Multi-Plane Inductor Layout for Aerosol Induction Heating
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol provision devices, such as tobacco heating products, face challenges in efficiently heating aerosolisable materials without combustion, requiring innovative inductor designs for effective magnetic field generation.
Innovation Solution
The development of an inductor for aerosol provision devices comprising an electrically-conductive element with non-spiral portions coincident with distinct planes and a connector linking these portions, optimized for efficient magnetic field generation and heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a traditional spiral inductor design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the magnetic field generation efficiency is insufficient for effective heating
Solution Approach 1:
The inductor is divided into multiple discrete non-spiral portions (first portion, second portion, third portion, etc.) arranged on different planes and connected by connectors. This segmentation allows each portion to be positioned optimally for magnetic field generation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The inductor transitions from a traditional two-dimensional spiral planar design to a three-dimensional structure with portions distributed across multiple spaced planes. This dimensional change increases the effective magnetic field generation volume and improves heating efficiency without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
2Reliability
If the inductor uses multiple portions on spaced planes, then the magnetic field distribution is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple inductor portions that would traditionally require separate assembly are merged into a single integrated electrically-conductive element with built-in connectors. This combining approach maintains the beneficial multi-plane magnetic field distribution while eliminating complex assembly steps, thereby improving manufacturing ease.
3Power
If the inductor portions are closely spaced, then the magnetic field strength is increased, but the risk of short circuits increases
Solution Approach 1:
Electrically-insulating connectors are introduced as intermediary elements between the closely-spaced electrically-conductive portions. These connectors enable close spacing for strong magnetic field generation while providing necessary electrical insulation to prevent short circuits, thus resolving the contradiction between field strength and insulation reliability.
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 inductor design enables the generation of a strong magnetic field, effectively heating aerosolisable materials in aerosol provision devices, ensuring efficient and consistent aerosol production without combustion.
Implementation Method 1
an induction coil arrangement for use with apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilise at least one component of the smokable material
Implementation Method 2
heating apparatus for causing heating of the article when the article is at least partially located within the heating zone to thereby generate the aerosol
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
An inductor (160) for use in an aerosol provision device. The inductor (160) comprises an electrically-conductive element (160). The element (160) comprises an electrically- conductive non-spiral first portion (162) coincident with a first plane (P1), an electrically-conductive non-spiral second portion (164) coincident with a second plane (P2) that is spaced from the first plane (P1), and an electrically-conductive connector (163) that electrically connects the first portion (162) to the second portion (164).