Inductive Heating Circuit Layout for Aerosol Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generating devices for non-combustible tobacco heating systems face challenges in efficiently and effectively heating aerosol generating materials without combustion, while maintaining device efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a resonant circuit with inductive elements mounted on a substrate for inductive heating of a susceptor arrangement, coupled with a switching arrangement and a heat sink for thermal management, enabling efficient aerosol generation without combustion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If inductive heating elements are used to heat aerosol generating material, then heating efficiency is improved, but thermal management becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The device separates heating functions into distinct inductive heating elements that target specific regions of the aerosol generating material, allowing independent thermal control of different zones to optimize heating efficiency while managing temperature distribution
Solution Approach 2:
A susceptor arrangement is introduced as an intermediary component between the inductive heating elements and the aerosol generating material. The susceptor absorbs electromagnetic energy and converts it to heat, which is then transferred to the material, enabling efficient heating while the heat sink manages the thermal load
2Measurement precision
If switching arrangement with multiple transistors is implemented, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple transistors are integrated into a unified switching arrangement on a single substrate, combining multiple control functions into one organized structure. This reduces overall device complexity while maintaining precise control over the inductive heating elements through coordinated transistor switching
Solution Approach 2:
The switching arrangement with multiple transistors serves multiple functions: controlling different inductive heating elements, regulating power delivery, and enabling various heating modes. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing precise control without requiring separate control circuits
3Temperature
If heat sink is thermally connected to both inductive elements and transistors, then thermal management is improved, but heat dissipation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat sink captures waste heat generated by both the inductive heating elements and transistors, converting this harmful thermal energy into a manageable resource. The recovered heat can be utilized to pre-heat aerosol generating material or maintain optimal operating temperatures, reducing overall energy consumption
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 allows for efficient heating of aerosol generating materials, producing a consistent aerosol output while maintaining device safety and efficiency, thus addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
a resonant circuit (such as an LC resonant circuit) comprising one or more inductive elements (e.g. one or more inductive coils) for inductively heating a susceptor arrangement to heat an aerosol generating material
Implementation Method 2
one or more inductive elements (e.g. one or more inductive coils) for inductively heating a susceptor arrangement
Implementation Method 3
a heat sink, wherein the inductive elements of the resonant circuit and the transistors of the switching arrangement are thermally connected to the heat sink
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for a (non-combustible) aerosol generating device is described including: a resonant circuit including one or more inductive elements for inductively heating a susceptor arrangement to heat an aerosol generating material to thereby generate an aerosol, wherein the inductive elements are mounted on a first external surface of a substrate; a switching arrangement for enabling an alternating current to be generated from a voltage supply and flow through one or more of said inductive elements to cause inductive heating of the susceptor arrangement, wherein the switching arrangement includes a plurality of transistors mounted to a second external surface of the substrate; and a heat sink, wherein the inductive elements of the resonant circuit and the transistors of the switching arrangement are thermally connected to the heat sink.