activated by a user (e.g., through the activation button 438). In some non-limiting embodiments, the valve 442 can be manually controlled by threads and / or ramps in the mouthpiece. For example, the threads and / or ramps can control the gap between the valve 442 and the top of the cartridge 418. In some non-limiting embodiments, the valve 442 can be made from any suitable material such as plastic, rubber, fiberglass, metal, glass, etc. In some non-limiting embodiments, the valve 442 can be made from a suitable grade of silicone rubber.

[0117] In some non-limiting embodiments, the tube 444 may be disposed on one end of the valve 442 distal from the cartridge 418 and / or sized and / or configured to discharge the vapor and / or aerosol from the vaporizable substance from the mouthpiece component 446. In some non-limiting embodiments, the tube 444 may be cylindrical. In some non-limiting embodiments, the tube 444 may be formed from any suitable material including, but not limited to, glass. In some non-limiting embodiments, the tube 444 may be configured to cooperate with the valve 442 to regulate the air flow into and / or out of the vaporizer device 400 and / or to prevent leakage of the vaporizable substance when closed.

[0118] In some non-limiting embodiments, power may be provided from the power source 416 to the inductive heating element 412. In some non-limiting embodiments, the power source 416 may be in any form of a device that converts stored chemical energy into electrical energy. Additionally or alternatively, the power source 416 may be sized to fit the application (e.g., installation within the vaporizer device 400). In some non-limiting embodiments, the power source 416 may be a battery. For example, the battery may be a primary battery, a secondary battery, a rechargeable battery, etc. Additionally or alternatively, the battery may include an alkaline battery, a button cell, a lithium ion battery, etc.

[0119] In some non-limiting embodiments, the electronic components of the vaporizer device 400 (e.g., the electronic control component 436) may include a circuit including a current generating device, a processor, and at least one sensor. Additionally or alternatively, the power supplied to the inductive heating element 412 (e.g., an induction coil) may be controlled by the processor, and the processor may provide accurate monitoring and / or control of the power supplied to the inductive heating element 412 on a time scale that can be as small as a few milliseconds. In some non-limiting embodiments, the processor may be configured to receive information from the sensor and / or may be able to adjust the heating profile applied to the susceptor element by the inductive heating element 412. In some non-limiting embodiments, the sensor may be able to detect and / or calculate information such as the air flow from or to the vaporizer device 400, the pressure at a location within the vaporizer device 400 or the pressure of the vapor exiting the vaporizer device 400, the temperature of the induction coil, or the temperature at a location near or of a component of the vaporizer device 400. For example, such features may enable the circuit to detect that the power level can be increased to compensate for the user of the vaporizer device 400 starting to inhale and / or the incoming air tending to cool the susceptor element (e.g., below the ideal temperature, operating temperature range, etc. of the susceptor element). In some non-limiting embodiments, when active inhalation is not in progress, the circuit may then be able to reduce the power, which may improve the life of the power source 416.

[0120] In some non-limiting embodiments, the processor may be able to use the information to calculate and / or implement a temperature profile (e.g., an optimal temperature profile, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the processor may be configured to adjust a heating profile applied to the susceptor element by the induction heating element 412 based on the vaporizable substance. For example, the processor may be able to implement a predetermined heating profile according to the vaporizable substance. In some non-limiting embodiments, the processor may enable the user to modify settings and / or entire algorithms for providing the heat to obtain an improved experience (e.g., a more preferable experience, the best experience, etc.). In some non-limiting embodiments, the design and / or configuration of all of the electronic components (e.g., the electronic control component 436, etc.) may be sufficiently energy efficient to enable the vaporizer device 400 to be handheld and battery-powered. Additionally or alternatively, the electronic components may include a printed circuit board, and in some non-limiting embodiments, the processor may include a microprocessor, a microcontroller, etc.

[0121] In some non-limiting embodiments, the cartridge 418 may include an identifier that includes content information regarding the contents of the cartridge 418. For example, the identifier may be incorporated into the cartridge 418 as, for example, a barcode, or as another mechanism that may provide a signal regarding the vaporizable substance and / or the susceptor element within the cartridge 418. In some non-limiting embodiments, the processor may be coupled to the induction heating element 412 and / or programmed to read the content information of the cartridge 418 to set parameters and cause the induction heating element 412 to apply a heating profile to the vaporizable substance according to the content information of the cartridge 418.

[0122] FIG. 5 is a diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of the cartridge assembly 500. As shown in FIG. 5, the cartridge assembly 500 includes a temperature sensor 502, a susceptor element 508, and a cartridge 518. In some non-limiting embodiments, the temperature sensor 502 may be the same as or similar to the temperature sensor 102. In some non-limiting embodiments, the susceptor element 508 may be the same as or similar to the susceptor element 108. In some non-limiting embodiments, the cartridge 518 may be the same as or similar to the cartridge 418. As further shown in FIG. 5, the temperature sensor 502 includes a capacitor 504 and an inductor 506. In some non-limiting embodiments, the capacitor 504 may be the same as or similar to the capacitor 104, and the inductor 506 may be the same as or similar to the inductor 106.

