Heat Transfer Assembly with Phase Change Modulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional heat not burn devices require sophisticated control electronics and large batteries, leading to inefficiencies, bulkiness, and inconvenient disposal, as well as reliance on electrical recharging, which complicates their use and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A heat transfer assembly comprising a heat absorber, a heat modulator with phase change materials, and a heat diffuser, which utilizes a flame source, such as a cigarette lighter, to absorb and modulate thermal energy for heating an aerosol generating substrate without burning, eliminating the need for electronic components and batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional heat not burn devices use electrical heating elements with control electronics and batteries, then they can provide controlled heating to vaporize active components, but they become bulky, heavy, require recharging, and are difficult to dispose of
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes all electronic components (batteries, control electronics, heating elements) from the heat not burn device, replacing them with a passive mechanical ignition system using a flame source. This extraction eliminates the complexities associated with electrical systems while maintaining the core function of heating the aerosol-generating substrate without combustion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a flame source as an intermediary between the user and the aerosol-generating substrate. Instead of direct electrical heating, the flame serves as a temporary mediator that transfers thermal energy to a heat-absorbing material, which then sustains the heating process without requiring continuous electronic control
2Power
If heat not burn devices use large rechargeable batteries, then they can provide sufficient power for heating, but they increase device weight and volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely removes batteries from the device, eliminating the weight and volume associated with power storage. The system transitions from a self-contained electrical power source to an on-demand ignition approach using a flame source, which provides sufficient thermal energy without the mass of battery components
3Temperature
If heat not burn devices use electrical heating systems, then they can control heating temperature, but they require sophisticated control electronics that increase device complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a self-regulating thermal system where the flame source naturally provides controlled heating through passive heat transfer to the aerosol-generating substrate. The system uses the inherent properties of the flame and heat-absorbing materials to maintain appropriate temperatures without requiring active electronic control, sensors, or feedback mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The flame source acts as an intermediary that naturally regulates heat transfer to the substrate. The controlled combustion process and thermal conduction through the heat-absorbing material provide inherent temperature control without electronic intervention, simplifying the overall system architecture
4Productivity
If heat not burn devices use electronic components, then they can provide precise heating control, but they complicate disposal and increase manufacturing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes all electronic components from the device, eliminating the need for complex manufacturing processes associated with electronics assembly, quality control, and integration. The simplified mechanical and thermal system can be manufactured using conventional techniques, reducing production complexity and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adopts a disposable approach where the entire device or key components can be easily discarded after use, eliminating the need for expensive electronic components that require specialized disposal. This approach simplifies manufacturing and reduces costs while maintaining effective heating performance during the product's service life
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 provides a lightweight, cost-effective, and user-friendly device that can heat aerosol generating substrates efficiently without burning, offering a longer lifetime and simplified disposal, while allowing for multiple heating cycles using a flame source.
Implementation Method 1
The heat modulator comprises at least one phase change material. The heat modulator is configured to absorb the thermal energy emitted from the heat source, and to provide thermal energy to the heat diffuser in a second temperature range different to the first temperature range
Data Source
AI summary
A heat transfer assembly for heating an aerosol generating medium, such as a cigarette, without burning. The heat transfer assembly comprises a heat absorber, a heat modulator, and a heat diffuser. The heat absorber is configured to absorb thermal energy from a proximate heat source in a first temperature range. The heat absorber is thermally coupled to the heat modulator, and the heat modulator is thermally coupled to the heat diffuser. The heat modulator is configured to absorb the thermal energy emitted from the heat source, and to provide thermal energy to the heat diffuser in a second temperature range different to the first temperature range, wherein the lowest temperature of the first temperature range is greater than the highest temperature of the second temperature range. The heat modulator comprises at least one phase change material.