Thermally Conductive Shroud for Even Heating in Heat Not Burn Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smoking substitute systems, particularly heat not burn (HNB) systems, face challenges in enhancing user experience and improving the consistency and yield of vapour delivery.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a heat not burn (HNB) device featuring a thermally conductive shroud that is thermally connected to a heating element, allowing for external and internal heating of the HNB consumable, thereby ensuring even heating and increased vapour yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a single internal heating element is used to heat the HNB consumable, then the device structure remains simple, but the heating uniformity and vapour delivery consistency are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines internal and external heating functions into a single integrated heating element structure. The heating element has an elongate shape that penetrates the consumable while being surrounded by a thermally conductive shroud, merging the functions of internal heating (via the heating element) and external heating (via the shroud) into one unified component, thereby improving heating uniformity without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The heating solution transitions from a single-point internal heating approach to a multi-dimensional heating approach by adding the external thermally conductive shroud dimension. This creates a three-dimensional heating field that surrounds the consumable, improving thermal distribution uniformity through spatial expansion of the heating zone
2Productivity
If additional external heaters are added to improve vapour yield, then the vapour delivery consistency improves, but the device complexity and structure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple heating sources (internal heating element and external heater) into a single integrated heating element with an elongate shape and surrounding thermally conductive shroud. This unified structure delivers enhanced vapour yield through combined internal-external heating while avoiding the structural complexity of separate heater assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated heating element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides internal heating through the heating element portion, external heating through the thermally conductive shroud portion, and acts as a structural support component. This multi-functionality achieves enhanced vapour yield without requiring separate dedicated components for each function
3Use of energy by moving object
If the heating element penetrates deep into the consumable to improve heating efficiency, then the heating efficiency improves, but the risk of overheating and combustion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element features non-uniform thermal distribution characteristics with different thermal zones along its length. The portion within the consumable provides intense localized heating for efficient vapourisation, while the portion extending beyond the consumable into the shroud acts as a heat sink and thermal buffer, preventing overheating and combustion through localized thermal management
Solution Approach 2:
The thermally conductive shroud acts as an intermediary thermal management component between the heating element and the external environment. It receives excess heat from the heating element portion that extends beyond the consumable, dissipating it safely and preventing heat transfer that would cause combustion of the consumable or device components
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 provides consistent vapour delivery and enhances user experience by ensuring even heating across the HNB consumable, reducing condensation, and increasing vapour yield without the need for additional external heaters.
Implementation Method 1
heat may be imparted to the tobacco material by a heating element of the device
Implementation Method 2
The shroud is thermally connected to the heating element in use, heat may be transferred from the heating element to the shroud so as to heat an outer surface of the HNB consumable
Implementation Method 3
the vapour cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A heat not burn device comprising a thermally conductive shroud at least partially defining a cavity for receipt of a heat not burn consumable.The device includes a heater projecting into the cavity. Further, the device includes a thermally conductive path that connects the heater to the thermally conductive shroud.