Susceptor Temperature Estimation for Induction-Heated Aerosol Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In heat-not-burn aerosol generating devices, it is challenging to precisely control the heating process of the susceptor within the consumable, leading to inconsistent vapor quality and potential safety hazards due to inadequate temperature monitoring and control.
Innovation Solution
A method that estimates the temperature of the susceptor using measurable operating parameters like ambient temperature and inductor power, allowing for closed-loop control without a temperature sensor, using a thermal model and PID controller to adjust power supply and maintain optimal vapor production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is disposed within the consumable to monitor susceptor temperature, then temperature monitoring precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an external temperature sensor positioned near the consumable as an intermediary to indirectly measure the susceptor temperature. Instead of placing the sensor directly within the consumable (which would require penetration and complex integration), the sensor monitors temperature externally and this information is used to control the heating process, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adequate measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct mechanical insertion of a temperature sensor into the consumable with an external sensing arrangement combined with control algorithm. The temperature control is achieved through external measurement and computational estimation rather than direct internal sensing, substituting a complex mechanical integration problem with a more manageable external sensing and software-based solution
2Stability of the object's composition
If the susceptor is isolated within the aerosol substrate, then consumable integrity is maintained, but temperature monitoring capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external temperature sensor as an intermediary that can detect temperature effects from the isolated susceptor without requiring direct contact or penetration of the consumable structure. The sensor measures thermal radiation or conduction through the consumable walls, enabling temperature monitoring while preserving consumable integrity and isolation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for direct mechanical access to the susceptor for temperature measurement with external sensing methods. Instead of inserting sensors through the consumable structure, the system uses external thermal detection combined with algorithmic estimation to determine internal temperature, thereby maintaining isolation while enabling monitoring
3Device complexity
If no temperature sensor is used, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where external temperature sensor readings are continuously fed back to a controller that adjusts the power supplied to the inductor. This closed-loop feedback mechanism compensates for the lack of direct internal temperature measurement, maintaining temperature control precision while avoiding the complexity of internal sensor integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes direct internal temperature measurement with a combination of external sensing and computational control algorithms. The system uses external temperature data combined with thermal models and feedback control to achieve precise temperature regulation without requiring internal sensors, replacing mechanical complexity with software-based precision
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 method ensures consistent vapor quality, prevents overheating, and maintains optimal temperature control of the consumable, enhancing user experience and safety by regulating the heating process automatically.
Implementation Method 1
an induction coil may be used to inductively heat a susceptor disposed within the aerosol substrate
Implementation Method 2
an induction coil may be used to inductively heat a susceptor
Implementation Method 3
the thermal energy is transferred from the susceptor to the surrounding substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A method for controlling an aerosol generating device comprises receiving operating parameters of the aerosol generating device; determining an estimated temperature of a susceptor disposed within a consumable for the aerosol generating device based on the operating parameters; and controlling the power supplied to the inductor based on the estimated temperature of the susceptor. The operating parameters of the aerosol generating device comprise: ambient temperature; and an aspect of a power supplied to an inductor of the aerosol generating device. The estimated temperature of the susceptor is determined during an induction heating of the susceptor by the inductor.