Removable Inductive Susceptor for Cigarette Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction heating methods for cigarettes face challenges in temperature control due to the difficulty in measuring the temperature of magnetic materials within the cigarette, leading to inconsistent aerosol and flavor delivery.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and system that includes a susceptor formed in an elongated structure outside the cigarette, which is heated by an alternating magnetic field generated by a coil, allowing for precise temperature control and easy cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a magnetic material is included inside the cigarette for induction heating, then the cigarette can be heated by receiving a magnetic field from the outside, but it becomes difficult to measure the temperature of the magnetic material and control the heating temperature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinduction heating capabilityVSAvoidtemperature measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic material (susceptor) is extracted from the cigarette and placed in the apparatus instead. The susceptor is positioned in the heating chamber and heated by the alternating magnetic field, then transfers heat to the cigarette. This separation allows direct temperature measurement of the susceptor while maintaining the induction heating function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The susceptor acts as an intermediary between the alternating magnetic field and the cigarette. It receives the magnetic field energy, converts it to heat, and transfers that heat to the cigarette. This intermediary approach enables temperature control of the susceptor while indirectly heating the cigarette.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If a magnetic material is included inside the cigarette for induction heating, then the cigarette can be heated by receiving a magnetic field from the outside, but inconsistent manufacturing of cigarettes leads to different aerosol and flavor delivery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinduction heating capabilityVSAvoidaerosol and flavor delivery consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic material is extracted from the cigarette and placed in the apparatus. This separates the heating function from the cigarette manufacturing variability, allowing consistent heating conditions in the apparatus while maintaining cigarette manufacturing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Temperature sensors monitor the susceptor temperature in real-time, and the control unit adjusts the alternating current to the coil based on this feedback. This closed-loop control ensures consistent heating temperature regardless of cigarette manufacturing variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the susceptor is included in the cigarette, then the heating function is integrated with the cigarette, but the apparatus becomes difficult to clean and maintain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating function integrationVSAvoidapparatus cleaning
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The susceptor is extracted from the cigarette and placed in the apparatus as a separate, removable component. This allows the susceptor and heating chamber to be easily removed and cleaned, while still providing the integrated heating function during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating system is segmented into separate components: the susceptor, the coil, and the heating chamber. This segmentation allows each component to be independently accessed, cleaned, and maintained, improving ease of repair while maintaining functional integration during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables precise temperature control of the cigarette heating process, ensuring consistent aerosol and flavor delivery, with easy maintenance and cleaning of the apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

a coil arranged to surround the ejector along the longitudinal direction when the ejector is coupled to the apparatus, and configured to apply an alternating magnetic field to the at least one susceptor so that the at least one susceptor generates heat

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an induction heating method in which a cigarette includes a magnetic material that generates heat by receiving a magnetic field from the outside

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 3

at least one susceptor formed in an elongated structure extending in a longitudinal direction of a cigarette to be accommodated in the apparatus, and arranged to be inserted into the cigarette to heat the cigarette

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3818889B1Device and system for generating aerosol by using inductive heating
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 KT&G CO LTD
  • EP3818889B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3818889B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3818889B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is an apparatus for generating an aerosol by induction heating, the apparatus including: at least one susceptor formed in an elongated structure extending in a longitudinal direction of a cigarette to be accommodated in the apparatus, and arranged to be inserted into the cigarette to heat the cigarette; an ejector including an accommodating space for accommodating the cigarette, and an opening formed at one end of the accommodating space so that the cigarette is inserted in the accommodating space, wherein the at least one susceptor is arranged opposite the one end in the accommodating space, and the ejector is detached from and attached to the apparatus together with the at least one susceptor; and a coil arranged to surround the ejector along the longitudinal direction when the ejector is coupled to the apparatus, and configured to apply an alternating magnetic field to the at least one susceptor so that the at least one susceptor generates heat.