Electromagnetic induction heating assembly for steam generating devices

Abstract

An electromagnetic induction heating assembly (10) for a steam generating device is provided. The heating assembly includes an electromagnetic induction heating device (16) and an electronic component (11) having a material capable of functioning as a first susceptor, the electromagnetic induction heating device configured, during use, to heat a second susceptor (24) for a first period of time, and the electronic component configured to operate for a second period of time, the first period and the second period of time not occurring simultaneously, thereby achieving reduced interference in the functioning of the electronic component.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an electromagnetic induction heating assembly for a steam generating device. [Background technology]

[0002] Devices that heat, rather than burn, substances to create vapors for inhalation have become popular with consumers in recent years.

[0003] Such devices can provide heat to the substance using one of several different methods, one of which is to simply provide a heating element that is powered to heat the element, which in turn heats the substance to produce vapor.

[0004] One way to achieve such steam generation is to provide a steam generation device that employs electromagnetic induction heating. In such a device, an electromagnetic induction coil (hereinafter also referred to as an inductor and an electromagnetic induction heating device) is provided in the device, and a susceptor is provided with a steam-generating material. When a user activates the device, electrical energy is supplied to the inductor, which then generates an electromagnetic (EM) field. The susceptor couples with the field, generating heat, which is transferred to the material, heating the material and generating steam.

[0005] The use of electromagnetic induction heating to generate steam can potentially result in controlled heating and therefore controlled steam production. However, in practice, such an approach can unintentionally result in improper temperatures in the steam-generating material. This can waste power, increase operating costs, potentially damage components or result in inefficient use of the steam-generating material, and inconvenience users who expect a simple and reliable device.

[0006] This has traditionally been addressed by monitoring the temperature within the device. Proper temperature monitoring and / or control is also important because it prevents overheating or combustion of the materials used to generate the steam. However, it has been found that this monitored temperature is unreliable and not representative of the actual temperature generated, further reducing the reliability of such devices.

[0007] The present invention seeks to alleviate at least some of the above problems. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] According to a first aspect, there is provided an electromagnetic induction heating assembly for a steam generating apparatus, the heating assembly including an electromagnetic induction heating device and an electronic component having a material capable of functioning as a first susceptor, the electromagnetic induction heating device being configured to heat a second susceptor for a first period of time during use, and the electronic component being configured to operate for a second period of time, the first period and the second period not occurring simultaneously.

[0009] It has been found that operating an electronic component and an electromagnetic induction heating device simultaneously can cause the electronic component to malfunction. This is because the electromagnetic induction heating device causes interference with the electronic component. In other words, the electronic component may be susceptible to interference from the excitation caused by the operation of the electromagnetic induction heating device while the electromagnetic induction heating device is in use. Therefore, by operating the electromagnetic induction heating device and the electronic component at different times, the electromagnetic induction heating device and the electronic component can function as desired without adversely affecting the function of the other.

[0010] The electronic component may be a sensor such as an LED indicator, a photosensor or light sensor adapted to detect the presence of a consumable, such as a cartridge or induction heatable object, in the heating chamber, a battery monitor, or a sensor adapted to detect the number of hours of use of the consumable. Typically, the electronic component is a temperature sensor adapted to monitor the temperature associated with heat generated from the second susceptor during a second period of time during use.

[0011] It has been found that the amount of noise in the signal output by a temperature sensor when it is used to monitor temperature, due to the EM field generated by an electromagnetic induction heating device, can be reduced by operating the temperature sensor at a time other than when the electromagnetic induction heating device is operating. This allows the temperature to be monitored with a higher level of accuracy and precision, and allows the monitored temperature to be more representative of the actual temperature produced. This improves the reliability and safety of the device, as the temperature produced by heating can be measured more reliably, and improper temperatures can be handled more easily and reliably.

[0012] Of course, the electromagnetic induction heating device and the electronic component / temperature sensor can be separate or different components from each other.

