Wrapped Susceptor Assembly for Better Wick Thermal Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol-generating systems face challenges in achieving improved thermal coupling between the susceptor element and wicking element, which affects the efficiency of vapor generation from liquid aerosol-forming substrates.

Innovation Solution

A susceptor assembly is designed with one or more strips of susceptor material wrapped around the central region of a wicking element to enhance thermal contact, featuring arrangements that increase surface area and mechanical coupling, thereby improving heat transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a susceptor element is used in an inductive aerosol-generating system, then heating efficiency is improved, but thermal coupling with the wicking element needs improvement for optimal vapor generation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidthermal coupling

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The susceptor element is divided into multiple discrete strips that are wrapped around the wicking element. This segmentation allows the strips to conform to the wicking element's surface and creates multiple contact zones, improving overall thermal coupling while maintaining inductive heating efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The susceptor strips are wrapped around and enclose the central region of the wicking element, creating a nested configuration where the susceptor surrounds the wicking material. This nesting ensures intimate thermal contact between the heated susceptor and the liquid-bearing wicking element, optimizing heat transfer for vapor generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Temperature

If strips are wrapped around the wicking element to increase contact area, then heat transfer is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transferVSAvoidsusceptor assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The susceptor element is constructed from thin, flexible strips that can be easily wrapped around the wicking element. This flexibility simplifies the assembly process and reduces manufacturing complexity while ensuring intimate contact across the entire contact surface, maximizing heat transfer efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The susceptor assembly combines different materials with complementary properties: the susceptor strips provide inductive heating capability while the wicking element provides liquid transport. This composite structure achieves both thermal coupling and functional requirements without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 enhanced thermal coupling between the susceptor and wicking elements leads to improved vapor generation from liquid aerosol-forming substrates, ensuring efficient aerosol production.

Implementation Method 1

Alternating current flow through the drive coil induces eddy currents into the susceptor element, thereby heating the susceptor element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

Alternating current flow through the drive coil induces eddy currents into the susceptor element, thereby heating the susceptor element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEddy currents: Eddy Currents

Implementation Method 3

Inductive heating mechanisms typically include a coil arranged around a susceptor element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInductive heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 4

The heat from the susceptor element vaporises liquid aerosol-forming substrate entrained in the wicking element in the vicinity of the susceptor element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 5

a wicking element is provided to convey liquid from a reservoir of the liquid aerosol-forming substrate towards the susceptor element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentUS20260041156A1Susceptor assembly for an aerosol-generating system and method of manufacture thereof

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA

AI summary

A susceptor assembly for an aerosol-generating system is provided, the susceptor assembly including: a wicking element having first and second planar surfaces, the first and the second planar surfaces defining opposite, outward-facing surfaces of the wicking element; and a susceptor element including an arrangement of a single strip of susceptor material, the arrangement of the single strip being wrapped around a central region of the wicking element to overlie the first and the second outward-facing surfaces of the wicking element and enclose a central region of the wicking element, the single strip extending over a length between first and second ends, the single strip wrapping around the central region of the wicking element such that the first and the second ends extend from opposite directions along a side face of the wicking element, the side face extending between the first and the second planar outward-facing surfaces.