Infrared Heating System for Aerosol Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol generating devices require high temperatures to effectively aerosolize aerosol precursors, which can be inefficient and may lead to the release of harmful substances.

Innovation Solution

The use of an infrared (IR) heating system that emits IR radiation within specific wavenumber ranges (3600 to 2900 inverse-centimetres and 1700 to 800 inverse-centimetres) to efficiently heat the aerosol precursors, achieving effective aerosolization at lower temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional heating methods are used to aerosolize aerosol precursors, then sufficient heat permeation is achieved, but high temperatures (above 250°C) are required leading to energy inefficiency and potential release of harmful substances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerosolization effectivenessVSAvoidharmful substances release
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing infrared radiation with specific wavenumber ranges (3600-2900 cm⁻¹ and 1700-800 cm⁻¹) that correspond to the resonant absorption frequencies of tobacco constituents. This targeted frequency selection enables efficient energy transfer and aerosolization at lower temperatures (180-250°C), resolving the contradiction between effective aerosolization and harmful substance release

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional thermal conduction heating with infrared radiation heating. This substitution allows direct heating of the aerosol precursor through radiant energy absorption, achieving effective aerosolization at lower temperatures and reducing the release of harmful substances that occur with traditional high-temperature heating methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If traditional heating methods are used to aerosolize aerosol precursors, then aerosol generation is achieved, but high energy consumption is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerosol generationVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the heating parameter from broad-spectrum thermal radiation to targeted infrared radiation with specific wavenumbers matching the absorption spectra of aerosol precursor constituents. This resonant coupling enhances energy absorption efficiency, enabling aerosol generation with reduced energy consumption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes conventional resistive or conductive heating with infrared radiation heating, which transfers energy directly to the aerosol precursor molecules through radiative absorption. This method reduces energy loss to surrounding components and achieves more efficient energy utilization for aerosol generation

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

The IR heating system achieves efficient aerosolization of aerosol precursors at lower temperatures (180 to 250 degrees Celsius), reducing energy consumption and potentially minimizing the release of harmful substances compared to traditional heating technologies.

Implementation Method 1

an IR heating system configured to emit into the consumable chamber IR radiation with a wavenumber in a first wavenumber range or a second wavenumber range, wherein the first wavenumber range is 3600 to 2900 inverse-centimetres, the second wavenumber range is 1700 to 800 inverse-centimetres

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

an absorbance spectrum of the consumable has a local maximum in the first wavenumber range or the second wavenumber range

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAbsorption of infrared radiation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4529786A1Aerosol generating device and system
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 IMPERIAL TOBACCO LTD
  • EP4529786A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4529786A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4529786A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided an aerosol generating device (100), comprising a consumable chamber (120) for receiving a consumable (200); an IR heating system (130) configured to emit IR radiation into the consumable chamber; wherein the IR heating system is configured to emit IR radiation with a wavenumber in a first wavenumber range or a second wavenumber range, wherein the first wavenumber range is 3600 to 2900 inverse-centimetres, the second wavenumber range is 1700 to 800 inverse-centimetres.