Aerosol Article Optical Identification for Precise Heating Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol generating devices struggle to accurately identify and distinguish between different types of aerosol generating articles, leading to potential misuse or incompatibility issues.

Innovation Solution

An aerosol generating system that includes an identification material emitting light of a second wavelength when excited by a first wavelength, combined with a sensor module to determine the type of aerosol generating article based on light reception, allowing for precise control of heating profiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of aerosol generating articles are accommodated, then versatility is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different article typesVSAvoidsensing accuracy for article identification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The identification material is segmented into multiple distinct types, each emitting light at a different wavelength (first wavelength, second wavelength, etc.). This segmentation allows the sensor to distinguish between different article types by detecting which wavelength is emitted, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while supporting multiple article types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The identification material changes its optical parameter (emission wavelength) based on the type of aerosol generating article. By using materials that emit different wavelengths when excited, the system can identify different article types with high precision while maintaining versatility across multiple product lines.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If identification accuracy is improved through multiple sensors, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensing accuracyVSAvoidsensor module structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor module is designed with multi-functionality, capable of detecting multiple wavelengths of light emitted by different identification materials. This single multi-functional sensor replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate sensors, maintaining high measurement precision while minimizing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The identification material acts as an intermediary that converts the excitation light into a specific emission wavelength that uniquely identifies the article type. This intermediary approach allows a single sensor to effectively distinguish between multiple article types by detecting the wavelength-specific emission, avoiding the need for multiple direct detection sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enhances the accuracy of identifying aerosol generating articles, ensuring optimal smoking experiences by matching the device with the appropriate article type.

Implementation Method 1

an identification material emitting light of a second wavelength different from a first wavelength, when excited by light of the first wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotoluminescence: Photoluminescence

Implementation Method 2

a light emitting unit configured to emit the light of the first wavelength toward the first region through the transparent region

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 3

a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating article accommodated in the cavity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20260020616A1Aerosol generating system

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 KT&G CO LTD

AI summary

An aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating article including a first region in which an identification material emitting light of a second wavelength different from a first wavelength, when excited by light of the first wavelength, is disposed, and a second region different from the first region, and an aerosol generating device having a cavity in which a part of the aerosol generating article is accommodated, wherein the aerosol generating device includes an inner wall defining the cavity and including, at one region, a transparent region through which light is transmitted, a sensor module including a light emitting unit configured to emit the light of the first wavelength toward the first region through the transparent region, and a light receiving unit configured to receive the light of the second wavelength emitted from the identification material of the aerosol generating article through the transparent region, a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating article accommodated in the cavity, and a control unit configured to determine information of the aerosol generating article based on a sensing value sensed through the light receiving unit, and control power supply to the heater based on the determined information of the aerosol generating article.