Multi-Susceptor Induction Heating for Uniform Aerosol Substrate Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating devices with inductive heaters face challenges in achieving uniform heat distribution and efficient use of aerosol-forming substrates, leading to inconsistent aerosol production and potential substrate waste.
Innovation Solution
The system employs multiple susceptors with different shapes, dimensions, and materials, controlled by alternating magnetic fields of varying frequencies to achieve sequential heating of aerosol-forming substrates, optimizing heat distribution and substrate utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single susceptor element is used in the inductive heater, then the device structure is simple, but the heat distribution is non-uniform and substrate utilization is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive heater is divided into multiple independent susceptor elements (first susceptor element and second susceptor element) that can be separately controlled. Each susceptor element targets specific regions of the aerosol-forming substrate, enabling uniform heat distribution across the entire substrate while maintaining efficient substrate utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different susceptor elements are configured with different properties (shape, size, material, position) to provide localized heating to different regions of the substrate. The first susceptor element may be optimized for heating the center region while the second susceptor element targets the peripheral regions, ensuring uniform overall heating.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple susceptors with different configurations are used, then heat distribution and substrate utilization are optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple susceptor elements are integrated into a single inductive heater assembly that operates under unified control from the controller. The controller manages the alternating magnetic field generation and switching between different susceptor elements, combining their individual heating functions into a coordinated system that achieves uniform heat distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductive heater is designed as a multi-functional device capable of selectively activating different susceptor elements based on the substrate configuration and heating requirements. The same inductive heater structure can accommodate various susceptor element configurations to optimize heating for different substrate types and sizes.
3Productivity
If sequential heating with alternating magnetic fields of different frequencies is implemented, then substrate utilization efficiency improves, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements periodic switching between different alternating magnetic field frequencies, activating the first susceptor element during one time period and the second susceptor element during another time period. This periodic action ensures that different regions of the substrate receive heat sequentially, optimizing overall substrate utilization while maintaining a relatively simple control architecture.
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
This approach ensures consistent aerosol production, reduces power consumption, and minimizes substrate waste, while allowing for a more compact and cost-effective aerosol-generating device design.
Implementation Method 1
an induction element disposed around, or adjacent to, the heating zone... configured to provide an alternating electric current to the induction element to generate an alternating magnetic field within the heating zone
Implementation Method 2
The inductive heater typically comprises an inductor forming part of the aerosol-generating device and a conductive susceptor element arranged such that it is in thermal proximity to the aerosol-forming substrate. During use, the inductor generates an alternating magnetic field to generate eddy currents and hysteresis losses in the susceptor element
Implementation Method 3
the inductor generates an alternating magnetic field to generate eddy currents and hysteresis losses in the susceptor element, causing the susceptor element to heat up
Implementation Method 4
an inductive heater is used rather than a resistive heating element. The inductive heater typically comprises an inductor forming part of the aerosol-generating device and a conductive susceptor element arranged such that it is in thermal proximity to the aerosol-forming substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol-generating system is provided, including: an aerosol-generating device, including a housing including ventilation holes, a heating chamber defining a heating zone and being sized to receive at least a portion of an aerosol-forming substrate within the heating zone, an induction element disposed around, or adjacent to, the heating zone, a power supply, and a controller connected to the induction element and configured to provide an alternating electric current to the induction element to generate an alternating magnetic field within the heating zone, the induction element being configured to be controlled to sequentially provide a first alternating magnetic field having a first frequency for a first period of time followed by a second alternating magnetic field having a second frequency for a second period of time.