A hookah device

Abstract

A hookah device (202) attached to a hookah (246). The hookah device (202) is equipped with a plurality of ultrasonic mist generators (201) capable of generating mist for inhalation by a user. The hookah device (202) includes a driver device (202) that controls the mist generators (201) to maximize the efficiency of mist generation by the mist generators (201) and optimizes the mist output from the hookah device (202).

Description

Technology Field

[0001] This application claims priority to the following patents, each in its entirety, which are incorporated herein by reference: U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 122025 filed December 5, 2020; U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 220189 filed April 1, 2021; and UK Patent Application No. 2104872.3 filed April 6, 2021.

[0002] The present invention relates to a hookah device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a hookah device that generates mist using ultrasonic vibrations. Background Technology

[0003] A conventional hookah is a smoking device that burns tobacco leaves that have been crushed and specially prepared to be combusted using charcoal. The crushed tobacco leaves are burned by the heat of the charcoal to generate smoke, which is then drawn out through water inside a glass chamber and can be inhaled by the user. Water is used to cool the hot smoke, making it easier to inhale.

[0004] The use of hookah began centuries ago in ancient Persia and India. Currently, hookah cafes are becoming famous worldwide, including in the UK, France, Russia, the Middle East, and the US.

[0005] Conventional modern hookahs are equipped with a head (with a hole in the bottom), a metal body, a water ball, and an elastic hose with a mouthpiece. New forms of electronic hookah products have been introduced, including steam stones and hookah pens. These products are powered by a battery or mains power and heat a liquid containing nicotine, flavorings, and other chemicals to produce inhalable smoke.

[0006] Although many users consider it less harmful than smoked cigarettes, hookah smoke contains many substances that are dangerous to health to the same extent as cigarette smoke.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a technical need for an improved hookah device capable of solving at least some problems as disclosed herein.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide an improved hookah device.

[0009] The present invention provides a hookah device as claimed in claim 1 and a hookah as claimed in claim 19. The present invention also provides a preferred embodiment as claimed in a dependent claim.

[0010] The various embodiments of the present disclosure described below have numerous benefits and advantages over conventional hookah devices and hookahs. These benefits and advantages are specified in the following description.

[0011] The hookah device described in the embodiments of the present disclosure provides environmental benefits because the hookah device does not emit smoke and does not require burning charcoal.

[0012] In some embodiments, the hookah device comprises: a plurality of ultrasonic mist generators each provided with a respective mist discharge port; a driver device electrically connected to each of the mist generators and configured to activate the mist generators; and a hookah attachment device configured to attach the hookah device to a hookah, wherein the hookah attachment device provides a fluid flow path from the mist discharge port of the mist generator to the outside of the hookah device, and thus, when at least one of the mist generators is activated by the driver device, the mist generated by each activated mist generator flows along the fluid flow path to the outside of the hookah device toward the hookah.

[0013] In some embodiments, the driver device is electrically connected to each of the mist generators by a data bus, and the driver device is configured to identify and control each of the mist generators using a unique identifier for each of the mist generators.

[0014] In some embodiments, each mist generator includes an identification device, and the identification device includes an integrated circuit having a memory for storing a unique identifier for the mist generator; and an electrical connection providing an electronic interface for communicating with the integrated circuit.

[0015] In some embodiments, the driver device is configured to control each mist generator to independently activate other mist generators.

[0016] In some embodiments, the driver device is configured to control the mist generator to be activated according to a predetermined sequence.

[0017] In some embodiments, each mist generator includes a manifold having a manifold pipe that is fluidly connected to the mist discharge port of the mist generator, and the mist output from the mist discharge port is coupled to the manifold pipe and flows out of the hookah device through the manifold pipe.

[0018] In some embodiments, the hookah device comprises four mist generators detachably coupled to the manifold at 90º relative to each other.

[0019] In some embodiments, each mist generator is detachably attached to the driver device, so that each mist generator is detachable from the driver device.

[0020] In some embodiments, each mist generator comprises: a mist generator housing that is elongated and has an air intake port and a mist discharge port; a liquid chamber provided within the mist generator housing and storing a liquid to be atomized; an ultrasonic processing chamber provided within the mist generator housing; a capillary element extending between the liquid chamber and the ultrasonic processing chamber, wherein a first portion of the capillary element is in the liquid chamber and a second portion of the capillary element is in the ultrasonic processing chamber; and an ultrasonic transducer having a nearly flat atomizing surface provided within the ultrasonic processing chamber, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is mounted within the mist generator housing such that the plane of the atomizing surface is substantially parallel to the longitudinal length of the mist generator housing, and a portion of the second portion of the capillary element overlaps with a portion of the atomizing surface, and the ultrasonic transducer is configured to generate a mist containing the atomized liquid and air within the ultrasonic processing chamber by vibrating the atomizing surface to atomize the liquid carried by the second portion of the capillary element. and includes an air flow device that provides an air flow path between the air intake port, the ultrasonic treatment chamber, and the air discharge port.

[0021] In some embodiments, each mist generator comprises a transducer holder fixed within the mist generator housing, wherein the transducer element fixes the ultrasonic transducer and maintains a second portion of the capillary element that overlaps with a portion of the atomizing surface; and further comprises a dispenser portion providing a barrier between the liquid chamber and the ultrasonic treatment chamber, wherein the dispenser portion has a capillary tube to which a portion of the first portion of the capillary element extends.

[0022] In some embodiments, the capillary element is 100% bamboo fiber.

[0023] In some embodiments, the air flow device is configured to change the direction of the air flow along the air flow path so that, accordingly, when the air flow passes through the ultrasonic treatment chamber, the air flow becomes substantially perpendicular to the atomizing surface of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0024] In some embodiments, the liquid chamber stores a liquid having a kinematic viscosity between 1.05 Pa·s and 1.412 Pa·s and a liquid density between 1.1 g / ml and 1.3 g / ml.

[0025] In some embodiments, the liquid chamber stores a liquid composed of levulinic acid to nicotine in a molar ratio of about 2:1.

[0026] In some embodiments, the driver device comprises: an AC driver configured to generate an AC driving signal at a predetermined frequency to drive each ultrasonic transducer in each mist generator; an active power monitoring device configured to monitor the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer when the ultrasonic transducer is driven by the AC driving signal, wherein the active power monitoring device is configured to provide a monitoring signal indicating the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer; a processor configured to control the AC driver and receive a monitoring signal drive from the active power monitoring device; and a memory for storing instructions, wherein when executed by the processor, the instructions cause the processor,

[0027] A. Control the above AC driver to output an AC driving signal to the above ultrasonic transducer at a predetermined sweep frequency;

[0028] B. Calculate the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer based on the above monitoring signal;

[0029] C. Maximizing the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer by controlling the AC driver to modulate the AC driving signal;

[0030] D. The maximum active power used by the ultrasonic transducer and the sweep frequency of the AC driving signal are stored as records in the memory;

[0031] E. Repeat steps A through D for a predetermined number of repetitions, wherein for each repetition, the sweep frequency is increased, and after the predetermined number of repetitions, the sweep frequency is increased from the starting sweep frequency to the ending sweep frequency;

[0032] F. Identifying from the records stored in the memory an optimal frequency for the AC driving signal, which is the sweep frequency of the AC driving signal at which maximum active power is used by the ultrasonic transducer; and

[0033] G. The steps of controlling the AC driver to output an AC driving signal to the ultrasonic transducer at the optimal frequency, thereby driving the ultrasonic transducer to spray the liquid are executed.

[0034] In some embodiments, the active power monitoring device includes a current sensing device configured to sense the driving current of the AC driving signal driving the ultrasonic transducer, and the active power monitoring device is configured to provide a monitoring signal indicating the sensed driving current.

[0035] In some embodiments, the memory stores instructions, and when executed by the processor, the instructions cause the processor to repeat steps A through D with a sweep frequency that increases from a starting sweep frequency of 2900 kHz to a ending sweep frequency of 2960 kHz.

[0036] In some embodiments, the memory stores instructions, and when executed by the processor, the instructions cause the processor to repeat steps A through D with a sweep frequency that increases from a starting sweep frequency of 2900 kHz to a ending sweep frequency of 3100 kHz.

[0037] In some embodiments, the AC driver is configured to maximize the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer by modulating the AC driving signal through pulse width modulation.

[0038] In some embodiments, a hookah is provided, said hookah comprises: a water chamber; a long stem having a first end attached to said water chamber; and a hookah device of any one of claims 1 to 19 disclosed herein, said stem comprising a mist flow path extending from the stem through the stem at a second end of said stem to the first end, and said hookah attachment device of said hookah device is attached to the stem of said hookah at the second end of said stem. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0039] To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the present invention, a more specific description of the present invention will be provided by referring to specific embodiments of the present invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the components of an ultrasonic mist suction device, and Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a component of the liquid reservoir structure of the suction device, Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of a component of the liquid reservoir structure of the suction device, and FIG. 4A shows the isoscale of the air flow member for the suction device liquid reservoir structure of FIG. 2 and 3, and FIG. 4B shows a cross-sectional view of the air flow member illustrated in FIG. 4A, and FIG. 5 shows a schematic diagram illustrating a piezoelectric transducer modeled as an RLC circuit, and Figure 6 shows a graph of the logarithmic impedance versus frequency of an RLC circuit, and FIG. 7 shows a graph of logarithmic impedance versus frequency illustrating the induction and capacitance regions during the operation of a piezoelectric transducer, and FIG. 8 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of a frequency controller, FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of a mist generating device of the present disclosure, and FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of a mist generating device of the present disclosure, and FIG. 11 shows an exploded view of a mist generating device of the present disclosure, and FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a transducer holder of the present disclosure, and FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a transducer holder of the present disclosure, and FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of a capillary element of the present disclosure, and FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of a capillary element of the present disclosure, and FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of a transducer holder of the present disclosure, and FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of a transducer holder of the present disclosure, and FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a housing component of the present disclosure, and FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of an absorbent member of the present disclosure, and FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a housing component of the present disclosure, and FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of a housing component of the present disclosure, and FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of an absorbent member of the present disclosure, and FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of a housing component of the present disclosure, and FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of a housing component of the present disclosure, and FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of a housing component of the present disclosure, and FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of a circuit board of the present disclosure, and FIG. 27 shows a perspective view of a circuit board of the present disclosure, and FIG. 28 shows an exploded view of a mist generator of the present disclosure, and FIG. 29 shows an exploded view of a mist generator of the present disclosure, and FIG. 30 shows a schematic diagram of an integrated circuit device of the present disclosure, FIG. 31 shows a schematic diagram of an integrated circuit of the present disclosure, and FIG. 32 shows a schematic diagram of a pulse width modulation generator of the present disclosure, and FIG. 33 shows a timing diagram of one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 34 shows a timing diagram of one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 35 shows a table indicating the port functions of one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 36 shows a schematic diagram of an integrated circuit of the present disclosure, FIG. 37 shows a circuit diagram of an H-bridge of one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 38 shows a circuit diagram of a current sensing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 39 shows a circuit diagram of an H-bridge of one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 40 shows a graph indicating the voltage during the operating phase of the H-bridge of FIG. 37, and FIG. 41 shows a graph indicating the voltage during the operating phase of the H-bridge of FIG. 37, and FIG. 42 shows a graph indicating the voltage and current generated at the terminals of an ultrasonic transducer when the ultrasonic transducer is driven by the H-bridge of FIG. 37, and FIG. 43 shows a schematic diagram illustrating connections between integrated circuits of the present disclosure, and FIG. 44 shows a schematic diagram of an integrated circuit of the present disclosure, FIG. 45 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the circuit diagram steps of an H-bridge of one embodiment of the present disclosure, and FIG. 46 shows a cross-sectional view of a mist generating device of the present disclosure, and FIG. 47 shows a cross-sectional view of a mist generating device of the present disclosure, and FIG. 48 shows a cross-sectional view of a mist generating device of the present disclosure, and FIG. 49 shows a perspective view of a hookah device of the present disclosure, and FIG. 50 shows a perspective view of the hookah device of the present disclosure attached to the hookah body and water ball of a hookah device, and FIG. 51 shows an exploded view of a hookah device of the present disclosure, and FIG. 52 shows a perspective view of a component of a hookah device of the present disclosure, and FIG. 53 shows a perspective view of a component of a hookah device of the present disclosure, and FIG. 54 shows a perspective view of a component of a hookah device of the present disclosure, and FIG. 55 shows a perspective view of a component of a hookah device of the present disclosure, and FIG. 56 shows a perspective view of the components of the hookah device and four mist generators of the present disclosure, and FIG. 57 shows a perspective view of a component of a hookah device of the present disclosure, and FIG. 58 shows a cross-sectional view of a hookah device of the present disclosure, and FIG. 59 shows a perspective view of the hookah device of the present disclosure attached to the hookah body and water ball of the hookah device. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0040] Aspects of the present invention will be best understood through the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that, in accordance with standard industry practice, detailed figures of various functions are not illustrated. The dimensions of various functions may be increased or decreased at will for the sake of clarity of discussion.

[0041] The following disclosure provides a number of various embodiments or examples to implement various functions of the subject matter. Specific examples of components, concentrations, applications, and devices are described below to simplify the invention. These are simple examples and are not limited thereto. For example, the attachment of the first function and the second function described below may include embodiments in which the first function and the second function are attached so as to be in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which an additional function is placed between the first function and the second function so as not to be in direct contact. Furthermore, the reference numbers and / or letters of the various embodiments in this disclosure may be repeated. Such repetition is for simplification and clarification and does not indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

[0042] The following disclosure describes representative devices or examples. Each device or example may be considered an embodiment, and references to “devices” or “exemplars” may be replaced with “exemplars” of this disclosure.

[0043] In some embodiments, the hookah device includes ultrasonic aerosolization technology. In some embodiments, the hookah device is configured to replace a conventional hookah head (charcoal-heated or electronically heated). In some embodiments, the hookah device is detachably coupled to an existing stem or metal body and a water chamber / bowl, replacing a conventional hookah head that accommodates tobacco and charcoal (or an electronically heated element).

[0044] In another embodiment, the hookah device is provided as a complete hookah apparatus with a stem / body and a water chamber / bowl.

[0045] Hookah water balls are available in various shapes and sizes and are decorated with traditional or futuristic designs according to personal preference. In some embodiments, an ultrasonic atomizing hookah device is designed and developed with tradition in mind to produce replaceable heads suitable for existing hookahs.

[0046] The following disclosure describes the components and functions of an ultrasonic mist generator. Subsequently, the present disclosure describes a hookah device of some embodiment that integrates a plurality of ultrasonic mist generators.

[0047] Conventional electronic vapor inhalers tend to rely on the characteristic of evaporating a liquid to make it breathable by inducing high temperatures in metal components configured to heat the liquid within the inhaler. The liquid typically contains nicotine and flavorings mixed with propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), which vaporize through the components heated at high temperatures. Conventional inhalers present a problem in that the metal may burn, leading to the inhalation of metal along with the burned liquid. Furthermore, some people dislike the burning smell or taste caused by the heated liquid.

[0048] FIGS. 1 to 4 illustrate an ultrasonic mist suction device comprising an ultrasonic processing chamber. It should be noted that the term "mist" used in the following disclosure refers to a liquid that is not typically heated as in conventional suction devices known in the prior art. In fact, conventional suction devices generate vapor by heating a liquid above its boiling point using a heating element, which is different from mist.

[0049] When high-intensity ultrasound is applied to a liquid, the sound waves propagating through the liquid medium alternately create high-pressure (compression) and low-pressure (radiant) cycles at different speeds depending on the frequency. During the low-pressure cycle, the high-intensity ultrasound creates small vacuum bubbles or voids within the liquid. This phenomenon is called cavitation. When the bubbles reach a volume where they can no longer absorb energy, they collapse violently during the high-pressure cycle. Very high pressure is applied locally during the implosion process. During the cavitation phenomenon, fragmented microwaves are generated, and as these micro-droplets break the liquid's surface tension and rapidly eject into the air, they form a mist.

[0050] Next, the above cavitation phenomenon will be described in greater detail.

[0051] When a liquid is atomized by ultrasonic vibration, micro-water bubbles are generated within the liquid.

[0052] Bubble generation is the process in which a cavity is formed by the sound pressure created by high-intensity ultrasound generated by an ultrasonic vibration means.

[0053] High-intensity ultrasound accelerates cavity growth, and the reduction in cavity size during the positive pressure cycle is relatively low or negligible.

[0054] Like all sound waves, ultrasound consists of cycles of compression and expansion. Upon contact with a liquid, the compression cycle applies positive pressure to the liquid, pushing molecules together. The expansion cycle applies negative pressure, pulling molecules apart.

[0055] High-intensity ultrasound creates positive and negative pressure regions. Cavities can form and grow during negative pressure episodes. When a cavity reaches a critical size, it explodes.

[0056] The amount of negative pressure required depends on the type and purity of the liquid. In the case of very pure liquids, the tensile strength is so high that an ultrasonic generator cannot generate enough negative pressure to form a cavity. For example, pure water requires a negative pressure of over 1,000 atmospheres, but the most powerful ultrasonic generators can only produce about 50 atmospheres. The tensile strength of a liquid is reduced by gas trapped within the gaps between liquid particles. This phenomenon is similar to the reduction in strength that causes cracks in solid materials. When a gas-filled crevice is exposed to a negative pressure cycle of sound waves, the gas within the crevice expands due to the reduced pressure until small bubbles are released into the solution.

[0057] However, bubbles irradiated with ultrasound continuously absorb energy from the alternating compression and expansion cycles of sound waves. Consequently, the bubbles grow and contract, disrupting the dynamic balance between the voids within the bubble and the external liquid. In some cases, the ultrasound maintains simply vibrating bubbles of a constant size. In other cases, the average size of the bubbles increases.

[0058] Cavity growth depends on sound wave intensity. High-intensity ultrasound expands the cavity very rapidly during the negative pressure cycle, so the cavity does not shrink during the positive pressure cycle. In this process, the cavity can grow rapidly during a single sound wave cycle.

[0059] In the case of low-intensity ultrasound, the cavity size oscillates according to the expansion and compression cycles. The cavity surface created by low-intensity ultrasound is slightly larger during the expansion cycle compared to the compression cycle. Since the amount of gas diffusing into or out of the cavity depends on the surface area, diffusion into the cavity during the expansion cycle is somewhat greater than diffusion during the compression cycle. In each cycle of the sound wave, the cavity undergoes a slightly more expansion process compared to compression. Over multiple cycles, the cavity grows slowly.

[0060] It is known that a growing cavity eventually reaches a critical size at which it absorbs the most efficient energy from ultrasound. This critical size varies depending on the frequency of the ultrasound. If a cavity experiences very rapid growth due to high-intensity ultrasound, it can no longer absorb energy from the ultrasound. Without this energy input, the cavity can no longer be sustained. The liquid rapidly penetrates, and the cavity explodes due to a non-linear reaction.

[0061] The energy released by the explosion fragments the liquid into fine particles and disperses into the air as a mist.

[0062] The equation for explaining the above nonlinear response phenomenon can be described by the “Rayleigh-Plesset” equation. This equation can be derived from the “Navier-Stokes” equation used in fluid dynamics.

[0063] The inventor's approach rewrites the "Rayley-Plesset" equation using bubble volume V as the dynamic parameter, and the physics describing dissipation is the same as the more traditional form where the radius is the dynamic parameter.

[0064] The equation used after derivation is as follows.

[0065]

[0066]

[0067] Here:

[0068] is bubble volume

[0069] is the equilibrium bubble volume

[0070] is the liquid density (assumed to be a constant)

[0071] is surface tension

[0072] is vapor pressure

[0073] The static pressure of the liquid just outside the bubble wall

[0074] is the polytropic index of a gas

[0075] is time

[0076] is the bubble radius

[0077] is the applied pressure

[0078] is the speed of sound in liquid

[0079] is potential speed

[0080] is the wavelength of a high-frequency field.

[0081] In the above ultrasonic mist inhalation device, the liquid has a kinematic viscosity between 1.05 Pa.sec and 1.412 Pa.sec.

[0082] By solving the above equation with the correct viscosity and density parameters and spraying a liquid of a desired target bubble volume into the air, a frequency range of 2.8 MHz to 3.2 MHz is obtained in a liquid viscosity range of 1.05 Pa·s to 1.412 Pa·s, with a frequency range of approximately 0.25 to 0.5 microns. 3 It was revealed that it creates the volume of bubbles.

