Sequential Heater Power Adjustment for Sufficient Aerosol Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In aerosol generating devices with multiple heaters, the initial heating of one heater affects the subsequent heating of another, leading to uneven temperature distribution and insufficient vapor generation due to inadequate heat application to the aerosol generating substrate.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for controlling the power supplied to the first and second heaters based on a heating pattern, using temperature sensors and pre-set temperatures to adjust power delivery, ensuring the second heater receives appropriate power based on the first heater's heating profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the first heater is heated before the second heater, then the aerosol generating device temperature rises, but the second heater cannot apply sufficient heat energy to the aerosol generating substrate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerosol generating device temperatureVSAvoidheat energy application to aerosol generating substrate
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The controller pre-heats the aerosol generating device housing and surrounding structures using the first heater before activating the second heater. This preliminary heating action raises the baseline temperature of the device, reducing the temperature differential the second heater must overcome, thereby enabling sufficient heat energy application to the aerosol generating substrate despite the sequential heating arrangement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller dynamically adjusts the power supply parameters for the second heater based on the temperature rise caused by the first heater. By monitoring the device temperature and modifying the second heater's power input accordingly, the system compensates for the thermal environment changes, ensuring adequate heat energy is delivered to the aerosol generating substrate

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If the second heater start temperature is higher than room temperature due to first heater heating, then vapor generation becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecond heater start temperatureVSAvoidvapor amount
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The controller implements a feedback mechanism that monitors the device temperature rise caused by the first heater and uses this information to adjust the second heater's power supply. Based on the detected temperature conditions and pre-stored heating patterns, the controller modulates the second heater's power input to compensate for the elevated start temperature, ensuring sufficient vapor generation is maintained despite the thermal environment changes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Prevents vapor shortage by ensuring consistent and sufficient heat application to the aerosol generating substrate, maintaining optimal vapor production.

Implementation Method 1

a first heater for heating the cigarette

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a second heater for heating the liquid composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

generating an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentEP3818872B1Aerosol generation device having first heater and second heater, and method for controlling power to first heater and second heater of aerosol generation device
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 KT&G CO LTD
  • EP3818872B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3818872B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3818872B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An embodiment of the present disclosure, may provide an aerosol generating device which may include a first heater for heating a cigarette inserted into a first portion of the aerosol generating device; a second heater for heating a liquid composition stored in a cartridge detachably attached to a second portion of the aerosol generating device; and a controller for controlling power supplied to the first heater and the second heater, wherein the controller may control the power supplied to the second heater based on a heating pattern by which the first heater is heated.