Pyrometer Non-Contact Temperature Monitoring in Aerosol Generators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol-generating devices face challenges in accurately monitoring temperature during the heating process due to the reliability issues of traditional thermal contact-based temperature sensors, which can lead to improper heating and potential combustion of aerosol-forming substrates instead of vaporization.
Innovation Solution
The use of a pyrometer for remote, non-contact temperature measurement within the aerosol-generating device, allowing for reliable and reproducible temperature monitoring of the heated target surface, thereby preventing undesired temperature effects and ensuring accurate aerosol formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal contact-based temperature sensors are used, then temperature monitoring is achieved, but reliability deteriorates 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 to measure temperature. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact between the sensor and heating element, thereby avoiding sensor breakage and improper thermal contact issues while maintaining accurate temperature monitoring through non-contact optical measurement methods
2Reliability
If thermal contact sensors are used, then temperature monitoring is possible, but device complexity increases due to sensor insertion and contact requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The pyrometer system replaces complex mechanical sensor insertion and contact establishment procedures with a simple optical measurement process. The temperature sensor is positioned to optically view the heating element surface, eliminating the need for precise mechanical insertion, thermal contact establishment, and sensor protection structures required by contact-based sensors
3Reliability
If contactless temperature measurement is implemented, then reliability improves by avoiding thermal contact issues, but heat transfer to other components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces optical radiation as an intermediary medium for temperature measurement. The pyrometer detects thermal radiation emitted by the heating element through optical signals rather than direct thermal contact, allowing reliable contactless temperature monitoring while preventing conductive heat transfer to electronic components through the use of optical isolation
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
The pyrometer provides fast, continuous, and accurate temperature monitoring with high precision, reducing the risk of mechanical damage to fragile surfaces and enabling precise control of the heating process, ensuring only desired volatile compounds are released.
Implementation Method 1
a pyrometer for determining a temperature of a heated target surface within the device housing
Data Source
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.