Heated Aerosol Device With Phased Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aerosol-generating devices that heat a substrate continuously or repeatedly face challenges in maintaining consistent aerosol properties over time due to substrate depletion and reduced thermodiffusion effects, leading to a decrease in key constituents like nicotine delivery.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that control the power to the heating element to vary its temperature through distinct phases: increasing to a first temperature, decreasing to a second, and then increasing again, maintaining the heating element within specific temperature ranges to compensate for substrate depletion and enhance aerosol delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If continuous or repeated heating is applied to the aerosol-forming substrate, then aerosol generation is sustained, but the aerosol properties deteriorate due to substrate depletion and reduced thermodiffusion effects

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveduration of aerosol generationVSAvoidconsistency of aerosol properties

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic temperature variation through distinct phases: a first phase where power is increased to raise temperature to a first temperature, a second phase where power is reduced to lower temperature to a second temperature, and a third phase where power is increased again to reach a third temperature. This periodic action compensates for substrate depletion and maintains consistent aerosol delivery throughout extended operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically changes the temperature parameter of the heating element over time through controlled power adjustment. By varying the temperature through specific phases (increasing to first temperature, decreasing to second temperature, increasing to third temperature), the system adapts to substrate depletion and maintains optimal aerosol generation conditions throughout the heating cycle

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the heating element temperature is increased to compensate for substrate depletion, then aerosol delivery is maintained, but the risk of combustion increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsistency of aerosol deliveryVSAvoidcombustion risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic temperature variation with distinct phases to manage combustion risk. The temperature is not continuously maximized but rather cycled through controlled increases and decreases, allowing heat dissipation periods that prevent thermal runaway while maintaining sufficient temperature for consistent aerosol delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic temperature control where the heating element temperature is continuously adjusted based on operational phase. The temperature profile transitions from initial heating to maintained temperature and then to compensatory heating, providing adaptive control that balances aerosol generation with combustion prevention

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

This approach maintains consistent aerosol delivery by adjusting the heating element's temperature to counteract substrate depletion, ensuring a stable and satisfactory consumer experience.

Implementation Method 1

a heater comprising at least one heating element configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

heating element configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

controlling the power provided to the heating element such that in a first phase power is provided such that the temperature of the heating element increases from an initial temperature to a first temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal energy storage: Thermal Energy Storage

Data Source

PatentUS20250288020A1Heated aerosol-generating device and method for generating aerosol with consistent properties

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA

AI summary

A method of controlling aerosol production in an aerosol-generating device is provided, the aerosol-generating device including a power source configured to provide power to a heating element to heat an aerosol-forming substrate including an aerosol former, the method including the steps of controlling the power provided to the heating element such that in a first phase, immediately after activating the aerosol-generating device, power is provided to the heating element such that a temperature of the heating element increases from an initial temperature to a first temperature, in a second phase power is provided such that the temperature of the heating element decreases to a second temperature lower than the first temperature but does not decrease below a volatilization temperature of the aerosol former, and in a third phase power is provided such that the temperature of the heating element increases to a third temperature greater than the second temperature.