Inductive Heating Device for Aerosol Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric heating devices for aerosol generation are large and energy-inefficient, and inductive heating methods, while more efficient, generate electromagnetic fields that need to be shielded.
Innovation Solution
An inductive heating device with a central induction coil arranged along a pin extending into a cavity, allowing for efficient heating of an aerosol-forming substrate while minimizing electromagnetic radiation and facilitating cleaning and energy distribution, with the coil separated from the cavity to prevent residue buildup and contact risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If inductive heating is used for aerosol generation, then energy efficiency is improved, but electromagnetic fields are generated that require shielding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the susceptor as a magnetic shield that converts the harmful electromagnetic radiation into beneficial localized heating. The susceptor absorbs the electromagnetic energy and transforms it into heat through hysteresis losses, thereby eliminating the need for separate shielding structures while maintaining energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The susceptor serves multiple functions simultaneously: it heats the aerosol-forming substrate through inductive heating and acts as a magnetic shield to contain electromagnetic fields within the device. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the shielding component also the heating element.
2Volume of moving object
If the induction coil is arranged centrally rather than circumferentially, then device size is minimized, but heat distribution uniformity must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by varying the spacing between adjacent turns of the induction coil along its length. The coil density is adjusted to compensate for the natural decrease in magnetic field strength with distance from the coil, ensuring uniform heat distribution across the substrate while maintaining a compact central arrangement.
3Ease of manufacture
If the induction coil is separated from the cavity, then cleaning is facilitated and residue buildup is prevented, but the coil must be arranged along a pin structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements nesting by placing the induction coil inside the pin structure, with the coil windings contained within the pin's outer diameter. This nested arrangement allows the coil to be separated from the cavity for easy cleaning while avoiding the need for separate mounting brackets or complex external support structures.
4Manufacturing precision
If the induction coil is arranged along a pin extending into the cavity, then heat distribution is improved, but the pin structure adds device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pin structure with the device housing by forming the pin as an integral part of the housing body. This integration eliminates the need for separate pin components and simplifies assembly, while the pin's central position along the cavity axis maintains uniform heat distribution to the substrate.
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 enables a compact, energy-efficient aerosol generation device with reduced electromagnetic radiation, improved cleaning, and enhanced heating uniformity, while maintaining the benefits of inductive heating, such as contactless heating and reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
an induction coil arranged along a pin (14) and a power source connected to the induction coil and configured to provide a high frequency current to the induction coil
Implementation Method 2
inductive heating device for aerosol-generation... an inductive heating device with a central induction coil arranged along a pin extending into a cavity, allowing for efficient heating of an aerosol-forming substrate
Data Source
AI summary
The inductive heating device (1) for aerosol-generation comprises a device housing (10) comprising a cavity (13) having an internal surface for receiving at least a portion of an aerosol-forming insert (2) comprising an aerosol-forming substrate and a susceptor. The device housing (10) further comprises a pin (14) extending into the cavity (13). The device (1) further comprises an induction coil (15) arranged along the pin (14) and a power source (11) connected to the induction coil (15) and configured to provide a high frequency current to the induction coil (15).