[0083] The ultrasonic cavitation process has a significant effect on the nicotine concentration in the generated mist.

[0084] Since it does not contain a heating element, it does not burn the material and reduces the secondary smoke generation effect.

[0085] In some embodiments, the liquid comprises 57 to 70% (w / w) vegetable glycerin and 30 to 43% (w / w) propylene glycol, and the propylene glycol comprises nicotine and a selected flavoring.

[0086] In the above-described ultrasonic mist suction device, a capillary element may extend between the ultrasonic treatment chamber and the liquid chamber.

[0087] In an ultrasonic mist inhalation device, the capillary element is at least partially made of bamboo fiber material.

[0088] The above capillary element allows for high absorption capacity, high absorption rate, and a high fluid retention rate.

[0089] It was found that the inherent properties of the material proposed for use in the capillary have a significant effect on the effective function of the ultrasonic mist absorption device.

[0090] Furthermore, the inherent properties of the presented material include excellent hygroscopicity while maintaining excellent permeability. This allows the incoming liquid to effectively pass through the capillary and retain a significant amount of liquid through the observed high absorption, so the ultrasonic mist suction device lasts for a longer period compared to other commercially available products.

[0091] Another significant advantage of using bamboo fiber is that an antimicrobial biological agent called "Kun," which is inherently present within the fiber, occurs naturally, resulting in antimicrobial, antifungal, and odor-resistant properties, making it suitable for medical use.

[0092] The above unique characteristics have been verified through numerous analyses related to the benefits of bamboo fibers for ultrasonic treatment.

[0093] The following equation was tested using bamboo fiber material and cotton, paper, or other fiber types for use as capillary elements, and it was proven that bamboo fiber possesses better characteristics for ultrasonic treatment.

[0094]

[0095] Here:

[0096] is the volume per unit weight of the absorbed liquid divided by the dry weight of the capillary element,

[0097] is the total surface area of ​​the capillary element

[0098] is the thickness of the capillary element,

[0099] is the weight of the dry capillary element,

[0100] is the density of the dry capillary element,

[0101] is the ratio of the increase in volume of the capillary element due to wetting of the liquid volume diffused within the capillary element,

[0102] Amount of liquid diffused within the capillary element,

[0103]

[0104] is the amount of liquid absorbed per unit time,

[0105] is the radius of the pore within the capillary element,

[0106] is the surface tension of the liquid,

[0107] is the contact angle of the fiber,

[0108] is the viscosity of the fluid.

[0109] FIG. 1 depicts a disposable ultrasonic mist inhaler (100). As illustrated in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic mist inhaler (100) has a cylindrical body that is relatively long relative to its diameter. In terms of shape and appearance, the ultrasonic mist inhaler (100) is designed to mimic the shape of a conventional cigarette. For instance, the inhaler is characterized by having a first part (101) that primarily simulates the pipe of a cigarette and a second part (102) that primarily simulates the filter. In a disposable device, the first part and the second part are areas of a disposable detachable device. The first part (101) and the second part (102) are used to conveniently differentiate the components primarily contained in each part.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 1, the ultrasonic mist inhalation device comprises a mouthpiece (1), a liquid reservoir structure (2), and a casing (3). The first part (101) comprises the casing (3), and the second part (102) comprises the mouthpiece (1) and the reservoir structure (2).

[0111] The first part (101) includes power supply energy.

[0112] An electric storage device (30) supplies power to an ultrasonic mist inhaler (100). The electric storage device (30) may be a battery including, but not limited to, lithium-ion, alkaline, zinc-carbon, nickel-hydrogen alloy, or nickel-cadmium batteries; supercapacitors; or a combination thereof. In a disposable device, the electric storage device (30) is not rechargeable, but in a reusable device, the electric storage device (30) is selected to be rechargeable. In a disposable device, the electric storage device (30) is selected by default to deliver a constant voltage throughout the lifespan of the inhaler (100). However, the performance of the inhaler degrades over time. Preferred electric storage devices capable of providing a constant voltage throughout the lifespan of the device are lithium-ion and lithium polymer batteries.

[0113] The electric storage device (30) typically has a first end (30a) corresponding to a positive terminal and a second end (30b) corresponding to a negative terminal. The negative terminal extends to the first end (30a).

[0114] Since the electrical storage device (30) is located in the first part (101) and the liquid reservoir structure (2) is located in the second part (102), a joint is required to provide electrical communication between these components. Electrical communication is achieved using at least one electrode or probe that is compressed together when the first part (101) is fixed to the second part (102).

[0115] To make the device reusable, the electrical storage device (30) is rechargeable. The casing (3) is equipped with a charging port (32).

[0116] The integrated circuit (4) includes a proximal end (4a) and a distal end (4b). The positive terminal of the first end (30a) of the electrical storage device (30) electrically communicates with the positive lead of the flexible integrated circuit (4). The negative terminal of the second end (30b) of the electrical storage device (30) electrically communicates with the negative lead of the integrated circuit (4). A microprocessor is provided at the distal end (4b) of the integrated circuit (4). The microprocessor is configured to process data from the sensor, control the light, command the current flow to the ultrasonic vibration means (5) of the second part (102), and terminate the current flow after a pre-programmed time.

[0117] The sensor uses the ultrasonic mist suction device (100) and senses when the microprocessor is activated (when the user withdraws the suction device). The sensor may be selected to detect pressure, air flow, or vibration. In one example, the sensor is a pressure sensor. In a digital device, the sensor reads continuously, and to do this, the digital sensor must continuously draw current, but the amount of current is small and has a negligible effect on overall battery life.

[0118] In some embodiments, the integrated circuit (4) is equipped with an H-bridge, and the H-bridge is formed with four MOSFETs to convert direct current into high-frequency alternating current.

[0119] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a liquid reservoir structure (2) according to one embodiment. The liquid reservoir structure (2) comprises a liquid chamber (21) regulated to receive atomized liquid and an ultrasonic treatment chamber (22) in fluid communication with the liquid chamber (21).

[0120] In the illustrated embodiment, the liquid reservoir structure (2) includes an intake channel (20) that provides an air passage toward the periphery from the ultrasonic treatment chamber (22).

[0121] As an example of a sensor location, the sensor may be placed in an ultrasonic processing chamber (22).

[0122] The suction channel (20) has a frustoconical element (20a) and an internal container (20b).

[0123] As illustrated in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the suction channel (20) further comprises an air flow member (27) capable of providing air flow from the periphery toward the ultrasonic processing chamber (22).

[0124] The air flow member (27) is provided with an air flow bridge (27a) and an air flow duct (27b) made of a single piece, the air flow bridge (27a) is provided with two airway openings (27a') that form part of the suction channel (20), and the air flow duct (27b) extends from the air flow bridge (27a) to the ultrasonic treatment chamber (22) to provide air flow from the periphery toward the ultrasonic treatment chamber.

[0125] The air flow bridge (27a) is coupled with the frustoconical element (20a) at the second diameter (20a2).

[0126] The air flow bridge (27a) is provided with two facing peripheral openings (27a) that provide air flow to the air flow duct (27b).

[0127] The air flow bridge (27a) and the frustoconical element (20a) are linked so that two opposing peripheral openings (27a) are linked with the complementary opening (20a) within the frustoconical element (20a).

[0128] The mouthpiece (1) and the frustoconical element (20a) have a radial space, and the air flow chamber (28) is placed between them.

[0129] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the mouthpiece (1) has two opposing peripheral openings (1").

[0130] The peripheral openings (27a", 20a", 1") of the air flow bridge (27a), the frustoconical element (20a), and the mouthpiece (1) directly supply maximum air flow to the ultrasonic treatment chamber (22).

[0131] The frustoconical element (20a) is aligned in the same direction as the suction channel (20) and includes an internal passage having a first diameter (20a1) smaller than the second diameter (20a2), thereby reducing the diameter of the internal passage relative to the frustoconical element (20a).

[0132] A frustoconical element (20a) is positioned to match the ultrasonic vibration means (5) and the capillary element (7), the first diameter (20a1) is coupled to the mouthpiece (1), and the second diameter (20a2) is coupled to the inner container (20b).

[0133] The inner container (20b) has an inner wall that determines the limits of the ultrasonic processing chamber (22) and the liquid chamber (21).

[0134] The liquid reservoir structure (2) is equipped with an outer container (20c) that determines the limit of the outer wall of the liquid chamber (21).

[0135] The inner container (20b) and the outer container (20c) each become the inner wall and the outer wall of the liquid chamber (21).

[0136] The liquid reservoir structure (2) is placed between the mouthpiece (1) and the casing (3) and can be separated from the mouthpiece (1) and the casing (3).

[0137] The liquid reservoir structure (2) and the mouthpiece (1) or casing (3) include a complementary device that is connected to each other; the complementary device may further include one of a bayonet type device; a threaded engaged type device; a magnetic device; or a friction fitting device; the liquid reservoir structure (2) includes a part of the device, and the mouthpiece (1) or casing (3) includes a complementary part of the device.

[0138] In the reusable device, the components are substantially the same. The difference between the reusable device and the disposable device is that there is a receiving device designed to replace the liquid reservoir structure (2).

[0139] As shown in FIG. 3, the liquid chamber (21) is provided with an upper wall (23) and a lower wall (25) that close the inner container (20b) and outer container (20c) of the liquid chamber (21).

[0140] The capillary element (7) is placed between the first section (20b1) and the second section (20b2) of the inner container (20b).

[0141] The capillary element (7) has a flat plate shape extending from the ultrasonic treatment chamber to the liquid chamber.

[0142] As shown in FIG. 2 or 3, the capillary element (7) includes a U-shaped central portion (7a) and an L-shaped peripheral portion (7b).

[0143] The L-shaped portion (7b) extends along the bottom wall (25) from the inner container (20b) to the liquid chamber (21).

[0144] The U-shaped portion (7a) is contained within the ultrasonic processing chamber (22). The U-shaped portion (7a) is in the inner container (20b) and is positioned parallel to the bottom wall (25).

[0145] In the ultrasonic mist suction device, the U-shaped portion (7a) has an inner portion (7a1) and an outer portion (7a2), the inner portion (7a1) is in contact with the atomizing surface (50) of the ultrasonic vibration means (5), and the outer portion (7a2) is not in contact with the atomizing surface of the ultrasonic vibration means (5).

[0146] The bottom wall (25) of the liquid chamber (21) is a bottom plate (25) that closes the liquid chamber (21) and the ultrasonic treatment chamber (22). The bottom plate (25) is sealed, thereby preventing liquid from leaking from the ultrasonic treatment chamber (22) to the casing (3).

[0147] The bottom plate (25) has an upper surface (25a) having a recess (25b) into which an elastic member (8) is inserted. The ultrasonic vibration means (5) is supported by the elastic member (8). The elastic member (8) is formed of an annular plate-shaped rubber having an internal opening (8') and is designed with a groove to support the ultrasonic vibration means (5).

[0148] The top wall (23) of the liquid chamber (21) is a cap (23) that closes the liquid chamber (21).

[0149] The upper wall (23) has an upper surface (23) representing the maximum level of liquid that the liquid chamber (21) can accommodate, and a lower surface (25) representing the lowest level of liquid within the liquid chamber (21).

[0150] Since the top wall (23) is sealed, it prevents liquid from leaking from the liquid chamber (21) to the mouthpiece (1).

[0151] The upper wall (23) and the lower wall (25) are fixed to the liquid reservoir structure (2) by means of fastening, such as screws, adhesive, or friction.

[0152] As shown in FIG. 3, the elastic member is in contact with the ultrasonic vibration means (5) and prevents contact between the ultrasonic vibration means (5) and the wall of the suction device, thereby preventing vibration blockage of the liquid reservoir structure more efficiently. Accordingly, the fine particles of the liquid atomized by the atomizing member are sprayed further away.

[0153] As illustrated in FIG. 3, the inner container (20b) has an opening (20b') between the first section (20b1) and the second section (20b2), through which a capillary element (7) extends from the ultrasonic treatment chamber (22). The capillary element (7) absorbs liquid from the liquid chamber (21) through the aperture (20b'). The capillary element (7) is a wick. The capillary element (7) moves the liquid into the ultrasonic treatment chamber (22) by capillary action. In some embodiments, the capillary element (7) is made of bamboo fiber. In some embodiments, the capillary element (7) has a thickness between 0.27 mm and 0.32 mm and a weight of 38 g / m² 2 Up to 48 g / m 2 It has a density between them.

[0154] As can be seen in Fig. 3, the ultrasonic vibration means (5) is placed directly below the capillary element (7).

[0155] The ultrasonic vibration means (5) can be an ultrasonic transducer. For example, the ultrasonic vibration means (5) can be a piezoelectric transducer and can be designed in a disc shape. The material of the piezoelectric transducer can be ceramic.

[0156] In addition, various transducer materials can be used as ultrasonic vibration means (5).

[0157] The air flow duct end (27b1) is in contact with the ultrasonic vibration means (5). The ultrasonic vibration means (5) communicates electrically with the electric contactors (101a, 101b). For reference, the distal end (4b) of the integrated circuit (4) has an internal electrode and an external electrode. The internal electrode contacts the first electric contact (101a), which is a spring contact probe, and the external electrode contacts the second electric contact (101b), which is a side pin. Through the integrated circuit (4), the first electric contact (101a) communicates electrically with the positive terminal of the electric storage device (30) using a microprocessor, and the first electrode contact (101b) communicates electrically with the negative terminal of the electric storage device (30).

[0158] Electric contacts (101a, 101b) cross the bottom plate (25). The bottom plate (25) is designed to be seated inside the surrounding wall (26) of the liquid reservoir structure (2). Since the bottom plate (25) is seated on a complementary ridge, it creates a liquid chamber (21) and an ultrasonic treatment chamber (22).

[0159] The inner container (20b) includes a circular inner slot (20d) to which a mechanical spring is applied.

[0160] When the central part (7a1) is pressed over the ultrasonic vibration means (5), the mechanical spring (9) ensures surface contact between them.

[0161] The liquid reservoir structure (2) and bottom plate (25) can be made of various thermoplastic materials.

[0162] When the user pulls the ultrasonic mist suction device (100), air flow is drawn in from the peripheral opening (1”), passes through the air flow chamber (28), passes through the peripheral opening (27a”) of the air flow bridge (27a) and the truncated element (20a), and then flows down to the ultrasonic processing chamber (22) through the air flow duct (27b) located directly above the capillary element (7). At the same time, liquid is drawn from the reservoir chamber (21) to the capillary element (7) by capillary action through a plurality of apertures (20b'). The capillary element (7) brings the liquid into contact with the ultrasonic vibration means (5) of the suction device (100). The pulling action of the user also causes the pressure sensor to activate the integrated circuit (4) and induces current to the ultrasonic vibration means (5). Therefore, when the user pulls the mouthpiece (1) of the suction device (100), two actions occur simultaneously. First, the sensor activates the integrated circuit (4) and triggers the ultrasonic vibration means (5) to start vibration. Second, the pressure outside the reservoir chamber (21) is reduced by the withdrawal action, causing liquid flow through the aperture (20b') to start and saturate the capillary element (7). The capillary element (7) moves the liquid to the ultrasonic vibration means (5), and the ultrasonic vibration means (5) atomizes the liquid by forming bubbles in the capillary channel. Then, the mist liquid is withdrawn by the user.

[0163] In some embodiments, the integrated circuit (4) comprises a frequency controller configured to control the frequency at which the ultrasonic vibration means (5) operates. The frequency controller includes a processor and a memory, and the memory stores executable instructions, and when executed by the processor, the processor performs at least one function of the frequency controller.

[0164] As described above, in some embodiments, the ultrasonic mist suction device (100) drives the ultrasonic vibration means (5) with a signal having a frequency of 2.8 MHz to 3.2 MHz to vaporize a liquid having a liquid viscosity of 1.05 Pa.s to 1.412 Pa.s and then about 0.25 to 0.5 microns 3 It creates a bubble volume. However, for liquids with different viscosities and other applications, the ultrasonic vibration means (5) can be driven by different frequencies.

[0165] In each different application of the mist generation system, there exists an optimal frequency or frequency range for driving the ultrasonic vibration means (5) to optimize mist generation. In an embodiment where the ultrasonic vibration means (5) is a piezoelectric transducer, the optimal frequency or frequency range depends on at least the following four parameters.

[0166] 1. Transducer Manufacturing Process

[0167] In some embodiments, the ultrasonic vibration means (5) comprises a piezoelectric ceramic. The piezoelectric ceramic is manufactured by mixing compounds to form a ceramic dough, and this mixing process may not be consistent during the production process. Due to this inconsistency, the resonance frequency of the hardened piezoelectric ceramic may be made different.

[0168] If the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric ceramic does not correspond to the frequency required for the device's operation, no mist is generated during operation. In the case of nicotine mist inhalers, even a slight offset in the piezoelectric ceramic's resonance frequency can sufficiently affect mist generation, preventing the device from delivering an appropriate level of nicotine to the user.

[0169] 2. Transducer Load

[0170] If the load on the piezoelectric transducer changes during operation, it interferes with the overall displacement of the piezoelectric transducer vibration. To obtain optimal displacement of the piezoelectric transducer vibration, the drive frequency must be adjusted so that the circuit provides appropriate power corresponding to the optimal displacement.

[0171] Types of loads affecting the efficiency of the oscillator include flow to the transducer (wetting of the wicking material) and spring force applied to the wicking material to maintain permanent contact with the transducer. Additionally, electrical connection means are included.

[0172] 3. Temperature

[0173] The ultrasonic vibrating part of the piezoelectric transducer is partially wetted by the device assembly. This may include a transducer placed on a silicone / rubber ring and a spring that applies pressure to the wicking material above the transducer. This wetting of the vibrating part can increase the local temperature in the transducer area and surroundings.

[0174] As temperature rises, the molecular behavior of the transducer changes, thereby affecting vibration. When the temperature increases, more energy exists within the ceramic molecules and temporarily influences the crystal structure. While this effect is reversed when the temperature decreases, the modulation of the supplied frequency must maintain optimal vibration. Such frequency modulation cannot be achieved with conventional fixed-frequency devices.

[0175] Furthermore, as the temperature rises, the viscosity of the solution (e-liquid) decreases and vaporizes; therefore, the drive frequency must be changed to induce cavitation and maintain continuous mist generation. In the case of conventional fixed-frequency devices, if the liquid viscosity decreases without changing the device frequency, mist generation decreases or stops completely, rendering the device inoperable.

[0176] 4. Distance to power source

[0177] The vibration frequency of an electronic circuit can vary depending on the wire length between the transducer and the oscillator-driver. The frequency of the electronic circuit is inversely proportional to the distance between the transducer and the rest of the circuit.

[0178] Although distance parameters are primarily fixed within the device, they can vary during the manufacturing process, potentially lowering the device's overall efficiency. Therefore, the device's driving frequency must be adjusted to compensate for these variations and optimize efficiency.

[0179] A piezoelectric transducer can be modeled as an RLC circuit of an electrical circuit as shown in Figure 5. The four parameters described above can be modeled to change the resonant frequency range supplied to the transducer by changing the overall inductance, capacitance, and / or resistance. As the circuit frequency increases near the resonance point of the transducer, the log impedance of the entire circuit drops to a minimum value and then rises to a maximum value before being determined to a median range.

[0180] FIG. 6 illustrates a comprehensive graph explaining the change in total impedance as the frequency in an RLC circuit increases. FIG. 7 shows the first predetermined frequency f s A first capacitor region at the frequency below and a second predetermined frequency f p The method of operation of a capacitor in a second capacitance region at frequencies above is illustrated. A piezoelectric transducer at first and second predetermined frequencies f s , f p It operates as an inductor within the inductive region at the frequency range. To create optimal efficiency by maintaining optimal transducer oscillation, the current flowing through the transducer must maintain a frequency within the inductive region.

[0181] In some embodiments, the frequency controller of the device is configured to maintain the vibration frequency of the piezoelectric transducer (ultrasonic vibration means (5)) within the induction region to maximize the efficiency of the device.

[0182] The frequency controller is configured to perform a sweep operation that drives the transducer at a frequency that the frequency controller progressively tracks over a predetermined sweep frequency range. As the frequency controller performs the sweep, it monitors the Analog-to-Digital Conversion (ADC) value of the analog-to-digital converter coupled with the transducer. In some embodiments, the ADC value is an ADC parameter proportional to the voltage across the transducer. In other embodiments, the ADC value is an ADC parameter proportional to the current flowing through the transducer.