[0013] The first susceptor and / or the second susceptor may include, but are not limited to, one or more of aluminum, iron, nickel, stainless steel, and alloys thereof (e.g., nickel-chromium). Application of an electromagnetic field in the vicinity of the susceptor can cause the susceptor to generate heat due to eddy currents and magnetic hysteresis losses resulting in electromagnetic-to-thermal energy conversion.

[0014] While the first and second time periods do not overlap, they may occur in any possible manner, such as with a gap between the first and second time periods, and typically the first and second time periods are consecutive.

[0015] The term "continuous" is intended to mean that the first and second time periods essentially follow one another, ideally without any gap or overlap between them. This ensures that the monitored temperature represents the temperature reached before or during heating, by avoiding fluctuations in the ambient temperature around the electromagnetic induction heating assembly or by avoiding cooling after the first time period ends that would cause a temperature change before the second time period begins or after the second time period ends. In particular, it has been determined that the gap or overlap between the first and second time periods should ideally be as small as possible, because the effects of noise caused by the electromagnetic induction device heating the susceptor (i.e., the second susceptor) during the first time period diminish very quickly once heating stops. Nevertheless, practical embodiments may include a small gap or overlap between these periods (e.g., up to about 10 percent (%) of the duration of one or both of the first and second time periods, or up to about 10 milliseconds (ms)) and still be considered continuous for purposes of the present invention. However, most preferably, the gap or overlap between these periods is less than 1% of the duration of one or both of the first and second periods, or less than 1 ms.

[0016] Each time period may occur only once during a single use of the electromagnetic induction heating assembly by a user. However, typically, the first time period is repeated at least once, and / or the second time period is repeated at least once, allowing for multiple cycles of heating and / or temperature monitoring. This improves temperature accuracy throughout use of the electromagnetic induction heating assembly when the second time period is repeated, and reduces temperature fluctuations during use of the electromagnetic induction heating assembly when the first time period is repeated.

[0017] Preferably, the first and second time periods are each repeated at least once, alternating between the first and second time periods, to improve the degree to which the monitored temperature is representative of the temperature reached during the first time period and further reduce fluctuations caused by the application and non-application of heat.

[0018] One cycle of the first and second periods may last for any suitable period of time. Typically, the time from the start of one of the first or second periods to the end of the other period is approximately 0.05 seconds (s) to 0.15 seconds. This reduces the inconvenience to users of the electromagnetic induction heating assembly by keeping the length of one cycle shorter than the length of time a user is likely to use the electromagnetic induction heating assembly. It is anticipated that a user will use the electromagnetic induction heating assembly for approximately 1 second or more per cycle. Furthermore, this period has been found to provide sufficient response time for the electromagnetic induction heating device to effectively increase the temperature while still providing sufficient response time for temperature monitoring. This is because a period shorter than 0.05 seconds may adversely affect the ability to increase the temperature, while a period longer than 0.15 seconds may adversely affect the response speed that can be achieved when responding to temperature monitoring by acclimatizing to the applied heat.

[0019] The first period can be longer than the second period, or the first period can be the same length as the second period, or the first period can be shorter than the second period. A longer first period than the second period is advantageous because it allows more time for heating, achieving a higher temperature, or spreading the heat to a more uniform temperature throughout the heated volume. This also reduces the amount of heat loss during the second period. Having the first and second periods of equal length is advantageous because it simplifies the operation of the electromagnetic induction heating assembly. A shorter first period than the second period is advantageous because it allows more time for monitoring the temperature compared to the amount of time spent heating.

[0020] The amount of heat provided by the electromagnetic induction heating device may be determined independently of the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor. However, typically, the electromagnetic induction heating device adjusts the amount of heat supplied to the susceptor (i.e., the second susceptor) based on the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor. This allows the monitoring performed by the temperature sensor to be used as feedback to adjust heating to account for ambient or local temperature fluctuations or various conditions in the environment in which the electromagnetic induction heating assembly is located.

