Modular Induction Heater Housing for Aerosol Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating devices with induction heaters lack easy access for cleaning and replacing the heating element, leading to residue buildup and potential functionality impairment.
Innovation Solution
The aerosol-generating device is designed with a housing that can be rearranged to access the heating element, allowing for easy cleaning and replacement without needing to replace the entire induction coil, and features a detachable second housing portion for improved maintenance and cost-effectiveness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the heating element is integrated within the induction coil housing, then the device structure is compact and protected, but the heating element cannot be easily accessed for cleaning and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a first housing portion containing the power supply and controller, and a second housing portion containing the induction coil and heating element. This segmentation allows the second housing portion to be detached for accessing the heating element, resolving the contradiction between compact integration and ease of maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing portions are configured to be movable relative to each other between a first position (operational configuration with heating element protected within the coil) and a second position (maintenance configuration with heating element accessible). This dynamic reconfiguration enables easy cleaning and replacement while maintaining compact structure during operation.
2Reliability
If the entire induction coil assembly is replaced when the heating element deteriorates, then functionality is restored, but maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is extracted as a separate replaceable component from the induction coil assembly. The detachable second housing portion allows the heating element to be removed and replaced independently without replacing the entire induction coil, reducing maintenance costs while restoring functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is designed as a consumable component that can be discarded when deteriorated and replaced with a new one. The modular housing structure enables easy removal and replacement, allowing users to recover the expensive induction coil assembly while only replacing the cheaper heating element.
3Ease of operation
If the housing portions are fixed in position, then the device structure is simple and robust, but the heating element cannot be accessed for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The housing portions are configured to be movable relative to each other between a first position (operational configuration with heating element protected within the coil) and a second position (maintenance configuration with heating element accessible). This dynamic reconfiguration enables easy cleaning and replacement while maintaining compact structure during operation.
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
Facilitates easy cleaning and replacement of the heating element, preventing residue buildup and reducing maintenance costs, while allowing for different heating elements to be used for varied heating regimes.
Implementation Method 1
An induction heater comprises an induction coil and a heating element, wherein the heating element is arrangeable within the induction coil, such that it can be heated inductively
Implementation Method 2
The alternating magnetic field penetrates the heating element thereby creating eddy currents within the heating element. These currents lead to a heating of the heating element
Implementation Method 3
In addition to heat generated by eddy currents, the alternating magnetic field may also cause the susceptor to heat due to the hysteresis mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol-generating device is provided, including: an induction heater configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate, the induction heater including an induction coil and a heating element, the heating element being arrangeable within the induction coil, and the induction coil having a varying pitch. An aerosol generating system is also provided, including the aerosol generating device and an aerosol generating article including an aerosol-forming substrate.