Movable Heating Element in Aerosol Substrate Cavity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol generating systems face inefficiencies in heating aerosol-forming substrates due to external heater elements, which result in heat loss and increased device diameter, and struggle to efficiently heat different portions of the substrate without damaging the heating element or substrate.

Innovation Solution

A compact aerosol generating device with a movable heating element and positioning mechanism that allows for efficient thermal transfer by moving the heating element within the aerosol-forming substrate's internal cavity, minimizing heat loss and enabling efficient heating of multiple puffs without increasing the device's external diameter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If external heater elements are used to heat aerosol-forming substrate, then heating function is provided, but heat loss increases and device diameter increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat lossVSAvoiddevice diameter

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional heating arrangement by placing the heating element inside the aerosol-forming substrate rather than outside. This internal positioning eliminates the need for external insulation, reduces heat loss to the environment, and minimizes the device's external diameter while maintaining effective heating function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating element is nested within the internal cavity of the aerosol-forming substrate, allowing the heater to be contained inside the substrate structure. This nesting arrangement enables efficient thermal transfer while eliminating the need for additional external insulation layers, thereby reducing overall device diameter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If heating element is positioned externally to aerosol-forming substrate, then heating function is provided, but insulation is required increasing device complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidheat loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

By inverting the heating element position from external to internal, the patent eliminates the requirement for external insulation structures. The substrate itself acts as the containment structure, simplifying manufacturing while improving thermal efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Productivity

If heating element moves between portions of substrate externally, then multiple puffs are enabled, but movement distance is large requiring complex positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple puffsVSAvoidpositioning mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the heating approach by using a single stationary heating element positioned within the substrate's internal cavity, eliminating the need for complex positioning mechanisms. Multiple puffs are achieved by moving the substrate or advancing the heating element axially along the substrate length, requiring minimal movement distance and simpler mechanics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Length of stationary object

If heating element is stationary within substrate, then compact design is achieved, but heating of multiple portions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice diameterVSAvoidheating multiple portions

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic movement capability to the heating element, allowing it to move axially along the length of the substrate. This dynamic positioning enables the single compact heating element to heat multiple different portions of the substrate sequentially, providing versatility for multiple puffs while maintaining a compact device diameter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution achieves efficient heating with minimal heat loss and allows for a compact device design, enabling multiple puffs while mimicking a conventional combustible cigarette, and prevents damage to the heating element or substrate by allowing movement and contact control.

Implementation Method 1

efficient thermal transfer from the heating element to the aerosol-forming substrate during heating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the heating element is heated electrically

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS9999247B2Aerosol generating device with heater assembly

Publication Date: 2018.06.19 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA

AI summary

An aerosol generating device is provided, including a housing configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate having an internal cavity; a heating element configured to be received within the internal cavity of the substrate, and a positioning mechanism coupled to the heating element and to the housing being configured to move the heating element between a plurality of heating positions within the cavity. There is also provided an aerosol generating device including a housing configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate, a heating element configured to heat a portion of the substrate, and a positioning mechanism configured to move the heating element from a first position next to a first portion of the substrate, to a second position remote from the substrate, and then to a third position next to a second portion of the substrate.