Aerosol Heater Support Structure for Sensor Routing and Heat Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional aerosol provision devices face challenges in effectively monitoring and controlling the temperature of heater components, leading to potential overheating or underheating of aerosol generating materials, which affects the taste and volume of the aerosol produced, while also compromising the structural integrity and insulative properties of the insulating member due to routing temperature sensor wires through it.

Innovation Solution

A support structure is designed to hold the heater component parallel to a coil with a channel for temperature sensor wires, avoiding direct passage through the insulating member, and incorporating resilient members and specific dimensions to minimize heat loss and enhance insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If temperature sensor wires are routed through the insulating member, then temperature monitoring is achieved, but the structural integrity and insulative properties of the insulating member are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature monitoringVSAvoidstructural integrity of insulating member
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

A support structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the insulating member and the temperature sensor wire routing path. The support structure includes a channel that receives the temperature sensor wire, allowing the wire to be routed without passing through the insulating member. This mediator (support structure) enables temperature monitoring while preserving the structural integrity and insulative properties of the insulating member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Use of energy by moving object

If heater component is positioned close to coil for efficient heating, then heating efficiency is improved, but temperature control precision becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A temperature sensor is positioned in the space between the coil and the heater component to monitor the heater component's temperature. The temperature sensor provides feedback signals that enable precise temperature control. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain optimal heating conditions by adjusting the heating process based on real-time temperature measurements, thus achieving both efficient heating and precise temperature control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of energy

If insulating member thickness is increased to reduce heat loss, then insulation performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat lossVSAvoidinsulation structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The insulation system is segmented into multiple functional components: the insulating member, the support structure with integrated channels, and the heater component positioning system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the insulating member provides thermal insulation, while the support structure handles wire routing and positioning. This modular approach reduces overall device complexity compared to a single thick insulating member, as each component can be manufactured and assembled separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution ensures accurate temperature monitoring, maintains structural integrity of the insulating member, and reduces heat loss, thereby improving the quality and consistency of aerosol production by maintaining optimal heating conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a coil extending around the heater component, wherein the coil is configured to heat the heater component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

maintains structural integrity of the insulating member, and reduces heat loss

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP3937678B1Aerosol provision device
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 NICOVENTURES TRADING LTD
  • EP3937678B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3937678B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3937678B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A support for a heater component of an aerosol provision device defines an axis and is configured to engage an end of the heater component to hold the heater component substantially parallel to the axis at a predetermined distance from a coil. The support defines a channel to receive a wire of a temperature sensor, and the channel defines an opening into a space between the heater component and the coil. An aerosol provision device is also described which comprises: a heater component configured to heat aerosol generating material; a first support, wherein the first support defines an axis and is configured to engage a first end of the heater component; a second support, wherein the second support is configured to engage a second end of the heater component; and at least one coil configured to heat the heater component. The first and second supports hold the heater component substantially parallel to the axis at a predetermined distance from the at least one coil.