Capsule Susceptor Particles Inductive Heating Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating devices require users to apply additional force to break capsules, which can deform the device and complicate the release of unstable or volatile ingredients, affecting user experience and air management.
Innovation Solution
A capsule design incorporating susceptor particles dispersed in a carrier gel or liquid, which heats and liquefies under an inductive heating element's alternating magnetic field, allowing for magnetorheological agglomeration and release of active agents without mechanical pressure, facilitated by ferromagnetic susceptor particles and specific carrier compounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users apply additional force to break capsules manually, then the capsule can be broken to release ingredients, but the device may deform and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical capsule-breaking system with a magnetic field-based system. Susceptor particles embedded in the capsule respond to an alternating magnetic field generated by an induction heater, causing the capsule to break apart through magnetic forces rather than mechanical user action. This eliminates the need for users to apply force that could deform the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is designed to break automatically when exposed to the alternating magnetic field. The susceptor particles within the capsule self-generate the forces needed to break the capsule structure through magnetic agglomeration and mechanical stress, without requiring external user intervention or additional mechanical components.
2Extent of automation
If complicated mechanisms are added to break capsules automatically, then capsule breaking becomes automated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The induction heater serving as the air heating element is given a dual function: it heats the air for aerosol generation and simultaneously generates the alternating magnetic field needed to break the capsule. This eliminates the need for separate capsule-breaking mechanisms, reducing device complexity while achieving automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the air heating function and capsule breaking function into a single induction heating element. The alternating magnetic field required for induction heating also causes the susceptor particles to agglomerate and break the capsule, combining two functions into one component and operation.
3Productivity
If mechanical pressure is applied to release active agents, then release can be achieved, but device structure may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical pressure application with magnetic field action. The alternating magnetic field causes susceptor particles to agglomerate and generate forces that break the capsule and release active agents without requiring mechanical pressure from external components that could compromise device structure.
4Ease of operation
If capsules contain unstable ingredients without protection, then ingredient accessibility improves, but ingredient stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule provides a protective nested structure for unstable or volatile ingredients. The capsule shell encapsulates the active agents, protecting them from degradation while maintaining their accessibility for release when needed. The susceptor particles are embedded within this protective structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is pre-prepared with the unstable ingredients in a stable, protected state before use. The breaking mechanism is pre-configured through the susceptor particle embedding, so that upon exposure to the alternating magnetic field, the capsule automatically breaks to release the protected ingredients, ensuring both stability during storage and accessibility during use.
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
Enables effortless release of active agents within the aerosol-generating device, enhancing user experience by eliminating the need for additional user action and maintaining device integrity, while stabilizing and efficiently forming a dense aerosol resistant to thermal degradation.
Implementation Method 1
Upon inductive heating of the capsule received in the aerosol-generating device, the susceptor particles may be heated by the alternating magnetic field of the inductive heating element
Implementation Method 2
the susceptor particles may be heated by the alternating magnetic field of the inductive heating element
Implementation Method 3
The susceptor particles, which are also magnetic may agglomerate in the alternating magnetic field of the inductive heating element. The susceptor particles may form clusters aligning along the orientation of the magnetic field. The formation of the clusters and aggregates may be due to a magnetorheological effect of the magnetic susceptor particles in the alternating magnetic field
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a capsule for use in an aerosol generating article, the capsule comprising: an active agent, susceptor particles configured to be heatable upon inductive heating, and one or both of a carrier gel or a carrier liquid, wherein the susceptor particles are dispersed in the one or both of the carrier gel or the carrier liquid and wherein the susceptor particles have a particle size of about 10 to 70 µm.