Heater Power Control for Consistent Non-Nicotine Vaporization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-nicotine electronic vapor devices lack efficient control over heating power, leading to inconsistent vaporization of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulations.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling a heater in a non-nicotine e-vaping device, which involves detecting power information from a removable container, receiving user input through touch sensors, and adjusting power supply to the heater based on selected operating points to achieve optimal vaporization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If fixed power supply is used for the heater, then device structure is simple, but vaporization consistency is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevaporization consistencyVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power adjustment by transitioning from a fixed power supply to a variable power control system. The controller modifies the power supplied to the heater in real-time based on detected operating conditions, enabling consistent vaporization across different operating points while maintaining manageable system complexity through automated control logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs feedback control by detecting operating parameters (such as temperature or power consumption) and using this information to adjust the heater power dynamically. The controller receives feedback about the current operating state and modifies the power supply accordingly to maintain optimal vaporization performance across varying conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Productivity

If multiple operating points are implemented, then vaporization efficiency is improved, but power control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevaporization efficiencyVSAvoidpower control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the operating range into multiple discrete operating points, each optimized for specific vaporization efficiency requirements. The controller can select from these pre-defined operating points based on detected conditions, allowing efficient vaporization across different scenarios while managing complexity through structured power levels rather than continuous adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by varying the power level to different operating points based on detected conditions. The controller modifies electrical parameters (voltage, current, or power) to transition between predefined operating states, optimizing vaporization efficiency for different material types or usage conditions without requiring complex continuous control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 precise control of heating power, ensuring consistent and efficient vaporization of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulations, thereby enhancing user experience and device performance.

Implementation Method 1

A non-nicotine e-vapor device includes a heater configured to heat the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation material to a temperature equal to, or greater than, a dispersion temperature of the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

the dispersion temperature being an aerosolization temperature of the material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAerosolization: Aerosol

Data Source

PatentEP4103004B1Heating engine control algorithm for non-nicotine e-vapor device
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC
  • EP4103004B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4103004B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4103004B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method of controlling a heater of a device including a removable container that stores a material includes detecting, from the removable container, power information indicating a first operating point and a second operating point; and supplying power to the heater based on the detected power information by, determining a first amount of power based on the first operating point, supplying the first amount of power to the heater during a first operation mode of the heater, determining a second amount of power based on the second operating point, and supplying the second amount of power to the heater during a second operation mode of the heater, the second amount of power being higher than the first amount of power, the device being a non-nicotine e-vaping device or a heat-not-burn aerosol-generating device, the material being a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation or an aerosol-forming substrate.