Quasi-Resonant Flyback Converter for Induction Aerosol Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol delivery devices, such as electronic cigarettes and heat-not-burn cigarettes, face challenges in providing consistent performance and reducing battery size requirements while maintaining the sensations associated with traditional smoking.
Innovation Solution
The use of a quasi-resonant flyback converter with an induction transmitter and receiver, which generates an oscillating magnetic field to induce eddy currents and heat the aerosol precursor composition wirelessly, thereby vaporizing it to form an aerosol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If electrical energy is used to vaporize or heat a volatile material in existing aerosol delivery devices, then the sensations associated with traditional smoking can be provided, but the battery size requirements increase and performance consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electrical resistance heating system with an induction heating system. The induction transmitter generates an oscillating magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the induction receiver (heating element), which then heats the aerosol precursor composition. This substitution of heating mechanism improves energy efficiency and reduces battery size requirements while maintaining consistent temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction heating system operates by generating oscillating magnetic fields at specific frequencies, creating periodic heating action. The flyback converter switches at controlled frequencies to generate the oscillating magnetic field required for induction heating, enabling efficient energy transfer and consistent thermal performance with reduced energy consumption.
2Temperature
If electrical energy is used to vaporize or heat a volatile material in existing aerosol delivery devices, then the sensations associated with traditional smoking can be provided, but performance consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a feedback control system that monitors the heating process and adjusts the induction heating parameters accordingly. The microcontroller receives feedback from temperature sensors and adjusts the duty cycle and frequency of the flyback converter to maintain optimal heating temperature, ensuring consistent vaporization performance across multiple puffs and reducing variability.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction heating system enables precise control of heating parameters including frequency, power level, and duration. The flyback converter can operate at different switching frequencies and power levels, allowing the system to optimize heating parameters for different aerosol precursor compositions and usage conditions, thereby improving performance consistency.
3Temperature
If conventional electrical heating is used in aerosol delivery devices, then heating function can be achieved, but energy efficiency decreases and battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electrical resistance heating with induction heating, which transfers energy more efficiently. The oscillating magnetic field directly induces currents in the heating element, reducing energy losses associated with electrical connections, contact resistance, and heat dissipation to surrounding components. This results in lower overall energy consumption and extended battery life.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction heating system maintains continuous and stable heating during each puff cycle, ensuring consistent vaporization without interruptions or fluctuations. The flyback converter provides continuous energy transfer to the induction receiver, eliminating the start-stop heating issues common in conventional systems and reducing total energy consumption through optimized heating cycles.
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 allows for efficient and consistent aerosol production with reduced battery size requirements, providing a smoking-like experience without substantial combustion.
Implementation Method 1
a quasi-resonant flyback converter configured to cause components of the aerosol precursor composition to vaporize to produce an aerosol, the quasi-resonant flyback converter comprising a transformer including an induction transmitter and an induction receiver... the induction transmitter to generate an oscillating magnetic field and induce an alternating voltage in the induction receiver when exposed to the oscillating magnetic field, the alternating voltage causing the induction receiver to generate heat
Implementation Method 2
generates an oscillating magnetic field to induce eddy currents and heat the aerosol precursor composition wirelessly
Implementation Method 3
The eddy currents flowing through the resistance of the material defining the induction receiver may heat it by Joule heating
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol delivery device is provided that includes an aerosol precursor composition and a quasi-resonant flyback converter configured to cause components of the aerosol precursor composition to vaporize to produce an aerosol. The quasi-resonant flyback converter includes a transformer including an induction transmitter and an induction receiver, a capacitor that with the induction transmitter forms a tank circuit. The quasi-resonant flyback converter also includes a transistor that is switchable in cycles to cause the induction transmitter to generate an oscillating magnetic field and induce an alternating voltage in the induction receiver when exposed to the oscillating magnetic field, the alternating voltage causing the induction receiver to generate heat and thereby vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition.