Aerosol Device Cold Plasma Heating Element Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning heating elements in aerosol-generating devices are energy-intensive, time-consuming, and can damage the device or require costly service center visits, while user-led cleaning can be ineffective or harmful.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol-generating device with an integrated cleaning unit using a piezoelectric element to generate cold plasma for cleaning the heating element, allowing for efficient and safe removal of organic residues at ambient conditions without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pyrolysis or ultrasonic cleaning methods are used to remove organic residues from the heating element, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases and cleaning time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter from high-temperature pyrolysis cleaning to ambient temperature plasma cleaning. The plasma is generated at or near ambient temperature, eliminating the need for high-temperature heating while maintaining effective organic residue removal through plasma chemical reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces thermal-based cleaning mechanisms (pyrolysis, ultrasonic cleaning) with a plasma-based chemical cleaning mechanism. The plasma generates reactive species that chemically decompose and remove organic residues without requiring high temperatures or mechanical vibration.
2Reliability
If high temperature pyrolysis is used for cleaning, then organic residues are effectively removed, but the heating element may be damaged and service center visit is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter from high-temperature pyrolysis cleaning to ambient temperature plasma cleaning. The plasma is generated at or near ambient temperature, eliminating the need for high-temperature heating while maintaining effective organic residue removal through plasma chemical reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful high-temperature pyrolysis process into a beneficial ambient-temperature plasma process. The plasma's reactive species provide the cleaning power previously requiring high temperatures, but without the damaging thermal effects on the heating element.
3Ease of operation
If users clean the heating element manually with brushes or chemical reagents, then cleaning can be performed independently, but the heating element may be damaged rendering it unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables the heating element to clean itself through plasma treatment. The plasma is generated in close proximity to the heating element surface, automatically removing organic residues without requiring user intervention with brushes or chemical reagents that could cause damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces plasma as an intermediary cleaning agent between the user and the heating element. Instead of users directly contacting the heating element with potentially damaging brushes or chemicals, the plasma serves as a controlled intermediary that performs the cleaning function safely and effectively.
4Reliability
If frequent high-temperature cleaning cycles are performed, then organic residues are continuously removed, but battery life is reduced due to high energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the temperature parameter from high-temperature pyrolysis cleaning to ambient temperature plasma cleaning. The plasma is generated at or near ambient temperature, eliminating the need for high-temperature heating while maintaining effective organic residue removal through plasma chemical reactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements periodic plasma cleaning cycles that can be performed frequently without significant energy cost. The plasma generation requires minimal energy compared to high-temperature heating, enabling regular cleaning maintenance that prevents organic residue accumulation and maintains heating element efficiency over extended battery life.
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 device extends battery life, reduces energy consumption, and improves cleaning effectiveness with minimal time and cost, ensuring the heating element remains efficient and hygienic.
Implementation Method 1
The piezoelectric element is configured to generate cold plasma for cleaning the surface of the heating element
Implementation Method 2
The cleaning unit comprises at least one piezoelectric element
Data Source
Figure 1~2e
Figure 3a~4c
Figure 5a~5d
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-generating device with a cleaning unit for a heating element, a method for cleaning a heating element of an aerosol-generating device and a method for manufacturing an aerosol-generating device. The aerosol-generating device comprises a heating element and a cleaning unit. The heating element is configured for heating an aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol. The cleaning unit is arranged to cooperate with the heating element for cleaning a surface of the heating element. The cleaning unit comprises at least one piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element is configured to generate cold plasma for cleaning the surface of the heating element.