Heater Assembly Coupling Structure for Aerosol Device Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing heater assemblies in aerosol generation devices suffer from instability due to loose coupling, leading to shaking and potential contamination, which degrades performance and introduces external impurities.

Innovation Solution

A heater assembly design featuring a first cover and a second cover that securely couple to each other and the heater, minimizing movement and ensuring a stable position, with features like flanges, protrusions, and mounting holes for precise alignment and sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the heater assembly uses simple coupling between components, then the device complexity is reduced, but the stability of the heater position deteriorates due to loose coupling state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling structure complexityVSAvoidheater position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling structure is divided into multiple functional elements: a flange with first protrusions on the heater, corresponding first receiving grooves on the first cover, second protrusions on the first cover, and second receiving grooves on the second cover. This segmentation allows each element to contribute to specific aspects of stability and assembly, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and positional stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flange is integrated into the heater structure, with protrusions extending from the flange surface. The covers are nested around the heater, with receiving grooves accommodating the protrusions. This nested arrangement creates a compact, stable assembly where each component fits precisely within the overall structure, maintaining heater position stability without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If the heater assembly components are loosely coupled, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to shaking and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidsealing performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling structure applies local quality by providing protrusions and receiving grooves at specific locations on the flange and covers. These localized features create precise mating surfaces that ensure reliable sealing and prevent shaking, while the overall assembly remains straightforward to manufacture. The local geometric constraints guide the assembly process without requiring complex manufacturing procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Device complexity

If the heater assembly lacks firm coupling, then the device complexity is minimized, but the durability deteriorates due to shaking during repetitive use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling structure complexityVSAvoidheater assembly durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The flange is pre-formed with protrusions during heater manufacturing, and the covers are pre-formed with corresponding receiving grooves. This preliminary action ensures that when the components are assembled, they automatically achieve proper alignment and secure coupling. The preliminary geometric preparation eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms during assembly, maintaining durability while minimizing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 design enhances durability and sealing, preventing relative movement and contamination, maintaining a stable assembly state and precise fit, thus improving the heater's performance and reducing defects from repetitive use.

Implementation Method 1

a heater extending to correspond to at least a part of a length of a cigarette and comprising one end to be inserted into the cigarette and configured to generate heat when electricity is applied

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3632238B1Heater assembly and aerosol generation device comprising same
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 KT&G CO LTD
  • EP3632238B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3632238B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3632238B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A heater assembly includes a heater extending to correspond to at least a part of a length of a cigarette and comprising one end to be inserted into the cigarette and configured to generate heat when electricity is applied; a first cover coupled to the heater to maintain a position with respect to the heater and comprising one surface that faces toward the end of the heater and extends outward from the heater; and a second cover coupled to another end of the heater and supporting another surface of the first cover facing toward the other end of the heater.