Removable Heater Locking for Heat-Not-Burn Replacement Safety

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improved design of heat not burn systems, particularly HT heat not burn systems, to enhance user experience and improve functionality.

Innovation Solution

A heat not burn system featuring a device with a removably engaging heater apparatus, including a locking mechanism for secure engagement and disengagement, temperature sensing for safety, and a configuration that eliminates the need for conductive wires, allowing for easy replacement of malfunctioning heaters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If the heater apparatus is permanently integrated into the device, then the device structure is simplified and more reliable, but the ease of repair deteriorates when the heater malfunctions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheater replacementVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heater apparatus is segmented from the main device body, creating a separate replaceable module. This allows the heater to be independently replaced without replacing the entire device, improving repair ease while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure through modular design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The heater apparatus is designed as a consumable component that can be discarded when malfunctioned and replaced with a new one. The device body is recovered and reused, separating the disposable heater from the durable device structure, thus improving ease of repair without permanently increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Ease of repair

If the heater apparatus is removably engaged with the device, then the ease of repair is improved, but the device complexity increases due to engagement mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheater replacementVSAvoidengagement mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement mechanism is extracted as a simple, standardized interface between the heater apparatus and device body. By using a straightforward mechanical engagement system rather than a complex connection mechanism, the patent improves heater replaceability while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If conductive wires are used to connect the heater to the power source, then the electrical connection is secure, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to wire management requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheater replacementVSAvoidwire connection system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical wire connection system is replaced with a direct electrical contact system where the heater apparatus makes contact with the power source through engagement surfaces or contacts. This eliminates the need for flexible wires and their management, greatly improving ease of operation and heater replacement while reducing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system enhances user safety and convenience by enabling easy replacement of malfunctioning heaters, ensuring secure engagement, and improving aerosol formation and total particulate matter output.

Implementation Method 1

a heating element which extends from the end of the body that is configured for engagement with the aerosol-forming article

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

the vapour cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentEP3941237B1A heat not burn system
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 IMPERIAL TOBACCO LTD
  • EP3941237B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3941237B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3941237B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A heat not burn system comprising a device is disclosed. The device comprises a heater apparatus, which includes a heating element. The heating apparatus is configured to removably engage with the device, so as to supply power to the heating apparatus from a power source. The device and the heater apparatus include a locking mechanism, which is configured to unlock when the temperature of the heater apparatus is below the threshold and, when the cooling period is above the threshold, after off state of the heating apparatus.