Induction Inhaler Coil Control for Stable Aerosol Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing inhaler devices using induction heating technology only control the power feeding to the coil in a time direction, which limits the quality of the puff experience for users.

Innovation Solution

An inhaler device with a controller that manages a plurality of electromagnetic induction sources and switches to regulate the voltage applied, allowing for different operating modes such as high heating, low heating, and non-heating, ensuring the total voltage across the sources remains below a threshold, thereby optimizing the heating profile and aerosol generation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple electromagnetic induction sources are operated simultaneously to enhance heating efficiency, then the heating speed and aerosol generation improve, but the total voltage may exceed the threshold causing safety issues and flavor degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidvoltage threshold exceedance

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control method implements periodic operation of electromagnetic induction sources by dividing the heating cycle into multiple time slots. Each induction source is activated in sequence rather than simultaneously, with each source operating at full power for a designated time period. This periodic activation pattern allows multiple sources to contribute to heating over time while ensuring that the total voltage at any moment remains within safe thresholds, thus maintaining both heating efficiency and safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If the voltage to electromagnetic induction sources is increased to improve aerosol generation, then the heating performance improves, but the susceptor temperature becomes too high causing condensation and flavor degradation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerosol generationVSAvoidsusceptor temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The control method employs periodic activation of electromagnetic induction sources with specific time slot allocations. By activating each induction source for limited time periods and maintaining intervals between activations, the system achieves effective aerosol generation while preventing excessive temperature accumulation in the susceptor. This temporal distribution of heating energy ensures the susceptor temperature remains within the optimal range for aerosolization without causing condensation or flavor degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Temperature

If the time interval of power pulse to the coil is extended to control temperature, then the temperature control improves, but the heating efficiency and puff experience quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesusceptor temperature controlVSAvoidpuff experience quality

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The control method segments the heating function across multiple electromagnetic induction sources, with each source assigned to specific time slots within a heating cycle. This segmentation allows the system to maintain precise temperature control through coordinated activation while compensating for individual source limitations. The combined effect of multiple segmented heating zones delivers superior and more consistent puff experience quality compared to single-source control, as each segment contributes to overall heating efficiency without causing temperature overshoot.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 approach enhances the quality of the puff experience by controlling the temperature of the susceptor and aerosol generation, preventing condensation and flavor degradation, while maintaining the device's efficiency and safety.

Implementation Method 1

a plurality of electromagnetic induction sources that generate a varying magnetic field in the internal space by using the alternating-current power supplied from the alternating-current power generator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an induction heating-type inhaler device that generates an aerosol by inductively heating a susceptor with an electromagnetic induction source configured as a coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 3

a substrate including an aerosol source for producing an aerosol, a flavor source for imparting a flavor component to the generated aerosol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20230371602A1Inhalation device, base material, control method, and non-transitory computer readable medium

Publication Date: 2023.11.23 JAPAN TOBACCO INC

AI summary

An inhalation device provided with: an AC power generation unit that generates AC power; an accommodation unit capable of accommodating in an inner space thereof a base material containing an aerosol source and a susceptor thermally proximal to the aerosol source; a plurality of electromagnetic induction sources that generate a variable magnetic field in the inner space by using the AC power supplied from the AC power generation unit; a plurality of switches that toggle between whether or not the AC power is supplied to each of the plurality of electromagnetic induction sources; and a control unit that controls each of the plurality of switches such that a total value of voltages respectively applied to the plurality of electromagnetic induction sources is no greater than a first threshold value.