Induction Heater Sensor Segmentation for Aerosol Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol provision devices face challenges in accurately controlling the temperature of heating elements to volatilize aerosol generating materials without burning, leading to residue accumulation that can compromise sensitive components like thermal sensors.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol provision device with a heater assembly featuring a temperature sensor in thermal contact with the heating element, positioned in the base and separated from the heating chamber, and an induction coil generating a varying magnetic field to heat the aerosol generating material, along with a sensor channel and air passage that are fluidly isolated from the heating chamber to protect the sensor from residue.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is positioned in the heating chamber to directly monitor heating element temperature, then temperature measurement precision is improved, but the sensor becomes sensitive to residue accumulation which compromises reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional zones: the heating chamber where volatilization occurs and the base where the temperature sensor is housed. This spatial segmentation allows the sensor to monitor temperature through thermal contact with the heating element via the heating chamber wall, maintaining measurement precision while avoiding direct exposure to residue in the heating chamber, thus preserving sensor reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The heating chamber wall acts as an intermediary medium that transmits thermal energy from the heating element to the temperature sensor. This intermediary allows indirect temperature measurement, enabling the sensor to accurately monitor heating element temperature without being positioned in the heating chamber where residue accumulation would compromise its reliability
2Reliability
If the temperature sensor is positioned away from the heating chamber to avoid residue, then sensor reliability is improved, but temperature measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure is designed with localized thermal conduction properties that enable efficient heat transfer from the heating element to the temperature sensor. The heating chamber wall serves as a thermally conductive pathway, ensuring that even though the sensor is positioned in the base away from the heating chamber, it receives accurate thermal information from the heating element, maintaining measurement precision while preserving sensor reliability
3Productivity
If air passages are provided to supply air to the heating chamber for aerosol generation, then aerosol provision functionality is improved, but residue accumulation in passages increases which compromises sensor reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The air passage system is segmented and spatially separated from the temperature sensor housing. Air passages are routed through the device body away from the sensor location, allowing efficient air supply to the heating chamber for aerosol generation while preventing residue-laden air from reaching and contaminating the temperature sensor, thus maintaining both productivity and sensor reliability
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 precise temperature control and reduced sensitivity to residue accumulation, ensuring accurate temperature readings and maintaining the functionality of sensitive components.
Implementation Method 1
an induction coil for generating a varying magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
a heating element heatable by the induction coil
Implementation Method 3
the temperature sensor is positioned in thermal contact with the heating element
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol provision device includes an induction coil for generating a varying magnetic field, and a heater assembly having a heating chamber for receiving at least a portion of an article having aerosolizable material, a base, and a heating element heatable by the induction coil, the heating element protruding into the heating chamber from the base and defining an axis (A), and a temperature sensor for sensing a temperature of the heating element, wherein the temperature sensor is positioned in contact with the heating element in the base of the heater assembly and separated from the heating chamber.