Heat-Not-Burn Heater Control With Pause Heating to Prevent Charring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smoking substitute systems, particularly heat-not-burn devices, face challenges in enhancing user experience and preventing the charring, singeing, or thermal shock of tobacco during heating, which can lead to a burnt or near-burnt state.
Innovation Solution
A heat-not-burn device with a controller that manages heating in phased or delayed manner, incorporating pause periods and varying power levels to gradually reach the desired temperature, avoiding burnt states and ensuring a pleasant user experience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the tobacco material is heated rapidly to the desired temperature, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the tobacco material may undergo charring, singeing, or thermal shock leading to a burnt state
Solution Approach 1:
The heating process is divided into periodic phases including initial heating phase, pause periods, and final heating phase. The controller intermittently applies heating power during the initial heating phase, creating periodic heating cycles that allow the tobacco material to gradually acclimate to temperature changes without thermal shock
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary heating actions at reduced power levels during the initial heating phase before transitioning to full power. This preliminary action prepares the tobacco material for subsequent higher temperature exposure, preventing sudden thermal stress and burning
2Loss of time
If the heating power is continuously applied at high levels, then the time to reach desired temperature is reduced, but the tobacco material reaches a burnt or near-burnt state
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous heating process is segmented into distinct phases: initial heating phase with intermittent power application, pause periods with no or reduced heating, and final heating phase. This segmentation allows the system to manage heating time effectively while preventing burning through strategic interruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements periodic heating cycles with pause periods interspersed throughout the heating process. These periodic interruptions prevent continuous high-temperature exposure that would lead to burning, while still achieving the desired temperature in a reasonable time through cumulative heating
3Productivity
If the heater is heated to the desired temperature without pause periods, then the operational efficiency is improved, but the tobacco material experiences thermal shock and burning
Solution Approach 1:
The heating process incorporates periodic pause periods during the initial heating phase where heating is temporarily suspended or reduced. This periodic action allows the tobacco material to equilibrate temperature gradually, preventing thermal shock while maintaining overall heating efficiency through structured heating cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies preliminary heating at reduced intensity during the initial heating phase before transitioning to full power operation. This preliminary action prepares the tobacco material for subsequent high-temperature operation, preventing thermal shock without significantly extending the total heating time
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
The phased heating approach prevents tobacco from reaching a burnt or near-burnt state, enhancing user satisfaction and improving the overall performance of the smoking substitute system.
Implementation Method 1
heat may be imparted to the tobacco material by a heating element of the device
Implementation Method 2
the vapour cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
A smoking substitute system comprising a heat not burn device (101) for controlling delayed heating operation. In particular, a heat not burn device is provided, comprising a heater (104) and a power supply (105), wherein the device is configured to control power supplied to the heater from the power supply during an initial heating phase to raise the temperature of the heater to an operating temperature, wherein the initial heating phase includes a pause period, during which power is supplied to the heater to maintain the temperature of the heater at a pause temperature, wherein the pause temperature is between the ambient temperature and the operating temperature.