[0183] As described in more detail below, the frequency controller of some embodiments monitors the current flowing through the transducer to determine the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer.

[0184] During the sweep operation, the frequency controller locates the frequency induction region for the transducer. Once the frequency controller identifies the induction region, it records the ADC value and the frequency within the induction region (i.e., the first and second predetermined frequencies f). s , f p Ultrasonic cavitation by the transducer is optimized by fixing the driving frequency of the transducer to the inductive range. When the driving frequency is fixed within the inductive range, the electromechanical coupling factor of the transducer is maximized, thereby maximizing the efficiency of the device.

[0185] In some embodiments, the frequency controller is configured to perform a sweep operation to search the induction region whenever vibration is started or restarted. For example, the frequency controller is configured to compensate for changes in parameters affecting the efficiency of the device by fixing the driving frequency to a new frequency within the induction region whenever vibration is started.

[0186] In some embodiments, the frequency controller ensures optimal mist generation and maximizes the efficiency of drug delivery to the user. In some embodiments, the frequency controller optimizes the device, increases efficiency, and maximizes nicotine delivery to the user.

[0187] In other embodiments, the frequency controller optimizes the device and increases the efficiency of other devices using ultrasound. In some embodiments, the frequency controller is configured to use therapeutic ultrasound technology to improve drug release in ultrasound-responsive drug delivery systems. Using precise and optimized frequencies during operation can make microbubbles, nanobubbles, nanodroplets, liposomes, emulsions, micelles, or other delivery systems very efficient.

[0188] In some embodiments, as described above, the frequency controller is configured to operate in a regression mode to ensure optimal mist generation and optimal compound delivery. When the frequency controller operates in regression mode, the frequency controller periodically performs a frequency sweep during the operation of the device and monitors the ADC value to determine whether the ADC value is above a predetermined threshold indicating optimal oscillation of the transducer.

[0189] In some embodiments, when the frequency controller executes a sweep operation and the frequency controller can identify a better frequency for the transducer, the device is placed in the process of aerosolizing the liquid. When the frequency controller identifies a better frequency, the frequency controller fixes the driving frequency to the newly identified better frequency to maintain optimal device operation.

[0190] In some embodiments, the frequency controller periodically executes a frequency sweep for a predetermined time during device operation. In the device of the example described above, the predetermined time of the sweep and the time between sweeps are selected to optimize the function of the device. When implemented in an ultrasonic mist inhaler, this ensures optimal delivery to the user during the user's inhalation action.

[0191] Figure 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of the operation of some frequency controller examples.

[0192] The following disclosure discloses more examples of mist generators comprising many of the examples and components described above. The components of the examples described above may be interchangeable with the components of the examples described in the remainder of this disclosure.

[0193] The mist generator described below may be used together with or may be used together with the hookah device (202) also described below. In another embodiment, the hookah device (202) has a plurality of other mist generators instead of the mist generator (201) disclosed herein.

[0194] To ensure proper aerosol generation, the mist generator (201) of some embodiments includes an ultrasonic / piezoelectric transducer having exactly or substantially a diameter of 16 mm. This transducer is manufactured with specific capacitance and impedance values ​​to control the frequency and power required to generate the desired aerosol volume.

[0195] A horizontally positioned disc-shaped ultrasonic transducer with a diameter of 16 mm creates a large mist generator. To minimize size, the ultrasonic transducer in this example is fixed vertically within the ultrasonic processing chamber (the plane of the ultrasonic transducer is typically parallel to the aerosol mist flow and / or typically parallel to the longitudinal direction of the mist generator). In other words, the ultrasonic transducer is perpendicular to the base of the mist generator.

[0196] Referring to the attached FIGS. 9 to 11, the mist generator (201) comprises a mist generator housing (204) that is elongated and optionally formed in two housing portions (205, 206) attached to each other. The mist generator housing (204) includes an air intake port (207) and a mist discharge port (208).

[0197] In this embodiment, the mist generator housing (204) is an injection-molded plastic, specifically polypropylene commonly used for medical purposes. In some embodiments, the mist generator housing (204) is a heteropolymer. More specifically, it is a BF970MO heteropolymer, which optimally combines very high rigidity and impact strength. The mist generator housing part molded from this material exhibits excellent anti-static performance.

[0198] Heteropolymers such as polypropylene are particularly suitable for mist generator housings (204) because the material does not cause aerosol condensation as the aerosol flows from the ultrasonic treatment chamber (219) through the mist discharge port (208). These plastic materials can also be easily recycled directly through the industry's crushing and washing processes.

[0199] In FIG. 10, the mist discharge port (208) is closed by a closure member (209). However, when using the mist suction device (200), the closure member (209) can be removed from the mist discharge port (208) as shown in FIG. 9.

[0200] Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the mist generator (201) includes a transducer holder (210) fixed within a mist generator housing (204). In this embodiment, the transducer holder (210) has a body portion (211) that is cylindrical or typically cylindrical, including circular top and bottom openings (212, 213). The transducer holder (210) is provided with an internal channel (214) capable of receiving the edge of an ultrasonic transducer (215), as shown in FIG. 13.

[0201] The transducer holder (210) is provided with a cut-out portion (216), and as described in more detail below, an electrode (217) extends from the ultrasonic transducer (215) through this cut-out portion, and accordingly, the electrode (217) is electrically connected to the AC driver of the hookah device (202).

[0202] Referring to FIG. 11, a mist generator (201) includes a liquid chamber (218) provided within a mist generator housing (204). The liquid chamber (218) is used to contain a liquid to be atomized. In some embodiments, the liquid is contained within the liquid chamber (218). In other embodiments, the liquid chamber (218) is initially empty and then subsequently filled with liquid.

[0203] A liquid composition suitable for use in an ultrasonic mist generator (201) (hereinafter referred to as e-liquid in the present invention) comprises a nicotine salt having a nicotine lebulinate, and

[0204] The relative content of vegetable glycerin in the above composition is 55 to 80% (w / w), or 60 to 80% (w / w), or 65 to 75% (w / w), or 70% (w / w); and / or

[0205] The relative content of propylene glycol in the above composition is 5 to 30% (w / w), or 10 to 30% (w / w), or 15 to 25% (w / w), or 20% (w / w); and / or

[0206] The relative content of water in the above composition is 5 to 15% (w / w), or 7 to 12% (w / w), or 10% (w / w); and / or

[0207] The content of nicotine and / or nicotine salt in the above composition is 0.1 to 80 mg / ml, or 0.1 to 50 mg / ml, or 1 to 25 mg / ml, or 10 to 20 mg / ml, or 17 mg / ml.

[0208] In some embodiments, the mist generator (201) includes an e-liquid having a kinematic viscosity between 1.05 Pa·s and 1.412 Pa·s.

[0209] In some embodiments, the liquid chamber (218) contains a liquid composed of nicotine levulinate in a 1:1 molar ratio.

[0210] In some embodiments, the liquid chamber (218) contains an e-liquid composed of nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, water, and flavoring. In some embodiments, the concentration % of each component of the e-liquid is indicated in Table 1, Table 2, Table 3, or Table 4 below.

[0211] Table 1: Concentration of each component of e-liquid %(e-liquid 1). ingredient % (w / w) Propylene glycol 15.1 Vegetable glycerin 70 water 10 nicotine 1.7 Levulinic acid 0.2 Flavoring 3

[0212] Table 2: % Concentration of each component of e-liquid (e-liquid 2). (Approximate levulinic acid to nicotine ratio 2:1 molar ratio) ingredient % (w / w) Propylene glycol 12.87 Vegetable glycerin 70 water 10 nicotine 1.7 Levulinic acid 2.43 Flavoring 3

[0213] Table 3: % Concentration of each component of e-liquid (e-liquid 3). (Approximate levulinic acid to nicotine ratio 1:1 molar ratio) ingredient % (w / w) Propylene glycol 14.08 Vegetable glycerin 70 water 10 nicotine 1.7 Levulinic acid 1.22 Flavoring 3

[0214] Table 4: % concentration of each component of e-liquid (e-liquid 4). (Approximate molar ratio of levulinic acid to nicotine 3:1) ingredient % (w / w) Propylene glycol 11.64 Vegetable glycerin 70 water 10 nicotine 1.7 Levulinic acid 3.66 Flavoring 3

[0215] In a non-limiting example, nicotine in solution is wholly or partially in the form of nicotinic acid. Nicotinic levulinate is formed in solution by the combination of nicotine and levulinic acid. As a result, nicotinic levulinate is formed and contains a levulinate anion and a nicotinic cation.

[0216] The nicotine concentration % of the e-liquid shown in Tables 1, 2, 3, and 4 is approximately equal to 17 mg / ml.

[0217] In some embodiments, the liquid chamber (218) contains a liquid having a kinematic viscosity between 1.05 Pa·s and 1.412 Pa·s, and a liquid having a density between 1.1 g / ml and 1.3 g / ml.

[0218] In some embodiments, the liquid in the liquid chamber (218) contains a flavoring (e.g., fruit flavor) that the user tastes when inhaling the mist produced by the hookah device.

[0219] When using an e-liquid equipped with the correct viscosity and density parameters and creating the desired target bubble volume by liquid atomization, for a liquid viscosity range of 1.05 Pa·s to 1.412 Pa·s and a density of approximately 1.1 to 1.3 g / mL (obtaining the density range in Hertz), 90% of the droplets are 1 micron in the frequency range of 2.8 MHz to 3.2 MHz. 3 Less than or equal to 50% is 0.5 micron 3 It was found to generate a drop volume below this.

[0220] The mist generator (201) includes an ultrasonic processing chamber (219) provided within the mist generator housing (204).

[0221] Now, referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the transducer holder (210) includes a dispensing portion (220) that provides a barrier between the liquid chamber (218) and the ultrasonic processing chamber (219). The barrier provided by the dispensing portion (220) minimizes the risk that the ultrasonic processing chamber (219) will be submerged in the liquid of the liquid chamber (218) or that the capillary element above the ultrasonic transducer (215) will become supersaturated, and if submerged or supersaturated, the ultrasonic transducer (215) will be overloaded and its efficiency will decrease. Furthermore, if the ultrasonic processing chamber (219) is submerged or the capillary element becomes supersaturated, the user may experience an unpleasant experience due to the liquid being sucked in during inhalation. To mitigate this risk, the dispensing portion (220) of the transducer holder (210) is seated on the wall between the ultrasonic processing chamber (219) and the liquid chamber (218).

[0222] The dispenser portion (220) is provided with a capillary aperture (221) solely as a means for liquid to flow from the liquid chamber (218) to the ultrasonic treatment chamber (219) through a capillary element. In this embodiment, the capillary aperture (221) is an elongated slot having a width of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. The dimensions of the capillary aperture (221) are configured to provide a biasing force by operating on the capillary element so that the edge of the capillary aperture (221) extends through the capillary aperture (221) for additional control of the liquid flow into the ultrasonic treatment chamber (219).

[0223] In this embodiment, the transducer holder (210) is liquid silicone rubber (LSR). In this embodiment, the liquid silicone rubber has a Shore A 60 hardness. This LSR material ensures that the ultrasonic transducer (215) vibrates without experiencing vibration damping of the transducer holder (210). In this embodiment, the vibration displacement of the ultrasonic transducer (215) is 2 to 5 nanometers, and damping effects can reduce the efficiency of the ultrasonic transducer (215). Therefore, this LSR material and hardness are selected to have optimal performance with minimal damage.

[0224] Now, referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, the mist generator (201) includes a capillary or capillary element (222) capable of transferring a liquid (containing a drug or other substance) from a liquid chamber (218) to an ultrasonic treatment chamber (219). The capillary element (222) is parallel or approximately parallel to a first part (223) and a second part (224). In this embodiment, the first part (223) is rectangular or approximately rectangular, and the second part (224) is partially circular.

[0225] In this embodiment, the capillary element (222) has a third part (225) and a fourth part (226), each having the same shape as the first and second parts (223, 224). The capillary element (222) of this embodiment is folded along a fold line (227) such that the first and second parts (223, 224) and the third and fourth parts (225, 226) overlap each other, as shown in FIG. 15.

[0226] In this embodiment, the capillary element has a thickness of approximately 0.28 mm. As shown in FIG. 15, when the capillary element (222) is folded into two layers, the total thickness of the capillary element becomes approximately 0.56 mm. Due to this double layer, sufficient liquid is present in the ultrasonic transducer (215) to generate an optimal aerosol.

[0227] In this embodiment, when the capillary element (222) is folded, the lower portions of the first and third portions (223, 225) define an elongated lower portion (228), increase the surface area of ​​the capillary element (222) within the portion of the capillary element (222), and optimize the rate at which the capillary element (222) absorbs liquid by settling in the liquid within the liquid chamber (218).

[0228] In this embodiment, the capillary element (222) is 100% bamboo fiber. In another embodiment, the capillary element is at least 75% bamboo fiber. The benefits of using bamboo fiber as the capillary element are as described above.

[0229] Now, referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, a capillary element (222) is contained in a transducer holder (210), and accordingly, the transducer holder (210) includes a second portion (224) of the capillary element (222) that overlaps a portion of the atomizing surface of the ultrasonic transducer (215). In this embodiment, the circular second portion (224) is seated within an internal recess (214) of the transducer holder (210).

[0230] The first part (223) of the capillary element (222) extends through the capillary aperture (221) of the transducer holder (210).

[0231] Now, referring to FIGS. 18 to 20, the second part (206) of the mist generator housing (204) has a roughly circular wall (229) that accommodates the transducer holder (210) and forms part of the wall of the ultrasonic processing chamber (219).

[0232] Contact apertures (230 and 231) are provided on the side wall of the second part (206) to accommodate electric contacts (232 and 233) and form an electrical connection with the electrodes of the ultrasonic transducer (215).

[0233] In this embodiment, an absorbing tip or absorbing member (234) is provided adjacent to a mist discharge port (208) to absorb liquid from the mist discharge port (208). In this embodiment, the absorbing member (234) is bamboo fiber.

[0234] Now, referring to FIGS. 21 to 23, the first part (205) of the mist generator housing (204) has a shape similar to the second part (206) and further includes a wall part (235) that is typically circular and forms an additional wall part of the ultrasonic processing chamber (219) and secures the transducer holder (210).

[0235] In this embodiment, an additional absorbent member (236) is provided adjacent to the mist discharge port (208) to absorb liquid from the mist discharge port (208).

[0236] In this embodiment, the first part (205) of the mist generator housing (204) is provided with a spring support device (237) that supports the lower end of the retainer spring (238) as shown in FIG. 24.

[0237] The upper portion of the retainer spring (238) contacts the second portion (224) of the capillary element (222) so that the retainer spring (238) provides a deflection force that deflects the capillary element (222) against the atomizing surface of the ultrasonic transducer (215).

[0238] Referring to FIG. 25, the illustrated transducer holder (210) is fixed by the second part (206) of the mist generator housing (204) and is located before the two parts (205, 206) joined together of the mist generator housing (204).

[0239] Referring to FIGS. 26 through 29, in this embodiment, the mist generator (201) is equipped with an identification device (239). The identification device (239) includes a printed circuit board (240) having an electrical contact (241) provided on one side, and an integrated circuit (242) and other selectable components (243) provided on the other side.

[0240] The integrated circuit (242) includes a memory that stores a unique identifier for the mist generator (201). An electrical contact (241) provides an electronic interface capable of communicating with the integrated circuit (242).

[0241] In this embodiment, a printed circuit board (240) is mounted within a recess (244) on one side of the mist generator housing (204). An integrated circuit (242) and other selectable electronic components (243) are seated within an additional recess (245) such that the printed circuit board (240) is typically parallel to the side of the mist generator housing (204).

[0242] In this embodiment, the integrated circuit (242) is a one-time-programmable (OTP) device that provides a counterfeit prevention function to ensure that only genuine mist generators supplied by the manufacturer are used in the device. This counterfeit prevention function is implemented in the mist generator (201) as a specific custom integrated circuit (IC) coupled to the mist generator (201) (including the printed circuit board (240)). The OTP as an IC contains unique information that allows the mist generator (201) (and its contents) to be fully traceable over its lifetime and precisely monitors the user's consumption. Through the OTP IC, the mist generator (201) can be operated to generate only approved mist.

[0243] OTP as a function specifies the approval status of a specific mist generator (201). In practice, to prevent the release of carbonyl groups and to maintain the aerosol at a safe level, experiments have shown that after approximately 1,000 seconds of aerosolization, the mist generator (201) is considered to have empty liquid in the liquid chamber (218). In this way, a genuine or non-empty mist generator (201) is not activated after this predetermined period of use.

[0244] The OTP as a function can form part of the entire chain in combination with a digital store, an accompanying mobile application, and a mist generator (201). Only genuine mist generators (201) manufactured by a trusted company and sold in a digital store can be used in the hookah device (202). The OTP IC is read by the hookah device (202) that recognizes the mist generator (201).

[0245] In some embodiments, the OTP IC is disposable, just like the mist generator (201). When the mist generator (201) is considered empty, it does not work when inserted into the hookah device (202). Similarly, a counterfeit mist generator (201) does not work in the hookah device (202).

[0246] Now, referring to the attached FIG. 30, the hookah device (202) includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducer driver microchips, each of which is referred to in the present disclosure as a power management integrated circuit or PMIC (300). Each PMIC (300) is a microchip capable of driving each ultrasonic transducer (215) in one of the mist generators (201). In the embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of PMICs in the hookah device (202) corresponds to the number of the hookah device (202) and the mist generators (201) used. In the embodiment described below, there are four mist generators (201) and the hookah device (202) includes four corresponding PMICs (300). In another embodiment, the hookah device (202) has 2 to 8 PMICs (300) configured to drive 2 to 8 mist generators (201) coupled to the hookah device (202).

[0247] In the present disclosure, chips, microchips, and integrated circuits may be used interchangeably. A microchip or integrated circuit is a single unit composed of a plurality of interconnected embedded components and subsystems. For example, a microchip is at least partially a semiconductor such as silicon and is manufactured using semiconductor manufacturing technology.

[0248] The hookah device (202) also comprises a plurality of second microchips, each referred herein as a bridge integrated circuit or bridge IC (301). Each bridge IC (301) is electrically connected to each of the PMICs (300). Each bridge IC (301) is a microchip capable of driving each ultrasonic transducer (215) in one of the mist generators (201). In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the number of bridge ICs (301) of the hookah device (202) corresponds to the number of hookah devices (202) and mist generators (201) used. Each bridge IC (301) is a single unit composed of a plurality of interconnected embedded components and subsystems. In the embodiment described below, there are four bridge ICs (301), and the hookah device (202) includes four corresponding PMICs (300).

[0249] In this embodiment, the bridge IC (301) connected to each PMIC (300) is mounted on the same PCM as the hookah device (202). As described below, each bridge IC (301) is connected to each PMIC (300) through a connection on the PCB, rather than a communication bus (e.g., the I2C bus described below). In this embodiment, the physical dimensions of the PMIC (300) are width 1 to 3 mm and length 1 to 3 mm, and the physical dimensions of the bridge IC (301) are width 1 to 3 mm and length 1 to 3 mm.

[0250] For simplicity, FIG. 43 illustrates only one PMIC (300) and one bridge IC (301), and the following description refers only to one PMIC (300) and one bridge IC (301). However, the hookah device (202) is considered to include a plurality of PMICs (300) and a plurality of respective bridge ICs (301) connected in a configuration as shown in FIG. 43. As described below, each PMIC (300) is connected to a communication (I2C) bus (302), and accordingly, each PMIC (300) can be independently controlled by a signal transmitted by a microcontroller (303) through the communication bus (302).

[0251] As described above, the mist generator (201) is equipped with a programmable or one-time programmable integrated circuit or an OTP IC (242). When the mist generator (201) is combined with the hookah device (202), the OTP IC is electrically coupled to the PMIC (300) and receives power from the PMIC (300) so that the PMIC (300) can manage the voltage supplied to the OTP IC (242). Additionally, the OTP IC (242) is connected to a data bus or a communication bus (302) within the hookah device (202). In this embodiment, the communication bus (302) is an I2C bus, but in other embodiments, the communication bus (302) is a different type of data bus.

