Aerosol Accessory Heating Element Segmentation for Profile Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol-generating devices lack versatility in user experience and adaptability to different usage scenarios, as they often provide limited options for heating the aerosol-forming substrate, restricting the generation of inhalable aerosols.

Innovation Solution

An accessory with a heating element, either induction or resistive, is designed to provide a secondary heating option for aerosol-generating articles, allowing for different heating profiles by heating distinct portions of the aerosol-forming substrate, and is powered by the aerosol-generating device, enabling multiple accessories with unique characteristics for varied aerosol generation regimes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single heating element is used in the aerosol-generating device, then the device structure remains simple, but the adaptability to different usage scenarios and heating profiles is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different usage scenariosVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system is segmented into multiple independent heating elements (first heating element in the device, second heating element in the accessory) that can operate independently or together. This allows different heating profiles and usage scenarios without requiring a completely different device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The accessory with the second heating element serves multiple functions: it provides additional heating capability, enables different heating profiles when combined with the first heating element, and can be attached or detached as needed. This multi-functionality improves adaptability without permanently increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple heating elements are added to provide different heating profiles, then the adaptability and user experience are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating profilesVSAvoidheating system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system is divided into separate heating elements located in different components (device and accessory). Each heating element can be controlled independently, enabling multiple heating profiles through different combinations and sequences of heating, without requiring a complex integrated heating system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts heating profiles by controlling the timing and intensity of different heating elements. The controller can activate the first heating element alone, the second heating element alone, or both simultaneously or sequentially, providing dynamic adaptability to different usage scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the accessory includes a heating element powered by the aerosol-generating device, then the accessory can provide additional heating functionality, but the power consumption and energy management complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating functionalityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The accessory's heating element utilizes the existing power supply of the aerosol-generating device, allowing the single power source to serve multiple functions (heating in both device and accessory). This reduces the need for separate power sources while providing expanded heating functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The power consumption is dynamically managed by the controller, which can selectively activate heating elements based on usage requirements. The system can optimize energy distribution between the first and second heating elements to provide desired heating profiles while managing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The accessory enhances user experience by offering customizable heating options for aerosol generation, allowing a single device to produce different aerosol profiles, improving adaptability and user flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

The induction coil may generate an alternating magnetic field. The alternating magic field may lead to heating of the susceptor.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The heating element may be an induction heating element comprising a susceptor and an induction coil.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 3

As an alternative to the heating element being configured as an induction heating element, the heating element may be configured as a resistive heating element.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4250985B1Accessory for aerosol-generating device with heating element
Publication Date: 2024.10.16 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA
  • EP4250985B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4250985B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to an accessory for an aerosol-generating device. The accessory comprises a cavity for receiving an aerosol-generating article comprising aerosol-forming substrate. The accessory further comprises a heating element. The heating element is arranged at least partly surrounding the cavity. The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating device. The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article. The invention further relates to aerosol-generating kit comprising an aerosol-generating device and an accessory.