Induction Vapour Inhaler Pulsed Heating for Fast Start-Up
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic vapour inhalers using non-liquid flavour-release media, such as tobacco, face long start-up times due to the high thermal mass of resistance heating elements, which can lead to overheating and charring, and existing solutions with multiple heating phases still result in unacceptably long start-up periods and undesirable flavour profiles.
Innovation Solution
An electronic vapour inhaler employing an induction heating arrangement with an induction coil generating an alternating electromagnetic field to heat a low thermal mass induction heatable element, allowing for pulsed heating and cooling of a non-liquid flavour-release medium, thereby rapidly heating the medium to an optimal temperature range without burning or charring, with control over pulse frequency, amplitude, and duty cycle to maintain suitable vapour characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a resistance heating element is used to heat a non-liquid flavour-release medium, then the medium can be heated to produce vapour, but the start-up time becomes unacceptably long due to high thermal mass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the resistance heating element (electrical heating system) with an induction heating system using an induction coil and induction heatable element. This substitution enables rapid heating through electromagnetic induction, reducing start-up time from potentially over a minute to just a few seconds while providing precise temperature control to prevent overheating and charring of the flavour-release medium
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic heating cycles where the induction coil is intermittently energised to heat the induction heatable element, followed by cooling periods. This periodic action allows the system to rapidly heat the flavour-release medium to the required temperature while preventing overheating, thus reducing start-up time without causing charring or combustion
2Speed
If the heating element temperature is raised close to combustion temperature to reduce start-up time, then heating speed improves, but charring and combustion of the flavour-release medium occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs temperature sensing and control mechanisms that monitor the temperature of the induction heatable element and flavour-release medium, adjusting the induction coil energisation accordingly. This feedback control enables rapid heating while preventing the temperature from reaching combustion levels, thus avoiding charring and harmful combustion products
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the heating parameters by using induction heating with controlled duty cycles and pulse widths, allowing the system to deliver high power when needed while maintaining precise temperature control. This enables fast heating speed without exceeding the maximum safe temperature of the flavour-release medium
3Reliability
If multiple heating phases are used to control temperature, then overheating is prevented, but the start-up time becomes even longer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary high-power induction heating to rapidly bring the induction heatable element and flavour-release medium up to the required temperature range before transitioning to maintenance heating phases. This preliminary action significantly reduces start-up time while the subsequent controlled phases prevent overheating, combining speed with safety
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 significantly reduces the start-up time and prevents overheating, ensuring a rapid and efficient generation of vapour with optimal flavour and aroma, maintaining the non-liquid flavour-release medium below its combustion temperature, thus providing a more efficient and user-friendly experience compared to existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an induction heating arrangement comprising an induction coil for generating an alternating electromagnetic field to heat an induction heatable element and thereby heat a non-liquid flavour-release medium
Implementation Method 2
an induction coil for generating an alternating electromagnetic field to heat an induction heatable element
Implementation Method 3
heat an induction heatable element and thereby heat a non-liquid flavour-release medium
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for operating an electronic vapour inhaler comprising an induction heating arrangement, the induction heating arrangement comprising an induction coil for generating an alternating electromagnetic field to heat an induction heatable element and thereby heat a non-liquid flavour-release medium. The method comprises intermittently energising the induction coil to generate an intermittent alternating electromagnetic field which provides pulsed heating and cooling of the induction heatable element.