Dual-Function Battery Heater Using an Induction Coil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic devices, such as aerosol-generating devices, face issues with battery performance at low and high temperatures, leading to reduced capacity and voltage, and potential damage during charging at low temperatures, while additional heaters increase device weight, size, and cost.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device with a dual-function heater that uses existing components to maintain battery temperature within optimal ranges by switching between different heating functions based on temperature, utilizing a single induction coil for both heating and charging, and incorporating a flexible substrate for compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an additional heater is included to heat the battery, then battery temperature can be maintained, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The induction coil is designed to perform multiple functions: heating the aerosol-generating article during operation and heating the battery when needed. By making the heating component universal, the patent eliminates the need for a separate battery heater, thus maintaining battery temperature without increasing device weight
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the battery heating function with the existing induction coil used for aerosol generation. The control unit enables the induction coil to switch between heating the article and heating the battery, combining two heating functions into a single component to avoid additional weight
2Temperature
If an additional heater is included to heat the battery, then battery temperature can be maintained, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The induction coil serves dual purposes: generating aerosol by heating the article and maintaining battery temperature. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated battery heating components, preventing device size increase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the battery heating capability into the existing induction coil structure. The control unit manages the induction coil to perform both aerosol generation and battery heating, merging functions to avoid additional space requirements
3Temperature
If an additional heater is included to heat the battery, then battery temperature can be maintained, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The induction coil is designed to perform multiple functions including aerosol generation and battery heating. By making the heating component universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate battery heater components, thus reducing device manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the battery heating function with the existing induction coil. The control unit enables the same coil to heat both the article and battery, combining functions to reduce component count and manufacturing cost
4Temperature
If the battery is unchangingly heated, then battery temperature can be maintained, but battery may be exposed to too high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit implements periodic or conditional heating of the battery based on temperature monitoring. The battery is heated only when its temperature falls below a threshold, and the heating is interrupted when the threshold is reached, preventing overheating while maintaining adequate temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates temperature monitoring with feedback control. The control unit continuously monitors battery temperature and adjusts the heating operation accordingly, stopping heating when the battery reaches the threshold temperature to prevent overheating damage
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 solution effectively maintains battery temperature, prevents overheating, reduces device weight and size, and saves production costs by utilizing existing components, enhancing portability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a single induction coil for both heating and charging
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a flexible substrate for compact design
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device is provided, including: a battery, and a heater configured to heat the battery as a first heating function of the heater, the heater being further configured to perform a second heating function, the first heating function being different from the second heating function, the electronic device being configured to switch between the first and the second heating functions of the heater in dependence on a temperature of the battery, the electronic device being an aerosol-generating device, and in which heating an aerosol-forming substrate is the second heating function. An aerosol-generating system including an aerosol-generating article and the electronic device, and a method for operating the electronic device, are also provided.