Induction Coil Insertion Detection for Sensorless Aerosol Heating
Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol generating apparatuses face challenges in detecting insertion of aerosol generating articles without increasing hardware complexity and manufacturing costs, due to the need for separate sensors, and in accommodating these sensors within their compact design.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus uses an induction coil to detect the insertion of an aerosol generating article by switching control modes based on changes in inductance, eliminating the need for a separate sensor and allowing for efficient heating without additional hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a separate sensor is added to detect insertion of aerosol generating article, then detection function is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The induction coil is designed to perform dual functions: serving as both the heating element for induction heating and as a sensor for detecting insertion of the aerosol generating article. By monitoring changes in its electrical characteristics (inductance, impedance, or resonant frequency), the system can detect article insertion without requiring a separate sensor component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the heating function and detection function into a single component - the induction coil. Instead of having separate components for heating (induction coil) and detection (separate sensor), the system combines these functions by using the induction coil's electrical characteristic changes to detect article insertion while simultaneously using it for heating purposes.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a separate sensor is added to detect insertion of aerosol generating article, then detection function is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The induction coil is designed to perform dual functions: serving as both the heating element for induction heating and as a sensor for detecting insertion of the aerosol generating article. By monitoring changes in its electrical characteristics (inductance, impedance, or resonant frequency), the system can detect article insertion without requiring a separate sensor component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the heating function and detection function into a single component - the induction coil. Instead of having separate components for heating (induction coil) and detection (separate sensor), the system combines these functions by using the induction coil's electrical characteristic changes to detect article insertion while simultaneously using it for heating purposes.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If a separate sensor is added to detect insertion of aerosol generating article, then detection function is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The induction coil is designed to perform dual functions: serving as both the heating element for induction heating and as a sensor for detecting insertion of the aerosol generating article. By monitoring changes in its electrical characteristics (inductance, impedance, or resonant frequency), the system can detect article insertion without requiring a separate sensor component.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the heating function and detection function into a single component - the induction coil. Instead of having separate components for heating (induction coil) and detection (separate sensor), the system combines these functions by using the induction coil's electrical characteristic changes to detect article insertion while simultaneously using it for heating purposes.
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 enables detection of aerosol generating article insertion and control of heating operations without separate sensors, reducing power consumption and maintaining a compact design, thus saving battery power and simplifying manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
detecting an insertion of the aerosol generating article on the basis of a change in an inductance of the induction coil
Implementation Method 2
an induction coil arranged around the susceptor and configured to heat the susceptor by induction heating
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an aerosol generating apparatus including: a susceptor configured to heat an aerosol generating article inserted into an accommodation space of the aerosol generating apparatus; an induction coil arranged around the susceptor and configured to heat the susceptor by induction heating; a switching module configured to switch an electrical path of the induction coil; and a controller electrically connected to the switching module and configured to detect insertion of the aerosol generating article on the basis of a change in an inductance of the induction coil by setting a control mode for the induction coil to a reception mode, and when the insertion of the aerosol generating article is detected, switch the control mode to a transmission mode for activating the induction heating, via the switching module.