Induction Heating Converter Mode Switching for Aerosol Preheating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol-generating devices using induction heating suffer from significant energy loss due to inefficient operation modes in supplying alternating current power to induction coils, particularly during preheating and smoking sections.

Innovation Solution

An aerosol-generating device with a power converter and controller that adjusts operation modes based on a temperature profile, switching between full-bridge and half-bridge circuits to optimize energy efficiency by synchronizing mode changes with temperature adjustments, minimizing power requirements and preventing battery overload.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the power converter operates in a single mode with high output power during preheating, then rapid heating is achieved, but energy efficiency decreases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating speedVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power converter dynamically switches between full-bridge mode (high power) and half-bridge mode (high efficiency) based on real-time temperature feedback. The controller adjusts the operation mode according to whether the heating element has reached the target temperature, optimizing both heating speed and energy efficiency throughout the heating process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters of the power converter by switching between different circuit configurations (full-bridge and half-bridge). This parameter change allows the system to adapt its power output characteristics, using high power when needed and high efficiency when the heating element approaches target temperature.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If the power converter uses full-bridge circuit for rapid preheating, then heating performance is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoutput powerVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically transitions from full-bridge circuit (high power) to half-bridge circuit (lower power) as the heating element approaches target temperature. This dynamic circuit switching optimizes the balance between power output and energy consumption throughout the heating process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Loss of energy

If the power converter operates in high efficiency mode, then energy loss is reduced, but heating speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidheating speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs periodic switching between full-bridge and half-bridge modes based on temperature thresholds. During preheating phase, full-bridge mode provides rapid heating; when target temperature is approached, the system transitions to half-bridge mode for efficient maintenance, creating a periodic action pattern that optimizes both speed and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

4Productivity

If the controller switches operation modes at inappropriate timing, then temperature control precision decreases and additional power is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The controller uses real-time temperature feedback from the heating element to determine the optimal switching timing between full-bridge and half-bridge modes. This feedback mechanism ensures that mode switching occurs at the precise moment when it benefits energy efficiency without compromising temperature control precision or requiring additional power compensation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 device achieves higher energy efficiency by maximizing output power during preheating and maintaining efficient heating in the smoking section, reducing energy loss and extending battery life.

Implementation Method 1

An aerosol-generating device using the induction heating method converts direct current (DC) power into alternating current (AC) power to generate an alternating magnetic field and transmits the alternating current power to an induction coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Methods of heating a cigarette by an induction heating method have been actively researched

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 3

converts direct current (DC) power into alternating current (AC) power to generate an alternating magnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAlternating magnetic field: Alternating Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS12133557B2Aerosol generating device

Publication Date: 2024.11.05 KT&G CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is an aerosol-generating device which includes a power converter for supplying an alternating power to an induction coil, and controls switching elements in the power converter to change an operation mode of a power converter based on a temperature profile such that the power converter operates in a full bridge mode in a preheating section and operates in a half bridge mode in a smoking section.