Segmented Aerosol Heater with Elastic Contact

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol generation devices with cylindrical heaters face challenges in heat transfer efficiency to cigarettes, as the heat transfer is reduced compared to internal insertion-type heaters.

Innovation Solution

The aerosol generation device features a heater composed of multiple segments cut from a cylindrical structure, allowing for easy printing of electrically conductive tracks on the inner surface, and an elastic member that ensures close contact between the conductive tracks and the cigarette, enhancing heat transfer efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a cylindrical heater is used to heat the cigarette from the outside, then foreign substance discharge is prevented, but heat transfer efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveforeign substance dischargeVSAvoidheat transfer efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The cylindrical heater is divided into multiple segments that can be separately formed and assembled. Each segment has its inner surface processed to form conductive tracks, allowing direct thermal contact with the cigarette while maintaining the external cylindrical structure that prevents foreign substance discharge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner surface of each heater segment is specifically processed to form electrically conductive tracks in direct contact with the cigarette, creating localized high-efficiency heat transfer zones. The outer cylindrical surface maintains its smooth structure for preventing foreign substance discharge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If the heater is divided into multiple segments, then conductive tracks can be easily printed on the inner surface, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprinting conductive tracksVSAvoidheater structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heater is segmented into multiple identical or similar units that can be manufactured separately with conductive tracks printed on their inner surfaces. This segmentation simplifies the printing process compared to a single large cylindrical heater, as each segment can be processed independently using standard printing techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple heater segments are coupled together to form the complete cylindrical heater structure. The segments are joined in a sequence to create the full-length heater, combining the simplicity of individual segment manufacturing with the functionality of a complete cylindrical heater.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration increases heat transfer efficiency to the cigarette, allowing for effective aerosol generation while maintaining a stable and efficient heating process.

Implementation Method 1

one or more electrically conductive tracks printed on one surface of each of the plurality of segments and disposed toward the object-to-be-heated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

an elastic member configured to surround at least a part of the plurality of segments

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3704972B1Aerosol generation device and heater for aerosol generation device
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 KT&G CO LTD
  • EP3704972B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3704972B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3704972B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5B

AI summary

Provided according to an exemplary embodiment is a heater for an aerosol generation device, the heater comprising a plurality of segments combined together to form an insertion portion into which an object-to-be-heated is inserted; one or more electrically conductive tracks printed on one surface of each of the plurality of segments and disposed toward the object-to-be-heated; and an elastic member configured to surround at least a part of the plurality of segments.