[0021] The electromagnetic induction heating assembly may further include a controller adapted to control, in use, the electromagnetic induction heating device and the temperature sensor. The controller may be adapted, in use, to control the electromagnetic induction heating device based on the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor. Preferably, the controller is adapted, in use, to control the electromagnetic induction heating device by being configured to adjust the amount of power supplied to the electromagnetic induction heating device.

[0022] The controller may record and / or store the monitored temperature and / or perform processing on the monitored temperature. Typically, the controller is configured to average the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor over a third period of time to enable detection of noise in the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor. By enabling noise detection, additional noise can be removed from the signal generated by the temperature sensor when monitoring the temperature. This can then improve the accuracy and precision of the monitored temperature. Preferably, the controller may be further configured to detect noise in the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor based on the averaged temperature monitored during the third period of time, and to apply a filter to the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor based on the detected noise to reduce the noise in the monitored temperature.

[0023] The components of the electromagnetic induction heating assembly may be powered in any suitable manner. Typically, the electromagnetic induction heating assembly further includes a power supply adapted to provide power to the electromagnetic induction heating device and the temperature sensor during use, thereby enabling the electromagnetic induction heating assembly to operate without an external power supply.

[0024] The electromagnetic induction heating device may be provided in any form suitable for producing heating by electromagnetic induction. Typically, the electromagnetic induction heating device is an electromagnetic induction heating coil, which allows for the generation of an EM field with a regular and predictable shape, allowing for the delivery of more predictable amounts of heating in a more controllable manner.

[0025] The temperature sensor may be located at the axial center of the electromagnetic induction coil or at a location outside the electromagnetic induction coil. However, typically, the temperature sensor is located between the axial end of the electromagnetic induction coil and the center of the electromagnetic induction coil, preferably on the central longitudinal axis of the electromagnetic induction coil. Preferably, the temperature sensor may be located at the axial end of the electromagnetic induction coil. It has been found that locating the temperature sensor in this location achieves an appropriate balance between the ability to accurately measure temperature and reducing noise in the signal generated by the temperature sensor. Moving the temperature sensor beyond the axial end of the electromagnetic induction coil reduces noise in the signal generated by the temperature sensor, but reduces the accuracy of the temperature measurement because the temperature sensor is farther away from the location where heat is generated. On the other hand, locating the temperature sensor at the axial center of the electromagnetic induction coil increases the amount of noise, but increases the likelihood that the measured temperature represents a temperature caused by heating.

[0026] In use, the assembly may be adapted to operate with a varying electromagnetic field having a magnetic flux density of between about 0.5T and about 2.0T at the point of greatest density.

[0027] The power supply and circuitry may be configured to operate at high frequencies, preferably between about 80 kHz and 500 kHz, preferably between about 150 kHz and 250 kHz, and more preferably at about 200 kHz.

[0028] The electromagnetic induction coil may comprise any suitable material, but typically the electromagnetic induction coil may comprise a Litz wire or Litz cable.

[0029] According to a second aspect, there is provided a steam generating apparatus comprising: an electromagnetic induction heating assembly according to any one of the preceding claims; a heating compartment adapted to accommodate an object comprising a vaporizable substance and an inductively heatable susceptor; an air inlet adapted to supply air to the heating compartment; and an air outlet in communication with the heating compartment. It is intended that the inductively heatable susceptor may be the "second susceptor" referred to above.

[0030] The vaporizable substance can be any type of solid or semi-solid material. Examples of types of vapor-producing solids include powders, granules, pellets, pieces, strands, porous materials, or sheets. The substance can include plant-derived materials, and in particular, the substance can include tobacco.

[0031] Preferably, the vaporizable substance may include an aerosol-forming agent. Examples of aerosol-forming agents include polyhydric alcohols, such as glycerin or propylene glycol, and mixtures thereof. Typically, the vaporizable substance may include an aerosol-forming agent content of between about 5% and about 50% on a dry weight basis. Preferably, the vaporizable substance may include an aerosol-forming agent content of about 15% on a dry weight basis.

