Induction Heating Susceptor for Uniform Aerosol Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol generating devices face challenges in optimizing the characteristics of the aerosol produced, as the heating of aerosol forming materials can lead to uneven heating and the generation of undesirable flavor compounds, affecting the quality and consistency of the aerosol for inhalation.

Innovation Solution

The aerosol generating article features a first tubular member made of inductively heatable susceptor material, surrounded by a second tubular member, which is non-electrically conductive and non-magnetically permeable, optimizing heat transfer and ensuring uniform heating of the aerosol forming materials without burning them, thereby enhancing the characteristics of the aerosol produced.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional heating methods are used to heat aerosol forming material, then heating can be achieved, but uneven heating occurs and undesirable flavor compounds are generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating uniformityVSAvoidundesirable flavor compounds

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system is segmented into multiple independent heating zones along the length of the aerosol forming material. Each zone can be independently controlled to ensure uniform heating throughout the material, preventing localized overheating that generates undesirable flavor compounds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The conventional contact-based heating mechanism is replaced with induction heating technology. The induction coil generates an electromagnetic field that induces eddy currents in the susceptor, creating heat internally within the aerosol forming material through electromagnetic induction rather than external thermal conduction, ensuring uniform and controlled heating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If induction heating is used with a single tubular susceptor, then heating efficiency is improved, but the structural integrity and heat distribution uniformity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidstructural integrity and heat distribution uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple tubular susceptors are nested concentrically around the aerosol forming material, with each susceptor forming a tube within a larger tube structure. This nested configuration allows the electromagnetic field to penetrate and induce currents throughout the entire volume of the material, ensuring uniform heating while maintaining structural integrity through the distributed tubular framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating system uses a composite structure combining multiple susceptor materials with different magnetic and electrical properties. Each tubular susceptor may be made of different materials optimized for specific heating zones, creating a composite system that achieves both high heating efficiency and uniform heat distribution while maintaining structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 ensures optimal heating of the aerosol forming materials, reducing the risk of breakage and generating a consistent, high-quality aerosol for inhalation by maximizing heat transfer and maintaining the structural integrity of the aerosol generating article.

Implementation Method 1

the first tubular member is inductively heatable in the presence of a time varying electromagnetic field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an induction coil is provided with the device and an induction heatable susceptor is provided with the aerosol generating article. Electrical energy is provided to the induction coil when a user activates the device which in turn generates an alternating electromagnetic field. The susceptor couples with the electromagnetic field and generates heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 3

The susceptor couples with the electromagnetic field and generates heat which is transferred, for example by conduction, to the aerosol forming material and an aerosol is generated as the aerosol forming material is heated

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 4

heating the aerosol forming material, without burning the aerosol forming material, to volatise at least one component of the aerosol forming material and thereby generate an aerosol for inhalation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVolatilization: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS11957174B2Aerosol generating article, a method for manufacturing an aerosol generating article and an aerosol generating system

Publication Date: 2024.04.16 JT INTERNATIONAL SA

AI summary

An aerosol generating article includes a first body of aerosol forming material, a first tubular member surrounding the first body of aerosol forming material, a second body of aerosol forming material surrounding the first tubular member and a second tubular member surrounding the second body of aerosol forming material. The first tubular member is inductively heatable in the presence of a time varying electromagnetic field.