[0252] The ultrasonic transducer (215) of the mist generator (201) is electrically connected to the bridge IC (301) so that the ultrasonic transducer (215) is driven by an AC driving signal generated by the bridge IC (301) when the hookah device (202) is used.

[0253] The hookah device (202) is equipped with a processor in the form of a microcontroller (303) that is electrically coupled to communicate with a communication bus (302). In this embodiment, the microcontroller (303) is a Bluetooth™ Low Energy (BLE) microcontroller. The microcontroller (303) receives power from a low drop regulator (LDO) (304) driven by a battery or, in this embodiment, an external power supply. The LDO (304) provides a stably regulated voltage to the microcontroller (303) so that the microcontroller (303) continues to operate even if the voltage of the battery or other power supply fluctuates.

[0254] The hookah device (202) is equipped with a voltage regulator in the form of a DC-DC boost converter (305) that is powered by a battery or an external power supply. Although only one DC-DC boost converter (305) is shown in FIG. 43, in some embodiments the hookah device (202) is equipped with multiple DC-DC boost converters (305) that each supply power to each of the multiple bridge ICs (301). In other embodiments the hookah device (202) is equipped with only one DC-DC boost converter (305) configured to supply power to each of the multiple bridge ICs (301).

[0255] The boost converter (305) raises the battery or power supply voltage to a programmable voltage VBOOST. The programmable voltage VBOOST is set by the boost converter (305) in response to the voltage control signal VCTL from the PMIC (300). As described in more detail below, the boost converter (305) outputs the voltage VBOOST to the bridge IC (301). In another embodiment, the voltage regulator is a buck converter or another type of voltage regulator that outputs a selectable voltage.

[0256] The voltage control signal VCTL is generated by a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) and is implemented within the PMIC (300) in this embodiment. The DAC is not shown in FIG. 30 because the DAC is integrated within the PMIC (300). The technical benefits of integrating the DAC and the PMIC (300) are described in detail below.

[0257] In this embodiment, the PMIC (300) is connected to a power connector (306), and accordingly, the PMIC (300) can receive a charging voltage VCHRG when the power connector (306) is connected to a USB charger. In another embodiment, the PMIC (300) is connected to another power socket that allows the hookah device (202) to be connected to an external power source and receive power.

[0258] The hookah device (202) is equipped with a first pressure sensor (307), which is a static pressure sensor in this embodiment. The hookah device (202) is equipped with a second pressure sensor (308), which is a dynamic pressure sensor in this embodiment. However, in other embodiments, the hookah device (202) includes only one of the two pressure sensors (307, 308). The pressure sensors (307, 308) sense changes in air pressure and sense this when the user draws out the hookah and draws it out through the mist generator (201).

[0259] In this example, the hookah device (202) is equipped with a plurality of LEDs (308) controlled by a PMIC (300). In another embodiment, one or more LEDs (308) are omitted.

[0260] The microcontroller (303) acts as a master device for the communication bus (302), the PMIC (300) is a first slave device, the OTP IC (242) is a second slave device, the second pressure sensor (308) is a third slave device, and the first pressure sensor (307) is a fourth slave device. Each additional PMIC (300) among the plurality of PMICs (300) is a different slave device of the communication bus (302). The communication bus (302) allows the microcontroller (303) to control the following functions within the hookah device (202).

[0261] 1. All functions of each PMIC (300) can be highly configured by the microcontroller (303).

[0262] 2. The current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer (215) is sensed by a high-bandwidth sense and rectifier circuit at a high common-mode voltage (high side of the bridge). The sensed current is converted into a voltage proportional to the rms current and provided as a buffered voltage at the current sense output pin (309) of the bridge IC (301). This voltage is supplied and sampled to the PMIC (300) and can be used as a digital representation via an I2C request. The method of sensing the current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer (215) forms part of the resonance frequency tracking function. As described herein, the ability of the device to use this function within the bridge IC (301) provides significant technical benefits.

[0263] 3. A DAC (not shown in FIG. 30) integrated within the PMIC (300) allows the DC-DC boost converter voltage VBOOST to be programmed between 10V and 20V.

[0264] 4. The microcontroller (303) allows the charging subsystem of the device (202) to manage the charging of a battery that can be a single-cell battery.

[0265] 5. A light-emitting diode (LED) driver module (not shown) is powered by a PMIC (300) and digitally drives and dims an LED (308) through either a linear mode or a gamma modification mode.

[0266] 6. The microcontroller (303) can read pressure #1 and pressure #2 sensor values ​​from the pressure sensors (307, 308).

[0267] Now, referring to the attached FIG. 31, in this embodiment, each PMIC (300) is an independent chip or integrated circuit comprising an integrated subsystem and a plurality of pins that provide electrical input and output to the PMIC (300). References to integrated circuit or chip within this disclosure are interchangeable, and both terms include semiconductor devices such as silicon.

[0268] The PMIC (300) has an analog core (310) that includes analog components, including a reference block (BG) (311), an LDO (312), a current sensor (313), a temperature sensor (314), and an oscillator (315).

[0269] As described in detail below, the oscillator (315) is connected to a delay-locked loop (DLL) that outputs pulse width modulation (PWM) phases A and B. The oscillator (315) and the DLL generate two phase centers aligned with the PWM output driving the H bridge within the bridge IC (301).

[0270] The DLL includes multiple end-to-end connected delay lines, and the total delay of the delay lines is equal to the period of the main clock signal clk_m. In this embodiment, the DLL is implemented within a digital processor subsystem (referred to herein as a digital core (316)) of a PMIC (300) that receives a clock signal from an oscillator (315) and a regulated power supply voltage from an LDO (312). The DLL is implemented with a significant number (e.g., millions) of end-to-end connected delay gates within the digital core (316).

[0271] The fact that the oscillator (315) and DLL are implemented within the same integrated circuit of the PMIC (300) to generate two phase centers aligned with the PWM signal is unique because signal generators existing in the integrated circuit market do not include such devices.

[0272] As described herein, PWM is part of the function of accurately tracking the resonance frequency of an ultrasonic transducer (215) to maintain efficient transfer from electrical energy to kinetic energy in order to optimize mist generation by activating the hookah device (202).

[0273] In this embodiment, the PMIC (300) is equipped with a charger circuit (317) that controls battery charging, for example, by power from a USB power source.

[0274] The PMIC (300) includes an integrated power switch VSYS configured so that the PMIC (300) supplies power to the analog core (310) by power from a battery or power from an external power source.

[0275] The PMIC (300) is equipped with an integrated analog-to-digital converter (ADC) subsystem (318). A device that implements the ADC (318) and the oscillator (315) together within the same integrated circuit is unique in itself, as there are no integrated circuits in the integrated circuit market that include an oscillator and an ADC implemented as sub-blocks within the integrated circuit. In conventional devices, the ADC is typically provided as a separate component from the oscillator, and the separate ADC and oscillator are mounted on the same PCB. The problem with these conventional devices is that the two separate components of the ADC and oscillator occupy unnecessary space on the PCB. An additional problem is that conventional ADCs and oscillators are typically connected to each other by a serial data communication bus, such as an I2C bus, which has a limited communication speed of only up to 400 kHz. Compared to conventional devices, the PMIC (300) is equipped with an ADC (318) and an oscillator (315) within the same integrated circuit to eliminate communication delay between the ADC (318) and the oscillator (315), thereby allowing the ADC (318) and the oscillator (315) to communicate with each other at high speed, such as at the speed of the oscillator (315) (e.g., 3 MHz to 5 MHz).

[0276] In the PMIC (300) of this embodiment, the oscillator (315) runs at 5 MHz and generates a clock signal SYS CLOCK at 5 MHz. However, in other embodiments, the oscillator (315) generates a clock signal at a high frequency of up to 105 MHz. The integrated circuit described herein is configured to operate at a high frequency oscillator (315).

[0277] The ADC (318) has a plurality of feedback input terminals or analog input sections (319) including a plurality of GPIO inputs (IF_GPIO1-3). At least one feedback input terminal or analog input section (319) receives a feedback signal from an H-bridge circuit within the bridge IC (301), and the feedback signal indicates the operating parameters of the H-bridge circuit or the AC driving signal when the H-bridge circuit drives a resonant circuit, such as an ultrasonic transducer (215), through the AC driving signal. As shown below, the GPIO input section is used to receive a current sense signal from the bridge IC (301) indicating the root mean square (rms) current reported by the bridge IC (301). In this embodiment, one of the GPIO input sections is a feedback input terminal that receives a feedback signal from the H-bridge within the bridge IC (301).

[0278] The ADC subsystem (318) samples analog signals received from multiple ADC input terminals (319) at a sampling frequency proportional to the frequency of the main clock signal. Then, the ADC subsystem (318) uses the sampled analog signals to generate an ADC digital signal.

[0279] In this embodiment, the ADC (318) included in the PMIC (300) allows for future expansion by sampling not only the RMS current flowing through the H-bridge (334) and the ultrasonic transducer (215), but also the voltage used in the system (e.g., VBAT, VCHRG, VBOOST), the temperature of the PMIC (300), the battery, and the temperature of the GPIO input (IF_GPIO1-3).

[0280] The digital core (316) receives an ADC generated from a digital signal of the ADC subsystem and processes the ADC digital signal to generate a driver control signal. The digital core (316) transmits the driver control signal to the PWM signal generator subsystem (DLL (332)) to control the PWM signal generator subsystem.

[0281] Rectifier circuits currently on the market have very limited bandwidth (typically less than 1 MHz). Since the oscillator (315) of the PMIC (300) runs up to 5 MHz or even up to 105 MHz, a high-bandwidth rectifier circuit is implemented within the PMIC (300). As described below, the method of sensing the RMS current within the H-bridge of the bridge IC (301) forms part of a feedback loop that allows the hookah device (202) to drive the ultrasonic transducer (215) with high precision. The feedback loop is a game changer for the industry for driving ultrasonic transducers because it accommodates any process variation (resonance frequency variation) in the generation of the piezoelectric transducer and compensates for the temperature effect of the resonance frequency. This is partially achieved by a creative implementation that integrates the ADC (318), oscillator (315), and DLL within the same integrated circuit PMIC (300). Through integration, these subsystems can communicate with each other at high speeds (e.g., at a clock frequency of 5 MHz or up to 105 MHz). Reducing the delay between these subsystems is a game changer in the ultrasound industry, particularly in the field of mist generators.

[0282] The ADC (318) includes battery voltage monitoring input VBAT and charger input voltage monitoring input VCHG, as well as voltage monitoring inputs VMON and VRTH, and temperature monitoring input TEMP.

[0283] The temperature monitoring input TEMP receives a temperature signal from a temperature sensor (314) built into the PMIC (300). Through this, the PMIC (300) can accurately sense the actual temperature within the PMIC (300), thereby allowing the PMIC (300) to sense failures within the PMIC (300) that affect the temperature of the PMIC (300), as well as failures of other components on the printed circuit board. Then, the PMIC (300) controls the bridge IC (301) to prevent the excitation of the ultrasonic transducer (215) in the event of a failure, thereby maintaining the safety of the mist inhaler (200) and, consequently, the safety of the hookah device (202).

[0284] The additional temperature sensor input VRTH receives a temperature sensing signal from an internal and external temperature sensor of the hookah device (202) that monitors the temperature of the hookah device (202). Accordingly, the PMIC (300) responds to stop the hookah device (202) to reduce the risk of damage from excessively high operating temperatures.

[0285] In this embodiment, the PMIC (300) includes an LED driver (320) that receives a digital driving signal from a digital core (316) and provides an LED driving output signal to six LEDs (321-326) configured to be coupled to the output pins of the PMIC (300). Then, the LED driver (320) drives and dims the LEDs (321-326) on up to six independent channels.

[0286] The PMIC (300) includes a first digital-to-analog converter (DAC) (327), and the converter converts a digital signal within the PMIC (300) into an analog voltage control signal, which is then output from the PMIC (300) through the output pin VDAC0. The first DAC (327) converts a digital control signal generated by the digital core (316) into an analog voltage control signal, which is then output through the output pin VDAC0 to control a voltage regulator circuit, such as a boost converter (305). Accordingly, the voltage control signal controls the voltage regulator circuit to generate a predetermined voltage for modulation by the H-bridge circuit, thereby driving the ultrasonic transducer (215) in response to a feedback signal indicating the operation of the ultrasonic transducer (215).

[0287] In this embodiment, the PMIC (300) includes a second DAC (328) that converts a digital signal within the PMIC (300) output from the PMIC (300) through the second analog output pin VDAC1 into an analog voltage control signal.

[0288] If the DAC (327, 328) is embedded in the same microchip as another subsystem of the PMIC (300), the DAC (327, 328) can communicate at high speed with the digital core (316) and other components within the PMIC (300) with no or minimal communication delay. The DAC (327, 328) provides an analog output that controls an external feedback loop. For example, the first DAC (327) provides a control signal VCTL to the boost converter (305) to control the operation of the boost converter (305). In another embodiment, the DAC (327, 328) is configured to provide a driving signal to a DC-DC buck converter instead of, or additionally to, the boost converter (305). By integrating two independent DAC channels within the PMIC (300), the PMIC (300) operates the feedback loop of the regulator used in the hookah device (202) and enables the hookah device (202) to regulate the ultrasonic power of the ultrasonic transducer (215) or to set an analog threshold for the absolute maximum current and temperature of the ultrasonic transducer (215).

[0289] The PMIC (300) is equipped with a serial communication interface, and in this embodiment, this is an I2C interface that includes an external I2C address set through a pin.

[0290] The PMIC (300) also includes various functional blocks that implement the functions of the microchip, including a digital machine (FSM). These blocks are described in more detail below.

[0291] Now, referring to the attached FIG. 32, a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal generation subsystem (329) is embedded within the PMIC (300). The PWM generation system (329) includes an oscillator (315), a frequency divider (330), a multiplexer (331), and a delay lock loop (DLL) (332). As described below, the PWM generation system (329) is a two-phase center-aligned PWM generator.

[0292] The frequency divider (330), multiplexer (331), and DLL (332) are implemented within digital logic components (e.g., transistors, logic gates, etc.) within the digital core (316).

[0293] In the example of the present disclosure, the frequency range covered by the oscillator (315) and for the PWM generation system (329) is 50 kHz to 5 MHz or up to 105 MHz. The frequency precision of the PWM generation system (329) is ±1% and the temperature spread is ±1%. Currently, there is no IC in the IC market that has an embedded oscillator and a two-phase center-aligned PWM generator capable of providing a frequency range of 50 kHz to 5 MHz or up to 105 MHz.

[0294] The oscillator (315) generates a main clock signal (clk_m) having a frequency range of 50 kHz to 5 MHz or up to 105 MHz. The main clock clk_m is an input to a frequency divider (330) that divides the frequency of the main clock clk_m by one or more predetermined divisors. In this embodiment, the frequency divider (330) divides the frequency of the main clock clk_m by 2, 4, 8, and 16 and provides the divided frequency clock as an output to a multiplexer (331). The multiplexer (331) multiplexes the divided frequency clock and provides the divided frequency output to a DLL (332). This signal delivered to the DLL (332) is a frequency reference signal that controls the DLL (332) to output a signal at a desired frequency. In another embodiment, the frequency divider (330) and the multiplexer (331) are omitted.

[0295] The oscillator (315) also generates two phases, namely a first phase clock signal phase 1 and a second phase clock signal phase 2. The phases of the first phase clock signal and the second phase clock signal are centered. As shown in the figure of FIG. 33:

[0296] · The first phase clock signal phase 1 is high for various times during the positive half-cycle of clk_m and low during the negative half-cycle of clk_m.

[0297] · The second phase clock signal phase 2 is high during various times of the clk_m negative half-cycle and low during the clk_m positive half-cycle.

[0298] Then, phases 1 and 2 are transmitted to a DLL (332) that generates a dual-frequency clock signal using the first phase clock signal phase 1 and the second phase clock signal phase 2. The dual-frequency clock signal is twice the frequency of the main clock signal clk_m. In this embodiment, an “OR” gate within the DLL (332) generates a dual-frequency clock signal using the first phase clock signal phase 1 and the second phase clock signal phase 2. The divided frequency received from this dual-frequency clock or frequency divider (330) is used as a reference for the next DLL (332) selected based on the selected target frequency.

[0299] The signal referred to as "clock" within the DLL (332) represents the main clock clk_m multiplied by 2, and the signal referred to as "clock_del" is a duplicate of the clock delayed by a frequency of one cycle. The clock and clock_del are transmitted through a phase frequency detector. Afterward, node Vc is charged or discharged by a charge pump based on the phase error polarity. A control current is supplied directly to control the delay of every single delay unit within the DLL (332) until the total delay of the DLL (332) is exactly one cycle.

[0300] The DLL (332) controls the rising edge of the first phase clock signal phase 1 and the second phase clock signal phase 2 to synchronize with the rising edge of the dual frequency clock signal. The DLL (332) drives the H-bridge or inverter to generate an AC drive signal by adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the first phase clock signal phase 1 and the second phase clock signal phase 2 in response to each frequency reference signal and duty cycle control signal to generate the first phase output signal phase A and the second phase output signal phase B, and then drives the ultrasonic transducer.

[0301] The PMIC (300) includes a first phase output signal terminal PHASE_A that outputs a first phase output signal phase A to an H-bridge circuit and a second phase output signal terminal PHASE_B that outputs a second phase output signal phase B to an H-bridge circuit.

[0302] In this embodiment, the DLL (332) controls the duty cycle of the first phase clock signal phase 1 and the second phase clock signal phase 2 by changing the delay of each delay line in the DLL (332) response to the duty cycle control signal to correspond to the duty cycle control.

[0303] To ensure superior precision, the clock is used at twice the frequency. As illustrated in FIG. 34, to illustrate the case where the frequency of the main clock clk_m is used (not included in the embodiments of this disclosure), phase A is synchronized with the rising edge R of the clock and phase B is synchronized with the falling edge F of the clock. In the case of the rising edge R, etc., the delay line of the DLL (332) controls the rising edge R, etc., and in the case of the falling edge F, the PWM generation system (329) must rely on perfect matching with the delay unit of the DLL (332), which may be imperfect. However, to eliminate this error, the PWM generation system (329) uses a dual-frequency clock so that both phase A and phase B are synchronized with the rising edge R of the dual-frequency clock.

[0304] To perform duty cycles from 20% to 50% with a 2% step size, the delay line of the DLL (332) contains 25 delay units, each of which has an output of an n-th phase. Eventually, the phase of the final delay unit output corresponds to the input clock. Given that all delays are nearly identical, a specific duty cycle is obtained from the output of a specific delay unit containing simple logic within the digital core (316).

[0305] Since the DLL (332) cannot lock one delay cycle but two or more cycles are possible, the DLL (332) must be considered as a non-convergent region while paying attention to the DLL (332) startup. To avoid this problem, a startup circuit is implemented within the PWM generation system (329) so that the DLL (332) starts under known deterministic conditions. Furthermore, the startup circuit allows the DLL (332) to start with a minimum delay.

[0306] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the frequency range covered by the PWM generation system (329) is extended so that the delay unit in the DLL (332) can provide a delay of 4ns (for an oscillator frequency of 5 MHz) to 400ns (for an oscillator frequency of 50 kHz). To accommodate these different delays, the PWM generation system (329) includes a capacitor Cb, and the capacitor value is selected to provide the required delay.

[0307] Phase A and Phase B are outputs from the DLL (332) and are transmitted to the bridge IC (301) via digital IO, so Phase A and Phase B can be used to control the operation of the bridge IC (301).

[0308] Now, the battery charging function of the hookah device (202) in some embodiments will be described in more detail. However, in other embodiments, the battery charging function may be omitted, and the hookah device (202) may be configured to be powered by an external power source instead of a battery.

[0309] In this embodiment, the battery charging subsystem comprises a charger circuit (317) embedded within the PMIC (300) and controlled by a digital charging controller hosted within the PMIC (300). The charger circuit (317) is controlled by a microcontroller (303) via a communication bus (302). The battery charging subsystem can charge a single-cell lithium polymer (LiPo) or lithium ion (Li-ion) battery.

[0310] In this embodiment, the battery charging subsystem can charge a battery or batteries with a maximum charging current of 1A from a 5V power supply (e.g., a USB power supply). One or more of the following parameters can be programmed via a communication bus (302) (I2C interface) to control the battery charging parameters.

