Planar Susceptor Inductive Heating With Balanced Dual Coils
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inductive heating systems in aerosol-generating devices face inefficiencies and challenges in achieving consistent heating of thin, low-mass susceptors due to deformation and movement caused by magnetic fields, particularly in handheld devices.
Innovation Solution
Aerosol-generating systems with a planar susceptor element positioned equidistant between two planar inductor coils, balanced by equal and opposite magnetic forces, and controlled by circuitry to provide alternating current, utilizing flux concentrators to enhance magnetic field concentration and efficient heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a thin, low-mass susceptor is used for efficient heating of the aerosol-forming substrate, then heating efficiency is improved, but the susceptor moves or is deformed over time by the forces exerted on it by the magnetic field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by introducing a second susceptor element that balances the magnetic forces acting on the first susceptor element. Each susceptor element experiences opposing magnetic forces from the inductor coils, and the paired configuration ensures that these forces are balanced, preventing deformation and movement while maintaining the thin, low-mass design for efficient heating.
2Temperature
If very high frequency alternating currents are provided to generate sufficient temperatures, then heating capability is improved, but the complexity of providing such currents in a handheld device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical configuration of the susceptor system - using thin, low-mass susceptor elements with specific geometric arrangements and materials that have appropriate magnetic properties. This allows efficient heating at more manageable frequencies suitable for handheld devices, rather than requiring extremely high frequencies.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the susceptor is made thin with low thermal mass for efficient heating, then heating efficiency is improved, but consistent heating becomes difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the susceptor into multiple discrete elements (first and second susceptor elements) rather than using a single continuous susceptor. This segmentation allows each element to be independently optimized for thermal efficiency while the collective arrangement ensures consistent and balanced heating across the aerosol-forming substrate.
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 configuration ensures efficient and consistent heating of the susceptor element, minimizing deformation and movement, allowing for rapid vaporization of aerosol-forming substrate in a compact, handheld device.
Implementation Method 1
The inductive heating assembly comprises at least one inductor coil, which is configured to generate an alternating magnetic field. When the susceptor is penetrated by the alternating magnetic field, the susceptor is heated by at least one of Joule heating from induced eddy currents in the susceptor and hysteresis losses.
Implementation Method 2
the susceptor is heated by at least one of Joule heating from induced eddy currents in the susceptor and hysteresis losses
Implementation Method 3
The heated susceptor heats the aerosol-forming substrate causing volatile compounds to be released from the aerosol-forming substrate, which cool to form an inhalable aerosol
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
An aerosol-generating system comprising: a liquid reservoir (40); a susceptor assembly (12), the susceptor assembly (12) comprising a susceptor element in fluid communication with the liquid reservoir (40) such that liquid from the liquid reservoir is conveyed to the susceptor element in use; wherein the susceptor element is substantially planar and extends parallel to a first plane; a first inductor coil (66) and a second inductor coil (68), the first inductor coil (66) positioned on a first side of the susceptor assembly (12) and extending parallel to the first plane, the second inductor coil (68) positioned on a second side of the susceptor assembly (12) opposite the first side and extending parallel to the first plane, wherein the susceptor element is positioned between, and substantially equidistant from the first inductor coil (66) and the second inductor coil (68); and control circuitry (70) connected to the first and second inductor coils (66, 68) and configured to provide alternating current to the first and second inductor coils (66, 68). This arrangement allows for efficient and consistent heating of the susceptor element.