Induction Heating in Aerosol-Generating Devices With Susceptor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerosol generating devices using induction heating systems face challenges in efficiently controlling the power delivery based on the position of the susceptor, leading to inconsistent heating and aerosol generation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves measuring the impedance of the induction coil while the susceptor is moved through a predefined motion, determining minimum and maximum reference impedances, and setting the power delivered by the induction coil based on the operation impedance at the user-selected position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the heater operates in a predetermined manner when commanded to start, then the device is easy to operate, but the power delivery is inconsistent and heating is unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The device measures the impedance of the induction coil to detect the position of the susceptor and uses this feedback information to dynamically adjust the power delivery. This ensures consistent heating regardless of susceptor position while maintaining simple operation for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power delivery parameters based on the measured impedance values. By adjusting power levels according to detected susceptor position, the system maintains reliable and consistent heating while requiring minimal user intervention.
2Reliability
If the susceptor position is fixed, then the power delivery is consistent, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device automatically detects the susceptor position through impedance measurement and self-adjusts the power delivery without requiring user intervention or complex mechanical positioning mechanisms. The system serves itself by using electrical measurements to control the heating process.
3Productivity
If the power delivery is adjusted based on susceptor position, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces complex mechanical positioning and adjustment mechanisms with an electrical sensing system that measures impedance to detect susceptor position. This electrical approach achieves efficient power adjustment without requiring complex mechanical components.
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 approach allows users to intuitively control the power delivery by positioning the aerosol generating article within the device, resulting in consistent and controlled heating for efficient aerosol generation.
Implementation Method 1
an induction coil operable to supply an alternating magnetic field to the heating chamber so as to induce eddy currents within a susceptor located in the heating chamber
Implementation Method 2
induce eddy currents within a susceptor located in the heating chamber
Implementation Method 3
an induction heater comprising an induction coil operable to supply an alternating magnetic field to the heating chamber so as to induce eddy currents within a susceptor
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating an aerosol generating device, where the device includes a heating chamber configured to receive an aerosol generating article and an induction heater comprising an induction coil operable to supply an alternating magnetic field to the heating chamber so as to induce eddy currents within a susceptor located in the heating chamber, wherein the method incudes: (a) applying an alternating current at an applied frequency to the induction coil, (b) measuring a characteristic indicative of an impedance of the induction coil while a susceptor located in the heating chamber is moved through a pre-defined motion, (c) determining a minimum reference impedance of the induction coil and a maximum reference impedance of the induction coil using the measured characteristic, (d) measuring a characteristic indicative of an operation impedance of the induction coil, and (e) setting a power delivered by the induction coil using the operation impedance.