Susceptor Temperature and Proximity Detection Through Induction Circuit SRF

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing induction heating systems face challenges in accurately determining the temperature and proximity of susceptor elements, which are crucial for efficient and controlled heating processes, particularly in devices like vaporizers.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that utilize an induction heating circuit with an inductor element and a processor to determine the temperature and proximity of a susceptor element by analyzing the self-resonant frequency (SRF) response of the induction heating circuit, allowing for precise control of heating through adjustments in electrical energy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional temperature sensing methods are used, then temperature measurement is simple, but measurement precision is insufficient for accurate susceptor temperature and proximity detection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact temperature sensors with a contactless induction heating system that measures temperature by detecting changes in the electromagnetic field. The control device determines susceptor temperature by monitoring the response of the induction heating circuit to the magnetic properties of the susceptor, eliminating the need for physical sensor contact while achieving accurate temperature measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors changes in magnetic properties of the susceptor as temperature varies. By detecting how the susceptor's magnetic characteristics change with temperature through the induction heating circuit response, the system achieves precise temperature measurement without direct sensing, converting thermal parameter changes into electromagnetic signal variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If contactless temperature sensing is implemented, then reliability improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontactless measurement reliabilityVSAvoidtemperature detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs feedback by continuously monitoring the response of the induction heating circuit to the susceptor's magnetic properties and adjusting the heating parameters accordingly. This closed-loop approach allows the control device to distinguish between signal changes caused by temperature variations and those caused by external interference, maintaining both reliability and precision in contactless measurement.

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

Enables accurate temperature measurement and proximity detection of susceptor elements, enhancing the efficiency and control of heating processes in devices such as vaporizers.

Implementation Method 1

induction heating includes heating an object that is electrically conductive (e.g., a metal object) by electromagnetic induction. For example, induction heating includes heating the object based on heat generated in the object by eddy currents that flow in the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

heat generated in the object by eddy currents that flow in the object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

The eddy currents may flow through the electrically conductive object and cause heat to be generated in the electrically conductive object based on Joule heating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 4

In some cases, the electrically conductive object includes a ferromagnetic material (e.g., iron) and heat is generated in the electrically conductive object based on magnetic hysteresis (e.g., magnetic hysteresis losses)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic hysteresis: Magnetic Hysteresis

Implementation Method 5

A system and method that utilize an induction heating circuit with an inductor element and a processor to determine the temperature and proximity of a susceptor element by analyzing the self-resonant frequency (SRF) response of the induction heating circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic property detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS12382552B2System, method, and computer program product for determining a characteristic of a susceptor
Publication Date: 2025.08.05 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA
  • US12382552B2 patent drawing
  • US12382552B2 patent drawing
  • US12382552B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a system for determining a characteristic of a susceptor element that may be associated with a vaporizer device. The system includes an inductor element and a control device. The control device is configured to detect a magnetic field associated with the inductor element and determine a characteristic of a susceptor element based on the magnetic field. A method and computer program product are also disclosed.