End Heater Aerosol System with Segmented Thermal Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrically operated smoking systems have complex and costly heater elements that can cause aerosol-forming articles to become stuck, necessitating a simpler and cost-effective design for aerosol generation.

Innovation Solution

An electrically heated aerosol-generating system with a heater element positioned proximate the aerosol-forming article and an annular thermally conductive element on the tubular portion, allowing for controlled heating by supplying different amounts of electrical energy to achieve a temperature 'boost' and maintain the aerosol-forming article at a desired operating temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a complex heater element is used to heat the aerosol-forming article, then the heating effectiveness is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases and the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system is segmented into two distinct components: a heater element that contacts the aerosol-forming article and an annular thermally conductive element that contacts the tubular portion. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and manufactured separately, reducing overall complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining effective heating through the thermally conductive element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Temperature

If a complex heater element is used to heat the aerosol-forming article, then the heating effectiveness is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating effectivenessVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Temperature

If the heater element is inserted into or around the aerosol-forming article, then the heating effectiveness is improved, but the risk of the article becoming stuck increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating effectivenessVSAvoidrisk of article becoming stuck

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The annular thermally conductive element acts as an intermediary between the heater element and the aerosol-forming article. It transfers heat from the heater element to the tubular portion, which then contacts the article. This intermediary approach maintains effective heating while eliminating direct contact between the heater element and the article, preventing the article from becoming stuck.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If a single temperature level is used for heating, then the heating process is simple, but the control over heating is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating process simplicityVSAvoidcontrol over heating

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system dynamically adjusts between two temperature levels: a first temperature for rapid heating and a second, lower temperature for maintaining the desired temperature. This dynamic temperature control provides superior heating control compared to a single temperature level, allowing the system to efficiently reach and maintain optimal heating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 design reduces the risk of articles becoming stuck and simplifies manufacturing while providing improved control over the heating process, ensuring efficient aerosol formation with reduced costs and enhanced user experience.

Implementation Method 1

The heater element is positioned proximate an end of an aerosol-forming article when the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the tubular portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConduction (thermal): Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the annular thermally conductive element assists the conduction of heat from the heater element into an aerosol-forming article

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConduction (thermal): Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11930566B2Electrically heated aerosol-generating system with end heater

Publication Date: 2024.03.12 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA

AI summary

An electrically heated aerosol-generating system configured to receive an aerosol-forming article is provided, including a tubular portion configured to receive the aerosol-forming article; and a heater element including an end face, the heater element being disposed proximate an end of the tubular portion so that the end face is proximate an end of the aerosol-forming article when the aerosol-forming article is inserted into the tubular portion, the system being configured to supply a first amount of electrical energy to the heater element to heat the heater element to a first temperature, and to supply a second amount of electrical energy to the heater element to maintain the heater element at a second temperature, wherein a difference between the first and second temperatures is at least about 100° C.