Two-Stage Heating System for Inhaler Vaporization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inhaler devices such as e-cigarettes and personal vaporizers face challenges in efficient aerosol and vapor generation, energy consumption, and battery life, necessitating improvements in heating systems for better performance.

Innovation Solution

A heating system with distributed capillary action and surface tension forces in multiple supply channels, combined with electrical heating elements, provides a two-stage heating process, preheating the substance in the first zone and full vaporization in a second zone, optimizing energy use and aerosol delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single heating zone is used for vaporization, then the device structure is simple, but the energy consumption is high and vapor generation efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevapor generation efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system is divided into two distinct heating zones: a first heating zone with a first heating element and a second heating zone with a second heating element. This segmentation allows different portions of the liquid to be heated at different temperatures, improving overall energy efficiency and vapor generation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first heating zone performs preliminary heating of the liquid before it reaches the second heating zone. This preheating action reduces the energy required in the second zone to achieve full vaporization, thereby improving overall energy efficiency and reducing total energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If heating is performed in a single zone, then the device complexity is low, but the aerosol delivery efficiency is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerosol delivery efficiencyVSAvoidheating system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating system is divided into two distinct heating zones: a first heating zone with a first heating element and a second heating zone with a second heating element. This segmentation allows different portions of the liquid to be heated at different temperatures, improving overall energy efficiency and vapor generation effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the heating system are assigned different thermal characteristics. The first heating zone provides preliminary heating at a lower temperature, while the second heating zone completes vaporization at a higher temperature. This local differentiation of heating quality optimizes both aerosol delivery efficiency and energy utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances aerosol and vapor generation efficiency, reduces energy consumption, and extends battery life by preheating the substance before full vaporization, ensuring quick and efficient vapor production.

Implementation Method 1

at least one supply channel for conveying a substance to be heated, especially a liquid solution or gel, from a supply reservoir by capillary action or by surface tension forces within the at least one channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

at least one supply channel for conveying a substance to be heated, especially a liquid solution or gel, from a supply reservoir by capillary action or by surface tension forces within the at least one channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSurface tension: Surface Tension

Implementation Method 3

The at least one first heating element may include one or more of an electrically conductive wire, strip, foil, or conductive coating in the at least one supply channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3079510B1Heating system and method of heating for an inhaler device
Publication Date: 2019.10.30 JT INTERNATIONAL SA
  • EP3079510B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3079510B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention provides a heating system (3) for an inhaler device (1), such as an e-cigarette or a personal vaporizer, for generating an aerosol and/or a vapor (V) from a substance (L) to be heated, the system comprising: at least one supply channel (6) for conveying a substance to be heated, especially a liquid solution or a gel (L), from a supply reservoir (4) by or under capillary action or surface tension forces; and a heater configured to heat the substance as it is conveyed through the at least one channel (6).