Heating Element Retainer Geometry for Uniform Aerosol Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing smoking alternatives that heat instead of burn tobacco or other aerosolisable materials face challenges in securely retaining the heating elements within the apparatus, leading to potential dislodgement and inefficient heat transfer.

Innovation Solution

A heating element with a body and at least one retainer, featuring protrusions or retainers that restrain movement relative to the apparatus, utilizing magnetic heating for efficient heat generation and retention, and a chamber design for aerosolisable material insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the heating element is designed without retainers, then the structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the heating element cannot be securely retained in the apparatus and may become dislodged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention securityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element is divided into functional segments: a body portion for heating and retainer portions for securing. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity. The retainers are integrated as extensions of the body rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer portions are merged with the body to form a single integrated heating element structure. This combining approach secures the heating element in the apparatus without requiring separate retention mechanisms, thus improving reliability while avoiding additional complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the heating element uses physical connections to the apparatus, then retention is more secure, but heat transfer efficiency is reduced due to thermal contact resistance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention securityVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer portions act as intermediary elements that provide mechanical retention without being the primary heat transfer path. The heating element body maintains thermal contact with the apparatus while the retainers provide securing force, separating the retention and heat transfer functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The design replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems (screws, clips, adhesives) with an integrated retainer geometry that uses elastic deformation and friction to secure the heating element. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical connections that would interfere with heat transfer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If the heating element is made as a single piece, then manufacturing is simpler and assembly is easier, but adjustability and adaptability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer portions are designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing them to elastically deform during insertion and then maintain a securing force. This dynamic behavior enables a single-piece structure to achieve both simplicity and adaptability, as the retainers can accommodate variations in apparatus dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The geometry of the retainer portions (length, thickness, curvature) can be varied to change the retention characteristics without requiring multiple different heating element designs. This parameter adjustment allows a single manufacturing process to produce adaptable components for different applications.

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

Enhances secure retention and improved heat transfer to aerosolisable materials, ensuring consistent volatilization of components without physical connections, allowing for rapid temperature rise and uniform heat distribution.

Implementation Method 1

the heating element comprises heating material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20250331568A1Heating element

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 NICOVENTURES TRADING LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is a heating element (1) for use with apparatus for heating aerosolisable material to volatilise at least one component of the aerosolisable material. The heating element (1) comprises a body (2) and at least one retainer (3). The body (2) is for forming a chamber for receiving the aerosolisable material. The at least one retainer (3) is for restraining movement of the heating element (1) relative to the apparatus when the heating element (1) is installed in the apparatus.