Wireless Atomizer Heating to Eliminate Cartridge Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol delivery devices face complications in assembly and potential points of failure due to direct electrical connections between the cartridge and control body, which can lead to energy inefficiency, charring, and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The use of an induction receiver and transmitter configuration, where the induction transmitter generates an oscillating magnetic field to induce eddy currents in the induction receiver, wirelessly heating the aerosol precursor composition without direct electrical connections, thereby simplifying assembly and reducing energy waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If direct electrical connections are used between the cartridge and control body, then reliable power transmission is achieved, but assembly complexity increases and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct electrical connections (mechanical/electrical contact system) with an inductive coupling system using electromagnetic fields. The transmitter coil in the control body and receiver coil in the cartridge create magnetic coupling to transfer power wirelessly, eliminating physical electrical contacts and reducing assembly complexity while maintaining reliable power transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromagnetic field as an intermediary between the control body and cartridge for power transmission. The transmitter converts electrical energy to electromagnetic energy, which then induces current in the receiver coil, serving as a non-contact mediator that transfers power without direct electrical connection.
2Power
If direct electrical connections are used, then power delivery is established, but energy efficiency decreases due to resistive losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct electrical current flow through contact resistances with electromagnetic induction. Power is transmitted through magnetic coupling between coils, eliminating resistive losses in connection points and improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining adequate power delivery to the heating element.
3Ease of operation
If direct electrical connections are used, then the device functions, but charring occurs due to energy waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct electrical connections with inductive coupling to eliminate the source of energy waste that causes charring. By transmitting power through electromagnetic fields rather than direct conductive paths, the system reduces excess heat generation and prevents charring of the aerosol precursor material while maintaining full device functionality.
4Ease of manufacture
If wireless heating is implemented, then assembly is simplified and energy waste is reduced, but device complexity increases due to induction components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the transmitter and receiver coils into existing device components. The control body housing serves as the transmitter, and the cartridge structure incorporates the receiver, allowing these multi-functional elements to perform both structural and wireless power transmission functions, thereby reducing overall device complexity despite adding wireless heating capability.
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 approach simplifies assembly, reduces energy waste, and minimizes charring, providing a more efficient and cost-effective aerosol delivery process.
Implementation Method 1
the induction transmitter generates an oscillating magnetic field to induce eddy currents in the induction receiver
Implementation Method 2
induce eddy currents in the induction receiver, wirelessly heating the aerosol precursor composition
Implementation Method 3
The eddy currents flowing through the resistance of the material defining the induction receiver may heat it by Joule heating
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol delivery device includes an electrical power source, an induction receiver configured to receive a substrate including an aerosol precursor composition such that the induction receiver is in proximity to the substrate, and a wireless power transmitter including an induction transmitter. The induction transmitter is configured to removably receive the induction receiver such that the induction transmitter surrounds the induction receiver. The induction transmitter receive electrical current from the electrical power source that causes the induction transmitter to generate an oscillating magnetic field, and the induction receiver generates heat via eddy currents induced at the induction receiver when exposed to the oscillating magnetic field and thereby heats the aerosol precursor composition to produce an aerosol. Related methods are also provided.