Pyrometer-Based Aerosol Heating for Contactless Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating devices face challenges in accurately and reliably monitoring the temperature of the heating process due to issues with thermal contact-based temperature sensors, which can lead to inaccurate readings and mechanical damage to fragile surfaces.
Innovation Solution
The use of a dual-wavelength pyrometer for contactless temperature monitoring, allowing for remote, non-invasive measurement of the heated target surface within the aerosol-generating device, providing reliable, fast, and reproducible results, and enabling accurate temperature control without interfering with the heating process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal contact-based temperature sensors are used, then temperature monitoring is achieved, but reliability decreases due to sensor breakage and improper thermal contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based temperature sensors with a pyrometer that uses optical radiation detection. The pyrometer measures temperature remotely by detecting thermal radiation from the heating element, eliminating the need for physical contact and thereby avoiding sensor breakage and thermal contact issues while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces thermal radiation as an intermediary medium for temperature measurement. Instead of direct contact between sensor and heating element, the pyrometer detects temperature through the thermal radiation emitted by the heating element, which acts as a non-contact intermediary carrying temperature information.
2Measurement precision
If contact-based temperature sensors are used, then temperature measurement is possible, but mechanical damage occurs to fragile surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact measurement with optical measurement using a pyrometer. The pyrometer detects thermal radiation from the heating element without physical contact, thereby eliminating mechanical stress and potential damage to fragile heating element surfaces while maintaining accurate temperature measurement capability.
3Reliability
If thermal contact sensors are inserted with substrate, then temperature monitoring is achieved, but measurement fails when sensor does not make proper contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the mechanical insertion and contact-making process by using a pyrometer for contactless temperature measurement. The pyrometer measures temperature through thermal radiation detection without requiring sensor insertion or proper thermal contact, thereby eliminating the operational complexity and reliability issues associated with sensor placement.
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 solution ensures precise temperature control, reduces mechanical stress on fragile surfaces, and maintains device reliability by providing continuous, high-accuracy temperature measurements, even in the presence of aerosol or dust, thereby enhancing the reproducibility and safety of aerosol formation.
Implementation Method 1
a pyrometer for determining a temperature of a heated target surface within the device housing
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an aerosol-generating device that is configured for generating an inhalable aerosol by heating an aerosol-forming substrate. The device comprises a device housing for receiving the aerosol-forming substrate and a pyrometer for determining a temperature of a heated target surface within the device housing. The invention further relates to an aerosol-generating system comprising such an aerosol-generating device and an aerosol-generating article for use with the device including an aerosol-forming substrate.