Induction Heating Power Converter Mode Switching for Aerosol Devices

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol-generating devices using induction heating suffer from significant energy inefficiency due to the way they control switching elements in the power converter, leading to increased energy loss.

Innovation Solution

The aerosol-generating device employs a controller to change the operation mode of the power converter based on a temperature profile, switching from a high-output preheating mode to a lower-output smoking mode with higher energy efficiency, and synchronizes temperature profile changes with operation mode changes to minimize power requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

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

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The power converter dynamically switches between two operation modes (first mode with high output power for rapid preheating, and second mode with lower output power but higher energy efficiency for constant temperature maintenance) based on the heating stage, resolving the contradiction between heating speed and energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the output power parameter of the power converter according to the temperature profile stages - using high power during preheating and transitioning to lower power with optimized duty ratio for energy-efficient operation during constant temperature maintenance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the switching elements are controlled with high duty ratio for rapid heating, then preheating performance improves, but battery overload occurs due to ripple components

Engineering Contradiction:
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by setting an upper limit on the output power of the power converter during the early stage of preheating, preventing excessive current and ripple components that would otherwise overload the battery, while still enabling effective preheating within safe operating limits

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 significantly reduces energy loss by optimizing power usage, preventing battery overload, and maintaining target temperatures efficiently, thereby enhancing overall energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

transmits the alternating current power to an induction coil... heating a cigarette by an induction heating method

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentUS12127597B2Induction heating type aerosol generating device capable of changing an operation mode of a power converter
Publication Date: 2024.10.29
  • US12127597B2 patent drawing
  • US12127597B2 patent drawing
  • US12127597B2 patent drawing

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.