[0311] · The charging voltage can be set between 3.9V and 4.3V in 100mV steps.

[0312] · The charging current can be set in 50mA steps between 150mA and 1000mA.

[0313] · The pre-charging current is 1 / 10 of the charging current.

[0314] · The pre-charging current and the quick charging timeout can be set between 5 to 20 minutes and 85 to 340 minutes, respectively.

[0315] · Optionally, an external negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor can be used to monitor battery temperature.

[0316] In some embodiments, the battery charging subsystem reports one or more subsequent events by increasing the interruption rate for the host microcontroller (303).

[0317] · Battery detected

[0318] · While charging battery

[0319] · Battery fully charged

[0320] · No battery

[0321] · Reached charging timeout

[0322] · The charging supply is below the low voltage lower limit

[0323] The main advantage of having a charger circuit (317) embedded in the PMIC (300) is that it ensures the safe operation of the battery charging subsystem by listing all programming options and event instructions and implementing them within the PMIC (300). Furthermore, compared to conventional mist suction devices that have separate components of the charging system mounted separately on a PCB, significant manufacturing costs and PCB space can be saved. The charger circuit (317) also allows for a wide variety of charging current and voltage settings, various error timeouts, and multiple event flags.

[0324] Now, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (318) will be described in more detail. The inventors had to overcome significant technical challenges to integrate the ADC (318) into the PMIC (300), including the high-speed oscillator (315). Furthermore, the method of integrating the ADC (318) into the PMIC (300) is contrary to the conventional technical approach that relies on using one of the many separate ADC devices available in the IC market.

[0325] In this embodiment, the ADC (318) samples at least one parameter within the ultrasonic transducer driver chip (PMIC (300)) at a sampling rate equal to the frequency of the main clock signal clk_m. In this embodiment, the ADC (318) is a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter capable of saving resources of the microprocessor (303) by unloading digital sampling from the microprocessor (303). Integrating the ADC (318) into the PMIC (300) also avoids the need to use an I2C bus, which otherwise degrades the ADC sampling capability (conventional devices generally rely on an I2C bus to communicate data between a separate dedicated ADC and a microcontroller at a limited clock rate of up to 400 kHz).

[0326] In the example of the present disclosure, one or more of the following parameters may be sequentially sampled by the ADC (318).

[0327] i. An rms current signal received by the ultrasonic transducer driver chip (PMIC (300)) from an external inverter circuit driving the ultrasonic transducer. In this embodiment, this parameter is the root mean square (rms) current reported by the bridge IC (301). The process of sensing the rms current is important for implementing the feedback loop used to drive the ultrasonic transducer (215). Since the ADC (318) does not rely on this information transmitted via the I2C bus, it can sense the rms current directly from the bridge IC (301) via the signal with no or minimal delay. This provides significant benefits in speed and precision compared to conventional devices limited by the relatively low speed I2C bus.

[0328] ii. Battery voltage connected to PMIC (300).

[0329] iii. Charger voltage connected to PMIC (300).

[0330] iv. Temperature signal, such as a temperature signal indicating the temperature of the PMIC (300) chip. As described above, such temperature can be measured very precisely by a temperature sensor (314) embedded within the same IC as a temperature sensor oscillator (315). For example, when the temperature of the PMIC (300) rises, the current frequency and PWM are regulated by the PMIC (300) to control transducer oscillations and consequently control the temperature.

[0331] v. Two external pins.

[0332] vi. External NTC temperature sensor for monitoring battery pack temperature.

[0333] In some embodiments, the ADC (318) samples one or more of the sources sequentially, for example, in a round-robin manner. The ADC (318) samples the sources at a high speed, for example, at an oscillator (315) speed that can be up to 5 MHz or up to 105 MHz.

[0334] In some embodiments, the device (202) is configured so that the user or the device manufacturer can specify the amount of samples to be collected from each source for averaging. For example, the user can configure the system to collect 512 samples from the rms current input, 64 samples from the battery voltage, 64 samples from the charger input voltage, 32 samples from the external pin, and 8 samples from the NTC pin. Furthermore, the user can also specify whether to shorten one of the sources. In some embodiments, the hookah device (202) is configured by the user via an external computing device that communicates wirelessly with the hookah device (202).

[0335] In some embodiments, for each source, the user may specify two digital thresholds that divide the entire range into multiple regions, such as three regions. Subsequently, the user may configure the system to release the interruption when the sampled value changes from a region, such as from region 2 to region 3.

[0336] Conventional ICs on the market cannot perform the above function of the PMIC (300). This sampling method with such flexibility and precision is most important when driving an ultrasonic transducer.

[0337] In this embodiment, the PMIC (300) is equipped with 8-bit general-purpose digital input / output ports (GPIO). Each port can be configured as a digital input and a digital output. As shown in the table in FIG. 35, some ports have analog input functions.

[0338] The GPIO7-GPIO5 ports of the PMIC (300) can be used to set device addresses for the communication (I2C) bus (302). Subsequently, eight identical devices can be used on the same I2C bus. This is a unique feature in the IC industry, as it allows eight identical devices to be used on the same I2C bus without address conflicts. This feature is implemented by each device to read the GPIO7-GPIO5 state during the first 100μs after the PMIC (300) starts up and internally store the corresponding address portion within the PMIC (300). After the PMIC (300) starts up, the GPIOs can be used for other purposes.

[0339] As described above, the PMIC (300) is equipped with six-channel LED drivers (320). In this embodiment, the LED drivers (320) include N-type metal oxide semiconductors (NMOS) with a 5V tolerance. The LED drivers (320) are configured to set LED currents at four separate levels: 5mA, 10mA, 15mA, and 20mA. The LED drivers (320) are configured to dim each LED channel via a 12-bit PWM signal, regardless of gamma correction. The LED drivers (320) are configured to vary the PWM frequency from 300Hz to 1.5KHz. This feature is unique in the field of ultrasonic mist inhalers because the function is built into the PMIC (300) as a subsystem.

[0340] In this embodiment, the PMIC (300) includes two independent 6-bit digital-to-analog converters (DACs) (327, 328) integrated into the PMIC (300). The purpose of the DACs (327, 328) is to output an analog voltage to manipulate the feedback path of an external regulator (e.g., a DC-DC boost converter (305), a buck converter, or an LDO). Furthermore, in some embodiments, as described below, the DACs (327, 328) can be used to dynamically adjust the overcurrent stop level of the bridge IC (301).

[0341] The output voltage of each DAC (327, 328) is programmable between 0V and 1.5V, or between 0V and V_battery(Vbat). In this embodiment, control of the DAC output voltage is executed via I2C commands. Integrating two DACs within the PMIC (300) is unique and allows for dynamic monitoring control of the current. If the two DACs (327, 328) are external chips, the speed may be subject to the same speed limit due to the I2C protocol. The active power monitoring device of the device (202) operates with optimal efficiency when all these built-in functions are present in the PMIC. In the case of external components, the active power monitoring device is entirely inefficient.

[0342] Now, referring to FIG. 36 of the attachment, the bridge IC (301) is a microchip that includes an embedded power switching circuit (333). In this embodiment, the power switching circuit (333) is the H-bridge (334) shown in FIG. 37 and is described in detail below. However, the bridge IC (301) of other embodiments may have an alternative power switching circuit to the H-bridge (334). Note that the power switching circuit performs an equivalent function of generating an AC driving signal to drive the ultrasonic transducer (215).

[0343] The bridge IC (301) includes a first phase terminal phase A that receives a first phase output signal phase A from the PWM signal generation subsystem of the PMIC (300). The bridge IC (301) also includes a second phase terminal phase B that receives a second phase output signal phase B from the PWM signal generation subsystem of the PMIC (300).

[0344] The bridge IC (301) is equipped with a current sensing circuit (335) that directly senses the current flow within the H-bridge (334) and provides an RMS current output signal through the RMS_CURR pin of the bridge IC (301). The current sensing circuit (335) is configured for overcurrent monitoring to detect when the current flow within the H-bridge (334) exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Integrating the power switching circuit (333), which includes the H-bridge (334) and the current sensing circuit (335), into the same bridge IC (301) is a unique combination existing in the IC market. Other integrated circuits currently in the IC market do not include an H-bridge that includes an embedded circuit capable of sensing the RMS current flowing through the H-bridge.

[0345] The bridge IC (301) is equipped with a temperature sensor (336) that includes overtemperature monitoring. The temperature sensor (336) is configured to stop the bridge IC (301) or disable at least a part of the bridge IC (301) when the temperature sensor (336) detects that the bridge IC (301) is operating at a temperature above a predetermined threshold. Thus, the temperature sensor (336) provides an integrated safety function that prevents damage to the bridge IC (301) or other parts within the hookah device (202) when the bridge IC (301) operates at an excessively high temperature.

[0346] The bridge IC (301) has a digital state machine (337) fully coupled with a power switching circuit (333). The digital state machine (337) receives phase A and phase B signals from the PMIC (300) and an ENABLE signal, such as a signal from the microcontroller (303). The digital state machine (337) generates a timing signal based on the first phase output signal phase A and the second phase output signal phase B.

[0347] The digital state machine (337) has output timing signals corresponding to phase A and phase B signals, along with BRIDGE PR and BRIDGE The EN signal is output to the power switching circuit (333) to control the power switching circuit (333). Accordingly, the digital state machine (337) outputs a timing signal to switches T1-T4 of the H-bridge circuit (334) to control switches T1-T4, thereby sequentially turning them on and off, and accordingly, the H-bridge circuit outputs an AC driving signal capable of driving a resonance circuit, such as an ultrasonic transducer (215).

[0348] As described in detail below, the switching sequence includes a free floating time in which the first switch T1 and the second switch T2 are turned off and the third switch T3 and the fourth switch T4 are turned on to dissipate the energy stored in the resonance circuit (ultrasonic transducer (215)).

[0349] The bridge IC (301) is equipped with a test controller (338) that tests the bridge IC (301) to determine whether the embedded components within the bridge IC (301) are functioning correctly. The test controller (338) is TEST DATA, TEST CLK and TEST It is coupled to the LOAD pin, and accordingly, the bridge IC (301) can be connected to an external control device that tests the operation of the bridge IC (301) by sending and receiving data to / from the bridge IC (301). The bridge IC (301) can also TST A TEST BUS is provided to enable a digital communication bus within the bridge IC (301) that is tested via the PAD pin.

[0350] The bridge IC (301) is provided with a power-on reset circuit (POR) (339) that controls the startup operation of the bridge IC (301). The POR (339) ensures that the bridge IC (301) starts properly only when the supply voltage does not fall within a predetermined range. If the power supply voltage is outside the predetermined range, for example, if the power supply voltage is too high, the POR (339) delays the startup of the bridge IC (301) until the supply voltage reaches within the predetermined range.

[0351] The bridge IC (301) includes a reference block (BG) (340) that provides a precise reference voltage so that other subsystems of the bridge IC (301) can use it.

[0352] The bridge IC (301) has a current reference section (341) that supplies a precise current to a power switching circuit (333) and / or another subsystem within the bridge IC (301), such as a current sensor (335).

[0353] The temperature sensor (336) continuously monitors the silicon temperature of the bridge IC (301). When the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold, the power switching circuit (333) is automatically turned off. In addition, the excess temperature is reported to an external host, so that the external host can be notified that the excess temperature has occurred.

[0354] The digital state machine (FSM) (337) generates a timing signal for the power switching circuit (333). In this embodiment, this is a timing signal capable of controlling the H-bridge (334).

[0355] The bridge IC (301) includes a comparator (342, 343) that compares signals from various subsystems of the bridge IC (301), including voltage and current references (340, 341), and provides a reference output signal through a pin of the bridge IC (301).

[0356] Referring to the attached FIG. 37, the H-bridge (334) of this embodiment has four switches in the form of NMOS field-effect transistors (FETs) on both sides of the H-bridge (334). The H-bridge (334) has four switches or transistors T1-T4 combined with the H-bridge configuration, and each transistor T1-T4 is driven by a respective logic input AD. The transistors T1-T4 are driven by a bootstrap voltage generated internally through two external capacitors Cb combined as described in FIG. 37.

[0357] The H-bridge (334) has various power inputs and outputs coupled to each pin of the bridge IC (301). The H-bridge (334) receives a programmable voltage VBOOST, which is the output from the boost converter (305) through the first power supply terminal labeled VBOOST in FIG. 37. The H-bridge (334) has a second power supply terminal labeled VSS_P in FIG. 37.

[0358] The H-bridge (334) has outputs OUTP and OUTN configured to be connected to the terminals of each ultrasonic transducer (215), so that the AC driving signal output from the H-bridge (334) can drive the ultrasonic transducer (215).

[0359] The switching of the four switches or transistors T1-T4 is controlled by a switch signal from a digital state machine (337) via a logic input AD. FIG. 37 illustrates four transistors T1-T4, but in other embodiments, the H-bridge (334) is equipped with more transistors or other switching components to implement the function of the H-bridge.

[0360] In this embodiment, the H-bridge (334) operates at a switching power of 22W to 37W to drive the ultrasonic transducer (215) by delivering an AC driving signal of sufficient power, and then generates optimal mist. In this embodiment, the voltage switched by the H-bridge (334) is ±15V. In another embodiment, the voltage is ±20V.

[0361] In this embodiment, the H-bridge (334) is switched at a frequency of 3 MHz to 5 MHz or up to 105 MHz. This is a faster switching speed compared to conventional integrated circuit H-bridges available in the IC market. For example, conventional integrated circuit H-bridges currently available in the IC market are configured to operate only at a maximum frequency of 2 MHz. Among the conventional integrated circuit H-bridges available in the IC market other than the bridge IC (301) described herein, there are no products that operate at a power of 22 V to 37 V at a maximum frequency of 5 MHz, even setting aside up to 105 MHz.

[0362] Now, referring to the attached FIG. 38, the current sensor (335) is equipped with positive and negative current sense resistors RshuntP and RshuntN connected in series with the respective high side and low side of the H-bridge (334) as shown in FIG. 37. The current sense resistors RshuntP and RshuntN are low resistors, and in this embodiment, they are 0.1Ω. The current sensor (335) is equipped with a first voltage sensor in the form of a first operating amplifier (344) that measures a voltage drop through the first current sensor resistor RshuntP, and a second voltage sensor in the form of a second operating amplifier (345) that measures a voltage drop through the second current sensor resistor RshuntN. In this embodiment, the gain of each operating amplifier (344, 345) is 2V / V. In this embodiment, the output of each operating amplifier (344, 345) is 1mA / V. The current sensor (335) is a pull-down register R cs It is equipped with, and in this embodiment, is 2kΩ. The output of the operating amplifier (344, 345) removes transient phenomena in the signal CSout and then provides an output CSout that passes through a low-frequency filter (346). The output Vout of the low-frequency filter (346) is the output signal of the current sensor (335).

[0363] Accordingly, current sensors (335) flow through the H-bridge (334), and each measures the AC current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer (215). The current sensors (335) convert the AC current into an equivalent RMS output voltage (Vout) relative to ground. The current sensors (335) are equipped with high bandwidth capabilities because the H-bridge (334) can operate at a maximum frequency of 5 MHz or, in some embodiments, up to 105 MHz. The output Vout of the current sensors (335) reports a positive voltage equivalent to the measured AC rms current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer (215). In this embodiment, the output voltage Vout of the current sensors (335) is fed back to the control circuit within the bridge IC (301) to cause the bridge IC (301) to stop the H-bridge (334) if the current flowing through the transducer (215) after passing through the H-bridge (334) exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Furthermore, since the first comparator (342) in the bridge IC (301) reports when the current threshold is exceeded, the bridge IC (301) [reports] the OVC of the bridge IC (301). Transient current can be reported through the TRIGG pin.

[0364] Now, referring to the attached FIG. 39, the control section of the H-bridge (334) is described by referring to an equivalent piezoelectric model of the ultrasonic transducer (215).

[0365] As illustrated by V_out in Fig. 39 (note the direction of the arrow), the switching sequence of transistors T1-T4 through the input AD used to develop the positive voltage passing through the output OUTP and OUTN of the H-bridge (334) is as follows.

[0366] 1. Output positive voltage passing through the ultrasonic transducer (215): A-ON, B-OFF, C-OFF, D-ON

[0367] 2. Transition from output positive voltage to zero: A-OFF, B-OFF, C-OFF, D-ON. During these transitions, C is turned off first, and power loss is minimized or avoided by minimizing or avoiding the current flowing through A and C in the event of a switching error or delay in A.

[0368] 3. Zero output voltage: A-OFF, B-OFF, C-ON, D-ON. Among these zero output voltage phases, the output OUTP and OUTN terminals of the H-bridge (334) are grounded by the C and D switches in the ON state. This dissipates the energy stored by the capacitor in the equivalent circuit of the ultrasonic transducer, thereby minimizing voltage overshoot within the switching waveform voltage applied to the ultrasonic transducer.

[0369] 4. Transition from zero to negative output voltage: A-OFF, B-OFF, C-ON, D-OFF.

[0370] 5. Output negative voltage passing through the ultrasonic transducer (215): A-OFF, B-ON, C-ON, D-OFF

[0371] At high frequencies up to 5 MHz or even up to 105 MHz, the time for each part of the switching sequence is very short, approximately nanoseconds or picoseconds. For example, at a switching frequency of 6 MHz, each part of the switching sequence occurs in approximately 80 ns.

[0372] A graph showing the output voltages OUTP and OUTN of the H-bridge (334) according to the above switching sequence is shown in FIG. 40. The zero output voltage portion of the switching sequence is included to accommodate the energy stored by the ultrasonic transducer (215) (e.g., energy stored by the capacitor in the equivalent circuit of the ultrasonic transducer). As described above, this minimizes unnecessary power dissipation and heating within the ultrasonic transducer by minimizing voltage overshoot within the switching waveform voltage applied to the ultrasonic transducer.

[0373] In addition, minimizing or eliminating voltage overshoot reduces the risk of damage to the transistors within the bridge IC (301) by preventing the transistors from being exposed to voltages exceeding their rated voltage. Furthermore, by minimizing or eliminating voltage overshoot, the bridge IC (301) drives the ultrasonic transducer precisely in a manner that minimizes interruptions to the current sense feedback loop described herein. Consequently, the bridge IC (301) can drive the ultrasonic transducer at a high frequency of up to 5 MHz or even up to 105 MHz with a maximum power of 22 W to 50 W or even up to 70 W.

[0374] The bridge IC (301) of this embodiment is controlled by the PMIC (300) and configured to operate in two different modes, referred herein as forced mode and native frequency mode. These two modes of operation are novel compared to existing bridge ICs. In particular, the native frequency mode is a major innovation that provides substantial benefits in precision and efficiency when driving an ultrasonic transducer compared to conventional devices.

[0375] Forced Frequency Mode (FFM)

[0376] In forced frequency mode, the H-bridge (334) is controlled in the sequence described above, but the user can select the frequency. Consequently, the H-bridge transistors T1-T4 are forcibly controlled regardless of the inherent resonant frequency of the ultrasonic transducer (215) to change the output voltage through the ultrasonic transducer (215). Thus, through forced frequency mode, the H-bridge (334) drives the ultrasonic transducer (215), which has a resonant frequency f1, at a different frequency f2.

[0377] Driving an ultrasonic transducer at a frequency different from its resonance frequency allows for adjustment to suit tasks in different applications. For example, it may be suitable to drive an ultrasonic transducer at a frequency slightly outside its resonance frequency (for mechanical reasons to prevent mechanical damage to the transducer). Optionally, it may be suitable to drive the ultrasonic transducer at a low frequency, even when the transducer has a different native resonance frequency due to its size.

[0378] The hookah device (202) drives the ultrasonic transducer (215) in a forced frequency mode by controlling the bridge IC (301) in response to a configuration of the hookah device (202) for a specific application or a specific ultrasonic transducer. For example, the hookah device (202) may be configured to operate in a forced frequency mode when the mist inhaler (200) is used for a specific application, such as to produce a drug having a specific viscosity to be delivered to a user.

[0379] Native Frequency Mode (NFM)

[0380] The following native frequency operating mode is a significant development and provides benefits such as improved precision and efficiency compared to conventional ultrasonic drivers currently available in the IC market.

