E-Cigarette Heating Element Temperature Sensing With Thermal Coupling

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current e-cigarette designs face challenges in accurately and efficiently detecting the temperature of heating elements, which can lead to inefficient vaporization and potential overheating, affecting the quality and safety of the aerosol produced.

Innovation Solution

A direct mechanical and thermal coupling of the temperature sensor with the heating element, using a thermocouple for precise temperature regulation, eliminates the need for an insulating layer, reducing thermal inertia and enabling quick and precise temperature control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a temperature sensor is arranged on a base next to a heating structure with an insulating layer, then electrical insulation is provided, but thermal coupling is reduced and thermal inertia increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical insulationVSAvoidtemperature response speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a thermally conductive but electrically insulating material as an intermediary between the temperature sensor and heating element. This mediator enables both thermal coupling for fast temperature sensing and electrical insulation for safety, resolving the contradiction between electrical insulation reliability and temperature response speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If a temperature sensor is placed in direct contact with a heating element, then thermal coupling is maximized for fast response, but electrical insulation is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature response speedVSAvoidelectrical insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces a dual-function intermediate layer that provides both thermal conductivity for fast temperature sensing and electrical insulation for safety. This mediator allows the temperature sensor to be in direct contact with the heating element thermally while maintaining electrical insulation, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If an insulating layer is used between the temperature sensor and heating element, then electrical safety is ensured, but thermal inertia increases and temperature control precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical safetyVSAvoidtemperature measurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a thermally conductive insulating material as an intermediary that maintains electrical safety while minimizing thermal resistance. This mediator enables accurate temperature measurement by allowing efficient heat transfer from the heating element to the sensor, thus resolving the contradiction between electrical safety and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If a thermocouple is used with direct thermal coupling, then temperature regulation precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature regulation precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses a thermally conductive insulating material as a simple intermediary that enables precise temperature regulation through direct thermal coupling while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. The mediator can be applied as a thin layer or coating, avoiding complex assembly processes and making the manufacturing process straightforward, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 cost-effective, rapid, and precise temperature regulation of the heating element, enhancing the efficiency and safety of the e-cigarette by ensuring optimal vaporization conditions and preventing overheating.

Implementation Method 1

A direct mechanical and thermal coupling of the temperature sensor with the heating element, using a thermocouple for precise temperature regulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermocouple: Thermocouple

Implementation Method 2

a thermal coupling between the heating element and the temperature sensor, in particular by a direct mechanical connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a heating element for consuming electrical power and for delivering thermal power to a liquid to be evaporated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4084639B1Measuring the temperature of a heating element of an electronic cigarette
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 SMOKERSTORE GMBH
  • EP4084639B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4084639B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4084639B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

An evaporator (80) for evaporating a liquid comprises a heating element (82) for absorbing electrical power and outputting thermal power to a liquid to be evaporated, and a temperature sensor (86) for measuring the temperature of the heating element (82). The temperature sensor (86) and the heating element (82) are directly mechanically connected and thermally coupled.