Two-Stage Vaporizer Heating to Prevent Pyrolysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vaporizers face challenges in efficiently vaporizing active ingredients from plant materials without pyrolysis, often resulting in non-uniform heating and potential pyrolysis due to rapid temperature increases.
Innovation Solution
A two-stage heating process is employed, where the first heating stage stops at a temperature below the vaporization point, followed by a slower second stage to reach the vaporization temperature, using resistive heating and temperature sensors to control the heating process, and incorporating phase-change materials to maintain temperatures below pyrolysis levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rapid heating is applied to vaporize active ingredients, then vaporization efficiency is improved, but pyrolysis occurs and material degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating process is divided into two distinct stages: a first heating stage that brings the material to a temperature below the vaporization point, and a second heating stage that slowly raises the temperature to the vaporization temperature. This segmentation prevents rapid temperature increases that cause pyrolysis while still achieving efficient vaporization.
Solution Approach 2:
The first heating stage performs preliminary heating to bring the material close to the vaporization temperature without reaching it. This preliminary action prepares the material for vaporization while avoiding the harmful effects of rapid heating and pyrolysis.
2Productivity
If heating temperature is increased to reach vaporization point, then vaporization rate is improved, but non-uniform heating occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The heating process is segmented into two stages with different heating rates. The first stage uses a higher heating rate to quickly approach the vaporization temperature, while the second stage uses a slower heating rate to ensure uniform temperature distribution throughout the material, preventing non-uniform heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating rate parameter is changed between the two stages. The first stage operates at a higher heating rate to efficiently raise the temperature, while the second stage reduces the heating rate to ensure uniform heating and prevent temperature gradients within the material.
3Reliability
If heating is withheld below vaporization temperature, then pyrolysis is prevented, but time to reach vaporization is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The heating process is divided into two stages: the first stage quickly brings the material close to the vaporization temperature while preventing pyrolysis, and the second stage completes the heating to the vaporization temperature. This segmentation balances pyrolysis prevention with reasonable heating time.
Solution Approach 2:
The first heating stage performs preliminary heating to bring the material close to the vaporization temperature without causing pyrolysis. This preliminary action reduces the time required in the second stage, balancing pyrolysis prevention with efficient heating.
4Reliability
If slower heating is used to prevent pyrolysis, then material integrity is maintained, but vaporization efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating process is segmented into two stages with different heating rates. The first stage uses a higher heating rate to efficiently raise the temperature close to the vaporization point while preventing pyrolysis, and the second stage uses a slower heating rate to ensure uniform heating and complete vaporization, thus maintaining both material integrity and vaporization efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating rate parameter is optimized differently in each stage. The first stage uses a higher heating rate to maintain productivity, while the second stage uses a lower heating rate to prevent pyrolysis and ensure uniform heating, achieving both high vaporization efficiency and material integrity.
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 uniform vaporization of active ingredients while preventing pyrolysis, reducing the time required to reach vaporization temperatures and minimizing material degradation.
Implementation Method 1
the heating element includes one or more electrodes that heat the capsule via resistive heating, by driving a current into a portion of the capsule
Implementation Method 2
incorporating phase-change materials to maintain temperatures below pyrolysis levels
Implementation Method 3
the vaporizer is used to vaporize the constituent cannabinoids of cannabis by heating the material
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are described for use with a vaporizer (20) that vaporizes at least one active ingredient of a material (82). In response to receiving a first input to the vaporizer, the material is heated, in a first heating step. An indication of the temperature of the material is detected, and, in response to detecting an indication that the temperature of the material is at a first temperature, the first heating step is terminated, by withholding causing further temperature increase of the material. The first temperature is less than 9 percent of the vaporization temperature of the active ingredient. Subsequently, a second input is received at the vaporizer. In response thereto, the material is heated to the vaporization temperature, in a second heating step. Other applications are also described.