RLC Resonance Frequency Control for Susceptor Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing RLC resonance circuits for inductive heating in aerosol generating devices face challenges in efficiently controlling the heating of susceptors without increasing cost, space requirements, and power consumption, particularly when regulating supply voltage leads to inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

The controller determines the resonant frequency of the RLC resonance circuit and adjusts the drive frequency to be above or below the resonant frequency to control the heating of the susceptor, thereby reducing current flow and energy transfer, allowing for precise temperature control without the need for voltage regulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If supply voltage is regulated to control heating, then temperature control is achieved, but power consumption increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesusceptor temperature controlVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating frequency parameter of the RLC resonance circuit away from the resonant frequency to control the degree of resonance and thus the heating effect. By adjusting the drive frequency, the system can precisely control susceptor temperature while maintaining high efficiency and avoiding the energy losses associated with voltage regulation methods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If voltage regulation components are added to control heating, then temperature control precision improves, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control precisionVSAvoidcircuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses frequency adjustment instead of voltage regulation components. By controlling the drive frequency of the RLC circuit, precise temperature control is achieved without adding complex voltage regulation hardware, thereby maintaining simplicity and reducing cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The RLC resonance circuit inherently provides temperature control through its frequency-dependent resonance characteristics. The system leverages the natural resonant behavior of the circuit to self-regulate heating, eliminating the need for external voltage regulation components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Temperature

If voltage regulation components are added to control heating, then temperature control is achieved, but space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control capabilityVSAvoiddevice footprint
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent achieves temperature control by adjusting the drive frequency parameter rather than adding voltage regulation components. This approach requires no additional physical space, as the control is achieved through electronic frequency adjustment of the existing RLC circuit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Temperature

If drive frequency is adjusted away from resonant frequency to control heating, then temperature control precision improves, but current flow increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control accuracyVSAvoidcurrent flow
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adjusts the drive frequency parameter of the RLC circuit to control the resonance condition and thus the heating effect. By operating at frequencies above or below the resonant frequency, the system achieves precise temperature control while managing current flow characteristics through the natural impedance behavior of the RLC circuit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 method enables efficient, cost-effective, and space-saving temperature control of the susceptor, enhancing the flexibility and accuracy of aerosol generation by adjusting the heating profile to alter the characteristics of the generated aerosol.

Implementation Method 1

The resonance circuit comprises an inductor arranged for inductive heating of the susceptor. The inductor is arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field when a current flows through the inductor at a drive frequency.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The inductor is arranged to generate an alternating magnetic field when a current flows through the inductor at a drive frequency

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

inductive heating of the susceptor, the susceptor is arranged to heat the aerosol generating material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4093152B1Apparatus for a resonance circuit
Publication Date: 2025.11.26 NICOVENTURES TRADING LTD
  • EP4093152B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4093152B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4093152B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~3a

AI summary

Disclosed is a method and apparatus for use with an RLC resonance circuit for inductive heating of a susceptor of an aerosol generating device. The apparatus is arranged to determine a resonant frequency of the RLC resonance circuit; and determine, based on the determined resonant frequency, a first frequency for the RLC resonance circuit for causing the susceptor to be inductively heated, the first frequency being above or below the determined resonant frequency. The apparatus may be arranged to control a drive frequency of the RLC resonance circuit to be at the determined first frequency in order to heat the susceptor. Also disclosed is an aerosol generating device comprising the apparatus.