Induction Coil and Susceptor Geometry for Uniform Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current aerosol generating devices face challenges in rapidly heating aerosol generating substrates while maintaining energy efficiency, which affects the generation of vapors for inhalation.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a heating chamber with inductively heatable susceptors arranged circumferentially and an induction coil wrapped around it, ensuring uniform heat transfer and efficient heating of the aerosol generating substrate, utilizing a geometry that maintains constant spacing between the coil and susceptors for enhanced heat induction and distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If an induction heating system is used to rapidly heat the aerosol generating substrate, then the heating speed increases, but the energy efficiency may be compromised due to heat loss and uneven heat distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating speedVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by arranging multiple susceptors at different locations within the heating chamber to create localized heating zones. Each susceptor generates heat locally through electromagnetic induction, ensuring that heat is produced exactly where needed rather than relying on external heating sources that may lose energy to the environment. This localized approach maintains high heating speed while improving energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces susceptors as intermediary elements between the electromagnetic field and the aerosol generating substrate. These susceptors absorb electromagnetic energy and convert it to thermal energy, which is then transferred to the substrate. This intermediary mechanism enables rapid heating while maintaining energy efficiency through direct energy conversion and reduced heat loss to surrounding components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Power

If the coil is positioned close to the susceptors to maximize heat induction, then heating efficiency improves, but the spacing becomes non-uniform leading to uneven heat distribution across the substrate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating powerVSAvoiduniformity of heat distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the heating system into multiple discrete susceptors distributed around the heating chamber rather than using a single heating element. This segmentation allows each susceptor to be optimally positioned for maximum electromagnetic coupling with the coil while maintaining uniform spacing between adjacent susceptors. The result is both high heating power from each individual susceptor and uniform heat distribution across the entire substrate surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves equipotentiality in heat distribution by arranging susceptors symmetrically around the heating chamber at equal intervals. This geometric arrangement ensures that each susceptor experiences similar electromagnetic field conditions and maintains uniform spacing from the coil, creating equivalent heating conditions across all locations. Consequently, the substrate receives uniform heat distribution while maintaining high overall heating power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

3Stability of the object's composition

If multiple susceptors are arranged circumferentially to improve heat distribution, then the structural complexity of the heating chamber increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of heat distributionVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing the susceptors to serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as electromagnetic energy absorbers, heat generation sources, and structural support elements within the heating chamber. The susceptors are integrated into the chamber walls or positioned on support structures that also provide mechanical stability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate heating elements, support structures, and insulation components, thereby maintaining uniform heat distribution while minimizing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 configuration allows for rapid and efficient heating of the aerosol generating substrate, maximizing energy efficiency and ensuring uniform heat transfer, thereby generating aerosols effectively for inhalation without combustion or burning.

Implementation Method 1

an induction coil is provided in the device and an inductively heatable susceptor is provided to heat the aerosol generating substrate. Electrical energy is supplied to the induction coil when a user activates the device which in turn generates an alternating electromagnetic field. The susceptor couples with the electromagnetic field and generates heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

employ an induction heating system. In such a device, an induction coil is provided in the device and an inductively heatable susceptor is provided to heat the aerosol generating substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 3

The susceptor couples with the electromagnetic field and generates heat which is transferred, for example by conduction, to the aerosol generating substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20240090577A1An Aerosol Generating System
Publication Date: 2024.03.21 JT INTERNATIONAL SA
  • US20240090577A1 patent drawing
  • US20240090577A1 patent drawing
  • US20240090577A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A heating apparatus for an aerosol generating device includes a heating chamber configured to receive at least part of an aerosol generating substrate; a plurality of inductively heatable susceptors arranged circumferentially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the heating chamber, wherein each susceptor has a substantially planar portion that defines a respective plane; and an inductive coil wrapped around the heating chamber, and shaped such that the coil is parallel to the respective planes defined by the plurality of susceptors.