[0032] The vaporizable substance may also be the aerosol-forming agent itself. In this case, the vaporizable substance may be a liquid. In this case, the object may have a liquid-retaining substance (e.g., a bundle of fibers, a porous material such as ceramic, etc.) that retains the liquid to be vaporized by a vaporizer such as a heater, and allows vapor to be formed and released / radiated from the liquid-retaining substance toward the exhaust port for inhalation by the user.

[0033] Upon heating, the vaporizable material may release volatile compounds, which may include nicotine or flavor compounds, such as tobacco flavorings.

[0034] The object may be a capsule containing a vaporizable substance inside a breathable shell during use. The breathable material may be an electrically insulating and non-magnetic material. The material may have high breathability and allow air to flow through it with resistance to high temperatures. Examples of suitable breathable materials include cellulose fibers, paper, cotton, and silk. The breathable material may also act as a filter. Alternatively, the object may be a vaporizable substance wrapped in paper. Alternatively, the object may be a vaporizable substance held inside a material that is not breathable but has suitable perforations or openings to allow air to flow through. Alternatively, the object may be the vaporizable substance itself. The object may be formed into a substantially rod-like shape.

[0035] According to a third aspect, there is provided a method of monitoring a temperature in a steam generating apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: using an electromagnetic induction heating device to electromagnetically heat an object comprising a vaporizable substance and an inductively heatable susceptor; and monitoring the temperature of the object, wherein the heating and monitoring steps are not performed simultaneously. It is intended that the inductively heatable susceptor may be the "second susceptor" referred to above.

[0036] Examples of electromagnetic induction heating assemblies are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying figures. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary steam generating device. [Figure 2] 2 shows an exploded view of the steam generating device according to the example shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a further exemplary steam generating device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0038] An example steam generating device is now described, including a description of an example electromagnetic induction heating assembly and an example electromagnetic induction heatable cartridge. An example method for monitoring temperature within the steam generating device is also described.

[0039] 1 and 2, an exemplary steam generating device is generally designated 1 in an assembled configuration in FIG. 1 and in an unassembled configuration in FIG.

[0040] The exemplary vapor generating device 1 is a handheld device (which is intended to mean a device that a user can hold and support unassisted in one hand) that includes an electromagnetic induction heating assembly 10, an electromagnetic induction heatable cartridge 20, and a mouthpiece 30. Vapor is emitted by the cartridge when the cartridge is heated. Thus, vapor is generated by heating the electromagnetic induction heatable cartridge using the electromagnetic induction heating assembly. The vapor can then be inhaled by a user at the mouthpiece.

[0041] In this example, a user inhales vapor by drawing air into the device 1, through or around the inductively heatable cartridge 20, and out the mouthpiece 30 as the cartridge heats up. This is achieved by placing the cartridge within a heating compartment 12 defined by a portion of the electromagnetic induction heating assembly 10, which is gas-connected to an inlet 14 formed in the assembly and an outlet 32 ​​in the mouthpiece when the device is assembled. This allows air to be drawn through the device by applying a negative pressure, which is typically created by the user inhaling air through the outlet.

[0042] Cartridge 20 is an object that includes vaporizable material 22 and an inductively heatable susceptor 24 (it is contemplated that this susceptor may be the "second susceptor" referred to above). In this example, the vaporizable material includes one or more of tobacco, humectant, glycerin, and propylene glycol. The susceptor is a plurality of electrically conductive plates. In this example, the cartridge also has a layer or membrane 26 to contain the vaporizable material and susceptor, which layer or membrane is breathable. In other examples, no membrane is present.

[0043] As described above, an electromagnetic induction heating assembly 10 is used to heat a cartridge 20. The assembly includes an electromagnetic induction heating device in the form of an electromagnetic induction coil 16 and a power supply 18. The power supply and the electromagnetic induction coil are electrically connected so that power can be selectively transferred between these two components.

