Laser Aerosol Heating Control for Fast Start and Burnt Taste Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric heating-type aerosol generation devices suffer from long standby times due to the time required for temperature rise and sufficient heating of the aerosol-generating article, leading to decreased user satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A laser-based aerosol generation device with a controller that adjusts the radiation area and focal length of a laser to precisely control heating, allowing for immediate aerosol generation by heating a thin aerosol-forming substrate without continuous power supply, and includes features like laser reflection and guide parts to enhance heating efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a laser beam is used to vaporize material and generate aerosol, then aerosol generation capability is improved, but temperature control difficulty increases due to rapid temperature changes in the vaporization region
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback control mechanism where a temperature sensor continuously monitors the temperature in the vaporization region and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the laser beam power based on the temperature feedback to maintain stable temperature control despite rapid temperature changes during aerosol generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the liquid material before laser vaporization and using a heating unit to maintain the liquid reservoir at an optimal temperature. This preliminary thermal preparation reduces the thermal shock and temperature fluctuations in the vaporization region during laser processing.
2Productivity
If laser power is increased to improve aerosol generation rate, then productivity increases, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of laser power based on real-time temperature feedback. The control unit dynamically adjusts the laser beam power level according to the current temperature conditions, allowing the system to operate at high productivity while maintaining precise temperature control through continuous adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the laser beam parameter (power level) dynamically based on temperature conditions. The control unit modifies the laser power parameter in response to temperature feedback, enabling the system to maintain optimal temperature precision across varying productivity levels.
3Productivity
If continuous laser irradiation is applied to maintain aerosol flow, then productivity is improved, but heat loss to surroundings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic or pulsed laser irradiation instead of continuous irradiation. The laser beam is applied in controlled pulses or periodic intervals, maintaining aerosol flow continuity while reducing cumulative heat loss to the surroundings compared to continuous irradiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an insulating cover or enclosure (flexible shell) around the liquid reservoir and vaporization region. This thermal insulation layer reduces heat loss to the surroundings, allowing continuous or prolonged laser irradiation to maintain aerosol flow with minimized energy waste.
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 ensures immediate aerosol generation, reduces smoking standby time, improves user satisfaction, and minimizes power consumption by precise temperature control and efficient heating of the entire substrate using laser radiation.
Implementation Method 1
aerosol is generated by vaporizing a liquid or melting a solid and rapidly cooling the vapor or melt
Implementation Method 2
vaporizing a liquid or melting a solid and rapidly cooling the vapor or melt
Data Source
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AI summary
A laser-based aerosol generation device and a heating method thereof are provided. The aerosol generation device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include an aerosol-generating article, a laser radiation part configured to radiate a laser and heat the aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol, and a controller configured to control the laser radiation part. The controller may adjust a radiation area of the laser to precisely control heating of the aerosol-generating article, and accordingly, development of a burnt taste during smoking can be limited, and smoking satisfaction can be improved.