Heated Aerosol Generator Temperature Profiling for Consistent Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol-generating devices that heat a substrate continuously or repeatedly face challenges in maintaining consistent aerosol properties over time due to depletion of aerosol-forming constituents and reduced thermodiffusion effects, leading to a fading of flavor and reduced nicotine delivery.
Innovation Solution
A three-phase temperature control method for the heating element, adjusting power to maintain temperatures within specific ranges and profiles to compensate for substrate depletion, including a rapid initial heating, a reduced intermediate phase, and a progressive increase in temperature to sustain aerosol delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the heating element maintains a constant high temperature during continuous or repeated heating, then the initial aerosol generation is efficient, but the aerosol delivery decreases over time due to substrate depletion and reduced thermodiffusion effects
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element temperature is dynamically adjusted through three phases: initially heated to a first temperature to generate aerosol, then reduced to a second temperature to prevent substrate depletion, and finally increased to a third temperature to compensate for depletion and restore thermodiffusion effects. This dynamic temperature control maintains consistent aerosol delivery throughout continuous or repeated heating cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature parameter of the heating element is changed in a controlled manner through three distinct phases. The temperature transitions from an initial high value to a reduced value, and then to a final elevated value, optimizing the balance between substrate preservation and aerosol generation efficiency over time.
2Reliability
If the heating element temperature is continuously increased to compensate for substrate depletion, then aerosol delivery is maintained, but the risk of substrate combustion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating process employs periodic temperature adjustment with three distinct phases. The temperature is not continuously increased but rather follows a periodic pattern: initial heating, reduction phase, and controlled final increase. This periodic action prevents sustained high-temperature exposure that would lead to combustion while still maintaining aerosol delivery through the final temperature increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature reduction phase serves as a preliminary protective action against substrate combustion. By reducing the temperature after initial aerosol generation, the system prevents excessive substrate depletion and reduces the risk of combustion before the final controlled temperature increase is applied.
3Reliability
If the heating element temperature is reduced to preserve substrate, then substrate depletion is minimized, but aerosol generation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element temperature is dynamically adjusted through three phases: initially heated to a first temperature to generate aerosol, then reduced to a second temperature to prevent substrate depletion, and finally increased to a third temperature to compensate for depletion and restore thermodiffusion effects. This dynamic temperature control maintains consistent aerosol delivery throughout continuous or repeated heating cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature reduction phase is applied preliminarily to preserve substrate availability before the final temperature increase. This preliminary action ensures that sufficient substrate remains to sustain aerosol generation through the third phase, preventing complete depletion.
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
Ensures consistent aerosol delivery by maintaining optimal temperature gradients, preventing substrate combustion, and compensating for depletion, thereby enhancing user experience by preserving flavor and nicotine delivery throughout the heating process.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature of the heating element increases from an initial temperature to a first temperature... such that aerosol is generated from the aerosol-forming substrate
Implementation Method 2
a heater comprising at least one heating element configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a method of controlling aerosol production in an aerosol-generating device, the device comprising: a heater comprising at least one heating element configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate; and a power source for providing power to the heating element, comprising the steps of: controlling the power provided to the heating element such that in a first phase power is provided such that the temperature of the heating element increases from an initial temperature to a first temperature, in a second phase power is provided such that the temperature of the heating element drops below the first temperature and in a third phase power is provided such that the temperature of the heating element increases again. Increasing the temperature of the heating element during a final phase of the heating process reduces or prevents the reduction in aerosol delivery over time.