Inductive Heating Control Using Impedance-Based Susceptor Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inductive heating apparatuses for aerosol forming bodies lack efficient control mechanisms to detect and respond to the presence of a susceptor, leading to inconsistent heating and potential waste of energy and resources.
Innovation Solution
An inductive heating apparatus with a control unit that detects the susceptor based on impedance measurements and adjusts the heating process accordingly, including modes for pre-heating, heating, and cooling, and error handling for susceptor detection, using a power supply, alternating current generation circuit, and inductive heating circuit to optimize energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If inductive heating is applied without susceptor detection, then heating can start immediately, but energy is wasted and heating consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs susceptor detection before initiating the heating process. The control unit measures impedance to determine if a susceptor is present in the heating area before activating the coil, preventing energy waste while maintaining quick start capability through automated detection
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors impedance changes in the coil circuit to detect the presence of the susceptor. This feedback mechanism allows the system to adjust heating activation based on real-time detection, eliminating energy waste while maintaining efficient heating start
2Measurement precision
If impedance measurement circuit is added for susceptor detection, then heating control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The impedance measurement circuit serves multiple functions: it detects susceptor presence, determines heating activation, and monitors heating progress. By making the impedance measurement circuit multi-functional, the patent achieves precise susceptor detection without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The coil circuit's own impedance characteristics are utilized for susceptor detection. The system leverages the natural electrical properties of the heating circuit itself rather than requiring completely separate detection hardware, thereby improving measurement precision while minimizing additional complexity
3Stability of the object's composition
If continuous heating is applied, then heating consistency is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating process is divided into discrete phases: detection phase, heating phase, and cooling phase. The control unit activates heating only during the heating phase when the susceptor is detected, creating periodic rather than continuous heating operation. This maintains heating consistency through controlled cycles while significantly reducing overall energy consumption
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
The apparatus ensures efficient and controlled heating of aerosol forming bodies by accurately detecting the susceptor, optimizing energy use, and minimizing waste through adaptive heating profiles and error handling, thereby improving the overall performance and longevity of the heating process.
Implementation Method 1
a coil for heating the susceptor through inductive heating
Implementation Method 2
an alternating current generation circuit that generates alternating current from power supplied from the power supply
Data Source
AI summary
A control unit for an inductive heating apparatus configured to inductively heat a susceptor of an aerosol forming body includes the susceptor and an aerosol source, the control unit is configured to in a case where the susceptor ceases to be detected while the inductive heating is being executed, stop the inductive heating or notifying an error.