Induction Heater Susceptor Segmentation for Lateral Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating devices face challenges in achieving uniform heating and airflow, leading to suboptimal aerosol generation and temperature control.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a dual susceptor arrangement with central and peripheral susceptor assemblies, enabling both internal and external heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, along with controlled axial and lateral airflow to enhance contact surface area and aerosol formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a single susceptor arrangement is used for induction heating, then the device structure is simple, but heating uniformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The susceptor arrangement is divided into a central susceptor and a peripheral susceptor, each independently positioned and configured. The central susceptor is located within the aerosol-generating article while the peripheral susceptor is positioned around it, allowing separate optimization of heating zones for internal and external surfaces, thereby achieving uniform heating without excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the susceptor arrangement are optimized for different heating needs: the central susceptor provides focused heating for the internal substrate, while the peripheral susceptor addresses external heating requirements. This local differentiation ensures each region contributes optimally to overall heating uniformity
2Temperature
If airflow paths are blocked by susceptor structure, then susceptor can effectively heat substrate, but aerosol generation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The susceptor components are designed as separate segmented elements with gaps between them, rather than continuous structures. This segmentation allows air to flow laterally through the susceptor arrangement while maintaining effective heating contact with the substrate, resolving the conflict between heating effectiveness and aerosol generation
Solution Approach 2:
The susceptor structure incorporates porous or permeable characteristics that enable air passage through the heating elements. This allows the susceptor to maintain its heating function while permitting adequate airflow for aerosol formation, eliminating the trade-off between these two functions
3Productivity
If lateral airflow is added to axial airflow, then aerosol formation is enhanced, but airflow control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral airflow paths are integrated directly into the susceptor arrangement structure itself, rather than being separate control systems. The gaps and porous structure of the susceptor naturally channel lateral airflow, merging the airflow control function with the existing heating structure and avoiding additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The susceptor arrangement's geometric structure automatically generates and directs lateral airflow through its design features, without requiring external control mechanisms. The structure serves both heating and airflow guidance functions simultaneously, reducing overall system complexity while enhancing aerosol formation
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 results in more uniform heating and improved aerosol generation, allowing for better control over aerosol temperature and quality through optimized airflow and substrate interaction.
Implementation Method 1
An induction heating assembly comprising an induction coil and a susceptor assembly may be utilized for inductively heating the aerosol-forming substrate
Implementation Method 2
it has been proposed to use induction heating for heating the aerosol-forming substrate
Implementation Method 3
The induction heating arrangement comprises an induction coil and a susceptor assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol-generating device is provided, including: a cavity configured to receive an aerosol-generating article including aerosol-forming substrate; and an induction heating arrangement including an induction coil and a susceptor assembly, the susceptor assembly including a central susceptor arrangement arranged centrally within the cavity and a peripheral susceptor arrangement arranged distanced from and around the central susceptor arrangement, and one or more of: the central susceptor arrangement including at least two central susceptors configured to enable lateral airflow between the at least two central susceptors, the peripheral susceptor arrangement including at least two peripheral susceptors configured to enable lateral airflow between the at least two peripheral susceptors, and one or both of the central susceptor arrangement and the peripheral susceptor arrangement including one or more porous susceptors.