Induction Heater Assembly With Temperature Sensing for Uniform Aerosol

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol generating devices using induction heating methods face challenges in uniformly distributing magnetic substances within cigarettes, leading to non-uniform aerosol generation and difficulty in precisely controlling the temperature of the heating element.

Innovation Solution

The aerosol generating device incorporates a heater assembly with a ferromagnetic substance that generates heat via an external magnetic field, where a temperature sensor is positioned to directly measure the heating element's temperature, allowing for precise control and uniform aerosol production.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a magnetic substance is included in the cigarette for induction heating, then heat generation capability is improved, but temperature control precision deteriorates due to inability to directly measure the magnetic substance temperature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat generation capabilityVSAvoidtemperature control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a temperature sensor as an intermediary measurement device that indirectly measures the temperature of the magnetic substance by detecting the temperature of the heating element in contact with it. This mediator enables temperature monitoring without requiring direct measurement of the magnetic substance itself, thereby resolving the measurement precision problem while maintaining the heat generation capability of the induction heating system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the direct thermal contact measurement method with a non-contact or minimal-contact temperature sensing mechanism. The temperature sensor substitutes the need for direct magnetic substance temperature measurement, using electromagnetic or thermal field-based detection instead of mechanical/thermal contact, thus enabling precise temperature control in the induction heating system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a magnetic substance is included in the cigarette, then induction heating function is enabled, but aerosol generation uniformity deteriorates due to non-uniform distribution of the magnetic substance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinduction heating functionVSAvoidaerosol generation uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the magnetic substance from the cigarette structure and relocates it to a dedicated heating element or holder positioned within the heating chamber. This separation allows the magnetic substance to be precisely positioned and uniformly distributed in the heating element, while the cigarette itself remains separate, thereby enabling induction heating functionality without compromising aerosol generation uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent divides the heating system into separate functional components: the cigarette (aerosol generation source) and the heating element (containing the magnetic substance). This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the cigarette can be manufactured with consistent aerosol properties while the heating element can be designed for uniform magnetic substance distribution, thus resolving the uniformity problem while maintaining induction heating capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Use of energy by moving object

If induction heating method is used with magnetic substance in cigarette, then heating efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases due to need for temperature sensing and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature sensing and control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the temperature sensor and control system to serve multiple functions: monitoring heating element temperature, controlling power delivery to the induction coil, and ensuring safe operation. By making these components multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated systems, thereby maintaining high heating efficiency while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a self-regulating temperature control system where the temperature sensor automatically monitors and feeds back temperature information to the control circuit, which adjusts the power supply accordingly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex external monitoring and manual control systems, maintaining heating efficiency while reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 enables accurate temperature measurement and control of the heating element, ensuring uniform aerosol generation and improved quality by eliminating non-uniform distribution issues.

Implementation Method 1

a heating element (111) including a ferromagnetic substance for generating heat by receiving an external magnetic field

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 2

an aerosol generating device that applies an alternating magnetic field to the heater assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

a temperature sensor (115) disposed at a position in direct contact with an inner surface of the heating element (111)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3818887B1Aerosol generation device
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 KT&G CO LTD
  • EP3818887B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3818887B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3818887B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A heater assembly for heating a cigarette accommodated in an aerosol generating device includes a heating element that extends in a longitudinal direction of the cigarette and includes a ferromagnetic substance for generating heat by an external magnetic field, and a temperature sensor that measures a temperature of the heating element. The heater assembly is disposed at an inner end portion of an accommodation space provided in the aerosol generating device to accommodate the cigarette.