Cup-Shaped Dual-Zone Heating Assembly for Aerosol Substrates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating systems fail to fully utilize the potential of the distal end of aerosol-forming substrates for varied taste experiences due to uniform heating, limiting user experience.
Innovation Solution
A cup-shaped heating assembly with separate first and second electrical heaters, allowing independent control of different temperatures for the sleeve and bottom portions of the heating chamber to selectively activate various aerosol-forming substrates with specific flavors and intensities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a single electrical heater is used to heat the heating chamber uniformly, then the heating chamber can be heated to a consistent temperature, but the distal end of the aerosol-forming substrate cannot be selectively heated to different temperatures for varied taste experiences
Solution Approach 1:
The heating chamber is divided into two separate heating zones: a first heating zone with a first electrical heater for heating the main body, and a second heating zone with a second electrical heater for heating the distal end. This segmentation allows independent temperature control of each zone, enabling selective heating of different substrate portions to different temperatures for varied taste experiences while maintaining overall system simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If the first electrical heater is arranged circumferentially around the sleeve portion, then the aerosol-forming substrate can be heated all around its circumference, but the distal end cannot be heated to a different temperature for selective flavor release
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into two independent electrical heaters: the first heater arranged circumferentially around the sleeve portion for general heating coverage, and the second heater positioned at the distal end for selective localized heating. This segmentation enables both comprehensive heating coverage and selective temperature control of the distal end for enhanced flavor release.
Solution Approach 2:
The second electrical heater is specifically positioned at the distal end of the heating chamber to provide localized heating with a different temperature profile than the first heater. This local quality enhancement allows selective activation of aerosol-forming substrates in the distal end region, creating varied taste experiences while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity.
3Productivity
If uniform heating is applied to the entire aerosol-forming substrate, then all substrates are activated simultaneously, but the variety of user taste experience is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system uses two independent electrical heaters that can operate simultaneously or sequentially at different temperatures. The first heater activates substrates in the main body while the second heater selectively activates substrates in the distal end, enabling multiple aerosol-forming substrates to be activated at different times and temperatures, thereby enhancing productivity while providing varied taste experiences.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system can activate the first and second electrical heaters in different sequences and at different times. This periodic or sequential action allows different aerosol-forming substrates to be activated at different stages, creating varied taste profiles while maintaining efficient aerosol generation throughout the device operation.
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 a richer and more varied user experience by allowing differential heating of aerosol-forming substrates, enhancing flavor release and aerosol formation.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrical heater (41) including at least one first heating element (43) that is circumferentially arranged around the sleeve portion (31) for heating the sleeve portion (31) at least to a first temperature
Implementation Method 2
The first and second electrical heaters (41, 42) may each be either a resistive heater or an inductive heater
Implementation Method 3
a second electrical heater (42) including at least one second heating element (44) that is arranged at an outer end face of the bottom portion (32) for heating the bottom portion (32) at least to a second temperature
Implementation Method 4
The first and second electrical heaters (41, 42) may each be either a resistive heater or an inductive heater
Implementation Method 5
each one of the first, second and third aerosol-forming substrates (71, 72, 73) has a specific releasing temperature at which in the respective substrates release of volatile compounds that can form an aerosol is thermally activated
Data Source
AI summary
A heating assembly for heating an aerosol-forming substrate is provided, the assembly including a cup-shaped heating chamber to receive the substrate to be heated, the chamber being formed at least by a sleeve portion and a bottom portion that is disposed at a distal end of the chamber opposite to an open proximal end of the chamber; a first electrical heater including at least one first heating element circumferentially arranged around the sleeve portion and being configured to heat the sleeve portion at least to a first temperature; and a second electrical heater including at least one second heating element arranged at an outer end face of the bottom portion and being configured to heat the bottom portion at least to a second temperature. An electrically heated aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating system including the heating assembly are also provided.