Multi-Planar Inductor Coil for Compact Aerosol Induction Heating
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol provision devices face limitations in magnetic field generation efficiency due to constraints such as available space, size, and power requirements, as well as parameters like separation distance and area orientations between magnetic field generating devices and susceptors, which affect inductive coupling and heating efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An inductor design comprising electrically-conductive elements with non-spiral portions and connectors, configured to induce a varying current in a secondary coil, allowing for precise temperature control of a heating chamber by adjusting the drive frequency, amplitude, or duty cycle of the electrical current, and optionally incorporating electromagnetic shielding to enhance magnetic field generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a three dimensional inductor coil is used as a magnetic field generating device, then the device can generate a varying magnetic field for induction heating, but the available space, size of device, and power requirements are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The inductor is divided into multiple planar portions (first portion, second portion, third portion) that are spaced apart from each other. Each portion contributes to the overall magnetic field generation, allowing the system to achieve effective heating power while maintaining a compact footprint by distributing the inductive function across multiple smaller planar elements rather than requiring a single large three-dimensional coil.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a traditional three-dimensional coil structure to a multi-planar configuration where inductor portions are arranged in different planes (first plane, second plane, third plane). This dimensional redistribution allows the magnetic field generating capability to be maintained while significantly reducing the device's overall volume and spatial footprint.
2Volume of moving object
If the separation between the magnetic field generating device and the susceptor is increased, then the device size may be reduced, but the inductive coupling efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the inductor into multiple portions spaced at different distances from the susceptor, the system can maintain effective inductive coupling. At least one portion is positioned close to the susceptor to ensure strong coupling, while other portions are spaced further away, allowing the overall device structure to be more compact without sacrificing coupling efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the inductor are positioned at different locations and orientations relative to the susceptor, creating local variations in coupling strength. This allows the system to optimize coupling efficiency at critical locations while maintaining a compact overall device size, as not all portions need to be equidistant from the susceptor.
3Productivity
If the area sizes and orientations of the magnetic field generating device and susceptor are optimized for inductive coupling, then heating efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inductor is segmented into multiple planar portions that can be independently designed and positioned. Each portion can be optimized for its specific orientation and area relative to the susceptor, allowing for efficient inductive coupling without requiring a complex monolithic structure. The segmented approach simplifies manufacturing and assembly while maintaining heating efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-planar inductor structure serves multiple functions: generating magnetic flux, providing thermal management pathways, and enabling compact packaging. The same inductor portions that generate magnetic fields also contribute to heat dissipation and structural support, reducing the need for additional components and simplifying the overall device complexity.
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 enables improved temperature control and efficient heating of aerosolizable materials within aerosol provision devices, ensuring consistent aerosol production without combustion, by optimizing magnetic field generation and inductive coupling.
Implementation Method 1
when a varying electrical current is applied to the electrically-conductive element, a corresponding varying electrical current is induced in the secondary coil
Implementation Method 2
An induction heating system generally consists of a magnetic field generating device for generating a varying magnetic field, and a susceptor or heating material which is heatable by penetration with the varying magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
An inductor for use in an aerosol provision device is disclosed. The inductor includes an electrically-conductive element and a secondary coil. The element includes an electrically-conductive non-spiral first portion coincident with a first plane, an electrically-conductive non-spiral second portion coincident with a second plane that is spaced from the first plane, and an electrically-conductive connector that electrically connects the first portion to the second portion. The electrically-conductive element is configured such that when a varying electrical current is applied to the electrically-conductive element, a corresponding varying electrical current is induced in the secondary coil.