Vacuum Insulation Structure for IR-Heated Smokeable Material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat-not-burn devices for tobacco face challenges in efficiently heating smokeable materials to volatilize aromatic compounds and nicotine without burning the material, while also requiring improved thermal insulation and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs an infra-red heater, such as a halogen IR heater, with a heat shield and vacuum insulation to efficiently heat smokeable materials. The heating chamber is designed with a coaxial configuration around the heater, and the insulation uses a deep-vacuum structure to minimize heat loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional heating methods are used to heat smokeable material, then the material can be heated to volatilize compounds, but energy consumption is high and heating efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional conduction-based heating systems with an infra-red heater that uses electromagnetic radiation to heat the smokeable material directly. This substitution of heating mechanism dramatically improves energy efficiency by eliminating heat loss through the heater structure and achieving rapid heating of the material.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system operates in periodic cycles with heating phases and cooling phases. The controller activates the infra-red heater only when needed to volatilize compounds, then allows cooling periods. This periodic operation reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining high heating efficiency during active heating phases.
2Loss of energy
If thick insulation is used to prevent heat loss, then thermal insulation is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a thin-walled chamber structure that provides thermal insulation while maintaining minimal thickness. The chamber walls are designed to be thin yet sufficient for thermal isolation, reducing the overall weight of the device while preventing heat loss from the heating chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The insulation system uses composite construction combining the thin chamber wall with additional insulation layers. This composite approach achieves effective thermal insulation with minimal material usage, preventing heat loss without significantly increasing device weight.
3Temperature
If conventional heating elements are used, then heating can be achieved, but thermal bridges cause heat loss to surrounding structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an indirect heating path where the infra-red heater heats the smokeable material without direct thermal contact with the chamber walls. The infra-red radiation acts as an intermediary, transferring energy directly to the material while minimizing thermal bridge formation with surrounding structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating chamber is segmented into distinct thermal zones with the infra-red heater positioned to heat only the immediate smokeable material. This segmentation prevents heat from propagating through continuous thermal paths to surrounding structures, isolating the heating process thermally.
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 allows for rapid and efficient heating of smokeable materials, reducing energy consumption and extending the life of the device's battery, while maintaining effective thermal insulation to prevent heat loss.
Implementation Method 1
The apparatus employs an infra-red heater, such as a halogen IR heater
Implementation Method 2
the insulation uses a deep-vacuum structure to minimize heat loss
Data Source
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AI summary
Thermal insulation comprising a boundary comprising a first boundary section, a second boundary section and a third boundary section which connects the first and second boundary sections together; and an internal insulating region inside the boundary and configured to thermally insulate the first boundary section from the second boundary section; wherein the third boundary section follows an indirect path between the first and second boundary sections. An apparatus configured to volatilize components of smokeable material, comprising the insulation, is also described.