Aerosol Heater Temperature Control for Consistent Final Puffs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aerosol generating devices often produce inconsistent amounts of aerosol during smoking, leading to unsatisfactory user experience due to varying puff cycles and atomization, especially towards the end of the smoking session.

Innovation Solution

The device controls power supply to the heater based on the remaining puff number of the aerosol generating article, adjusting the temperature profile to maintain consistent aerosol production by stopping power supply when the remaining puff number is below a preset threshold and restarting it to reach a target temperature after a preset time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If power supply to the heater is controlled according to a temperature profile over time, then the heater reaches target temperature, but the amount of aerosol generated becomes inconsistent during smoking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheater temperatureVSAvoidaerosol amount
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static temperature profile to a dynamic power control system that adjusts heater power supply in real-time based on remaining puff number. The processor dynamically modifies power supply levels at different smoking stages (initial, middle, final) to compensate for temperature variations and maintain consistent aerosol generation throughout the smoking session.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the power supply parameter based on the remaining puff number. The system changes power supply levels from high (initial stage) to medium (middle stage) to low (final stage) according to the remaining puff number, thereby adjusting heater temperature and aerosol generation to maintain consistency throughout the smoking experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If power supply is stopped for a preset time when remaining puff number is low, then energy is saved, but the heater temperature may drop below target

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidheater temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-programming the power supply strategy based on remaining puff number. The processor determines in advance when to stop power supply and for how long, ensuring that the heater temperature remains within the acceptable range while saving energy. This preliminary planning avoids temperature drops below target by accounting for heat retention characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the remaining puff number and adjusting power supply accordingly. The system uses feedback from the puff sensor to real-time control heater power supply, stopping power supply when remaining puff number is low but resuming it when temperature approaches the lower threshold, thereby maintaining temperature within acceptable ranges while saving energy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Quantity of substance

If power supply is continuously maintained to ensure target temperature, then consistent aerosol generation is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerosol consistencyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic action by implementing intermittent power supply based on remaining puff number thresholds. Instead of continuous power supply, the system periodically adjusts power levels - providing high power when remaining puff number is high, reducing power when remaining puff number is medium, and using minimal power when remaining puff number is low. This periodic adjustment maintains aerosol consistency while significantly reducing overall energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic 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

This approach ensures consistent aerosol generation throughout the smoking session, enhancing user satisfaction by maintaining optimal atomization levels and adapting to individual puffing habits.

Implementation Method 1

a heater configured to heat at least a part of an aerosol generating article

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a puff sensor configured to detect a user's puff

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Data Source

PatentEP4670540A1Aerosol-generating device and operation method therefor
Publication Date: 2025.12.31 KT&G CO LTD
  • EP4670540A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4670540A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4670540A1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

An aerosol generating device includes a heater configured to heat at least part of an aerosol generating article, a puff sensor configured to detect a user's puff, and a processor electrically connected to the heater and the puff sensor, wherein the processor is configured to detect a remaining puff number of the aerosol generating article by using the puff sensor, compare a detected remaining puff number with the preset puff number, stop power supply to the heater for a preset time when the detected remaining puff number is less than the preset puff number, and supply power to the heater after the preset time elapses, such that a temperature of the heater reaches a target temperature corresponding to the remaining puff number. In addition, various embodiments may be implemented through the specification.