[0381] The native frequency operating mode follows the same switching sequence as described above, but by adjusting the zero output timing of the sequence, it minimizes or avoids problems that may occur due to current spikes in the forced frequency operating mode. These current spikes occur when the voltage passing through the ultrasonic transducer (215) is converted to the opposite voltage polarity. An ultrasonic transducer equipped with a piezoelectric crystal has an electrically equivalent circuit including a parallel-connected capacitor (e.g., see the piezoelectric model in FIG. 39). When the voltage passing through the ultrasonic transducer is hard-switched from a positive voltage to a negative voltage due to a high dV / dt, energy stored in the capacitor is dissipated, so a large amount of current flow may occur.

[0382] The native frequency mode avoids the phenomenon where the voltage passing through the ultrasonic transducer (215) hard switches from a positive voltage to a negative voltage (and vice versa). Instead, the ultrasonic transducer (215) (piezoelectric crystal) remains free-floating before the reverse voltage is applied, and a zero voltage is applied through the terminals during the free-floating period. The PMIC (300) sets the driving frequency of the bridge IC (301) so that the bridge (334) sets the free-floating period, and then the current flow inside the ultrasonic transducer (215) reverses the voltage through the ultrasonic transducer (215) terminals during the free-floating period (due to the energy stored in the piezoelectric crystal).

[0383] Consequently, when the H-bridge (334) applies a negative voltage to the terminals of the ultrasonic transducer (215), the ultrasonic transducer (215) (equivalent in-circuit capacitor) is already reverse-charged and there is no high dV / dt, so no current spike occurs.

[0384] However, when the ultrasonic transducer (215) is first activated, it may take time for the charge of the ultrasonic transducer (215) (piezoelectric crystal) to build up. Therefore, it is appropriate for the situation in which the energy within the ultrasonic transducer (215) reverses the voltage during the free-floating cycle to occur only after the vibrations within the ultrasonic transducer (215) have built up the charge. To accommodate this, when the bridge IC (301) first activates the ultrasonic transducer (215), the PMIC (300) controls the power delivered to the ultrasonic transducer (215) through the H-bridge (334) to a low first value (e.g., 5V). Subsequently, the PMIC (300) builds up the energy stored within the ultrasonic transducer (215) by controlling the power delivered to the ultrasonic transducer (215) through the H-bridge (334) to increase during the cycle to a second value (e.g., 15V) which is higher than the first value. Current spikes still occur in these vibration lamps until the current inside the ultrasonic transducer (215) is sufficiently developed. However, by using a low first voltage at the start, such current spikes are kept sufficiently low to minimize the impact on the operation of the ultrasonic transducer (215).

[0385] To implement a native frequency mode, the hookah device (202) controls the frequency of the oscillator (315) and the duty cycle (ratio of free-floating time to on-time) of the AC drive signal output from the H-bridge (334) with high precision. In this embodiment, the hookah device (202) performs three control loops to control the oscillator frequency and duty cycle, thereby causing voltage inversion at the terminals of the ultrasonic transducer (215) to occur as precisely as possible and current spikes to be minimized or avoided as much as possible. Precise control of the oscillator and duty cycle using control loops is a significant advancement in the field of IC ultrasonic drivers.

[0386] During the native frequency operating mode, the current sensor (335) senses the current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer (215) (resonant circuit) during the free-floating period. The digital state machine (337) adjusts the timing signal to switch to either the first switch T1 or the second switch T2 when the current sensor (335) senses the current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer (215) (resonant circuit) while the free-floating period is zero.

[0387] The attached FIG. 41 illustrates an oscillator voltage waveform (347) (V(osc)), one switching waveform (348) is induced by the turn-on and turn-off left high switch T1 of the H-bridge (334), and the other switching waveform (349) is induced by the turn-on and turn-off right high switch T2 of the H-bridge (334). In the case of the intervening free-floating cycle (350), both high switches T1 and T2 of the H-bridge (334) are turned off (free-floating phase). The duration of the free-floating cycle (350) is controlled by the magnitude of the free-floating control voltage (351) (Vphioff).

[0388] Attached FIG. 42 illustrates a voltage waveform (352) at the first terminal of the ultrasonic transducer (215) (the voltage waveform is reversed at the second terminal of the ultrasonic transducer (215)) and a piezoelectric current (353) flowing through the ultrasonic transducer (215). The piezoelectric current (353) is (nearly) an ideal sine wave (this is not possible in forced frequency mode or in bridges within the IC market).

[0389] The left high switch T1 of the H-bridge (334) is turned off before the sine wave of the piezoelectric current (353) reaches zero (in this case, switch T1 is turned off when the piezoelectric current (353) reaches approximately 6A). Due to the energy stored in the ultrasonic transducer (215) (the capacitor of the piezoelectric equivalent circuit), the residual piezoelectric current (353) flowing within the ultrasonic transducer (215) reverses the voltage during the free-floating cycle (350). The piezoelectric current (353) decays to zero during the free-floating cycle (350) and subsequently becomes a negative current flow region. The terminal voltage of the ultrasonic transducer (215) drops from the supply voltage (in this case 19V) to 2V or less, and the drop operation stops when the piezoelectric current (353) reaches zero. This is the perfect time to turn on the low-side switch T3 of the H-bridge (334) to minimize or avoid current spikes.

[0390] Compared to the forced frequency mode described above, the drinking frequency mode has at least three advantages.

[0391] 1. Current spikes associated with hard switching of package capacitors are significantly reduced or completely avoided.

[0392] 2. Power loss due to hard switching is almost eliminated.

[0393] 3. The frequency is controlled by a control loop and maintained at a frequency close to the resonance of the piezoelectric crystal (i.e., the resonance wavenumber of the piezoelectric crystal).

[0394] When the frequency is controlled by a control loop (advantage 3 above), the PMIC (300) is started by controlling the bridge IC (301) to drive the ultrasonic transducer (215) at a frequency above the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric crystal. Afterward, the PMIC (300) controls the bridge IC (301) to attenuate / reduce the AC driving signal frequency upon startup. As the frequency approaches the resonance frequency of the piezoelectric crystal, the piezoelectric current rapidly develops / increases. When the piezoelectric current is high enough to induce a desired voltage reversal, the frequency attenuation / reduction is stopped by the PMIC (300). Afterward, the control loop of the PMIC (300) is responsible for controlling the frequency and duty cycle of the AC driving signal.

[0395] In forced frequency mode, the power delivered to the ultrasonic transducer (215) is controlled through a duty cycle and / or frequency shift and / or variation in the supply voltage. However, in the native frequency mode of this embodiment, the power delivered to the ultrasonic transducer (215) is controlled only by the supply voltage.

[0396] In this embodiment, during the operation setting step of the hookah device, the bridge IC (301) measures the elapsed time for the current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer (215) (resonance circuit) and is configured to drop to zero when the first switch T1 and the second switch T2 are turned off and the third switch T3 and the fourth switch T4 are turned on. After that, the bridge IC (301) sets the time of the free-floating cycle to be equal to the measured time.

[0397] Referring to the attached FIG. 43, the PMIC (300) and bridge IC (301) of this embodiment are designed to operate as a pair of chips. The PMIC (300) and bridge IC (301) are electrically coupled to communicate with each other. In this embodiment, the mutual coupling between the PMIC (300) and the bridge IC (301) enables the following two categories of communication.

[0398] 1. Control signal

[0399] 2. Feedback signal

[0400] The connection between the PHASE_A and PHASE_B pins of the PMIC (300) and the bridge IC (301) carries a PWM modulation control signal that drives the H-bridge (334). The connection between the EN_BR pins of the PMIC (300) and the bridge IC (301) carries an EN_BR control signal that triggers the startup of the H-bridge (334). The timing between the PHASE_A, PHASE_B, and EN_BR control signals is important and is handled by the digital bridge control of the PMIC (300).

[0401] The connection between the CS, OC, and OT pins of the PMIC (300) and the bridge IC (301) carries CS (current sense), OC (overcurrent), and OT (overtemperature) feedback signals from the bridge IC (301) that are returned to the PMIC (300). Most notably, the CS (current sense) feedback signal is measured by the current sensor (335) of the bridge IC (301) and includes a voltage equivalent to the rms current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer (215).

[0402] The OC (overcurrent) and OT (overtemperature) feedback signals are digital signals indicating whether an overcurrent or overtemperature occurrence has been detected by the bridge IC (301). In this embodiment, the threshold values ​​for overcurrent and overtemperature are set in an external register. Optionally, the threshold values ​​may also be dynamically set in response to a signal passed from one of the two DAC channels VDAC0 or VDAC1 of the PMIC (300) to the OC_REF pin of the bridge IC (301).

[0403] In this embodiment, through the design of the PMIC (300) and the bridge IC (301), these two integrated circuit pins are directly coupled to each other (e.g., copper tracks on a PCB), so that there is no or minimal delay in signal communication between the PMIC (300) and the bridge IC (301). This provides a significant speed advantage over conventional bridges in the IC market that are typically controlled by signals via a digital communication bus. For example, a standard I2C bus is clocked only at 400 kHz, which is very slow compared to communication data sampled at a high clock speed of up to 5 MHz in the embodiments of this disclosure.

[0404] While the embodiments of the present disclosure are described above with respect to microchip hardware, other embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a method of operating each microchip component and subsystem to perform the function described herein. For example, a method of operating the PMIC (300) and the bridge IC (301) in either a forced frequency mode or a native frequency mode is included.

[0405] Referring to the attached FIG. 44, the OTP IC (242) is equipped with a power-on reset circuit (POR) (354), a bandgap reference (BG) (355), a capacitor-free low-drop regulator (LDO) (356), a communication (e.g., I2C) interface (357), a one-time programmable memory bank (eFuse) (358), an oscillator (359), and a general-purpose input-output interface (360). The OTP IC (242) is also equipped with a digital core (361) including a cryptographic authenticator. In this embodiment, the cryptographic authenticator uses an elliptic curve digital signature algorithm (ECDSA) to encrypt / decrypt data stored within the OTP IC (242) and data received and sent from the OTP IC (242).

[0406] The POR (354) ensures that the OTP IC (242) starts properly only when the supply voltage does not fall within a predetermined range. When the supply voltage falls outside the predetermined range, the POR (354) resets the OTP IC (242) and waits until the supply voltage falls within the predetermined range.

[0407] BG (355) provides precise reference voltage and current to the LDO (356) and oscillator (359). The LDO (356) supplies the digital core (361), communication interface (357), and eFuse memory bank (358).

[0408] The OTP IC (242) is configured to operate in at least the following modes.

[0409] · Fuse programming (fusing): During the eFuse programming (programming of disposable programmable memory) process, a high current is required to burn the relevant fuses within the eFuse memory bank (358). In this mode, a high-speed bias current is provided to maintain the gain and bandwidth of the control loop.

[0410] · Fuse Reading: In this mode, an intermediate current is required to maintain the efuse reading within the eFuse memory bank (358). This mode is executed during OTP IC (242) startup to transfer the fuse contents to the shadow register. In this mode, the gain and bandwidth of the control loop are set to lower values ​​compared to the fusing mode.

[0411] · Normal operation: In this mode, the LDO (356) is driven under very low bias current conditions to operate the OTP IC (242) at low power, so that the OTP IC (242) consumes as little power as possible.

[0412] The oscillator (359) provides the necessary clock for the digital core / engine (361) during testing (SCAN testing), fusing, and normal operation. The oscillator (359) is trimmed to handle strict timing requirements during fusing mode.

[0413] In this embodiment, the communication interface (357) complies with the FM+ specification of the I2C standard but is also compatible with low-speed and high-speed modes. The OTP IC (242) communicates with the hookah device (202) (host) for data and key exchange using the communication interface (357).

[0414] The digital core (361) implements the control and communication functions of the OTP IC (242). Using the cryptographic authenticator of the digital core (361), the OTP IC (242) authenticates itself (e.g., using an ECDSA encrypted message), including the hookah device (202), thereby authorizing the connection of the OTP IC (242) to the driver device (202) (or other device) (e.g., for a specific application) that the OTP IC (242) is genuine.

[0415] Referring to the attached FIG. 45, the OTP IC (242) performs the following PKI procedure to authenticate the OTP IC (242) for use with a host (e.g., hookah device (202)).

[0416] 1. Signer Public Key Verification: The host requests the manufacturer's public key and certificate. The host verifies the certificate using the authority's public key.

[0417] 2. Device Public Key Verification: If verification is successful, the host requests the device public key and certificate. The host verifies the certificate using the manufacturer's public key.

[0418] 3. Challenge-Response: If verification is successful, the host generates a random number challenge and sends it to the device. The final product signs the random number challenge using the device's private key.

[0419] 4. The signature is sent back to the host for verification using the device's public key.

[0420] When all verification procedures are successfully completed, the trust chain is re-verified against the trust root and the OTP IC (242) is successfully verified for host use. However, if any step of the authentication procedure fails, the OTP IC (242) is not verified for host use and the use of the device containing the OTP IC (242) is restricted or prohibited.

[0421] FIGS. 46 to 48 illustrate the air flow passing through the mist generator (201) during operation.

[0422] When ultrasound is applied to a liquid drug (e.g., nicotine), the liquid is converted into a mist (aerosolization). However, if the outside air does not sufficiently replace the aerosol that has been blown away, it settles in the ultrasonic transducer (215). A continuous supply of air is required as the mist (aerosol) is generated within the ultrasonic processing chamber (219) and drawn out through the mist discharge port (208). To meet this requirement, an air flow channel is provided. In this embodiment, the air flow channel has an average cross-sectional area of ​​11.5 mm 2 It is equipped with and designed in an ultrasonic treatment chamber (219) calculated based on the average user's air sound pressure. This also controls the amount of medication delivered to the user by controlling the mist air ratio of the inhaled aerosol.

[0423] Based on design requirements, the air flow channel is routed to start at the bottom of the ultrasonic chamber (219). The opening at the bottom of the aerosol chamber is aligned and in close contact with the opening of the air flow bridge within the device. The air flow channel proceeds vertically toward the reservoir and continues to the center of the ultrasonic processing chamber (concentric to the ultrasonic transducer (215)). From here, it turns 90º inward. The flow path continues until it is approximately 1.5 mm from the ultrasonic transducer (215). This path maximizes the direct supply of outside air toward the atomization surface of the ultrasonic transducer (215). The air flow directed toward the transducer through the channel collects the generated mist as it travels through the mist discharge port (208).

[0424] Referring to the attached FIGS. 49 and 50, a hookah device (202) of some embodiments is configured to be detachably attached to a conventional hookah (246). The hookah device (202) is attached to a stem (247) that replaces a conventional hookah head that otherwise accommodates tobacco and charcoal (or an electronic heating device).

[0425] The hookah (246) includes a long stem (247) having a water chamber and a first end attached to the water chamber. The stem (247) includes a mist flow path extending from the second end of the stem (247) to the first end of the stem (247) through the stem (247) into the water chamber.

[0426] In this embodiment, the hookah device (202) is detachably attached to the second end of the hookah (246) stem (247). However, in other embodiments, the hookah device (202) is not designed to be detachable, but instead is fixed to or integrally formed with the hookah (246) stem (247).

[0427] Referring to the attached FIGS. 51–59, the hookah device (202) includes a housing (248) having a base (249) and a cover (250) that are attached to each other or detachably attached. In this embodiment, the housing (248) is cylindrical and typically disc-shaped.

[0428] In this embodiment, the cover (250) is provided with a plurality of air intake ports (251) so that air can be drawn into the hookah device (202). The base (249) is provided with a hookah discharge port (252) so that air and mist can flow from the hookah device (202) to the hookah (246). The diameter of the hookah discharge port (252) is sufficient to allow the user to quickly draw air through the hookah device (202) and the hookah (246) to create mist bubbles that travel through the water in the hookah (246).

[0429] In this embodiment, the hookah discharge port (252) is a circular aperture that accommodates the end of the hookah (246) stem (247). The hookah device (202) is supported by the stem (247) of the hookah (246), which is formed to typically create a hermetic seal between the tobacco device (202) and the stem (247).

[0430] In this embodiment, the hookah device (202) is a self-contained device comprising an electronic component and a mist generator containing e-liquid housed within a housing (248).

[0431] In this embodiment, the hookah device (202) includes an upper support plate (253), a middle support plate (254), and a lower support plate (255) that are stacked on top of each other. The support plates (253–255) support a plurality of mist generators (201) within the hookah device (202). Each mist generator is a mist generator (201) as described in this disclosure. In this embodiment, the mist generator (201) is detachably attached to the hookah device (202), so that the mist generator (201) can be replaced when empty (i.e., when the e-liquid is partially or completely depleted).

[0432] In this embodiment, the hookah device (202) is equipped with four mist generators (201) controlled by a microcontroller (3030) of the hookah device (202) (via each PMIC (300) and bridge IC (301)). In another embodiment, the hookah device (202) is equipped with a plurality of mist generators (201), such as at least two mist generators (201) or up to eight mist generators (201).

[0433] The hookah device (202) is provided with a first contact terminal (259) that forms an electrical connection between the controller of the hookah device (202) and the electrical contacts (232 and 233) of each mist generator (201). The hookah device (202) is provided with a second contact terminal (260) that forms an electrical connection between the controller of the hookah device (202) and the electrical contact (241) on the OTP PCB of each mist generator (201).

[0434] In this embodiment, the hookah device (202) includes an upper printed circuit board (PCB) (256) located on top of the upper support plate (253) and an intermediate PCB (257) located between the intermediate support plate (254) and the lower support plate (255). The lower PCB (258) is located below the lower support plate (255). The PCBs (256–258) carry electronic components that constitute the driver device of the hookah device (202). The PCBs (256–258) are coupled together so that the electronic components on each PCB (256–258) communicate with each other.

[0435] In this embodiment, there are three PCBs (256–258), but other embodiments have only one PCB or multiple PCBs that perform the same function as the hookah device (202) driver device.

[0436] In this embodiment, the hookah device (202) is provided with a plurality of magnets (261) that allow support plates (253-255) to be detachably connected to each other. When the hookah device (202) is assembled with the support plates (253-255) and PCBs (256-258) stacked on top of each other together with the mist generator (201) are fixed between the support plates (253-255), a cover (250) is placed on the base (249) and the cover (250) is detachably attached to the base (249) using a plurality of screws (262).

[0437] The upper support plate (253) includes a manifold (263) centrally positioned on one side of the upper support plate (253). In this embodiment, the manifold (263) is provided with four apertures (264) (only one is shown in FIG. 56), each of which accommodates a discharge port (208) of a respective mist generator (201). In this embodiment, the hookah device (202) has four mist generators (201) detachably coupled to the manifold at 90º relative to each other. In another embodiment, the manifold (263) has various numbers of apertures (264) corresponding to the number of mist generators (201) used with the hookah device (202).

[0438] The manifold (263) is equipped with a manifold pipe (265) that is fluidly connected to the aperture (264), so that mist generated by the mist generator (201) can be combined and flow downward from the manifold (263) and then flow out of the manifold pipe (265). When the hookah device (202) is assembled, the manifold pipe (265) extends through the aperture (266) in the intermediate support plate (254) and the aperture (267) in the intermediate PCB (257). Subsequently, the manifold pipe (265) is connected to a discharge pipe (268) that extends through the bottom support plate (255), providing a fluid flow path through the bottom support plate to the hookah discharge port (252) of the hookah device (202).

[0439] During use, each mist generator (201) is fixed in a horizontal direction by a manifold. In other words, the vertical length of each mist generator (201) is perpendicular to the direction of mist flow when the mist flows downward from the base of the hookah device (202), or is generally perpendicular.

[0440] The discharge pipe (268) extends downward from the bottom surface of the bottom support plate (255) through the aperture (269) of the bottom PCB (258). Thereafter, the discharge pipe (268) extends through the aperture (270) within the base (249) of the hookah device (202). In this embodiment, the discharge pipe (268) and the hookah discharge port (252) are a hookah attachment device (271) configured to attach the hookah device (202) to the hookah (246). In this embodiment, the hookah device (202) is coupled to the hookah (246) by inserting a portion of the stem (247) of the hookah into the hookah discharge port (252).

[0441] As illustrated in FIGS. 58 and 59, the hookah discharge port (252) provides a fluid flow path (272) from the mist discharge port (208) of the mist generator (201) out of the hookah device (202), and accordingly, the mist generated by the mist generator (201) flows out of the hookah device (202) and into the hookah (246). The air and mist mixture creates air within the water of the hookah (246). As the mist rises above the water surface within the water ball of the hookah, bubbles escape the water surface and travel to the user through the pipe during the inhalation action.

