Loop Antenna Irradiation Control for Aerosol-Generating Articles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol-generating devices face challenges in suitably irradiating aerosol-generating articles with electromagnetic waves due to device configuration issues.

Innovation Solution

The aerosol-generating device incorporates an accommodating portion, an oscillation unit, a first loop antenna, and a control unit to facilitate the controlled delivery of electromagnetic waves to the aerosol-generating article.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electromagnetic waves are irradiated onto an aerosol-generating article, then aerosol generation is enabled, but suitable irradiation cannot be achieved depending on device configuration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveirradiation effectivenessVSAvoiddevice configuration adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a loop antenna that can rotate around the aerosol-generating article, dynamically adjusting the irradiation position and angle. This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different article shapes and sizes, ensuring reliable electromagnetic wave irradiation regardless of device configuration variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit adjusts irradiation parameters including frequency, power level, and antenna position based on detected article characteristics. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system achieves suitable irradiation effectiveness across different device configurations and article types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Area of stationary object

If a loop antenna is used to supply electromagnetic waves, then irradiation coverage is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveirradiation coverage areaVSAvoidantenna control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loop antenna serves multiple functions: it generates electromagnetic waves, detects article presence and characteristics, and provides feedback for control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing device complexity while maintaining broad irradiation coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the loop antenna detects article characteristics and the control unit adjusts irradiation parameters accordingly. This closed-loop control simplifies the overall system by using the antenna's dual role in transmission and detection to automatically optimize performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables effective irradiation of the aerosol-generating article with electromagnetic waves, ensuring consistent and efficient aerosol generation.

Implementation Method 1

an oscillation unit for oscillating electromagnetic waves; a first loop antenna for supplying the electromagnetic waves oscillated by the oscillation unit to the accommodating portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic wave oscillation: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4678036A1Aerosol generation device
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 JAPAN TOBACCO INC
  • EP4678036A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4678036A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4678036A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This aerosol generation device comprises: a receptacle capable of accommodating at least a portion of an aerosol-generating article comprising an aerosol source; an oscillator that oscillates an electromagnetic wave; a first loop antenna that supplies, to the receptacle, the electromagnetic wave oscillated by the oscillator; and a controller that controls the oscillator.