Dual Induction Heating Assembly for Rapid Aerosol Generation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating devices, such as heat-not-burn products, face challenges in rapidly heating aerosol-generating materials without burning or charring them, and in providing a consistent and efficient aerosol generation experience.
Innovation Solution
The development of an aerosol-generating device with a heating assembly that includes two induction heating units, where one unit is closer to the mouth end and reaches maximum operating temperature within 20 seconds of activation, and the second unit reaches its maximum temperature at a later stage, allowing for controlled and rapid heating of aerosol-generating materials like tobacco, with temperature control to maintain optimal aerosol production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a single heating unit is used to heat aerosol-generating material rapidly, then heating speed is improved, but temperature control precision deteriorates leading to burning or charring
Solution Approach 1:
The heating assembly is divided into two separate induction heating units (first and second induction heating units) positioned at different locations within the heating assembly. The first induction heating unit is arranged to heat the aerosol-generating material rapidly, while the second induction heating unit provides additional heating support. This segmentation allows each unit to have specialized functions, with the controller managing their coordinated operation to achieve both rapid heating and precise temperature control, preventing burning or charring of the material.
2Loss of time
If heating power is increased to reach maximum temperature quickly, then readiness time is improved, but risk of burning material increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller is configured to activate the first induction heating unit before the second induction heating unit when heating is initiated. The first induction heating unit begins heating the aerosol-generating material first, establishing a controlled thermal foundation. Subsequently, the second induction heating unit is activated to provide additional heating support. This preliminary action sequence allows the system to reach maximum operating temperature quickly while maintaining precise temperature control through coordinated activation, preventing burning or charring of the material.
3Reliability
If multiple heating units are used to improve temperature control, then temperature precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second induction heating units are integrated into a single heating assembly that functions as a unified heating system. Both induction heating units operate under the control of a single controller that coordinates their activation and power delivery. The heating assembly structure combines the two heating units with supporting components (such as the aerosol-generating material holder and housing) into an integrated unit. This merging approach maintains temperature control precision through coordinated multi-unit operation while avoiding the complexity of completely separate heating systems, as the units share common control infrastructure and physical integration.
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 enables rapid and efficient aerosol generation, ensuring the device is ready for use quickly and providing a consistent aerosol quality, similar to smoking a combustible cigarette, while minimizing unwanted condensation and improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a first induction heating unit arranged to heat, but not burn, the aerosol-generating material in use; a second induction heating unit arranged to heat, but not burn, the aerosol-generating material in use
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is an aerosol-generating device for generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating device comprises a heating assembly having a mouth end and a distal end. The heating assembly comprises: a first induction heating unit arranged to heat, but not burn, the aerosol-generating material in use; a second induction heating unit arranged to heat, but not burn, the aerosol-generating material in use, the first induction heating unit being disposed closer to the mouth end of the heating assembly than the second induction heating unit; and a controller for controlling the first and second induction heating units. The heating assembly is configured such that at least one induction heating unit reaches a maximum operating temperature within 20 seconds of supplying power to the at least one induction heating unit.