Composite Heating Aerosol Device with Segmented Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generating devices are limited in their ability to heat smoking articles with multiple aerosol-forming substrates efficiently and effectively, particularly in managing tobacco mediums with low tensile strength and humidity sensitivity, and in controlling the inhalation of aerosols from liquid-based systems.
Innovation Solution
A complex heating type aerosol generating device that uses multiple separately controllable heating means, including resistance and induction heaters, to heat both tobacco fillers and liquid cartridges within specific temperature ranges, with temperature sensors and a control unit to manage heating based on sensed values and puff volume, ensuring efficient aerosol production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single heating element is used in the aerosol-generating device, then the device structure is simple, but the temperature distribution is non-uniform leading to hot spots and reduced reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is divided into multiple discrete heating zones (first heating element, second heating element, third heating element) arranged in an array. Each heating zone can be independently controlled to provide uniform heat distribution across the substrate, eliminating hot spots and improving heating reliability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If the heating element array is positioned close to the airflow channel to reduce device size, then the device dimensions are reduced, but thermal interference between heating elements and airflow causes temperature instability
Solution Approach 1:
A support structure is introduced as an intermediary component between the heating element array and the airflow channel. This support structure positions the heating elements at a controlled distance from the airflow, preventing direct thermal interference while maintaining compact device dimensions. The support structure acts as a thermal buffer that stabilizes temperature while enabling miniaturization.
3Productivity
If substrate thickness is reduced to improve aerosol quality, then aerosol generation is enhanced, but the substrate becomes too thin for reliable handling and manufacturing
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element array is segmented into multiple thin heating zones that can be applied to or integrated with thin substrates. This segmentation allows the heating function to be distributed across multiple small elements rather than requiring a single thick heating component, enabling effective aerosol generation from thin substrates while maintaining manufacturing feasibility and handling reliability.
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 the inhalation of aerosols from a variety of substrates with precise temperature control, improving heating efficiency and preventing overheating, while allowing for variable heating times independent of user inhalation patterns.
Implementation Method 1
The heating element array comprises a first heating element, a second heating element and a third heating element arranged in an array... Each heating zone can be independently controlled to provide uniform heat distribution across the substrate
Implementation Method 2
The heated substrate generates an aerosol that is delivered to the user through the mouthpiece
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an aerosol generating device, and more particularly, to a complex heating type aerosol generating device that can heat a smoking article having a plurality of aerosol-forming substrates. According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a complex heating type aerosol generating device, which is grippable and portable-sized, for a smoking article having a first aerosol-forming substrate and a second aerosol-forming substrate arranged at the upstream of the first aerosol-forming substrate, the complex heating type aerosol generating device comprising: a cavity provided in the device into which the smoking article can be inserted; a first heating means provided in the device to heat the interior or exterior of the first aerosol-forming substrate of the smoking article within a first temperature range; a second heating means provided in the device to heat the interior or exterior of the second aerosol-forming substrate of the smoking article within a second temperature range; first and second sensors provided in the device to sense the temperatures of the first and second heating means, respectively; a rechargeable battery provided in the device to function as a direct current power source; and a control unit provided in the device and electrically connected to the first and second sensors and the battery, to control the first and second heating means according to the sensed values of the first and second sensors, respectively, by receiving direct current power from the battery.