Aerosol Heater Reheating Control for Cooler Continuous Use

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aerosol generating apparatuses face issues with continuous use, where the heater's temperature rises significantly, leading to hot aerosol generation and reduced atomization in initial puffs due to insufficient heat energy supply when resumed shortly after previous use.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a controller that adjusts the heater's power to a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature upon reheating within a preset time, ensuring consistent aerosol generation and preventing scalding or discomfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If the heater is continuously used to generate aerosol, then aerosol generation capability is maintained, but the temperature of the heater and surrounding periphery rises significantly causing hot aerosol and user discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontinuous usage durationVSAvoidheater temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic heating cycles with alternating high-power and low-power phases. The controller periodically adjusts the heater power between a first power level (high) and a second power level (low), creating a periodic action pattern that prevents continuous temperature accumulation while maintaining aerosol generation capability over extended periods

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the heater power based on real-time temperature monitoring and usage patterns. The controller modifies the heating power level transitions adaptively, making the system dynamic rather than static, allowing optimal power management that responds to changing thermal conditions and usage requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If the heater is reheated quickly after previous use, then aerosol generation is restored faster, but the atomization amount is reduced due to insufficient heat energy supply

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereheating speedVSAvoidatomization amount

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the heater to a first target temperature before actual aerosol generation begins. This preliminary heating phase ensures the heater reaches optimal temperature in advance, so when aerosol generation starts, sufficient heat energy is already available, preventing reduced atomization during quick reuse scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter dynamically based on usage timing. When reuse is detected within a preset time, the controller adjusts the second target temperature to be lower than the first target temperature, optimizing the balance between rapid reheating and sufficient heat energy supply for proper atomization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Quantity of substance

If the heater power is increased to maintain aerosol generation, then atomization amount is improved, but the risk of generating hot aerosol and causing scalding increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveatomization amountVSAvoidscalding risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter based on usage context and timing. By adjusting the second target temperature to be lower than the first target temperature under specific conditions, the system optimizes the balance between atomization quality and safety, reducing scalding risk while maintaining adequate aerosol generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control by monitoring temperature and usage patterns, then adjusting heater power accordingly. The controller receives feedback about the heating state and usage timing, and modifies the power supply to maintain optimal atomization while preventing excessive temperature rise that would cause scalding

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 a consistent atomization amount and prevents scalding by controlling the aerosol generating apparatus to produce a cooler aerosol, enhancing user comfort during continuous use.

Implementation Method 1

a heater configured to generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS11992064B2Method for controlling power of heater of aerosol generating apparatus which can be continuously used and aerosol generating apparatus thereof

Publication Date: 2024.05.28 KT&G CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is an aerosol generating apparatus including: a heater generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substrate; and a controller monitoring and controlling power supplied to the heater, wherein, upon receiving an input of reheating the heater within a preset time, after the heater reaches the first target temperature and generates an aerosol, the controller controls the heater to generate an aerosol according to a second target temperature lower than the first target temperature.