Segmented Inductive Heater for Selective Aerosol Substrate Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating devices with inductive heating systems struggle to selectively heat different portions of an aerosol-forming substrate without indirectly heating adjacent portions, leading to inefficiencies in controlling aerosol generation.
Innovation Solution
An inductive heating element with a gas permeable intermediate element between two susceptors, along with separate inductor coils for each susceptor, allows for selective heating of different portions of the substrate and direct airflow to each portion, facilitating independent temperature control and improved aerosol generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inductor coils are used to heat different portions of the susceptor, then selective heating capability is improved, but heat transfer between adjacent portions increases causing indirect heating
Solution Approach 1:
The susceptor is divided into multiple discrete segments (first susceptor, second susceptor, third susceptor) separated by non-conductive spacers. This segmentation prevents eddy currents from forming across the entire susceptor surface, allowing independent heating of specific segments without indirect heat transfer to adjacent segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Non-conductive spacers are introduced as intermediary elements between adjacent susceptor segments. These spacers act as thermal and electrical barriers that block the formation of continuous eddy current paths, thereby preventing indirect heating while maintaining the structural integrity of the susceptor assembly.
2Device complexity
If a single susceptor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but selective heating of different portions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single continuous susceptor, the design employs multiple discrete susceptor segments that can be independently controlled. Each segment can be heated to different temperatures or at different times, providing selective heating capability while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through modular design.
3Loss of energy
If air flow is blocked to maintain heating efficiency, then energy loss is reduced, but cooling of susceptors is insufficient leading to temperature control issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements different airflow characteristics at different locations. Airflow pathways are designed to provide targeted cooling to specific susceptor segments that require temperature regulation, while minimizing airflow through regions where heating efficiency is prioritized. This localized quality approach allows simultaneous optimization of both heating efficiency and temperature 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 configuration enables precise control over the heating of different portions of the aerosol-forming substrate, enhancing the quality and characteristics of the generated aerosol by preventing indirect heating and allowing direct airflow, thus improving the overall performance of the aerosol-generating device.
Implementation Method 1
The inductor generates a varying magnetic field to generate eddy currents and hysteresis losses in the susceptor, causing the susceptor to heat up
Implementation Method 2
The inductor generates a varying magnetic field to generate eddy currents and hysteresis losses in the susceptor, causing the susceptor to heat up
Implementation Method 3
an inductive heater is used rather than a resistive heating element. The inductive heater typically comprises an inductor coil forming part of the aerosol-generating device and a susceptor arranged such that it is in thermal proximity to the aerosol-forming substrate
Implementation Method 4
The intermediate element may be gas permeable. Providing a gas permeable intermediate element between a first susceptor and a second susceptor enables air to be drawn through the inductive heating element at the intermediate element
Implementation Method 5
Drawing air through the inductive heating element, at the intermediate element, may provide cooling to the ends of the first susceptor and the second susceptor adjacent to the intermediate member
Data Source
AI summary
An inductive heating element for an aerosol-generating system is provided, the inductive heating element including: a cavity configured to receive an aerosol-forming substrate to be heated by the inductive heating element; a first susceptor; a second susceptor; and an intermediate element disposed between the first susceptor and the second susceptor, the intermediate element being gas permeable, the intermediate element including at least one of: a thermally insulative material configured to thermally insulate the first susceptor from the second susceptor, and an electrically insulative material configured to electrically insulate the first susceptor from the second susceptor. An inductive heating arrangement and an aerosol-generating device are also provided.