Proximity-Triggered Aerosol Heating for Faster Puff Readiness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat-not-burn aerosol generating devices face challenges such as prolonged wait times for aerosol generation, continuous aerosol production when not in use, and inefficient energy usage due to constant heating.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol generating device equipped with proximity and puff sensors that adjust electric power to the aerosol substrate based on user proximity and inhalation actions, providing inhalation, priming, and boost electric powers to optimize heating and energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the aerosol substrate is heated continuously to maintain ready-to-use temperature, then the aerosol generation speed is improved, but energy consumption increases and the aerosol substrate is wasted when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element operates periodically rather than continuously. The control unit activates heating only when a user action is detected (such as button press or inhalation), and deactivates it when no user is present. This periodic operation pattern eliminates energy waste during non-use periods while maintaining rapid aerosol generation capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary heating actions only when user presence is detected, rather than maintaining continuous heat. The control unit prepares the aerosol substrate for heating in advance of actual use by detecting user proximity or input, then activates heating at the optimal moment to minimize energy consumption while ensuring rapid aerosol generation when the user is ready.
2Productivity
If a heater is added to the device to heat solid aerosol substrates, then aerosol generation capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to insulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The aerosol substrate itself contains conductive elements that enable it to be heated directly by electrical current without requiring a separate heater component. When voltage is applied between two contact points on the substrate, the conductive material within the substrate generates heat internally through resistive heating, eliminating the need for external heating elements and associated insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/thermal heating system (heater + insulation) with an electrical heating system. By incorporating conductive material into the aerosol substrate and applying voltage directly across it, the system uses electrical resistance heating instead of external thermal conduction, thereby eliminating the complexity of heater mounting and thermal insulation design.
3Quantity of substance
If the aerosol substrate is heated to volatilisation temperature, then aerosol production is sufficient for inhalation, but aerosol continues to generate after use stopping, wasting substrate
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors user presence and input through sensors (such as proximity sensors, button presses, or inhalation detectors) and adjusts heating accordingly. When user action is detected, heating is activated to produce sufficient aerosol volume. When user presence is no longer detected or the session ends, heating is immediately deactivated, preventing continuous aerosol generation and substrate waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system dynamically adjusts its operation state based on real-time user interaction. The control unit transitions the heating element between off, preliminary heating, and full heating states depending on detected user presence and input, ensuring aerosol production matches actual user demand rather than operating at constant output.
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
Reduces aerosol generation wait time to under 4 seconds, conserves energy by heating only when in use, and ensures efficient aerosol production coinciding with user inhalation.
Implementation Method 1
a proximity sensor configured to sense proximity of a user in a first direction (A)
Implementation Method 2
at least two electrodes configured to electrically couple with said aerosol substrate to provide electric power to said aerosol substrate
Implementation Method 3
heat aerosol substrate to release aerosol/vapour for inhalation
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol generating device receives an aerosol substrate and provides electric power to the aerosol substrate. The aerosol generating device includes at least two electrodes configured to electrically couple with the aerosol substrate to provide electric power to the aerosol substrate, in use; a proximity sensor configured to sense proximity of a user in a first direction; and a control unit configured to: compare the sensed proximity with a predetermined threshold; and increase the electric power provided to the aerosol substrate to an inhalation electric power when the sensed proximity is less than the predetermined threshold. There is also provided a method of operating an aerosol generating device.