[0442] In this embodiment, the top PCB (256) carries a pressure sensor that senses the air pressure near the mist discharge port (208) of the mist generator (201). Accordingly, the pressure sensor detects negative pressure near the mist discharge port (208) when the user draws out the hookah and inhales air through the mist generator (201) along the fluid flow path (272). As described below, the pressure sensor provides a signal to the controller of the hookah device so that the controller activates at least one mist generator (201), thereby generating mist when the user draws out the hookah.

[0443] In this embodiment, the bottom PCB (258) carries a power control component (273) that controls and distributes power to other electronic components of the hookah device (202). In some embodiments, the power control component (273) receives power from an external power source, such as a main power adapter detachably coupled to the hookah device (202). In this embodiment, the hookah head (202) is configured to be powered by an external power adapter in a DC voltage range of 20V to 40V.

[0444] In another embodiment, the hookah device (202) includes a battery integrated within the hookah device (202) and connected to a power control component (273). In some embodiments, the battery is a rechargeable Li-Po battery. In some embodiments, the battery is configured to output a DC voltage of 20V to 40V. In some embodiments, the battery has a high discharge rate. A high discharge rate is required for the voltage amplification required by the ultrasonic transducer of the mist generator (201). In accordance with the requirement for a high discharge rate, the Li-Po battery in some embodiments is specifically designed for continuous current drawing. In some embodiments, a charging port is provided in the hookah device (202) to allow the battery to be charged by an external power source.

[0445] The intermediate PCB (257) includes a processor (274) and memory (275) of the controller or computing device of the hookah device (202). In this embodiment, each PMIC (300) and each bridge IC (301) are mounted on the PCB (257) along with other electrical components of the hookah device (202). In this embodiment, the processor (274) and memory (275) are components of the driver device within the hookah device (202). In this embodiment, the function of the driver device is configured by executable instructions stored in the memory (275), and when executed by the processor (274), the instructions cause the processor (274) to perform at least one function by controlling the driver device. The driver device is electrically connected to each mist generator (201). In this embodiment, the driver device of the hookah device (202) is coupled to communicate with each mist generator (201) via a communication bus or data bus, such as an I²C data bus, as described above. In this embodiment, each mist generator (201) is identified by a unique identifier used when controlling the mist generator (201) via a data bus (the microcontroller (303) controls each PMIC (300) via a data bus and then controls each mist generator (201). In some embodiments, the unique identifier is stored in the OTP IC (242) of the mist generator (201).

[0446] In some embodiments, the driver device (microcontroller (303)) controls each mist generator independently. In some embodiments, the control function is implemented by executable commands stored in memory (275). Depending on the independent control configuration, the driver device enables or disables each mist generator (201) independently of other mist generators (201). Thus, the driver device controls one or more mist generators (201) to generate mist simultaneously or alternately according to predetermined requirements.

[0447] In some embodiments, the driver device controls the mist generator (201) to activate and / or deactivate it sequentially. In some embodiments, the activation sequence of the mist generator (201) optimizes the operation of the hookah device (202) by generating mist sufficiently quickly so that the mist enters the bubble through the water in the water chamber of the hookah. Accordingly, the hookah device (202) of some embodiments causes the mist bubble to be drawn out at a high speed through the water in the water chamber when the user draws out the hookah mouthpiece. As a result, water-soluble compounds (e.g., vegetable glycerin, flavorings, etc.) can move through the water in the mist bubble so that the user can inhale.

[0448] In some embodiments, the driver device controls the mist generator (201) to activate it sequentially. In some embodiments, the driver device controls the mist generator (201) to activate rotation, and accordingly, the mist generator (201) is activated sequentially in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction and / or one at a time.

[0449] In some embodiments, the driver device controls the mist generator (201) to activate them in pairs. In some embodiments, the driver device activates two mist generators (201), such as two mist generators (201) located close to each other or two mist generators located opposite each other, simultaneously.

[0450] In some embodiments, the driver device is configured not to activate the mist generator (201) when it does not properly wick the e-liquid in the capillary (222) or when there is no or almost no e-liquid in the liquid chamber (218). This protects the hookah device (202) by ensuring that the hookah device (202) operates correctly.

[0451] The electronic components of the driver device of the hookah device (202) (distributed as PCBs (256–258)) are divided as described below. The following description relates to the control of a single mist generator (201), but the driver device of the hookah device (202) is considered to control each mist generator (201) independently in the same way.

[0452] To achieve the most efficient aerosolization with a particle size of 1 µm or less, the driver device provides a contact pad that accommodates an ultrasonic transducer (215) (piezoelectric ceramic disc (PZT)) through a high adaptive frequency (approximately 3 MHz).

[0453] This section not only provides high frequency but also protects the ultrasonic transducer (215) so as not to fail while providing continuously optimized cavitation.

[0454] The mechanical deformation of the PZT is related to the AC voltage amplitude applied to the PZT, and maximum deformation must always be implemented in the PZT to ensure optimal function during all ultrasonic operations and to deliver it to the system.

[0455] However, to prevent PZT failure, the transmitted active power must be accurately controlled.

[0456] The processor (274) and memory (275) enable modulation of the active power supplied to the PZT in all cases without compromising the mechanical amplitude of the PZT vibration.

[0457] The mechanical amplitude of the vibration is maintained constant by AC voltage pulse width modulation (PWM) applied to the PZT.

[0458] In practice, although the effects of voltage modulation and duty cycle modulation are the same for the applied RMS voltage, the quality of active power transmitted to the PZT is degraded. Practically, when considering the following equation:

[0459] The active power indicated for PZT is Igo

[0460] Here

[0461] is a phase shift between current and voltage.

[0462] I rms is the root mean square current and

[0463] V rms is the root mean square voltage.

[0464] When considering the first harmonic, Irms is a function of the actual voltage amplitude applied to the transducer, and pulse width modulation controls Irms by changing the voltage time supplied to the transducer.

[0465] The specific design of the PMIC uses state-of-the-art design to control the frequency range and steps applied to the PZT with ultra-high precision, including a complete set of feedback loops, and monitors the path of the control section used.

[0466] In this embodiment, the driver device comprises a DC / DC boost converter and a transformer that carry the power required for the PZT contact pad.

[0467] In this embodiment, the driver device includes an AC driver capable of driving an ultrasonic transducer by converting the voltage of a battery into an AC driving signal at a predetermined frequency.

[0468] The driver device is equipped with an active power monitoring device capable of monitoring the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer when the ultrasonic transducer is driven by an AC drive signal (as described above). The active power monitoring device provides a monitoring signal indicating the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer.

[0469] The processor (274) in the driver device controls the AC driver and receives the monitoring signal drive from the active power monitoring device.

[0470] The memory (275) of the driver device stores instructions, and when executed by the processor, the instructions cause the processor,

[0471] A. Control an AC driver to output an AC driving signal at a sweep frequency to an ultrasonic transducer;

[0472] B. Calculate the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer based on the monitoring signal;

[0473] C. Maximize the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer by controlling the AC driver to modulate the AC driving signal;

[0474] D. Store the maximum active power used by the ultrasonic transducer and the sweep frequency of the AC drive signal as a record in memory;

[0475] E. Repeat steps A through D for a predetermined number of repetitions, wherein for each repetition, the sweep frequency is increased or decreased, and accordingly, after the predetermined number of repetitions, the sweep frequency is increased or decreased from the starting sweep frequency to the ending sweep frequency;

[0476] F. Identify the optimal frequency for the AC drive signal from the records stored in memory, which is the sweep frequency of the AC drive signal at which maximum active power is used by the ultrasonic transducer; and

[0477] G. By controlling the AC driver to output an AC driving signal to the ultrasonic transducer at an optimal frequency, the ultrasonic transducer is driven to atomize the liquid.

[0478] In some embodiments, the active power monitoring device includes a current sensing device for sensing the driving current of an AC driving signal driving an ultrasonic transducer, and the active power monitoring device provides a monitoring signal indicating the sensed driving current.

[0479] In some embodiments, the current sensing device includes an analog-to-digital converter that converts the sensed driving current into a digital signal for processing by a processor.

[0480] In some embodiments, the start frequency is 2900 kHz and the end frequency is 3100 kHz. In other embodiments, the start frequency is 3100 kHz and the end frequency is 2900 kHz.

[0481] In some embodiments, memory stores instructions, and when executed by a processor, the instructions cause the processor to repeat steps A through D with a sweep frequency that increases from a starting sweep frequency of 2900 kHz to a ending sweep frequency of 2960 kHz.

[0482] In some embodiments, memory stores instructions, and when executed by a processor, the instructions cause the processor to repeat steps A through D with a sweep frequency that increases from a starting sweep frequency of 2900 kHz to a ending sweep frequency of 3100 kHz.

[0483] In some embodiments, memory stores instructions, and when executed by a process, the instructions cause the processor to control the AC driver in step G to output an AC driving signal to an ultrasonic transducer at a frequency that shifts from the optimal frequency by a predetermined shift amount.

[0484] In some embodiments, the predetermined shift amount is between 1% and 10% of the optimal frequency.

[0485] The pressure sensor used in the device serves two purposes. The first purpose is to prevent the ultrasonic engine from starting unintentionally (driving the ultrasonic transducer). This function is implemented within the device's processing unit but is optimized for low power consumption to precisely detect and classify so-called true inhalation by continuously measuring environmental parameters, such as temperature and ambient pressure, through internal correction and reference settings.

[0486] The secondary purpose of the pressure sensor is not only to monitor the precise inhalation time by the user for accurate inhalation volume measurement, but also to determine the user's inhalation intensity. Overall, it is possible to fully grasp the pressure profile for every inhalation and anticipate the end of inhalation for optimized aerosolization.

[0487] In some embodiments, the hookah device (202) is equipped with a Bluetooth™ Low Energy (BLE) microcontroller. Substantially, this feature provides extremely precise inhalation timing and optimized aerosolization, and enables settings that monitor multiple parameters to ensure safe mist generation, prevent the use of non-genuine e-liquid or aerosol chambers, and prevent the device from overheating and the user from excessive mist generation.

[0488] By using a BLE microcontroller, over-the-air (OTA) updates are possible to continuously provide improved software to users based on AI trained on anonymized data collection and PZT modeling. Additionally, since the remote computing device can communicate with the hookah device (202) through the BLE microcontroller, the remote computing device can control the operation of the hookah device (202). In one embodiment, a plurality of hookah devices are controlled by one or more remote computing devices located, for example, within a hookah or shisha bar, so that the bar manager can control the operation and / or monitor the status of each hookah device.

[0489] In one embodiment, status display data of each mist generator within each hookah device is transmitted by the hookah device to a remote computing device, so the remote computing device can monitor the status of each mist generator. Accordingly, an administrator or user can track if each mist generator is in a low liquid state or is not operating correctly and replace the mist generator.

[0490] The hookah device (202) must provide controlled and stable aerosolization as it is a precise, reliable, and safe solution for daily customer use.

[0491] This is performed through an internal method that can be divided into various sections as follows.

[0492] Ultrasonic treatment

[0493] To provide the most optimized aerosolization, the ultrasonic transducer (PZT) or each mist generator (201) must vibrate in the most efficient way.

[0494] Frequency

[0495] Due to the electromechanical properties of piezoelectric ceramics, the components operate most efficiently at the resonant frequency. However, vibrating the PZT at the resonant frequency for an extended period eventually leads to failure and component damage, rendering the aerosol chamber unusable.

[0496] Another important factor to consider when using piezoelectric materials is that they possess inherent variability during the manufacturing process and fluctuate depending on temperature and time.

[0497] To resonate PZT at 3 MHz to create a particle size <1 µm, an adaptive modification method must be adopted to locate and target the specific PZT 'sweet spot' inside every aerosol chamber used in the device for every single inhalation.

[0498] sweep

[0499] The device must find the 'sweet spot' for every single inhalation, and due to excessive use, the PZT temperature fluctuates as the device uses an in-house double sweep method.

[0500] A first sweep is used when a specific aerosol chamber is not used for a sufficient amount of time for all heat dissipation to occur in the device and for the PZT to cool to its 'base temperature'. This procedure is also called a cold start. During this procedure, the PZT requires a boost to generate the necessary aerosol. This is achieved by investigating a small frequency subset between 2900 kHz and 2960 kHz, which is considered to cover the resonance point according to extensive research and experiments.

[0501] For each frequency in this range, the ultrasonic engine is activated, and the current flowing through the PZT is actively monitored and stored by the microcontroller via an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), then converted back into current to precisely derive the power used by the PZT.

[0502] As a result, the cold profile of this PZT related to frequency is obtained, and since the frequency used during the intake process is the frequency at which most of the current is used, it becomes the lowest impedance frequency.

[0503] The second sweep is performed during subsequent suction and covers the entire frequency range between 2900 kHz and 3100 kHz due to changes in the PZT profile in relation to temperature and deformation. This hot profile is used to determine the shift to be applied.

[0504] shift

[0505] Since aerosolization must be optimized, shifting during cold inhalation is not used, and therefore the PZT vibrates at the resonant frequency. This is possible only for a short and non-repetitive period of time; otherwise, the PZT will eventually break down.

[0506] However, by using shifts during most of the intake in a way that still targets low-impedance frequencies, it brings the PZT to a near-optimal operating state while protecting it from failure.

[0507] Since the hot and cold profiles are stored during inhalation, the microcontroller selects the appropriate shift frequency based on the measured current passing through the PZT during the sweep, ensuring safe machine operation.

[0508] The selection of the shift direction is important because the piezoelectric component behaves differently if it is outside or inside the dual resonant / anti-resonant frequency range. Since PZT is inductive and non-capacitive, the selected shift must fall within this range defined by the resonant or anti-resonant frequency.

[0509] Finally, the shift ratio is maintained at 10% or less so that it approaches the lowest impedance while remaining sufficiently far from resonance.

[0510] adjustment

[0511] Due to the unique properties of PZT, every inhalation is different. In addition to the piezoelectric element, multiple parameters influence the outcome of the inhalation, such as the amount of e-liquid remaining in the aerosol chamber, the wicking state of the gauze, or the device's battery level.

[0512] In this way, the device monitors the current used by the PZT inside the aerosol chamber, and the microcontroller continuously adjusts parameters, such as frequency and duty cycle, to provide the highest possible stable power to the aerosol chamber within a predefined range based on research and experimental results for the most optimal and safe aerosolization.

[0513] Battery monitoring

[0514] In some embodiments, the battery is integrated into the hookah device (202). In this embodiment, the hookah device (202) is powered by a DC Li-Po battery that provides the voltage required for the hookah device (202). Depending on the requirement for a high discharge rate, the Li-Po battery in some embodiments is specifically designed for continuous current drawing.

[0515] Because the battery voltage drops and fluctuates when the ultrasonic section is activated, the microcontroller continuously monitors the power used by the PZT inside the aerosol chamber to ensure proper but safe aerosolization.

[0516] Since control is the key to aerosols, the device first ensures that the control and information sections are always operational and that they are not interrupted due to damage to the ultrasonic section.

[0517] Therefore, the control method takes the real-time battery level into account and maintains the battery at a safe level by changing parameters such as the duty cycle if necessary; if the battery level is low before starting the ultrasonic engine, the control and information section prevents activation.

[0518] Power control

[0519] As described above, the key to aerosolization is control, and the method used in the device is a real-time multidimensional function that always considers the PZT profile, the current inside the PZT, and the device's battery level.

[0520] All of this can be achieved through the use of a microcontroller that monitors and controls all elements of the device to generate optimal suction.

[0521] interval

[0522] Since the device relies on piezoelectric components, it prevents the activation of the ultrasonic section when suction is interrupted. A safe delay between two suctions is adjustable based on the time of the previous suction. Therefore, the gauze is properly wicked before the next activation.

[0523] Through these features, the device operates safely, and aerosolization is further optimized without the risk of PZT element breakdown or user exposure to toxic substances.

[0524] Connectivity (BLE)

[0525] The device control and information section consists of a wireless communication system in the form of a microcontroller with Bluetooth Low Energy capabilities. The wireless communication system is configured to communicate with the device processor and to transmit and receive data between driver devices and computing devices, such as smartphones.

[0526] Connecting with companion mobile applications via Bluetooth Low Energy requires only a small amount of power for communication compared to conventional wireless connection solutions, such as Wi-Fi, classic Bluetooth, GSM, or even LTE-M and NB-IOT, so the device can maintain functionality for a long time even when not in use at all.

[0527] Most importantly, this connectivity enables OTP as a function and complete control and safety of inhalation. All data regarding inhalation resonance frequency or user-generated sound pressure and time is stored and transmitted via BLE to improve additional analysis and embedded software.

[0528] Finally, this connectivity ensures that the latest versions are always quickly deployed by updating the firmware embedded within the device and via OTA (over the air). This provides scalability for the device and the insurance intended to be applied to it.

[0529] In one embodiment, the hookah device comprises a mist inhalation device (200) having an active power monitor that includes a current sensor capable of sensing the rms driving current of an AC driving signal driving a sound wave transducer (215), such as the current sensor (335) described above. The active power monitor provides a monitoring signal that displays the sensed driving current as described above.

[0530] Through the additional function of this embodiment, the mist suction device (200) monitors the operation of the ultrasonic transducer while the ultrasonic transducer is activated. The mist suction device (200) calculates an efficiency value or quality indicator that displays information indicating that the ultrasonic transducer is operating efficiently to atomize the liquid within the device. The device uses the efficiency value to calculate the actual mist content generated during the active time of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0531] Once the actual mist content is calculated, the device is configured to calculate the actual amount of medication inhaled by the user based on the actual amount of medication present in the mist and, accordingly, the concentration of the medication in the liquid.

[0532] In practice, as described above, there are various factors that affect the operation of the ultrasonic transducer, the mist content generated by the ultrasonic transducer, and consequently the actual drug dose delivered to the user.

[0533] Now, in some embodiments, the configuration of the mist suction device and the method of generating mist using the mist suction device are described in detail below.

[0534] In this embodiment, the mist suction device includes the components of the mist suction device (200) described above, but the memory of the driver device (202) additionally stores a command that causes the processor to activate the mist generator (201) for a first predetermined time when executed by the processor. As described above, the mist generator operates by driving the ultrasonic transducer (215) within the mist generator (201) including an AC drive signal, and accordingly, the ultrasonic transducer (215) atomizes the liquid carried by the capillary element (222).

[0535] By means of an execution command, the processor periodically senses the current of the AC driving signal flowing through the ultrasonic transducer (215) using a current sensor for a first predetermined time and stores the periodically measured current value in memory.

[0536] Upon execution, the processor calculates the efficiency value using the current value stored in memory. The efficiency value represents the operating efficiency of the ultrasonic transducer when atomizing a liquid.

[0537] In one embodiment, the processor calculates an efficiency value through the following equation by means of an execution command.

[0538]

[0539] Here

[0540] is the above efficiency value,

[0541] is a lower efficiency value of frequency based on a monitored frequency value (the frequency at which the ultrasonic transducer (215) is driven),

[0542] is a sub-efficiency value of an analog-to-digital converter based on a measured current value (rms current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer (215)),

[0543] t=0 is the start of the first predetermined time,

[0544] t=D is the end of the first predetermined time,

[0545] N is the number of periodic measurements (samples) during the first predetermined time, and

[0546] is a normalization factor.

[0547] In one embodiment, the memory stores a command, and when executed by a processor, the command causes the processor to periodically measure the duty cycle of an AC drive signal driving an ultrasonic transducer for a first predetermined time and to store the periodically measured duty cycle value in the memory. Thereafter, the mist suction device, based on the current value stored in the memory The analog-to-digital converter modulates the lower efficiency value. Consequently, the mist suction device of the present embodiment takes into account variations in the duty cycle that may occur through the activation of the ultrasonic transducer (215) when the device calculates the efficiency value. Thus, the mist suction device calculates the actual mist content that is accurately generated by taking into account variations within the duty cycle of the AC drive signal that may occur as the ultrasonic transducer is activated.

[0548] The efficiency value is used as a weight by the mist generator to calculate the actual mist content generated by the mist suction device by proportionally reducing the maximum mist content value generated when the device operates in an optimal state.

