Segmented Ring Susceptors for Induction Heating Aerosol Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol generating devices, such as heated tobacco devices, lack the ability to create varying temperature distributions along the tobacco stick, limiting user experience and flavor variety.

Innovation Solution

The device features a cylindrical heating cavity surrounded by a segmented heater comprising identical ring-shaped susceptors, which are optimized for efficient induction heating, allowing for localized temperature control and gradient creation along the axial direction, enabling different sections of the stick to be heated to specific temperatures or uniformly heated.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a single heater element is used, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to create varying temperature distributions along the tobacco stick is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature distribution controlVSAvoidheater structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heater is divided into multiple independent ring-shaped susceptor elements arranged along the axial direction of the heating cavity. Each susceptor can be independently controlled by the magnetic field generator, enabling separate temperature control for different sections of the tobacco stick. This segmentation allows creation of varying temperature distributions (e.g., high-temperature zone at one end, low-temperature zone at the other) without requiring a single complex heater design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Use of energy by moving object

If induction heating is used, then heating efficiency is improved, but the ability to create localized temperature variations is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature distribution flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The induction heating system is segmented into multiple independent susceptor elements, each capable of being heated by the magnetic field generator. This allows selective activation of specific susceptors to create localized temperature variations along the tobacco stick, providing versatility in temperature distribution while maintaining the high efficiency of induction heating for each activated element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field generator can dynamically control which susceptor elements are activated and at what power levels, enabling real-time adjustment of temperature distributions. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt between different heating modes (e.g., uniform heating across all susceptors, or localized heating of specific sections) based on user preferences and tobacco stick characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If high power is delivered to achieve fast heating, then heating speed is improved, but localized overheating may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating speedVSAvoidtemperature uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the heater into multiple susceptor elements, the system can distribute high power across multiple zones rather than concentrating it in a single location. This prevents localized overheating while maintaining fast overall heating speed, as each susceptor can be controlled to operate at optimal power levels without creating hot spots.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each susceptor element can be independently controlled to provide appropriate heating power to specific sections of the tobacco stick. This local quality control ensures that high power is applied only where needed for fast heating, while other sections receive lower power to maintain temperature uniformity and prevent overheating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 provides even heating, prevents hot spots, and allows for different flavor experiences by heating sections of the tobacco stick at varying temperatures, enhancing user control and sensory experience.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field through the heater to heat the heater by induction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 2

the ring-shaped susceptors can also create a temperature gradient along the axial direction of the stick

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20230371601A1Aerosol Generating Device with a Plurality of Identical Ring-Shaped Susceptors

Publication Date: 2023.11.23 JT INTERNATIONAL SA

AI summary

An aerosol generating device includesa cylindrical heating cavity mainly extending in an axial direction, for receiving a vaporizable stick containing a substance suitable for being vaporized upon heating to produce an inhalable vapor,a heater at least partially surrounding the cylindrical heating cavity,and a magnetic field generator configured to generate a varying magnetic field through the heater to heat the heater by induction.The heater comprises includes a plurality of identical ring-shaped susceptors arranged along the axial direction, each ring-shaped susceptor encircling the cylindrical heating cavity.Such a segmented heater may provide either an even heating of the whole stick or a temperature distribution along the axial direction for selectively heat parts of the stick.