Inductive Susceptor for Aerosol Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol-generating systems for nicotine delivery require complex heating mechanisms to achieve efficient reaction stoichiometry due to different vapour pressures of nicotine and other substances, increasing device complexity.

Innovation Solution

An aerosol-generating system with a single susceptor for inductive heating of both the nicotine source and a second substance source, such as lactic acid, simplifies the system by using a single inductor and susceptor to control evaporation efficiency and reaction stoichiometry, reducing complexity and power requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If individual heating of nicotine and second substance is provided to achieve efficient reaction stoichiometry, then evaporation efficiency and reaction control are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereaction stoichiometryVSAvoidheating mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple heating functions into a single susceptor that simultaneously heats both the nicotine source and the second substance source. This single susceptor is inductively coupled to a power source, eliminating the need for separate heating mechanisms for each substance while maintaining efficient evaporation and reaction stoichiometry control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The susceptor serves multiple functions: it acts as a heating element for both nicotine and second substance, provides inductive coupling to the power source, and enables contactless heating. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining the ability to control evaporation efficiency of both substances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Temperature

If multiple susceptors are used for heating different substances, then individual temperature control is improved, but device construction and operation complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidsystem operation

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple temperature control functions into a single susceptor system. By providing one susceptor that contacts both the nicotine source and the second substance source, the system achieves unified temperature control through a single inductive heating mechanism, simplifying operation while maintaining effective heating of both substances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Power

If conventional heating blades are used, then heating capability is provided, but device complexity and power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidheating mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical heating blades with an inductive heating system using a susceptor inductively coupled to a power source. This substitution eliminates contact between the heating element and the substances, providing contactless heating that reduces device complexity, eliminates broken heating blade issues, and separates electronics from heating elements and aerosol-forming substances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for efficient and consistent nicotine delivery with reduced risk of excess reactants, simplifying device construction and operation while maintaining the advantages of contactless heating and easy cleaning.

Implementation Method 1

a susceptor for heating the nicotine source and the second substance source. The aerosol-generating system further comprises a power source connected to a load network. The load network comprises an inductor for being inductively coupled to the susceptor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10863770B2Aerosol-generating system and aerosol-generating article for use in such a system

Publication Date: 2020.12.15 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA

AI summary

The aerosol-generating system comprises a nicotine source, a second substance source and a susceptor (2) for heating the nicotine source and the second substance source. The system further comprises a power source connected to a load network, the load network comprising an inductor for being inductively coupled to the susceptor. The invention also relates to an aerosol-generating article comprising a cartridge comprising a first compartment (11) with a nicotine source and a second compartment (12) with a second substance source and a susceptor arranged between the first compartment and the second compartment.