Segmented Induction Heating Element for Smokable Material Volatilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smoking alternatives that heat tobacco or other smokable materials without burning them struggle to efficiently volatilize components without combustion, leading to incomplete vaporization and inconsistent aerosol release.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a heating element that uses a varying magnetic field to heat smokable materials, where a first section is heated inductively and a second section is heated by thermal conduction, allowing for progressive and efficient volatilization of components without combustion, using materials like electrically-conductive and magnetic materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single heating zone is used to heat smokable material, then the device structure is simple, but the volatilization is incomplete and aerosol release is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is divided into two distinct sections: a first section heatable by induction heating and a second section heatable by thermal conduction. This segmentation allows different regions of the smokable material to be heated by different mechanisms, ensuring complete volatilization and consistent aerosol release while maintaining reliable performance.
2Productivity
If induction heating is applied to the entire heating element, then heating efficiency is high, but magnetic field interference and material compatibility issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is segmented into an induction-heatable first section and a thermally-conducted second section. This allows induction heating to be applied only where needed for high efficiency, while the second section avoids magnetic field interference by being heated purely through thermal conduction from the first section.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the heating element have different heating characteristics tailored to their specific functions. The first section is optimized for induction heating with high efficiency, while the second section is designed for thermal conduction to avoid magnetic field issues, creating local quality variations that solve the overall problem.
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
The apparatus effectively volatilizes smokable material components without combustion, providing a consistent and rapid release of aerosol, ensuring efficient heating and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field to heat the heating zone
Implementation Method 2
a first section of the heating element is located between a second section of the heating element and the outlet, and wherein the second section of the heating element is heatable in use by thermal conduction from the first section of the heating element
Implementation Method 3
the second section of the heating element is heatable in use by thermal conduction from the first section of the heating element
Implementation Method 4
heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus for heating smokable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokable material. The apparatus includes a heating zone for receiving at least a portion of an article including smokable material; an outlet for permitting volatilized components of the smokable material to pass from the heating zone towards an exterior of the apparatus when the article is heated in the heating zone in use; a heating element that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field to heat the heating zone, wherein a first section of the heating element is located between a second section of the heating element and the outlet, and wherein the second section of the heating element is heatable in use by thermal conduction from the first section of the heating element; and a magnetic field generator for generating a varying magnetic field that penetrates the first section of the heating element and avoids the second section of the heating element.