Wirelessly Heated Atomizer for Connector-Free Aerosol Delivery
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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 of aerosol precursor compositions, 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 cartridge and control body, then reliable power transmission is achieved, but assembly complexity and potential failure points increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces direct mechanical/electrical connections with wireless electromagnetic induction coupling. The transmitter coil in the control body and receiver coil in the cartridge create an inductive coupling that transmits power without physical contact, eliminating connectors 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. The oscillating magnetic field generated by the transmitter coil couples energy to the receiver coil, serving as a non-contact mediator that transmits power without requiring direct electrical connections.
2Power
If direct electrical connections are used, then power delivery is achieved, but energy efficiency decreases due to resistive losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes resistive electrical connections with inductive coupling, eliminating I²R losses in connectors and wires. The electromagnetic induction method transfers energy through magnetic coupling with minimal resistive losses, improving overall energy efficiency while maintaining adequate power delivery to the heating element.
3Temperature
If direct electrical connections are used, then heating capability is achieved, but charring of aerosol precursor composition occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electromagnetic induction as an intermediary heating method, where the oscillating magnetic field induces currents in the receiver coil which then heats the aerosol precursor composition indirectly. This indirect heating method provides better temperature control and reduces localized overheating that causes charring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic oscillating magnetic fields at specific frequencies to heat the aerosol precursor composition. The alternating current through the transmitter coil creates periodic magnetic field oscillations that induce corresponding currents in the receiver, enabling controlled periodic heating that prevents excessive temperature buildup and charring.
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, resulting in 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.