Induction Heater Coil Layout for Fast, Uniform Tobacco Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tobacco heating devices face challenges in achieving efficient, compact, and cost-effective heating with uniform temperature distribution, while also requiring easy assembly and integration of sensors.
Innovation Solution
An induction heater comprising an inductor with an electrically insulating layer and conductive track, designed to be arranged about a metal tube, which can be easily assembled and includes features for thermal insulation and energy recovery, allowing for faster heating and sensor integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional heating elements are used in tobacco heating devices, then the device structure can be simple, but the heating time is long and temperature uniformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional resistive heating elements with an induction heating system that uses electromagnetic fields to heat the metal tube directly. The inductor generates a time-varying magnetic field that induces eddy currents in the metal tube, producing heat through electromagnetic induction rather than direct thermal contact, thereby reducing heating time while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor is designed as a tubular structure that conforms to the cylindrical shape of the metal tube, allowing uniform electromagnetic field distribution around the entire circumference. This curved geometry ensures homogeneous heating of the tobacco by eliminating cold spots that would occur with flat or point-contact heating elements
2Volume of moving object
If the heater is made compact and thin, then the device size is reduced, but manufacturing difficulty increases and sensor integration becomes harder
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into distinct functional components: the inductor, the metal tube, and the polymeric tube. Each component can be manufactured independently using suitable processes and then assembled together, simplifying manufacturing while achieving a compact overall structure. The inductor itself is segmented into windings that can be fabricated separately and then formed into the final tubular configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the inductor is positioned inside the polymeric tube, which in turn surrounds the metal tube. This nested doll configuration allows multiple functional layers to be integrated in a compact space, reducing the overall heater size while maintaining ease of assembly through sequential installation of each nested component
3Power
If the inductor is placed close to the metal tube for efficient heating, then heating effectiveness improves, but the inductor overheats due to thermal coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric tube serves as a thermal intermediary between the inductor and the metal tube. It is positioned between these two components to provide thermal insulation, preventing heat from the metal tube from transferring to the inductor. The polymeric material has low thermal conductivity, allowing it to block heat flow while still permitting the electromagnetic field to pass through for effective induction heating
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
The induction heater reduces heating time, enhances energy efficiency, and provides a compact design with improved temperature uniformity and safety features, while enabling easy sensor integration.
Implementation Method 1
the metal tube is adapted to be heated by induction by said at least one inductor
Implementation Method 2
at least one inductor which comprises at least one electrically insulating layer and at least one electrically conductive track fixed to said at least one electrically insulating layer
Implementation Method 3
a space, preferably an empty space, is preferably provided between the polymeric tube and the metal tube... the space, preferably occupied by air, creates thermal insulation
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
An induction heater (101, 102, 103) for a device for heating tobacco or aromatic herbs, in particular of the heat-not-burn type, comprising at least one inductor (1) comprising at least one electrically insulating layer (2, 3) and at least one electrically conductive track (4) fixed to said at least one electrically insulating layer (2, 3); wherein said at least one inductor (1) is adapted to be arranged about a metal tube (5) in which part of a cigarette may be inserted; whereby the metal tube (5) is adapted to be heated by induction by said at least one inductor (1).