Dual LC Inductive Heating for Selective Susceptor Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol-generating devices with multiple inductor coils face challenges in selectively heating different portions of an aerosol-forming substrate without indirectly heating adjacent areas, leading to inefficient temperature control and aerosol generation.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol-generating device with an inductive heating arrangement featuring two LC circuits with the same resonance frequency, each comprising an inductor coil and a capacitor, and a controller that drives them with AC currents at specific frequencies to heat distinct portions of a susceptor arrangement independently, allowing for precise temperature control and selective heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inductor coils are used to heat different portions of the susceptor, then temperature control capability is improved, but indirect heating of adjacent portions occurs leading to poor temperature control precision
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into multiple independent LC circuits, each responsible for heating a specific portion of the susceptor. The susceptor itself is segmented into multiple portions, with each portion having its own dedicated heating circuit, allowing independent temperature control without interference between adjacent regions.
Solution Approach 2:
Each LC circuit is designed with specific inductance and capacitance values tailored to its designated heating zone. The inductor coils are positioned and configured to generate magnetic fields that concentrate on specific portions of the susceptor, providing localized heating characteristics optimized for each region's requirements.
2Ease of repair
If inductive heating is used to heat the susceptor, then cleaning ease is improved, but selective heating of different portions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive heating system is segmented into multiple independent LC circuits, each capable of selectively heating specific portions of the susceptor. This segmentation allows precise control over which areas are heated while maintaining the non-contact advantage of inductive heating for easy cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically controls the operation of each LC circuit independently, allowing selective activation of specific heating zones based on the required temperature profile. The controller can adjust the operating parameters of each circuit to achieve precise temperature control across different portions of the susceptor.
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 precise temperature control of different portions of the aerosol-forming substrate, improving the efficiency and consistency of aerosol generation by minimizing indirect heating and optimizing the delivery of aerosol characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a first LC circuit, the first LC circuit at least comprising a first inductor coil and a first capacitor, wherein the first LC circuit has a resonance frequency... the controller is configured to drive the first LC circuit with a first AC current for generating a first alternating magnetic field for heating a first portion of the susceptor arrangement
Implementation Method 2
the controller is configured to supply the first AC current with a frequency corresponding to the resonance frequency of the LC circuits
Implementation Method 3
a second LC circuit, the second LC circuit at least comprising a second inductor coil and a second capacitor, wherein the second LC circuit has the same resonance frequency as the first LC circuit... the controller is configured to drive the second LC circuit with a second AC current for generating a second alternating magnetic field for heating a second portion of the susceptor arrangement
Implementation Method 4
the inductive heating arrangement comprising: a susceptor arrangement that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field
Data Source
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AI summary
An aerosol-generating device comprising: an inductive heating arrangement configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, the inductive heating arrangement comprising: a susceptor arrangement that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol-forming substrate, a first LC circuit, the first LC circuit at least comprising a first inductor coil and a first capacitor, wherein the first LC circuit has a resonance frequency, and a second LC circuit, the second LC circuit at least comprising a second inductor coil and a second capacitor, wherein the second LC circuit has the same resonance frequency as the first LC circuit, and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to drive the first LC circuit with a first AC current for generating a first alternating magnetic field for heating a first portion of the susceptor arrangement, wherein the controller is configured to drive the second LC circuit with a second AC current for generating a second alternating magnetic field for heating a second portion of the susceptor arrangement, and wherein the controller is configured to supply the first AC current with a frequency corresponding to the resonance frequency of the LC circuits and to supply the second AC current with a frequency different from the resonance frequency. An aerosol-generating system comprising the aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol-forming substrate.