Susceptor Temperature Estimation via Resonant Frequency Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generating devices struggle to accurately estimate the temperature of susceptors used for inductive heating, which is crucial for consistent aerosol production without combustion.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a resonant circuit with an inductive element and a capacitor, where a pulse edge induces a pulse response, and the frequency or period of this response is converted into a temperature estimate using a temperature gradient and calibration measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature estimation is implemented using resonant circuit frequency measurement, then temperature measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional circuit components and processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant circuit components (inductive element and capacitor) serve dual functions: they are used both for inductive heating of the susceptor and for temperature measurement through frequency analysis of the pulse response. This eliminates the need for separate temperature sensing components, thereby improving measurement precision without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The resonant frequency of the circuit acts as an intermediary parameter that indirectly indicates temperature changes. Instead of directly measuring temperature with a separate sensor, the system measures the frequency shift of the resonant circuit, which correlates with temperature variations, providing accurate temperature estimation through a physical property that is already inherent in the heating circuit
2Measurement precision
If resonant circuit with pulse response analysis is used for temperature estimation, then temperature estimation accuracy is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase for the resonant circuit components
Solution Approach 1:
The system exploits the temperature-dependent change in resonant frequency as a measurement parameter. By monitoring how the resonant frequency shifts with temperature, the system achieves accurate temperature estimation. This approach converts the temperature measurement problem into an electrical parameter measurement problem, where the frequency shift provides a direct indicator of temperature changes
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the measured resonant frequency to provide feedback about the temperature state of the susceptor. The frequency measurement continuously monitors temperature changes during heating, allowing for real-time temperature estimation and control adjustments, thereby improving accuracy without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances on individual components
3Productivity
If inductive heating is used to heat aerosol generating substrate, then productivity of aerosol generation is improved, but temperature control difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resonant frequency measurement provides continuous feedback on the temperature state of the susceptor during inductive heating. By monitoring the frequency shifts caused by temperature changes, the control system can adjust the heating power in real-time, maintaining optimal temperature for aerosol generation while preventing overheating, thus improving temperature control despite the high-energy nature of inductive heating
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces direct thermal sensing with electrical property measurement. Instead of using thermal sensors that directly contact or proximity-sense temperature, the system uses the electrical resonant frequency of the heating circuit, which is sensitive to temperature changes, to infer temperature. This substitution enables temperature monitoring in the high-energy inductive heating environment where direct thermal sensing would be difficult
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
Accurately estimates susceptor temperature, ensuring consistent aerosol production and device performance by converting the determined period or frequency into a precise temperature reading.
Implementation Method 1
applying a pulse edge to a resonant circuit comprising an inductive element, for inductively heating a susceptor
Implementation Method 2
inductively heating a susceptor
Implementation Method 3
the applied pulse edge induces a pulse response between the capacitor and the inductive element of the resonant circuit, wherein the pulse response has a resonant frequency
Data Source
AI summary
A method, apparatus and computer program can include applying a pulse edge to a resonant circuit including an inductive element (for inductively heating a susceptor) and a capacitor, wherein the applied pulse edge induces a pulse response between the capacitor and the inductive element of the resonant circuit, wherein the pulse response has a resonant frequency; determining a period or frequency of the resonant frequency of the pulse response; and converting the determined period or frequency into a temperature estimate based on a temperature gradient and a calibration measurement.