Segmented Inductive Heating Element for Aerosol Substrate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating devices with inductive heating systems face challenges in selectively heating different portions of an aerosol-forming substrate without indirect heating of adjacent areas, limiting their ability to generate aerosols with diverse characteristics.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual-susceptor inductive heating element with a thermal separation between the first and second susceptor, each with its own inductor coil, allows for independent heating of distinct portions of the aerosol-forming substrate, enabling selective temperature control and aerosol characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single inductor coil is used to heat the aerosol-forming substrate, then the device structure is simple, but different portions of the substrate cannot be heated to different temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The inductor coil is divided into multiple independently controllable segments (first inductor coil and second inductor coil), each capable of heating different portions of the aerosol-forming substrate to different temperatures. This segmentation allows selective heating of distinct regions while maintaining independent control over each segment's temperature profile.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the inductor coil are designed with different turn densities or configurations to create localized heating zones with specific temperature characteristics. The first inductor coil portion is optimized for heating one region of the substrate, while the second portion is optimized for a different region, enabling spatially varying temperature distribution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inductor coils are used to heat different portions of the substrate, then selective heating capability is improved, but indirect heating of adjacent portions occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal barrier or insulating structure is introduced between the first and second susceptors to prevent thermal coupling. This intermediary element blocks heat transfer from one susceptor to the other, ensuring that heating applied to one portion of the substrate does not indirectly affect adjacent portions heated by the other susceptor.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system is divided into spatially separated heating zones with physical or thermal boundaries between them. By segmenting the heating paths and introducing thermal isolation between adjacent heating zones, the system achieves independent temperature control without cross-heating interference.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a thermal separation is introduced between susceptors, then selective heating without indirect heating is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal barrier or insulating structure is introduced between the first and second susceptors to prevent thermal coupling. This intermediary element blocks heat transfer from one susceptor to the other, ensuring that heating applied to one portion of the substrate does not indirectly affect adjacent portions heated by the other susceptor.
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 enhances the ability to generate aerosols with varied characteristics by allowing for simultaneous or sequential heating of different substrate portions, improving the flexibility and functionality 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
Implementation Method 3
The inductor generates a varying magnetic field to generate eddy currents and hysteresis losses in the susceptor
Implementation Method 4
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 5
a separation between the first susceptor and the second susceptor, the separation thermally insulating the first susceptor from the second susceptor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An inductive heating element (10) for an aerosol-generating system, an inductive heating arrangement for an aerosol-generating system, an aerosol-generating device with an inductive heating arrangement, and an aerosol-generating system with an aerosol-generating device having an inductive heating arrangement. The inductive heating element (10) comprising: a first susceptor (12), the first susceptor (12) being a tubular susceptor defining an inner cavity for receiving aerosol-forming substrate; a second susceptor (14), the second susceptor (14) being a tubular susceptor defining an inner cavity for receiving aerosol-forming substrate; and a separation (15) between the first susceptor (12) and the second susceptor (14), the separation (15) thermally insulating the first susceptor (12) from the second susceptor (14).