Adaptive Heater Preheating for Aerosol Temperature and Current Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aerosol-generating apparatuses face inconvenience when a user continues smoking as the heater is preheated to a high temperature, causing discomfort and increased current consumption due to the same preheating profile being used for both initial and continued smoking.

Innovation Solution

The apparatus distinguishes between initial and continued smoking by using different preheating profiles for the heater, adjusting the power supply based on the measured temperature to reduce heat output and optimize energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the heater is preheated to a high temperature using the same preheating profile for both initial and continued smoking, then the heater reaches the target temperature quickly, but the aerosol temperature becomes excessively high causing user discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheater heating speedVSAvoidaerosol temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the preheating profile adjustable based on operating conditions. The controller dynamically selects between a first preheating profile (for initial smoking) and a second preheating profile (for continued smoking) based on the detected heater temperature. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize heating speed when the heater is cold while preventing excessive aerosol temperature when the heater is already hot, thereby resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Temperature

If the heater is preheated to a high temperature during continued smoking, then the target temperature is reached, but the current consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheater temperatureVSAvoidcurrent consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the heater temperature through a temperature sensor and using this information to control the power supply to the heater. The controller detects whether the heater temperature meets a predetermined condition and adjusts the preheating process accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the system to avoid unnecessary high-temperature preheating during continued smoking, thereby reducing current consumption while still achieving the required operating temperature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If the same preheating profile is used for initial and continued smoking, then the control system is simple, but the user experience deteriorates due to high aerosol temperature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoiduser experience
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by enabling the system to automatically distinguish between initial smoking and continued smoking based on heater temperature conditions, without requiring user input or complex external controls. The temperature sensor and controller work together to autonomously select the appropriate preheating profile, thereby improving user experience through adaptive temperature control while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach reduces user discomfort by lowering the aerosol temperature during continued smoking and decreases current consumption by extending the temperature decrease period.

Implementation Method 1

a heater configured to heat at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the heater

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal detection: Thermistor

Data Source

PatentUS20240237757A1Aerosol generating apparatus and method of controlling same
Publication Date: 2024.07.18 KT&G CO LTD
  • US20240237757A1 patent drawing
  • US20240237757A1 patent drawing
  • US20240237757A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An aerosol-generating apparatus and a method of controlling the same are provided. The aerosol-generating apparatus includes a heater configured to heat at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article, a temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature of the heater, and a processor configured to control supply of power to the heater according to a first preheating profile defining a preset preheating time and a preset preheating temperature, wherein the processor is further configured to, when the temperature of the heater is higher than or equal to a reference temperature, control supply of power to the heater according to a second preheating profile that is different from the first preheating profile.