[0044] In this example, the electromagnetic induction coil 16 is substantially cylindrical, and as a result, the electromagnetic induction heating assembly 10 is also substantially cylindrical in shape. The heating compartment 12 is defined radially inside the electromagnetic induction coil, with a bottom at the axial end of the electromagnetic induction coil and a sidewall around the radial inside of the electromagnetic induction coil. The heating compartment is open at the axial end opposite the bottom from the electromagnetic induction coil. When the steam generating device 1 is assembled, this opening is covered by the mouthpiece 30, and the opening of the exhaust port 32 is located at the opening of the heating compartment. In the example shown, the intake port 14 has an opening into the heating compartment at the bottom of the heating compartment.

[0045] The temperature sensor 11 is also located at the bottom of the heating compartment 12. The temperature sensor is therefore located inside the heating compartment, at the same axial end of the electromagnetic induction coil 16 as the bottom of the heating compartment. This means that when the cartridge 20 is placed in the heating compartment and when the steam generating device 1 is assembled (in other words, when the steam generating device is in use or ready for use), the cartridge deforms around the temperature sensor, because in this example, the temperature sensor, due to its size and shape, does not puncture the membrane 26 of the cartridge.

[0046] The temperature sensor 11 is electrically connected to a controller 13 located within the electromagnetic induction heating assembly 10. The controller is also electrically connected to the electromagnetic induction coil 16 and the power supply 18 and is adapted to control the operation of the electromagnetic induction coil and the temperature sensor, during use, by determining when to apply power from the power supply to each of the electromagnetic induction coil and the temperature sensor.

[0047] As described above, to generate vapor, the cartridge 20 is heated. This is accomplished by converting AC current from the DC current supplied by the power supply 18 to the electromagnetic induction coil 16. The current flows through the electromagnetic induction coil, generating a controlled EM field in the area proximate to the coil. The generated EM field provides a source for an external susceptor (in this case, the cartridge's susceptor plate) to absorb and convert EM energy into heat, thereby achieving electromagnetic induction heating.

[0048] More specifically, power is supplied to the electromagnetic induction coil 16, causing a current to pass through the electromagnetic induction coil, generating an EM field. As noted above, the current supplied to the electromagnetic induction coil is an alternating current (AC) current. This generates heat within the cartridge because, when the cartridge is placed within the heating compartment 12, the susceptor plates are intended to be oriented (substantially) parallel to the radius of the electromagnetic induction coil 16, as shown, or at least have a length component parallel to the radius of the electromagnetic induction coil. Thus, when AC current is supplied to the electromagnetic induction coil while the cartridge is placed within the heating compartment, the orientation of the susceptor plates couples each susceptor plate with the EM field generated by the electromagnetic induction coil, thereby inducing eddy currents within each plate. This generates heat in each plate by electromagnetic induction.

[0049] The plates of cartridge 20 are in thermal communication with vaporizable material 22, in this example by direct or indirect contact between each susceptor plate and the vaporizable material. This means that when susceptor 24 is inductively heated by electromagnetic induction coil 16 of electromagnetic induction heating assembly 10, heat is transferred from susceptor 24 to vaporizable material 22, heating vaporizable material 22 and generating vapor.

[0050] When the temperature sensor 11 is in use, the temperature sensor monitors the temperature by measuring the temperature at the surface. Each temperature measurement is transmitted to the controller 13 in the form of an electrical signal. The controller can then process the electrical signal in step 103 to obtain temperature information related to the heat generated by the susceptor. In this example, the temperature information includes one or more of the monitored temperature, the surface temperature of the cartridge 20 (which, as discussed above, may be the monitored temperature), or the rate of change of the temperature.

[0051] When the steam generating device 1 is in use, the electromagnetic induction heating provided by the electromagnetic induction heating assembly 10 and the temperature monitoring provided by the temperature sensor 11 are performed according to an exemplary method.

