Aerosol Device Sliding Contacts Induction Coil
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating devices lack the ability to provide variable heating of aerosol-forming substrates, limiting the flexibility in heating zones and uniformity of heating.
Innovation Solution
The aerosol-generating device incorporates a heating arrangement with an induction coil and sliding contacts that allow for variable positioning along the induction coil, enabling the creation of adjustable heating zones by controlling the distance between the contacts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed induction coil heating arrangement is used, then the device structure is simple, but the heating zone cannot be adjusted and heating uniformity is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic adjustability by enabling the sliding contacts to move along the induction coil, allowing the heating zone to be dynamically repositioned and resized. This transforms a static heating system into a dynamic one where the heating parameters can be adjusted during operation to suit different aerosol-forming substrate requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The induction coil is effectively segmented into multiple potential heating zones through the use of two independently movable sliding contacts. By positioning the contacts at different locations along the coil, the system can isolate and activate specific segments of the coil, enabling selective heating of different portions of the aerosol-forming substrate.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the induction coil is fully activated, then maximum heating power is achieved, but the heating zone cannot be localized and energy is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding contacts enable local quality control by allowing current to be applied to only the specific portion of the induction coil that corresponds to the desired heating zone. This ensures that energy is concentrated where needed rather than being distributed uniformly across the entire coil, improving heating efficiency and reducing energy waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts or isolates the specific segment of the induction coil that requires activation by using the sliding contacts to exclude unnecessary portions from the circuit. This selective extraction of the required heating zone from the full coil length prevents energy consumption in non-essential areas.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple heating zones are provided, then heating flexibility is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding contact arrangement serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an electrical contact, a positioning mechanism, and a zone-defining element. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve variable heating zone configuration without proportionally increasing structural complexity, as the same mechanical components fulfill multiple roles in the heating control system.
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 allows for precise control over the heating zone, enabling uniform heating of the aerosol-forming substrate and the option to switch between different heating zones or uniform heating, enhancing the device's functionality and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
The heating arrangement may be an induction heating arrangement and comprise an induction coil and a susceptor
Implementation Method 2
An Alternating electrical Current (AC) is supplied to the induction coil between the first contact and the second contact
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol-generating device is provided, including: a heating arrangement including an induction coil, a first sliding arrangement including a first contact, the first sliding arrangement being arranged adjacent to the induction coil of the heating arrangement and being configured to slide parallel to a longitudinal axis of the induction coil, and the first contact being mounted on the first sliding arrangement and being arranged to contact the induction coil; and a second sliding arrangement including a second contact, the second sliding arrangement being arranged adjacent to the induction coil of the heating arrangement and being configured to slide parallel to a longitudinal axis of the induction coil, and the second contact being mounted on the second sliding arrangement and being arranged to contact the induction coil, in which alternating current is supplied to the induction coil between the first contact and the second contact.