[0123] As further shown in FIG. 5, the temperature sensor 502 can be enclosed (e.g., sealed from all sides) within the structure 524. In this way, the temperature sensor 502 can be enclosed within the structure 524 such that the temperature sensor 502 does not interact (e.g., chemically or physically) with the environment inside the cartridge 518, but is in thermal contact with the susceptor element 508 to detect the temperature of the susceptor element 508. In some non-limiting embodiments, the structure 524 can include a material that enables the structure 524 to be inert (e.g., not chemically interact, not physically interact, etc.) with respect to the environment inside the cartridge 518. For example, the structure 524 can include a material that enables the structure 524 to be inert with respect to the volatile substances inside the cartridge 518. In some non-limiting embodiments, the material of the structure 524 can include glass, fiberglass, plastic, and the like. In some non-limiting embodiments, the structure 524 can include conductive contacts (e.g., pins, electrical contacts, vias, etc.) present on the outer surface of the structure 524, and information can be communicated using the electrical connections established based on the conductive contacts. In some non-limiting embodiments, the structure 524 can include pins present on the outer surface of the structure 524 that are electrically connected to pins present on the outer surface of the capacitor 504 and / or electrical contacts present on the outer surface of the capacitor 504 and / or electrical contacts present on the outer surface of the structure 524.

[0124] In some non-limiting embodiments, the structure 524 (e.g., the structure 524 that encloses the temperature sensor 502) and / or the susceptor element 508 may be present within the cartridge 518. For example, the structure 524 may be in thermal contact with the susceptor element 508, and the structure 524 and the susceptor element 508 may be present within the cartridge 518. In some non-limiting embodiments, the structure 524 may be in physical contact (e.g., touching) with the susceptor element 508. For example, the structure 524 may be in physical contact with the susceptor element 508 at one end of the susceptor element 508, at a single point at one end of the susceptor element 508, at a single point at the center of the susceptor element 508, at a single point adjacent to the center of the susceptor element 508, etc.

[0125] FIG. 6 is a diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of a cartridge assembly 600. As shown in FIG. 6, the cartridge assembly 600 includes a temperature sensor 602, a susceptor element 608, an RFID device 610, and a cartridge 618. In some non-limiting embodiments, the temperature sensor 602 may be the same as or similar to the temperature sensor 502 and / or the temperature sensor 102. In some non-limiting embodiments, the susceptor element 608 may be the same as or similar to the susceptor element 508 and / or the susceptor element 108. In some non-limiting embodiments, the cartridge 618 may be the same as or similar to the cartridge 518 and / or the cartridge 418. In some non-limiting embodiments, the RFID device 610 may be the same as or similar to the RFID device 110. As further shown in FIG. 6, the temperature sensor 602 includes a capacitor 604 and an inductor 606. In some non-limiting embodiments, the capacitor 604 may be the same as or similar to the capacitor 504 and / or the capacitor 104, and the inductor 506 may be the same as or similar to the inductor 106.

[0126] As further shown in FIG. 6, the temperature sensor 602 and the RFID device 610 can be enclosed (e.g., hermetically sealed on all sides) in a structure 624. In this way, the temperature sensor 602 and the RFID device 610 do not interact (e.g., chemically, physically, etc.) with the environment inside the cartridge 618, but the temperature sensor 602 is in thermal contact with the susceptor element 608 to detect the temperature of the susceptor element 608, and the RFID device 610 is electromagnetically coupled to an RFID reader (e.g., induction element, induction element 112, control device 114, etc.) (e.g., can wirelessly transfer electromagnetic energy), so that the temperature sensor 502 and the RFID device 610 can be enclosed in the structure 624 to communicate the information stored by the RFID device 610 to the RFID reader. In some non-limiting embodiments, the structure 624 can be the same as or similar to the structure 524.

[0127] As further shown in FIG. 6, the lead wires 612 of the RFID device 610 can be connected (e.g., electrically connected) to each of the ends of the inductor 606. For example, the lead wires 612 of the RFID device 610 can be connected to each of the ends of the inductor 606 based on pins present on the outer surface of the capacitor 604, electrical contacts present on the outer surface of the capacitor 604, etc. In this way, the magnetic field provided by the induction element (e.g., induction element 112) can provide power to the RFID device 610 based on the inductor 606 functioning as an antenna for the RFID device 610. Accordingly, the RFID device 610 can have a size smaller than that of the RFID device 610 when the RFID device 610 includes an antenna that receives the magnetic field provided by the induction element.

