Induction Heating Element Layout for Compact Aerosol Heaters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating devices face inefficiencies in heating aerosolisable materials without burning, particularly in optimizing the induction heating process to maximize heat transfer and minimize coil size and weight.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a helical inductor coil generating a varying magnetic field to heat an elongate heating element, which includes a protruding portion within the heating zone and a base portion external to the zone, allowing for efficient induction heating and optimized coil dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the helical inductor coil is positioned close to the heating zone to maximize heat transfer, then heating efficiency is improved, but the coil size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is segmented into two distinct portions: a first portion (heating zone) that protrudes into the heating zone for direct heat transfer to the aerosolisable material, and a second portion (base) that extends into the inductor zone for induction heating. This segmentation allows the coil to be optimized for weight and size while maintaining heating efficiency through the extended heating element structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element extends in the axial direction beyond the heating zone into the inductor zone, utilizing the third dimension (axial length) to separate the heating function from the induction coupling function. This dimensional extension allows the coil to be positioned optimally for weight reduction while the heating element bridges the gap to deliver heat efficiently.
2Productivity
If the helical inductor coil is positioned close to the heating zone to maximize heat transfer, then heating efficiency is improved, but the coil dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is divided into a first portion within the heating zone and a second portion within the inductor zone. This segmentation allows the coil dimensions to be minimized for the inductor zone while the first portion extends into the heating zone to maintain efficient heat transfer, effectively separating the spatial requirements of the two zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The first portion of the heating element acts as an intermediary that extends from the inductor zone into the heating zone, transferring thermal energy over the axial gap. This intermediary structure allows the coil to be compact in the inductor zone while still achieving effective heat transfer to the material in the heating zone.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the heating element is extended into the heating zone to improve heat transfer, then heating uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element serves multiple functions: it acts as both the induction-heated component (second portion in inductor zone) and the direct heating element (first portion in heating zone). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heating components, reducing device complexity while maintaining heating uniformity through the extended structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element merges the susceptor function (absorbing induction energy) and the heating element function (transferring heat to material) into a single continuous structure. This merging simplifies the device architecture while ensuring uniform heat transfer from the induction zone through the heating zone to the aerosolisable material.
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 solution enables rapid and uniform heating of aerosolisable materials while minimizing coil size and weight, enhancing the efficiency and construction flexibility of aerosol provision devices.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic field generator including a helical inductor coil configured to generate a varying magnetic field
Implementation Method 2
an elongate heating element which is heatable by penetration with the varying magnetic field
Implementation Method 3
the elongate heating element extending between the heating zone and the inductor zone
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
An apparatus (100, 200) arranged to heat aerosolisable material to volatilize at least one component of the aerosolisable material is described. The apparatus (100, 200) has a heating zone (215) to receive at least a portion of an article (110) that includes aerosolisable material. The apparatus also has a magnetic field generator (240) including a helical inductor coil (241) to generate a varying magnetic field. The helical inductor coil (241) defines an inductor zone (242) within the inductor coil (241). The apparatus (100) also has an elongate heating element (220) which is heatable by penetration with the varying magnetic field and arranged to heat the heating zone (215). The elongate heating element (220) extends between the heating zone (215) and the inductor zone (242).