[0052] According to an exemplary method, when the vapor generating device 1 is in use, electromagnetic induction heating is provided for a first period of time and temperature monitoring is performed for a second period of time. The first and second periods do not occur simultaneously. Instead, the first and second periods occur at different times, with the second period following the first period and the first period following the second period in a repeating cycle, for the duration of the heating session during which temperature monitoring is necessary to provide controlled heating of the vaporizable substance 22. In different examples, the heating session may last only for the duration of one puff (i.e., one inhalation by the user on the mouthpiece), or in alternative examples, may last for multiple puffs, may include one or more heating phases and one or more maintenance phases, and may include transitions between different target temperatures or other similar transitions.

[0053] The duration of each cycle from the start of one period (either the first or second period) to the end of the other period (the other of the first or second period) is about 0.05 seconds to about 0.15 seconds. In different examples, the second period is the same length as, shorter than, or longer than the first period.

[0054] In a further example, not only is the temperature monitored, but the controller adjusts the amount of power supplied to the electromagnetic induction coil 16 based on the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor 13. This may be the case, for example, if there is a predetermined temperature to which the cartridge 20 is to be heated. The controller then increases or decreases the amount of power supplied to the electromagnetic induction coil based on the difference between the predetermined temperature and the monitored temperature to minimize this difference.

[0055] In a similar example, in a new use session, heating is applied for a predetermined period of time upon start-up of device 1. Temperature sensor 13 is then used to monitor the temperature. The controller compares the monitored temperature against a look-up chart and adjusts the heating profile (adjusting the amount of power supplied to electromagnetic induction coil 16 to adjust the amount of heating provided) to compensate for the ambient temperature or capsule conditions, or to terminate the use session (e.g., if previous use of a predetermined amount of capsules with a predetermined rate of temperature change is detected). This reduces the amount of power used, since typically the maximum amount of power that can be provided is applied upon start-up. However, this poses the greatest risk of overheating or burning, so monitoring in such situations improves safety and reduces the likelihood of damage to device components.

[0056] In yet another example, the controller 13 averages a series of temperature measurements provided by the temperature sensor 11, the series of temperature measurements being taken over a third time period independent of the first and second time periods. The averaged temperature is then used in noise detection, which enables noise to be removed (i.e., removed) from the electrical signal based on noise detected from the averaged temperature, and / or unreliable or anomalous temperature measurements to be identified and discarded or ignored.

[0057] Figure 3 shows a further exemplary vapor generating device 1. In this further example, the vapor generating device has substantially the same features as the vapor generating device shown in Figures 1 and 2. Thus, the exemplary vapor generating device 1 is a handheld device that includes an electromagnetic induction heating assembly 10, an electromagnetic induction heatable cartridge (including a vaporizable substance 22, an electromagnetic induction heatable susceptor 24, and, in this example, a membrane 26), and a mouthpiece 30.

[0058] The vapor generating device 1 of this example functions in the same manner as described above in relation to Figures 1 and 2. Thus, during use, air enters the heated compartment housing the cartridge through the inlet 14 and exits through the outlet 32 ​​in the mouthpiece 30 for inhalation by the user.

[0059] As described above, the cartridge is heated using an electromagnetic induction heating assembly 10. The assembly includes an electromagnetic induction heating device in the form of an electromagnetic induction coil 16 and a power supply 18. The power supply and the electromagnetic induction coil are electrically connected so that power can be selectively transferred between these two components.

[0060] In the example shown in Figure 3, a temperature sensor is not shown, however, a temperature sensor may be present and function as described in connection with the examples shown in Figures 1 and 2.

[0061] In the example shown in Figure 3, there is an electronic component 50, which is an indicator located within the heating compartment of the heating assembly, against the wall of the heating compartment where the mouthpiece 30 contacts the heating compartment. It is therefore located at the end of the electromagnetic induction coil 16, adjacent to the mouthpiece. This means that when the electromagnetic induction coil generates an EM field, the electronic component is located within that EM field.

[0062] In some examples, the electronic component 50 is configured to monitor remaining battery life. In other examples, the electronic component is configured to monitor remaining cartridge life, such as by monitoring the remaining number of puffs of vapor available from the device, which corresponds to the remaining volume of vaporizable material. In yet another example, the electronic component is configured to detect the presence or absence of a cartridge in the heated compartment.