[0128] FIG. 7 is a diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of temperature sensor 702. As shown in FIG. 7, temperature sensor 702 may include a circuit. The circuit of temperature sensor 702 includes capacitor 704 and inductor 706. In some non-limiting embodiments, capacitor 704 may be the same as or similar to capacitor 604, capacitor 504, and / or capacitor 104. In some non-limiting embodiments, inductor 706 may be the same as or similar to inductor 606, inductor 506, and / or inductor 106. As further shown in FIG. 7, temperature sensor 702 includes capacitor 704 and inductor 706. In some non-limiting embodiments, capacitor 704 may include metal end caps 722 at a first end of capacitor 704 and metal end caps 722 at a second end of capacitor 704. In some non-limiting embodiments, the metal end caps 722 may be mounted on and formed, etc., on one end of capacitor 704. Additionally or alternatively, each end of inductor 606 may be electrically connected to metal end cap 722. In some non-limiting embodiments, temperature sensor 702 may be enclosed in a structure (e.g., structure 524, structure 624, etc.).

[0129] FIG. 8 is a diagram of a non-limiting embodiment of temperature sensor 802. As shown in FIG. 8, temperature sensor 802 may include circuitry. The circuitry of temperature sensor 802 includes capacitor 804 and inductor 806. In some non-limiting embodiments, capacitor 804 may be the same as or similar to capacitor 704, capacitor 604, capacitor 504, and / or capacitor 104. In some non-limiting embodiments, inductor 806 may be the same as or similar to inductor 706, inductor 606, inductor 506, and / or inductor 106. As further shown in FIG. 7, inductor 706 is a spiral inductor that aligns with the outer surface of capacitor 804. In some non-limiting embodiments, capacitor 804 may include metal end cap 822 at a first end of capacitor 804 and metal end cap 822 at a second end of capacitor 804. In some non-limiting embodiments, the metal end cap 822 may be attached and formed, etc. on one end of capacitor 804. Additionally or alternatively, each of the ends of inductor 806 may be electrically connected to metal end cap 822. In some non-limiting embodiments, temperature sensor 802 may be enclosed within a structure (e.g., structure 524, structure 624, etc.).

[0130] The present invention has been described in detail for purposes of illustration based on what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, but such details are for illustrative purposes only, and it must be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed above, but rather is intended to include variations and equivalent arrangements within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, it must be understood that the present invention contemplates that, to the extent possible, one or more features of any embodiment can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment.

Claims

1. In a system for detecting the temperature within a vaporizer device, an induction element, a susceptor element, a temperature sensor circuit in thermal contact with the susceptor element and wherein the temperature sensor circuit includes a capacitor, an inductor and wherein the resonant frequency of the temperature sensor circuit changes based on the temperature of the susceptor element, the induction element is electromagnetically coupled to the temperature sensor circuit, the system includes a cartridge, and the susceptor element is present within the cartridge and the temperature sensor circuit is present within the cartridge.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the capacitor has a capacitance value equal to C, the inductor has an inductance value equal to L, and the resonant frequency of the temperature sensor circuit is equal to 1 / 2π√LC.

3. The system of claim 1, further including a RFID (radio frequency identification) device electrically connected to the temperature sensor circuit.

4. The system of claim 3, wherein the RFID device includes a RFID microchip electrically connected to the inductor of the temperature sensor circuit.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the RFID device is present within the cartridge.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the capacitor of the temperature sensor circuit is in thermal contact with the susceptor element.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the temperature sensor circuit is encapsulated within a structure.

8. The system of claim 7, wherein the structure is a glass structure.

9. The system of claim 1, wherein the induction element includes an induction heating element configured to create an alternating magnetic field around the susceptor element, and the susceptor element generates heat based on the alternating magnetic field.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the induction heating element is inductively coupled to the susceptor element within the cartridge such that the susceptor element is heated by electromagnetic induction.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein the induction heating element is driven by a power source and the induction heating element receives current from the power source based on a control device controlling the induction heating element and / or the power source.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the capacitor has a capacitance value in the range from.2 μF to 1 μF.

13. The system of claim 1, wherein the inductor is an inductive coil or a planar inductor. **Claim 14** The system of claim 1, wherein the inductor has an inductance value in the range from 2 μH to 6 μH. **Claim 15** The system of claim 1, wherein the capacitor and the inductor are electrically connected in series. **Claim 16** The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge has a hole at one end that allows vapor or aerosol from the vaporizable substance to flow out of the cartridge. **Claim 17** The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge is a replaceable and / or disposable container. **Claim 18** The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge contains a predetermined amount of the vaporizable substance. **Claim 19** The system of claim 1, wherein the cartridge is configured such that the vaporizable substance is replenished.

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