Dielectric Aerosol Heating Electrode Spacing Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically operated aerosol-generating systems, such as shisha devices, often result in non-uniform heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, leading to hot spots and increased combustion risk, while also being inefficient in power usage.
Innovation Solution
A dielectrically heated aerosol-generating system utilizing a first and second electrode to form a capacitor with the aerosol-forming substrate, where an alternating voltage is supplied to achieve uniform heating, reducing combustion risk and enhancing power efficiency by optimizing the separation distance and electrode configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional heating methods (conduction, radiation, or Joule heating) are used to heat the aerosol-forming substrate, then heating can be achieved, but non-uniform heating occurs with hot spots and increased combustion risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/thermal heating systems (heating elements transferring heat via conduction or radiation) with a dielectric heating system that uses an alternating electric field to directly heat the aerosol-forming substrate. The controller supplies an alternating voltage between first and second electrodes, creating an electric field that causes dielectric heating throughout the substrate volume, eliminating hot spots and reducing combustion risk while improving heating uniformity.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional heating elements are used, then heating is achieved, but power efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces inefficient conventional heating elements with dielectric heating technology that directly energizes the aerosol-forming substrate molecules through an alternating electric field. This substitution eliminates energy losses associated with heating element inefficiency and improves overall power efficiency, allowing for longer usage sessions.
3Use of energy by moving object
If electrodes are placed close together to improve heating efficiency, then power efficiency improves, but combustion risk increases due to higher temperature concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the separation distance between the first and second electrodes to a specific range (2-9mm) to achieve uniform electric field distribution throughout the aerosol-forming substrate. This parameter optimization ensures efficient energy transfer and heating while preventing temperature concentrations that could cause combustion, thereby simultaneously improving power efficiency and reducing combustion risk.
4Speed
If non-uniform heating occurs, then heating speed may be increased locally, but overall system reliability and user experience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The replacement of conventional heating with dielectric heating using alternating voltage between optimized electrodes achieves both rapid and uniform heating throughout the aerosol-forming substrate. This substitution improves system reliability and user experience by eliminating the non-uniform heating and hot spots characteristic of conventional systems, while maintaining fast heating performance.
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 system provides uniform heating, reduces combustion risk, and improves power efficiency, allowing for longer usage sessions and lower costs, while maintaining optimal aerosol production.
Implementation Method 1
the controller is configured to supply an alternating voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode for dielectrically heating the aerosol-forming substrate. Such an aerosol-generating system is configured to give rise to dielectric heating of the aerosol-forming substrate due to the alternating electromagnetic field between the first electrode and the second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A dielectrically heatable aerosol-generating system is provided, including: an aerosol-forming substrate; a first electrode and a second electrode; and an aerosol-generating device including a controller configured to connect to the first electrode and the second electrode, in which the first electrode and the second electrode form a capacitor with a portion of the aerosol-forming substrate, in which the controller is further configured to supply an alternating voltage to the first electrode and the second electrode for dielectrically heating the aerosol-forming substrate, and in which the first electrode and the second electrode are configured to be spaced apart by a separation distance of between about 4 millimeters and about 9 millimeters. An aerosol-generating article for a dielectrically heated aerosol-generating system is also provided.