Vibrating Heating Element for Cleaner Aerosol Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol generation devices fail to prevent the formation of fixed matter on heating elements, leading to reduced cleanliness and compromised smoking quality due to burnt tastes, and struggle with ease of insertion and removal of heating elements.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a vibration part to vibrate the heating element vertically, controlled by a controller based on conditions such as time, temperature, and puff detection, to prevent and remove fixed matter, enhancing cleanliness and ease of insertion/removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a heating element is used to heat the cigarette, then aerosol generation is achieved, but fixed matter forms on the heating element reducing cleanliness and causing burnt taste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerosol generation capabilityVSAvoidfixed matter formation on heating element
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration to the heating element through a vibration unit that generates oscillating movements. This vibration prevents fixed matter from adhering to the heating element surface by disrupting the bonding between tobacco residues and the heating surface, thereby eliminating burnt taste while maintaining aerosol generation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful fixed matter formation into a beneficial self-cleaning mechanism. By allowing fixed matter to form and then using vibration to detach it, the system transforms the accumulation problem into a controlled removal process that maintains heating element cleanliness and prevents burnt taste

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Device complexity

If the holder simply guides insertion and removal of the cigarette, then the structure is simple, but residues remain in the inner space and on components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholder structure simplicityVSAvoidresidue accumulation in device
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is transformed from a simple guiding structure into a multi-functional component that not only guides cigarette insertion and removal but also actively participates in residue removal. The holder works in conjunction with the vibration unit to detach and remove fixed matter from the heating element and inner space surfaces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the heating element is fixed firmly to prevent movement, then heating stability is improved, but ease of insertion and removal is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating element stabilityVSAvoidinsertion and removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration unit generates oscillating movements in the heating element that facilitate insertion and removal by reducing friction and breaking adhesive bonds. During normal operation, the heating element maintains sufficient stability, while during insertion/removal phases, vibration assists smooth movement without compromising overall system stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

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

The vibration part effectively prevents fixed matter formation, improves device cleanliness, and enhances smoking quality by mitigating burnt tastes, while facilitating easy insertion and removal of the heating element.

Implementation Method 1

a vibration part configured to vibrate the heating element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4183276B1Aerosol generation device having vibration unit
Publication Date: 2025.12.10 KT&G CO LTD
  • EP4183276B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4183276B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4183276B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An aerosol generation device having a vibration part and a control method thereof are provided. The aerosol generation device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a housing configured to form an accommodation space in which an aerosol-generating article is accommodated, a heating element inserted into the aerosol-generating article accommodated in the accommodation space and configured to heat the accommodated aerosol-generating article to generate an aerosol, and a vibration part. The vibration part may vibrate the heating element to prevent formation of fixed matter on the heating element and allow removal of fixed matter formed on the heating element.