Adjustable Heater Spacing for Vapour Generating Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vapor generating devices face inefficiencies in heating due to air gaps between the consumable and heating element, which are exacerbated by using smaller consumables, and continuous pressure application reduces the lifespan of the consumable.
Innovation Solution
A heating assembly with a movement mechanism that allows users to control the distance between two heaters, applying pressure to the consumable only when needed, using a switch to adjust the heating efficiency and prolong the consumable's lifespan, regardless of its size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a spring mechanism is used to press the heating element against the consumable, then heating efficiency is improved, but the lifespan of the consumable is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heating assembly allows dynamic adjustment of the distance between the two heating elements along the longitudinal axis. The user can move the first heating element closer to or farther from the second heating element based on the size of the consumable, optimizing heating efficiency without continuously compressing the consumable, thus preserving its lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables change in the physical parameter of distance between heating elements. By adjusting this distance parameter, the assembly adapts to different consumable sizes, maintaining effective heating contact while avoiding excessive compression that would reduce consumable lifespan.
2Productivity
If the heating element is kept at a fixed distance from the consumable, then heating efficiency is improved, but the device cannot accommodate different sized consumables
Solution Approach 1:
The heating assembly incorporates a movable first heating element that can be dynamically repositioned along the longitudinal axis relative to the second heating element. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the device to maintain optimal heating efficiency across various consumable sizes by adapting the inter-element distance to match the consumable dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating assembly is designed to universally accommodate different sized consumables through the adjustable distance mechanism. The same heating assembly structure can effectively heat various consumable sizes by simply adjusting the position of the first heating element, eliminating the need for multiple specialized heating components.
3Productivity
If continuous pressure is applied to the consumable, then heating efficiency is improved, but the consumable lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The heating assembly enables periodic or on-demand application of pressure to the consumable. The user can move the first heating element closer to apply pressure when heating is required, and move it away when heating is not needed, avoiding continuous compression. This periodic action maintains heating efficiency while preserving consumable lifespan by eliminating unnecessary continuous pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static continuous pressure to dynamic controllable pressure. The movable first heating element allows the user to adjust pressure application dynamically, applying force only when and where needed for heating, thereby reducing overall stress on the consumable and extending its usable life.
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 solution maintains heating efficiency for various-sized consumables while prolonging their lifespan by allowing controlled pressure application, reducing energy wastage, and enabling easy user control of heating.
Implementation Method 1
apply heating to the vapour generating consumable using a heating element
Implementation Method 2
the separation of the at least two heaters applies pressure to the vapour generating substance when located in the heating compartment
Data Source
AI summary
A heating assembly includes a body defining a heating compartment adapted to receive a vapour generating substance; at least two heaters between which the vapour generating substance is placeable within the heating compartment in use; a movement mechanism adapted in use to move at least one of the at least two heaters between a first and second position, the distance between the at least two heaters being less when the at least one heater is in the first position than when in the second position, wherein the distance between the at least two heaters when the at least one heater is in the first position being such that the separation of the at least two heaters applies pressure to the vapour generating substance when located in the heating compartment; and a switch adapted in use to control the movement of the at least one heater by the movement mechanism.