Dual Induction Heating Units for Aerosol Generating Device Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generating devices for tobacco heating products lack efficient temperature control, leading to slow heating times and suboptimal user experience, with existing devices often taking too long to reach operational temperatures and resulting in unsatisfactory puff quality.
Innovation Solution
The aerosol generating device employs a dual heating unit system with a controller that sets specific target temperatures at different time intervals, utilizing induction heating units to rapidly heat the aerosol generating material, with the first heating unit reaching maximum temperature within seconds and the second unit following at a controlled rate, ensuring efficient and consistent aerosol production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a single heating unit is used, then the device structure is simple, but the heating time is long and temperature control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into two separate heating units (first heating unit and second heating unit), each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows parallel heating processes, significantly reducing the time to reach operational temperature while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design.
2Productivity
If high temperature is maintained throughout the session, then aerosol generation is consistent, but energy consumption increases and condensate forms
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system dynamically adjusts temperatures throughout the session. The first heating unit operates at high temperature (T1>T2>T3>T4) during different time periods to ensure consistent aerosol generation, while the second heating unit operates at lower temperatures (T7>T6>T5) to reduce overall energy consumption and minimize condensate formation. This dynamic temperature management optimizes both productivity and energy efficiency.
3Loss of time
If heating power is increased to reduce heating time, then operational temperature is reached faster, but temperature control precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller monitors the temperatures of both heating units and adjusts their operation accordingly. The controller is arranged to set specific target temperatures (T1-T7) at different time periods, creating a feedback control system that maintains precise temperature control even during rapid heating phases. This ensures fast heating without sacrificing temperature precision.
4Speed
If dual heating units operate simultaneously at high power, then heating speed increases, but condensate formation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes operating parameters over time through structured temperature profiles. The first heating unit follows a high-temperature profile (T1>T2>T3>T4) while the second heating unit follows a lower temperature profile (T7>T6>T5). This parameter differentiation allows rapid heating while controlling the conditions that lead to condensate formation, particularly by limiting the second heating unit's maximum temperature.
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 solution significantly reduces the time to reach operational temperatures, enhancing user experience by providing a quicker and more consistent aerosol delivery, similar to traditional smoking, while minimizing condensate formation and extending the device's usage session.
Implementation Method 1
In an embodiment, the first heating unit comprises an induction heating unit
Implementation Method 2
heats smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material, typically to form an aerosol which can be inhaled
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol generating device for generating aerosol from an aerosol generating material is disclosed. The aerosol generating device includes a first heating unit and a second heating unit both arranged to heat, but not burn, an aerosol generating material in use. A controller is arranged to control the first and second heating units wherein during the course of a session the controller is arranged to set the first heating unit: (i) a target operating temperature T1 during a time period t1-t2; (ii) a target operating temperature T2 during a time period t2-t3; (iii) a target operating temperature T3 during a time period t3-t6; and (iv) a target operating temperature T4 during a time period t6-t7; wherein temperature T1>T2>T3>T4 and time t0<t1<t2<t3<t4<t5<t6<t7.