Aerosol Controller Using Heating Element Resistivity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electrically heated aerosol generating systems face challenges in controlling the release of undesirable volatile compounds, as they often operate at temperatures that lead to pyrolysis or combustion, resulting in the formation of harmful substances like formaldehyde.
Innovation Solution
The method involves controlling the temperature of heating elements in electrically heated aerosol generating systems by measuring resistivity to maintain the operation temperature below the minimum release temperature of volatile compounds, thereby preventing pyrolysis and reducing the formation of harmful substances, without the need for additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the heating element operates at high temperature to release volatile compounds, then the aerosol generation efficiency is improved, but harmful substances like formaldehyde are formed through pyrolysis and combustion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter of the heating element from high temperature (combustion regime) to controlled lower temperature (below minimum release temperature of harmful compounds). This parameter change allows selective release of desirable volatile compounds while preventing pyrolysis and combustion that generate harmful substances like formaldehyde
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system that measures the actual operation temperature of the heating element and adjusts the electrical energy supply accordingly. The controller compares the measured temperature with a predetermined maximum operation temperature and modifies power delivery to maintain temperature within the safe range, preventing harmful substance formation while maintaining aerosol generation
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are added to control heating element temperature, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the heating element self-measuring by utilizing its own electrical resistivity as the measurement parameter. Since the heating element's resistivity naturally varies with temperature, the system uses this inherent property for self-diagnosis and self-control, eliminating the need for external temperature sensors and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses electrical resistivity as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure temperature. Instead of directly measuring temperature with sensors, the system measures resistivity (which is easier and less invasive) and derives temperature information from it, simplifying the measurement system while maintaining control precision
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 effectively reduces the release of harmful components and is cost-effective, suitable for systems with multiple heating elements, and avoids complications associated with temperature sensors, ensuring safer and more controlled aerosol formation.
Implementation Method 1
The electrically heated aerosol generating system comprises a supply of electrical energy, at least one heating element connected to the supply of electrical energy
Implementation Method 2
The aerosol-forming substrate releases a plurality of volatile compounds upon heating
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention is directed to a an aerosol generating system (100). The system comprises at least one heating element (20) configured to receive an aerosol forming substrate (2); and a controller (30) configured to control the release of volatile compounds from the aerosol generating system (100), wherein the aerosol-forming substrate (2) releases a plurality of volatile compounds upon heating, and wherein each of the plurality of volatile compounds has a minimum release temperature above which the volatile compound is released. The delivery profile of volatile compounds released by the electrically heated aerosol generating system (100) is controlled by setting a predetermined maximum operation temperature of the electrically heated aerosol generating system, and controlling that temperature during operation. The predetermined maximum operation temperature is set at a level below the formation of many undesired substances.