Inductively Heatable Susceptor Strips in Aerosol Generating Devices
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current aerosol generating devices face inefficiencies in heat transfer to the aerosol generating substrate, particularly when using induction heating systems, which can lead to uneven heating and potential damage from susceptor material contact with tobacco wrapping paper.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a plurality of inductively heatable susceptor strips between layers of aerosol generating material, arranged as a sheet with raised and lowered portions, to enhance heat transfer and minimize susceptor contact with wrapping paper, facilitating efficient and uniform heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If an induction heating system is used to heat the aerosol generating substrate, then heating efficiency is improved, but uneven heating and potential damage from susceptor material contact with tobacco wrapping paper occur
Solution Approach 1:
The susceptor material is segmented into multiple strips rather than using a single continuous piece. This segmentation allows for more uniform distribution of electromagnetic field exposure and heat generation across the aerosol generating substrate, preventing hot spots and uneven heating while maintaining high heating efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The aerosol generating substrate layers act as an intermediary between the susceptor strips and the tobacco wrapping paper. By positioning the susceptor strips between the first and second layers of aerosol generating material, the substrate serves as a protective barrier that prevents direct contact between the susceptor and wrapping paper, eliminating the risk of damage while allowing efficient heat transfer to the substrate
2Manufacturing precision
If susceptor strips are placed between layers of aerosol generating material, then uniform heating is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aerosol generating substrate performs multiple functions: it serves as the material to be heated, acts as a protective barrier for the susceptor strips, provides structural integrity to the article, and facilitates uniform heat distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, simplifying the overall structure despite the sophisticated internal arrangement
Solution Approach 2:
The susceptor strips are nested within the layers of aerosol generating material, with the first layer wrapping around or covering the susceptor strips, which themselves are positioned around or among the aerosol generating substrate. This nested arrangement achieves uniform heating through close contact between susceptor and substrate while keeping the structure compact and manageable
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 configuration ensures effective and uniform heating of the aerosol generating material, maximizing vapour generation while reducing the risk of susceptor damage and improving airflow for efficient vapour release during inhalation.
Implementation Method 1
an induction coil is provided in the device and an inductively heatable susceptor is provided to heat the aerosol generating substrate. Electrical energy is supplied to the induction coil when a user activates the device which in turn generates an alternating electromagnetic field. The susceptor couples with the electromagnetic field and generates heat
Implementation Method 2
The susceptor couples with the electromagnetic field and generates heat which is transferred, for example by conduction, to the aerosol generating substrate
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol generating article includes a first layer of aerosol generating material; a second layer of aerosol generating material; and a plurality of strips of inductively heatable susceptor material; wherein each of the strips of inductively heatable susceptor material is located between the first and second layer of aerosol generating material.