Aerosol Generator With Dual-Susceptor Thermal Proxy Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generating devices face challenges in accurately measuring and controlling the temperature of susceptors, leading to inconsistent aerosol flavor due to indirect temperature estimation methods and limited control over susceptor temperature.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol generating device that determines the temperature of a first susceptor based on the temperature profile of a second susceptor, using a temperature sensor to measure the temperature profile of the second susceptor, which corresponds to that of the first susceptor, and a controller to adjust the temperature accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature of the first susceptor is measured indirectly by measuring current, voltage, or other parameters flowing through the coil, then the susceptor temperature can be estimated, but the measurement accuracy is low due to various factors caused by the state of the susceptor and surrounding components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second susceptor that is identical to the first susceptor and placed in a similar position relative to the coil. By measuring the temperature of the second susceptor (which has the same temperature profile as the first), the system obtains an accurate temperature measurement without directly measuring the first susceptor, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement accessibility and accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The second susceptor acts as an intermediary element that replicates the thermal conditions of the first susceptor. The temperature sensor measures the temperature of the second susceptor, which serves as a proxy for the first susceptor's temperature, enabling accurate measurement while avoiding the difficulties of directly measuring the first susceptor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the temperature of the susceptor is raised to a specific temperature by the Curie temperature, then the susceptor generates heat through magnetic field application, but it is not possible to set a temperature other than the specific temperature as a target temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback control system where the temperature sensor continuously monitors the temperature of the second susceptor, and the controller adjusts the coil current accordingly to maintain the desired temperature profile of the first susceptor. This enables precise control over the temperature range, allowing any temperature within a certain range to be set as the target temperature, not just the Curie temperature.
3Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is disposed close to the first susceptor to measure its temperature directly, then temperature measurement accuracy would improve, but the complex structure and potential interference with the magnetic field would increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the temperature sensor near the first susceptor (which would complicate the structure and interfere with the magnetic field), the patent uses a second susceptor as a copy of the first susceptor positioned where the temperature sensor can easily access it. The second susceptor replicates the thermal state of the first, allowing accurate temperature measurement without compromising structural simplicity or magnetic field integrity.
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
Enhances temperature control accuracy, ensuring consistent and rich aerosol flavor by precisely regulating heat transfer from the susceptor to the cigarette.
Implementation Method 1
a coil that generates an alternating magnetic field for the first susceptor and the second susceptor to generate heat
Implementation Method 2
by supplying current to a coil included in an aerosol generating device and applying a magnetic field from outside to a susceptor, the susceptor is heated to generate an aerosol
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol generating device includes an accommodator for accommodating a cigarette through an opening formed at an end of the accommodator, a first susceptor located in the accommodator, a second susceptor disposed a predetermined distance away from the first susceptor, a coil that generates an alternating magnetic field for the first and second susceptors to generate heat, and a temperature sensor arranged proximate to the second susceptor to measure a temperature profile of the second susceptor. The temperature profile of the second susceptor corresponds to a temperature profile of the first susceptor, and a temperature of the first susceptor is determined based on the temperature profile of the second susceptor.