Integrated Thermal Conductor for Consistent Aerosol Heating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrically heated smoking devices suffer from inconsistent performance characteristics and require large battery capabilities, limiting their ability to provide the sensations of cigarette, cigar, or pipe smoking without substantial combustion.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol delivery device with a compact design that uses electrical energy to heat a material, such as tobacco or tobacco-derived components, without significant combustion, utilizing a power source, control components, and a heating member to form an inhalable aerosol, with components that can be disposable or rechargeable, and includes a substrate portion capable of yielding aerosol upon heat application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electrically heated smoking devices use conventional battery capabilities, then they can provide smoking sensations, but the device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical battery systems with an electromagnetic induction heating system. The heating element is activated through electromagnetic induction rather than direct electrical contact, enabling more efficient energy transfer and reduced power requirements for achieving the same heating effect, thus reducing battery size and device weight while maintaining smoking sensation delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by using electromagnetic induction at specific frequencies to heat the tobacco material. This allows for more efficient energy conversion and reduced power consumption compared to conventional resistive heating, enabling smaller battery capabilities while still providing adequate heating for aerosol generation
2Ease of operation
If electrically heated smoking devices use conventional battery capabilities, then they can provide smoking sensations, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the heating function and power delivery system into a single integrated electromagnetic induction module. The induction heater, control circuitry, and power management are combined into one unified system, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall device architecture compared to conventional separate heating and power systems
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic induction heating system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it heats the tobacco material for aerosol generation, provides controlled power delivery, and enables precise temperature management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby reducing device complexity
3Temperature
If electrically heated smoking devices use conventional heating methods, then they can heat tobacco material, but energy efficiency is poor and battery life is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes conventional resistive heating with electromagnetic induction heating. The induction system generates eddy currents directly within the tobacco material or heating element, creating heat more efficiently with less energy loss. This direct electromagnetic-to-thermal energy conversion achieves higher energy efficiency compared to indirect resistive heating methods
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic induction heating operates through periodic electromagnetic cycles that efficiently transfer energy to the tobacco material. The alternating magnetic field induces periodic eddy currents that generate heat through resistive losses in the material, achieving rapid and efficient heating with controlled energy input, thereby extending battery life
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 device provides consistent performance and sensations of smoking without combustion, using efficient energy use and compact battery technology to deliver tobacco-derived components in aerosol form, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
uses electrical energy to heat a material
Implementation Method 2
the substrate portion includes a continuous thermally conductive framework integrated with an aerosol forming material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Aerosol delivery devices and aerosol source members are disclosed herein. In one aspect, an aerosol delivery device may comprise a control body having a closed distal end and an open engaging end, a heating member, a control component located within the control body and configured to control the heating member, a power source located within the control body and configured to provide power to the control component, and a removable aerosol source member that includes a substrate portion. The substrate portion may include a continuous heat conductive framework integrated with an aerosol forming material, wherein the continuous thermally conductive framework is configured to enhance heat transfer from the heating member to the aerosol forming material.