Resonant Pulse-Edge Bridge Circuit for Inductive Aerosol Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generating devices face challenges in efficiently heating aerosol substrates without combustion, requiring innovative methods to induce precise temperature control and efficient energy transfer for aerosol production.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a bridge or H-bridge circuit that applies pulse edges to a resonant circuit, utilizing an inductive element and capacitor to induce a pulse response for inductive heating of a susceptor, allowing for controlled heating modes and measurement operations, thereby optimizing aerosol generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional heating methods are used to heat aerosol substrates, then temperature control can be achieved, but combustion occurs which is harmful
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional resistive heating elements with electromagnetic induction heating. The induction heating system uses a magnetic field generated by a coil to induce eddy currents in the susceptor, which generates heat internally without direct contact or combustion. This substitution of heating mechanism eliminates combustion while maintaining precise temperature control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of the aerosol-forming material by controlling the heating process through induction. The material transitions from solid/liquid state to vapor phase through controlled heating below combustion temperature, enabling aerosol generation without burning. The resonance frequency control allows precise management of this phase transition process.
2Loss of energy
If pulse edges are applied to induce resonant frequency for efficient heating, then energy transfer efficiency improves, but circuit complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic pulse signals applied to the resonant circuit to excite the induction heating system at its resonant frequency. This periodic action creates sustained oscillating magnetic fields that maximize energy transfer efficiency to the susceptor. The pulse duration and frequency are controlled to match the resonant characteristics of the LC circuit, ensuring efficient heating while managing circuit complexity through standardized pulse generation techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the resonant circuit by adjusting the pulse width, frequency, and amplitude to optimize heating efficiency. The resonant frequency of the LC circuit is tuned to match the electrical characteristics of the susceptor, maximizing energy transfer. Parameter adjustment allows the system to adapt to different heating requirements without requiring complex circuit reconfiguration.
3Productivity
If resonance frequency is used for heating, then heating efficiency improves, but measurement precision of pulse response becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms to monitor the pulse response of the resonant circuit during induction heating. By measuring the voltage across the capacitor and current through the inductor, the system can detect changes in resonant frequency and damping that indicate heating progress and susceptor properties. This feedback allows the control system to maintain optimal heating conditions while providing measurement data for process monitoring and control.
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 enables efficient inductive heating of aerosol substrates, ensuring precise temperature control and improved aerosol production efficiency without combustion, enhancing the performance of non-combustible aerosol generating devices.
Implementation Method 1
an inductive element and a capacitor connected in series between the first and second connection points, wherein the inductive element is for inductively heating a susceptor
Implementation Method 2
each applied pulse edge induces a pulse response between the capacitor and the inductive element of the resonant circuit, wherein the pulse response has a resonant frequency
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus can include a bridge circuit for applying one or more pulse edges to a resonant circuit, the bridge circuit having a first limb in which a first connection point is connected to ground, and a second limb having a third transistor connected between a first power source and a second connection point and a fourth transistor connected between the second connection point and ground, wherein the resonant circuit can include an inductive element and a capacitor connected in series between the first and second connection points, wherein the inductive element is for inductively heating a susceptor, wherein each applied pulse edge induces a pulse response between the capacitor and the inductive element of the resonant circuit, wherein the pulse response has a resonant frequency.