Aerosol-Generating Apparatus Temperature Control Using Thermal Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generating apparatuses suffer from poor temperature control of the aerosol-generating material, leading to inconsistent flavor and content delivery, resulting in a suboptimal user experience.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol-generating apparatus with a temperature monitor and controller that calculates the actual temperature of the aerosol-generating material using a thermal network model and adjusts power supply to the heater based on thermal properties and airflow, ensuring precise temperature control to achieve a target temperature suitable for optimal flavor and content delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature control is improved by using a thermal network model and calculating actual material temperature, then temperature precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional temperature monitors and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where temperature monitors measure temperatures at multiple locations, the controller calculates the actual aerosol-generating material temperature using a thermal network model based on these measurements, and adjusts heater power accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism continuously refines temperature control precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal network model acts as an intermediary between the physical temperature measurements and the actual material temperature calculation. It processes temperature data from multiple sensors and thermal properties to compute the accurate temperature of the aerosol-generating material, enabling indirect but precise temperature control.
2Stability of the object's composition
If power control to the heater is adjusted based on calculated temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic power control to the heater, where the power level is continuously adjusted based on the calculated temperature of the aerosol-generating material. This dynamic adjustment enables the system to respond to changing thermal conditions and maintain stable temperature despite variations in thermal properties or environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller modifies the power parameter supplied to the heater based on the calculated temperature and desired target temperature. By dynamically changing the power parameter according to actual thermal conditions, the system maintains temperature stability while adapting to different operational scenarios.
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are used to measure temperatures at different locations, then temperature accuracy is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature measurement task into multiple segments by placing temperature monitors at different locations (heater, receptacle, casing) rather than using a single sensor. This segmentation allows the system to gather distributed temperature data that, when processed through the thermal network model, provides accurate information about the aerosol-generating material temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal network model creates a virtual copy or representation of the thermal system, allowing the controller to calculate the actual material temperature based on measured temperatures at different locations. This computational model acts as a virtual extension of the physical sensors, enabling accurate temperature determination without requiring direct contact with the material.
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 apparatus provides accurate temperature control of the aerosol-generating material, enhancing the user experience by delivering consistent flavor and content in the aerosols.
Implementation Method 1
a heater configured to receive power supplied from a power source to heat the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol
Implementation Method 2
a temperature monitor configured to determine a value of one or more temperatures at, respectively, one or more parts of the aerosol-generating apparatus
Implementation Method 3
calculate a temperature of the aerosol-generating material according to a temperature calculation algorithm using the respective value(s) of the one or more temperatures determined by the temperature monitor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3b
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An aerosol-generating apparatus (100) comprises a receptacle (106) configured to hold an aerosol-generating material (112). A heater (114) receives power supplied from a power source (118) to heat the aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol for delivery to a user. A temperature monitor (120, 124, 132) determines at least one temperature at, respectively, at least one part of the aerosol-generating apparatus. A controller (116) calculates a temperature of the aerosol-generating material according to a temperature calculation algorithm using the at least one temperature determined by the temperature monitor. An amount of power supplied to the heater from the power source is controlled, by the controller, based on the calculated temperature of the aerosol-generating material.