[0063] The electronic component 50 includes a material capable of functioning as a susceptor when exposed to an EM field. It has been found that exposure to the EM field generated by the electromagnetic induction coil 16 causes the electronic component to behave in a manner different from that expected when the electromagnetic induction coil 16 is in operation. This is because the EM field causes interference within the material of the electronic component that can function as a susceptor. Note that in this context, when we say that the electronic component includes a material capable of functioning as a susceptor (i.e., a "first susceptor"), it does not necessarily mean that the material generates significant heat; it simply means that the material, due to its susceptibility to electromagnetic fields, can be somewhat affected by the electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic induction coil, which can cause the electronic component to behave in an altered (typically less optimal) manner when subjected to the electromagnetic field. Therefore, when the steam generating apparatus 1 shown in FIG. 3 is in use, the electronic component and the electromagnetic induction coil are operated at non-simultaneous times. This means that the electronic component operates only when no EM field is being generated, thereby preventing interference.

Claims

1. An electromagnetic induction heating assembly (10) for a steam generating device, comprising: an electromagnetic induction heating device (16); an electronic component (11) having a material capable of functioning as a first susceptor; the electromagnetic induction heating device is adapted, in use, to heat a second susceptor for a first period of time, and the electronic component is adapted to operate during a second period of time when the electromagnetic induction heating device is inactive, the first period of time and the second period of time not occurring simultaneously; the electronic component is a temperature sensor, the temperature sensor being configured to monitor, during use, a temperature associated with heat generated from the second susceptor during the second period of time; the first period and the second period are set based on an expected duration of a heating session during which a user draws air into the electromagnetic induction heating device; The time from the start of one of the first and second periods to the end of the other period is about 0.05 seconds to 0.15 seconds. An electromagnetic induction heating assembly (10).

2. The electromagnetic induction heating assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the first and second time periods are consecutive.

3. 3. The electromagnetic induction heating assembly (10) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first period is adapted to be repeated at least once and / or the second period is adapted to be repeated at least once.

4. 4. The electromagnetic induction heating assembly (10) of claim 3, wherein each of the first time period and the second time period is repeated at least once, and the first time period and the second time period alternate.

5. 5. The electromagnetic induction heating assembly (10) of claim 1, wherein the electromagnetic induction heating device (16) is configured to adjust the amount of heat supplied to the second susceptor based on the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor (11).

6. 6. An electromagnetic induction heating assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a controller (13) adapted to control, in use, the electromagnetic induction heating device (16) and the temperature sensor (11).

7. 7. The electromagnetic induction heating assembly (10) of claim 6, wherein the controller (13) is adapted to control the electromagnetic induction heating device (16) based on the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor (11) during use.

8. 8. The electromagnetic induction heating assembly (10) of claim 7, wherein the controller (13) is adapted to control the electromagnetic induction heating device (16) by regulating the amount of power supplied to the electromagnetic induction heating device during use.

9. 9. The electromagnetic induction heating assembly (10) of claim 6, wherein the controller (13) is configured to average the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor (11) over a third period of time to enable detection of noise in the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor.

10. 10. The electromagnetic induction heating assembly of claim 9, wherein the controller is further configured to detect noise in the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor based on the averaged temperature monitored during the third period, and to apply a filter to the temperature monitored by the temperature sensor based on the detected noise so as to reduce the noise in the monitored temperature.

11. 11. The electromagnetic induction heating assembly (10) of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a power supply (18) adapted to provide power to the electromagnetic induction heating device (16) and the electronic component (11) during use.

12. A steam generating device (1), comprising: An electromagnetic induction heating assembly (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11; a heating compartment (12) adapted to contain an object (20) comprising a vaporizable substance (22) and an electromagnetic induction heatable susceptor (24); an air inlet (14) adapted to supply air to said heating compartment; and an exhaust port (32) in communication with the heating compartment.

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