Dual Inductor Coil Heating for Selective Susceptor Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating devices with inductive heating arrangements face challenges in selectively heating different portions of an aerosol-forming article without indirectly heating adjacent portions.
Innovation Solution
The aerosol-generating device employs a dual inductor coil system with a controller that drives each coil with alternating pulse width modulated signals, utilizing complementary duty cycles to selectively heat distinct portions of the susceptor arrangement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single inductor coil is used to heat the susceptor arrangement, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot selectively heat different portions of the aerosol-forming substrate to different temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The inductor coil is divided into multiple independent segments (first inductor coil and second inductor coil), each capable of being controlled separately to heat different portions of the susceptor arrangement. This segmentation enables selective heating of different regions to different temperatures while maintaining independent control over each segment.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple inductor coils are used to heat different portions of the susceptor arrangement, then selective heating capability is improved, but adjacent portions are indirectly heated through thermal conduction
Solution Approach 1:
The controller alternates between driving the first inductor coil and the second inductor coil in periodic cycles, with each coil receiving pulsed power during its designated time slot. This periodic action allows the susceptor arrangement to retain heat during transitions, maintaining temperature precision while preventing cross-heating through thermal isolation during the switching periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different inductor coils based on real-time heating requirements, adjusting which coil is active at any given moment. This dynamic control enables precise temperature management of different susceptor portions while minimizing unwanted thermal conduction to adjacent regions.
3Temperature
If continuous heating is applied to the susceptor arrangement, then the aerosol-forming substrate reaches required temperature, but energy consumption increases and temperature control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller applies periodic pulsed power to the inductor coils rather than continuous power, switching between the first and second coils in alternating cycles. This periodic action maintains the required substrate temperature while reducing overall energy consumption by allowing thermal retention during off-periods and preventing overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
While individual coils are switched on and off periodically, the heating action remains continuous in effect because the susceptor arrangement retains heat during transitions and the alternating coils ensure that heating is always occurring somewhere in the system, maintaining temperature without energy waste.
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
This approach allows for precise temperature control of different portions of the aerosol-forming substrate, minimizing cross-heating and enhancing the efficiency of aerosol generation.
Implementation Method 1
The inductor generates a varying magnetic field to generate eddy currents and hysteresis losses in the susceptor, causing the susceptor to heat up
Implementation Method 2
The inductor generates a varying magnetic field to generate eddy currents and hysteresis losses in the susceptor, causing the susceptor to heat up
Implementation Method 3
The inductor generates a varying magnetic field to generate eddy currents and hysteresis losses in the susceptor, causing the susceptor to heat up
Implementation Method 4
an inductive heater is used rather than a resistive heating element. The inductive heater typically comprises an inductor coil forming part of the aerosol-generating device and a susceptor arranged such that it is in thermal proximity to the aerosol-forming substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol-generating device is provided, including: an inductive heating arrangement configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, the inductive heating arrangement including: a susceptor arrangement that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol-forming substrate, at least a first inductor coil, and at least a second inductor coil; and a controller configured to drive the first inductor coil with a first alternating pulse width modulated signal for generating a first alternating magnetic field for heating a first portion of the susceptor arrangement, drive the second inductor coil with a second alternating pulse width modulated signal for generating a second alternating magnetic field for heating a second portion of the susceptor arrangement, and supply the first alternating pulse width modulated signal and the second alternating pulse width modulated signal with complementary duty cycles. An aerosol-generating system and a method of controlling the aerosol-generating device are also provided.