Resonant Inductive Heating Control for Consistent Aerosol Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smoking articles burn tobacco to create smoke, and alternative aerosol generating devices that heat tobacco instead of burning it face challenges in efficiently and accurately controlling the heating process to produce consistent aerosol output.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with an impulse generation circuit and resonant circuit is used to induce an impulse response in a susceptor, utilizing an inductive element and capacitor, with an output circuit to provide signals based on the impulse response properties, including edge detection and Q-factor measurement, to control the heating process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If heating power is increased to improve aerosol generation efficiency, then aerosol output increases, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously measures the actual temperature of the heating element using a temperature sensor and compares it with the target temperature. Based on this feedback, the control unit adjusts the heating power in real-time, enabling precise temperature control even at high heating powers that improve aerosol generation efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system employs periodic temperature measurements and pulsed heating cycles rather than continuous heating. This periodic action allows the system to maintain high average heating power for efficient aerosol generation while providing regular intervals for temperature sensing and control adjustments, thus preserving temperature control precision.
2Productivity
If heating power is increased to reduce heating time, then productivity improves, but temperature uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is divided into multiple independent heating zones with separate control capabilities. Each zone can be controlled individually to achieve uniform temperature distribution across the entire heating surface, even when operating at high heating powers that reduce overall heating time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the heating power of different zones based on real-time temperature measurements. During high-power heating operations, the control system modulates power distribution across zones to prevent hot spots and maintain temperature uniformity, enabling fast heating without sacrificing thermal homogeneity.
3Measurement precision
If temperature sensing frequency is increased to improve control accuracy, then temperature control precision improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensing operates periodically at optimized intervals rather than continuously. The control unit determines appropriate measurement frequencies based on the current operational state, achieving accurate temperature control while minimizing energy consumption from the sensing system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies excessive measurement frequency only when needed (during critical heating phases or when deviations are detected) and uses lower measurement frequencies during stable operation. This partial application of high-frequency sensing maintains control accuracy while reducing overall energy consumption.
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 approach allows for precise temperature control and detection of susceptor properties, ensuring consistent aerosol production and efficient heating of aerosolizable materials in non-combustible aerosol generating devices.
Implementation Method 1
a resonant circuit comprising an inductive element (for inductively heating a susceptor) and a capacitor
Implementation Method 2
an inductive element (for inductively heating a susceptor)
Implementation Method 3
the applied impulse induces an impulse response between the capacitor and the inductive element of the resonant circuit, wherein the impulse response has a resonant frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program is described comprising: applying an impulse to a resonant circuit comprising an inductive element, for inductively heating a susceptor, and a capacitor, wherein the applied impulse induces an impulse response between the capacitor and the inductive element of the resonant circuit, wherein each impulse response has a resonant frequency; and generating an output signal dependent on one or more properties of the impulse response.