Aerosol Device Heating Element Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aerosol delivery devices, such as vaping and heated tobacco systems, consume significant power due to the need for high temperatures to generate aerosols, leading to reduced battery life and increased charging frequency.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a controller that reduces the heating element's temperature from a high aerosol-generating temperature to a lower temperature for a predetermined period after each puff, minimizing power consumption without significantly impacting user experience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the heating element maintains high temperature continuously to ensure aerosol generation quality, then aerosol generation is reliable, but power consumption increases and battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerosol generation reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element operates in periodic cycles, alternating between high-temperature aerosol generation mode and low-temperature standby mode. The controller activates the heating element only during detected puff events to maintain high temperature, then reduces power consumption by lowering temperature during idle periods, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable aerosol generation and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the heating element's temperature based on real-time detection of user puffing behavior. The controller monitors airflow or pressure changes to detect puffs, then modulates heating power accordingly - maintaining high temperature during active use and reducing temperature during idle periods, optimizing both performance and energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the heating element maintains high temperature continuously to ensure aerosol generation quality, then aerosol generation is reliable, but battery life decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerosol generation reliabilityVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses the user's own puffing action as the trigger signal to activate heating. The controller detects puff events through airflow or pressure sensors, and only initiates high-temperature heating when a puff is detected, allowing the system to serve itself by using user behavior to control power consumption and extend battery life.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Use of energy by moving object

If the heating element reduces temperature after each puff to minimize power consumption, then power consumption decreases, but aerosol generation quality may be impacted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidaerosol generation quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The controller detects puff events in advance through airflow or pressure sensors before full heating is needed. By anticipating the user's inhalation action, the system can begin heating preparation early, ensuring the heating element reaches optimal temperature just in time for aerosol generation, thus maintaining quality while minimizing unnecessary power consumption during detection and transition phases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback control by monitoring aerosol generation output and user puffing patterns. The controller adjusts heating temperature and duration based on detected puff characteristics and aerosol quality feedback, ensuring optimal performance while minimizing power consumption. The feedback loop allows the system to learn user patterns and optimize heating cycles accordingly.

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 approach reduces power consumption, prolongs device battery life, and minimizes the need for frequent recharging while maintaining the quality of the aerosol generation.

Implementation Method 1

a heating element, wherein airflow through the tobacco material causes components in the tobacco material to be released as vapour

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

heat may be imparted to the tobacco material by a heating element of the device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResistive heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

the controller configured to reduce the temperature of the heating element from a first temperature to a second temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy control: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20240398034A1Aerosol delivery device

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 IMPERIAL TOBACCO LTD

AI summary

A device for an aerosol-forming article. The device comprises a controller operatively connected or connectable to a heating element for heating an aerosol former. The controller is configured to reduce the temperature of the heating element from a first temperature to a second temperature, subsequent to the end of a puff on the device by a user. The controller is also configured to maintain the heating element at the second temperature for a predetermined time period.