Inductive Heating Susceptor Calibration for Aerosol Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol-generating devices with inductive heating systems face challenges in accurately monitoring and controlling the temperature of the susceptor, which is crucial for optimal aerosol production and delivery.

Innovation Solution

A method for controlling aerosol production in an aerosol-generating device that includes an inductive heating arrangement and a power source. The method involves a calibration process during user operation to measure calibration values associated with the susceptor, allowing for precise adjustment of the susceptor's temperature based on these values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If temperature monitoring and control methods are implemented, then temperature control accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by measuring the electrical impedance of the susceptor at different frequencies and using these measurements to infer temperature. The system continuously monitors impedance changes and adjusts heating power accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that improves temperature accuracy without requiring direct temperature sensors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/physical temperature sensing (thermocouples, RTDs) with an electrical measurement system. By measuring the electrical impedance of the susceptor material itself, the system determines temperature indirectly through electrical properties, simplifying the device architecture while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If calibration process is performed during user operation, then measurement reliability is improved, but loss of time occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidcalibration time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs calibration measurements during routine user operation rather than requiring separate calibration sessions. By incorporating impedance measurements into normal heating cycles, the system continuously updates calibration data without interrupting service, making the calibration process transparent to the user while maintaining measurement reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously performs impedance measurements during normal operation to maintain calibration accuracy. Rather than periodic interruptions, the calibration process is embedded in continuous heating cycles, ensuring reliable measurements without significant time loss while maintaining uninterrupted aerosol generation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful 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 ensures accurate, reliable, and cost-effective temperature monitoring and control, improving the consistency and quality of aerosol production throughout the device's operation.

Implementation Method 1

The inductor generates an alternating magnetic field that causes heating in the susceptor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Inductive heating devices typically comprise an inductor that inductively couples to a susceptor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 3

heat is transferred from the susceptor to the aerosol-forming substrate primarily by conduction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4268542B1Aerosol-generating device and system comprising an inductive heating device and method of operating the same

Publication Date: 2025.02.05 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA

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AI summary

A method (800) for controlling aerosol production in an aerosol-generating device (200) is provided. The device (200) comprises an inductive heating arrangement (320) and a power source (310) for providing power to the inductive heating arrangement (320). The method comprises: performing (820), during a first heating phase during user operation of the aerosol-generating device for producing an aerosol, a calibration process for measuring one or more calibration values associated with a susceptor (160) inductively coupled to the inductive heating arrangement (320), wherein the susceptor (160) is configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate (110); and during a second heating phase during user operation of the aerosol-generating device for producing an aerosol, controlling (840) power provided to the inductive heating arrangement (320) such that the temperature of the susceptor (160) is adjusted based on the one or more calibration values.