Wireless-Powered Cleaning Device for Aerosol-Generating Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning devices for aerosol-generating devices require internal batteries or wired power connections, which are inconvenient and increase manufacturing costs and weight.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning device that operates wirelessly by receiving electrical energy from the aerosol-generating device, converting it to mechanical energy, and using a cleaning member to clean the device without batteries or wires.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a cleaning device uses an internal battery or wired power connection, then it can operate continuously, but the weight and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidcleaning device weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The power transmitter in the aerosol-generating device is designed to serve dual functions: heating the heater during normal operation and wirelessly transmitting electrical energy to the cleaning device when needed. This eliminates the need for separate power supply components in the cleaning device, reducing its weight while maintaining operational capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical power transmission methods (batteries, wires, connectors) with wireless electromagnetic energy transmission. The cleaning device receives power through a power receiver that wirelessly captures energy from the power transmitter, eliminating heavy battery components and wired connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If a cleaning device uses an internal battery, then it can operate independently, but the manufacturing cost and charging requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent operation capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The power transmitter is designed to perform multiple functions: heating during normal device operation and wireless power transmission during cleaning operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power supply systems in the cleaning device, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining independent operation capability.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The aerosol-generating device itself serves as the power source for its own cleaning device. The cleaning device draws power wirelessly from the aerosol-generating device's power transmitter, eliminating the need for external charging infrastructure or additional power supply components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a cleaning device has additional power supply components, then it can operate without limitations, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidpower supply components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power transmitter serves dual purposes as both a heater controller and a wireless power source for the cleaning device. This eliminates the need for separate power supply components, connectors, and charging circuits in the cleaning device, simplifying its structure while maintaining operational flexibility.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning device extracts power wirelessly from the aerosol-generating device's power transmitter, removing the need for internal battery, power management circuits, and charging ports. This extraction approach simplifies the cleaning device's component structure while maintaining operational capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 cleaning device is lightweight, cost-effective, and easy to use, as it eliminates the need for charging and additional components, while effectively cleaning the aerosol-generating device with a simple operation.

Implementation Method 1

a power receiver configured to wirelessly receive electrical energy from the aerosol-generating device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a power converter configured to convert the electrical energy received by the power receiver to mechanical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3836809B1Cleaning device and aerosol-generating system including the same
Publication Date: 2025.07.16 KT&G CO LTD
  • EP3836809B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3B
  • EP3836809B1 patent drawingFigure 3C~4B
  • EP3836809B1 patent drawingFigure 4C~5

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a cleaning device and an aerosol-generating, and an aerosol-generating system including the same. Since the cleaning device according to an embodiment may receive electrical energy wirelessly from the aerosol-generating device, the cleaning device may operate without an internal battery or a wired power connection. Therefore, a weight of the cleaning device and its manufacturing cost may be reduced, and a user does not need to charge the cleaning device regularly.