Induction Heating Power Supply for Susceptor State Detection
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generating devices face challenges in accurately controlling the heating process for aerosol generation, particularly in detecting the state and temperature of the susceptor, which affects the quality and consistency of the aerosol produced.
Innovation Solution
A power supply unit with a coil, current conversion circuit, induction heating circuit, detection circuits, and a controller that converts DC power to pulsating or alternating current, detects induced currents and impedance, and controls power supply to ensure precise heating of the susceptor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If induction heating is used to heat the susceptor, then heating efficiency is improved, but accurate detection of susceptor state and temperature becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection mechanism that measures impedance changes in the coil rather than directly measuring the susceptor temperature. The impedance change serves as a mediator that correlates with susceptor heating state, enabling indirect but accurate detection without interfering with the induction heating process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the controller continuously monitors impedance changes and adjusts the heating power accordingly. This closed-loop feedback enables precise control of the susceptor heating state while maintaining high heating efficiency through dynamic parameter adjustment.
2Device complexity
If simple heating control is used, then device complexity is reduced, but aerosol generation quality and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex direct temperature measurement and control mechanisms with an electrical impedance-based control system. This substitution maintains precise control capability while simplifying the overall device structure by using electrical measurements rather than thermal sensors and complex mechanical control systems.
3Device complexity
If direct current is supplied to the coil, then power supply is simplified, but effective induction heating is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by converting direct current into pulsating current or alternating current for coil operation. This periodic current variation generates the time-varying magnetic field necessary for effective induction heating, while the power supply unit maintains relative simplicity through integrated conversion circuits.
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 solution enables accurate and efficient aerosol generation by precisely controlling the heating process, improving the consistency and quality of the aerosol produced, and allowing for accurate detection of the susceptor's state and temperature.
Implementation Method 1
a coil configured to generate an eddy current to a susceptor configured to heat an aerosol source
Implementation Method 2
a device that generates, using an inductor disposed close to an aerosol forming substrate having a susceptor, aerosol from the aerosol forming substrate by heating the susceptor by induction heating
Implementation Method 3
a first detection circuit configured to detect information corresponding to an induced current generated in the coil
Implementation Method 4
a second detection circuit configured to detect an impedance of the induction heating circuit
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply unit includes: a power supply; a coil configured to generate an eddy current to a susceptor configured to heat an aerosol source; a current conversion circuit connected between the coil and the power supply and configured to convert a direct current supplied from the power supply into a pulsating current or an alternating current; an induction heating circuit to which the pulsating current or the alternating current converted by the current conversion circuit is supplied and which includes the coil; a first detection circuit configured to detect information corresponding to an induced current generated in the coil; a second detection circuit configured to detect an impedance of the induction heating circuit; and a controller configured to control supply of power from the power supply to the coil based on an output of the first detection circuit and an output of the second detection circuit.