[0549] In one embodiment, memory stores a command, and when executed by a processor, said command causes the processor to periodically measure the frequency of an AC driving signal that drives an ultrasonic transducer (215) for a first predetermined time and to store the periodically measured frequency value in memory. Thereafter, the device calculates an efficiency value using the frequency value stored in memory in addition to the current value described above.

[0550] In one embodiment, memory stores a command, and when executed by a processor, said command causes the processor to calculate the maximum mist content generated when the ultrasonic transducer (215) operates in an optimal state for a first predetermined time. In one embodiment, the maximum mist content is calculated based on a modeling that determines the maximum mist content generated when the ultrasonic transducer operates in an optimal state.

[0551] When the maximum mist content value is calculated, the mist inhalation device calculates the actual mist content by proportionally reducing the maximum mist content value based on the efficiency value, and determines the actual mist content generated during a first predetermined time.

[0552] Once the actual mist content is calculated, the mist inhaler can calculate a drug dosage value indicating the drug dosage of the actual mist content generated during a first predetermined time. Subsequently, the mist inhaler stores a record of the drug dosage value in memory.

[0553] In one embodiment, memory stores a command, and when executed by a processor, the command causes the processor to select a second predetermined time in response to an efficiency value. In this case, the second predetermined time is the time during which the ultrasonic transducer (215) is activated during a second inhalation or smoking by the user. In one embodiment, the second predetermined time is the same as the first predetermined time but is a time that is reduced or increased in proportion to the efficiency value. For example, if the efficiency value indicates that the ultrasonic transducer (215) is not operating effectively, the second predetermined time is extended by the efficiency value, and accordingly, a desired mist content is produced during the second predetermined time.

[0554] Regarding the subsequent inhalation, the mist inhalation device activates the mist generator for a second predetermined time, and accordingly, the mist generator generates a predetermined mist content during the second predetermined time. Accordingly, the mist inhalation device accurately controls the mist content generated during the second predetermined time and considers various parameters that reflect efficiency values ​​affecting the operation of the mist inhalation device.

[0555] In one embodiment, memory stores a command, and when executed by a processor, said command causes the processor to activate a mist generator for a number of predetermined times. For example, the mist generator is activated during a number of consecutive inhalations or smokings by a user.

[0556] The mist inhaler stores multiple drug dosage values ​​in memory, and each drug dosage value indicates the drug dosage in the mist generated during a predetermined time.

[0557] In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the mist inhaler is configured to transmit data indicating a drug dosage value from a mist generator to a computing device (e.g., via Bluetooth™ Low Energy communication) and store it in the memory of the computing device (e.g., a smartphone). Accordingly, an application executable on the computing device records the drug dosage delivered to the user. Additionally, the executable application controls the operation of the mist inhaler, and accordingly, the application adjusts the operation of each mist inhaler within the hookah device to accommodate mist inhalers that are not operating in an optimal manner.

[0558] Since the aerosolization of e-liquid is achieved by the mechanical action of a piezoelectric disc and not by direct heating of the liquid, the individual elements of the e-liquid (propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavoring components, etc.) are mostly undamaged and are not broken down into smaller harmful components, such as acrolein, acetaldehyde, and formaldehyde, which are found in high proportions in conventional end-user devices (ENDS).

[0559] All of the above-mentioned applications related to ultrasonic technology can benefit from optimization achieved by a frequency controller that optimizes the ultrasonic frequency for optimal performance.

[0560] The disclosure herein is not limited to nicotine delivery. The device disclosed herein is used with any drug or other compound (e.g., CBD), and the drug or compound is provided in the liquid within the liquid chamber of the device for atomization by the device.

[0561] The hookah device (202) of some embodiments healthily replaces the conventional hookah head that burns tobacco using heat from charcoal or an electric element. Nevertheless, the hookah device (202) of some embodiments still provides the same user experience as the conventional hookah due to the mist bubbles in the water of the hookah. Thus, the user may want to avoid the risk of tobacco smoke in the hookah by using the ultrasonic hookah device (202) of some embodiments instead of the conventional tobacco-burning hookah.

[0562] The foregoing describes the features of various devices, examples, or embodiments to enable a person skilled in the art to better understand the various aspects of the present disclosure. A person skilled in the art may use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures to perform the same purpose and / or achieve the same benefit as those of the various examples or embodiments introduced herein. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art may make various modifications, substitutions, and improvements to such equivalent products without departing from the principles and scope of the present disclosure.

[0563] Although the subject matter has been described in terms of structural characteristics or methods, it should be noted that the subject matter of the appended claims is not limited to the specific functions or measures described above. Rather, the specific functions and measures described above have been disclosed as examples implementing at least a part of the claims.

[0564] Various operations of examples or embodiments have been provided herein. Any order in which some or all operations are described should not be interpreted as implying that such operations are essential to the order. It is acknowledged that other orders benefit from this description. Furthermore, not all operations are necessarily present in every embodiment disclosed herein. Also, it is understood that not all measures are essential to some examples or embodiments.

[0565] Furthermore, as used herein, the term “exemplary” means an example, case, or instance, but is not an essential advantage. As used in this application, “or” means an inclusive “or” and not an exclusive “or.” Furthermore, as used in this application and in the appended claims, the term “one” is interpreted to mean “one or more” unless otherwise specified or the context makes it clear that it refers to a single form. Also, at least one expression A and B and / or similar expressions generally mean A or B, or both A and B. Moreover, in the scope of “include,” “comprising,” “combining,” “together,” or variations thereof, such expressions are used to encompass in a manner similar to “comprising.” Also, unless otherwise specified, “first,” “second,” or similar expressions do not mean a temporal mode, spatial mode, order, etc. Instead, such expressions are simply used as identifiers, names, etc. for functions, parts, items, etc. For example, the first member and the second member generally correspond to member A and member B, or two different or two identical members, or the same member.

[0566] Furthermore, although the present disclosure has been illustrated and described in relation to one or more embodiments, variations and modifications of the same class are practiced in other devices made using ordinary technology based on reading and understanding of the present specification and the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure includes all such modifications and variations and is limited only by the following claims. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the functions described above (e.g., components, resources, etc.), the expressions used to describe such functions correspond to features that perform specific functions of the described features (e.g., functionally identical), even if they are not structurally identical to the disclosed structure, unless otherwise specified. Moreover, while specific functions of the present disclosure are disclosed for only one of the various embodiments, such functions may be combined with one or more other functions of other embodiments as desired and advantageous for specific or particular applications.

[0567] Examples or embodiments of the subject matter and functional operations described herein may include digital electronic circuits, or computer software, firmware or hardware, or devices structurally identical to the structures disclosed herein, or may be implemented as a combination of one or more of these.

[0568] Some examples or embodiments are implemented using one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer-readable medium to control the execution or operation of a data processing mechanism. The computer-readable medium may be a manufactured product, such as a computer system or a hard drive of an embedded system. The computer-readable medium may be encoded later by acquiring one or more computer program instruction modules separately or by transmitting one or more computer program instruction modules, such as through a wired or wireless network. The computer-readable medium may be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a memory device, or a combination of one or more of these.

[0569] "Computing device" and "data processing apparatus" include all apparatus, devices, and machines that process data, including programmable processors, computers, or multiple processors or computers, etc. In addition to hardware, the apparatus includes code that creates an execution environment for the computer program in question, such as processor firmware, protocol stacks, database management systems, operating systems, runtime environments, or a combination of one or more of these. Furthermore, the apparatus may utilize various computing model infrastructures, such as web services, distributed computing, and grid computing infrastructures.

[0570] The processes and logic flows described in this specification may be performed by one or more programmable processors that execute one or more computer programs to manipulate input data and generate output.

[0571] Processors suitable for the execution of computer programs include, for example, general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and one or more processors of the digital computer type. Generally, instructions and data are received from read-only memory or random access memory, or both. Essential components of a computer include a processor that executes instructions and one or more memory devices that store instructions and data. Generally, a computer includes one or more mass storage devices capable of storing data, such as magneto-optical disks or optical disks, or is functionally coupled to receive data from devices, transfer data to devices, or both. However, a computer is not required to have such devices. Devices suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all types of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices.

[0572] In this specification, "includes" means "compensation or configuration," and "comprising" means "compensating or configuring."

[0573] Features disclosed in the foregoing description, the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, or features specified in a particular form, aspects of a method for performing the disclosed features, or methods or processes for obtaining the disclosed results, may be used to implement the invention in various forms, appropriately, separately or in combination of such features.

[0574] Representative functions

[0575] The representative functions specified in the following sentences may be separated or combined by combining one or more functions disclosed in the text and / or drawings of this specification.

[0576] 1. As a hookah device,

[0577] Multiple ultrasonic mist generators;

[0578] Multiple H-bridge circuits;

[0579] Microcontroller;

[0580] A data bus electrically connected to the microcontroller and communicating data with the microcontroller;

[0581] A plurality of microchips electrically connected to the above data bus to receive data from the microcontroller and transmit data to the microcontroller; and

[0582] It includes a hookah attachment device configured to attach the above hookah device to a hookah, and

[0583] Each mist generator is,

[0584] A mist generator housing that is elongated and equipped with an air intake port and a mist discharge port;

[0585] A liquid chamber provided within the housing of the above-mentioned mist generator and storing a sprayed liquid;

[0586] An ultrasonic processing chamber provided within the housing of the above-mentioned mist generator;

[0587] A capillary element extending between the liquid chamber and the ultrasonic treatment chamber, wherein a first portion of the capillary element is within the liquid chamber and a second portion of the capillary element is within the ultrasonic treatment chamber;

[0588] An ultrasonic transducer having an atomizing surface, wherein a portion of a second portion of the capillary element overlaps with a portion of the atomizing surface, and when the ultrasonic transducer is driven by an AC driving signal, the atomizing surface vibrates to atomize the liquid carried by the second portion of the capillary element, thereby generating a mist containing the atomized liquid and air within the ultrasonic processing chamber; and

[0589] It includes an air flow device that provides an air flow path between the air intake port, the ultrasonic treatment chamber, and the air discharge port, and

[0590] Each of the plurality of H-bridge circuits is connected to each of the ultrasonic transducers and is configured to generate an AC driving signal to drive the ultrasonic transducer.

[0591] Each of the plurality of microchips is connected to one of the H-bridge circuits to control the H-bridge circuit, thereby generating the AC driving signal, and

[0592] Each microchip is a single unit comprising a plurality of interconnected embedded components and subsystems:

[0593] Oscillator;

[0594] Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) signal generator subsystem;

[0595] Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) subsystem;

[0596] Digital processor subsystem; and

[0597] Includes a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) subsystem,

[0598] The above oscillator is:

[0599] Main clock signal,

[0600] A first phase clock signal that is high for a first time during the positive half-cycle of the main clock signal and low during the negative half-cycle of the main clock signal, and

[0601] It is configured to generate a second phase clock signal that is high for a second time during the negative half-cycle of the main clock signal and low during the positive half-cycle of the main clock signal, and

[0602] The phases of the first phase clock signal and the second phase clock signal are aligned to the center;

[0603] The above pulse width modulation (PWM) signal generator subsystem is:

[0604] A delay lock loop configured to use the first phase clock signal and the second phase clock signal and to generate a dual-frequency clock signal that is twice the frequency of the main clock signal—the delay lock loop is configured to control the rising edge of the first phase clock signal and the second phase clock signal to synchronize with the rising edge of the dual-frequency clock signal, and the delay lock loop is configured to generate a first phase output signal and a second phase output signal by adjusting the duty output signal and frequency of the first phase clock signal and the second phase clock signal in response to a driver control signal, and the first phase output signal and the second phase output signal are configured to drive the ultrasonic transducer by driving the H-bridge circuit connected to the microchip to generate an AC driving signal—;

[0605] A first phase output signal terminal configured to output the first phase output signal to the H-bridge circuit connected to the microchip;

[0606] A second phase output signal terminal configured to output the second phase output signal to the H-bridge circuit connected to the microchip;

[0607] The above H-bridge circuit includes a feedback input terminal configured to receive a feedback signal representing the AC driving signal or a parameter of operation of the H-bridge circuit connected to the microchip when the H-bridge circuit drives the ultrasonic transducer together with the AC driving signal to atomize the liquid.

[0608] The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) subsystem comprises a plurality of ADC input terminals configured to receive a plurality of analog signals, and one of the plurality of ADC input terminals is connected to the feedback input terminal, thereby the ADC subsystem receives the feedback signal from the H-bridge circuit connected to the microchip, the ADC subsystem is configured to sample the analog signals received from the plurality of ADC input terminals at a sampling frequency proportional to the frequency of the main clock signal, and the ADC subsystem is configured to generate an ADC digital signal using the sampled analog signals;

[0609] The digital processor subsystem is configured to receive the ADC digital signal from the ADC subsystem, process the ADC digital signal to generate the driver control signal, and transmit the driver control signal to the PWM signal generator subsystem to control the PWM signal generator subsystem; and

[0610] The above digital-to-analog converter (DAC) subsystem is:

[0611] A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) configured to control a voltage regulator circuit that converts a digital control signal generated by the digital processor subsystem into an analog voltage control signal and generates a voltage for modulation by the H-bridge circuit connected to the microchip; and

[0612] A DAC output terminal configured to generate a predetermined voltage for modulation by the H-bridge circuit connected to the microchip to drive the ultrasonic transducer in response to a feedback signal indicating the operation of the ultrasonic transducer by outputting the analog voltage control signal to control the voltage regulator circuit;

[0613] A hookah device having a hookah discharge port that provides a fluid flow path from the mist discharge port of the mist generator toward the outside of the hookah device, and thereby, when at least one of the mist generators is activated by a driver device, the mist generated by each activated mist generator flows toward the outside of the hookah device along the fluid flow path to the hookah.

[0614] 2. A hookah device according to claim 1, wherein the microcontroller is configured to identify and control each mist generator using a unique identifier for each mist generator.

[0615] 3. In paragraph 1 or 2, each mist generating device includes an identification device, and said identification device,

[0616] An integrated circuit having a memory for storing a unique identifier for the above-mentioned mist generating device; and

[0617] A hookah device comprising an electrical connection portion that provides an electronic interface for communicating with the integrated circuit.

[0618] 4. A hookah device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the microcontroller is configured to control each microchip and each mist generator to independently activate other mist generators.

[0619] 5. A hookah device according to claim 4, wherein the microcontroller is configured to control the mist generator to be activated according to a predetermined sequence.

[0620] 6. In any one of paragraphs 1 to 5, the hookah device is,

[0621] A hookah device comprising a manifold having a manifold pipe that is fluidly connected to the mist discharge port of the above-mentioned mist generator, wherein the mist output from the mist discharge port is coupled to the manifold pipe and flows out of the hookah device through the manifold pipe.

[0622] 7. The hookah device according to claim 6, wherein the hookah device comprises four mist generators detachably coupled to the manifold at 90º relative to each other.

[0623] 8. A hookah device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the feedback input terminal is configured to receive a feedback signal from the H-bridge circuit in the form of a voltage representing the rms current of an AC driving signal driving an ultrasonic transducer.

[0624] 9. In any one of paragraphs 1 through 8, each microchip is,

[0625] A hookah device further comprising a temperature sensor embedded in the microchip, wherein the temperature sensor is configured to generate a temperature signal indicating the temperature of the microchip, the temperature signal is received by an additional ADC input terminal of the ADC subsystem, and the temperature signal is sampled by the ADC.

[0626] 10. A hookah device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the ADC subsystem is configured to sequentially sample signals received from the plurality of ADC input terminals, and each signal is sampled by the ADC subsystem a respective predetermined number of times.

[0627] 11. In any one of claims 1 to 10, the hookah device further comprises a plurality of additional microchips, each of the plurality of additional microchips is connected to each of the plurality of microchips, and has one of the plurality of H-bridge circuits.

[0628] Each additional microchip is a single unit comprising multiple interconnected embedded components and subsystems:

[0629] First power supply terminal;

[0630] Second power supply terminal;

[0631] An H-bridge circuit within the additional microchip comprising a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, and a fourth switch—the first switch and the third switch are connected in series between the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal, the first output terminal is electrically connected between the first switch and the third switch, the first output terminal is connected to the first terminal of the ultrasonic transducer, the second switch and the fourth switch are connected in series between the first power supply terminal and the second power supply terminal, and the second output terminal is electrically connected between the second switch and the fourth switch, the second output terminal is connected to the second terminal of the ultrasonic transducer—;

[0632] A first phase terminal configured to receive the first phase output signal from the pulse width modulation (PWM) signal generator subsystem;

[0633] A second phase terminal configured to receive a second phase output signal from the above PWM signal generator subsystem;

[0634] A digital state machine that generates a timing signal based on the first phase output signal and the second phase output signal, outputs the timing signal to a switch of the H-bridge circuit to control the switch so that it can be turned on and off according to a sequence, and accordingly, the H-bridge circuit is configured to output an AC driving signal for driving the ultrasonic transducer, and the sequence includes a free-float period of turning off the first switch and the second switch and turning on the third switch and the fourth switch to dissipate energy stored in the ultrasonic transducer; and

[0635] Includes a current sensor,

[0636] The above current sensor is:

[0637] A first current sense register connected in series between the first switch and the first power supply terminal;

[0638] A first voltage sensor configured to measure a voltage drop across the first current sense register and provide a first voltage output indicating the current flowing through the first current sense register;

[0639] A second current sense register connected in series between the second switch and the first power supply terminal;

[0640] A second voltage sensor configured to measure a voltage drop across the second current sense register and provide a second voltage output indicating the current flowing through the second current sense register; and

[0641] It includes a current sensor output terminal configured to provide an rms output voltage to ground identical to the first voltage output and the second voltage output, and

[0642] A hookah device, wherein the above rms output voltage represents an rms current flowing through the first switch or the second switch, and a current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer connected between the first output terminal and the second output terminal.

[0643] 12. A hookah device according to claim 11, wherein the H-bridge circuit in each additional microchip is configured to output power of 22W to 50W to the ultrasonic transducer connected to the first output terminal and the second output terminal.

[0644] 13. A hookah device according to claim 11 or 12, wherein each additional microchip further comprises a temperature sensor embedded within said additional microchip, said temperature sensor measures the temperature of said additional microchip and is configured to disable at least a portion of said additional microchip when the temperature sensor senses that the temperature of said additional microchip exceeds a predetermined threshold.

[0645] 14. A hookah device according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the hookah device further comprises a boost converter circuit configured to raise the power supply voltage to a boost voltage in response to the analog voltage output signal from the DAC output terminal, and wherein the boost converter circuit is configured to provide the boost voltage to the first power supply terminal and thereby switch the switch of the H-bridge circuit so as to modulate the boost voltage.

[0646] 15. A hookah device according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the current sensor is configured to sense a current flowing through a resonance circuit during the free floating period, and the digital state machine is configured to adjust the timing signal to turn on one of the first switch or the second switch when the current sensor senses that the current flowing through the resonance circuit during the free floating period is zero (0).

[0647] 16. In any one of claims 11 to 15, during the operation setting step of the hookah device, the additional microchip,

[0648] When the first switch and the second switch are turned off and the third switch and the fourth switch are turned on, measure the length of time required for the current flowing through the resonance circuit to drop to zero (0); and

[0649] A hookah device configured to set the length of the time of the above free floating period to be equal to the length of the measured time.

[0650] 17. In any one of claims 1 to 16, the hookah device further comprises a memory for storing a command, and when executed by the microcontroller, the command causes the microchip,

[0651] A. Control the above H-bridge circuit to output an AC driving signal at a sweep frequency to the above ultrasonic transducer;

[0652] B. Based on the above feedback signal, calculate the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer;

[0653] C. Maximizing the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer by controlling the H-bridge circuit to modulate the AC driving signal;

[0654] D. The maximum active power used by the ultrasonic transducer and the sweep frequency of the AC driving signal are stored as records in the memory;

[0655] E. Repeat steps A through D for a predetermined number of repetitions, wherein for each repetition, the sweep frequency is increased or decreased, and accordingly, after the predetermined number of repetitions, the sweep frequency is increased or decreased from the starting sweep frequency to the ending sweep frequency;

[0656] F. Identifying from the records stored in the memory an optimal frequency for the AC driving signal, which is the sweep frequency of the AC driving signal at which maximum active power is used by the ultrasonic transducer; and

[0657] G. A hookah device that performs steps of driving the ultrasonic transducer to atomize a liquid by controlling the above H-bridge circuit to output an AC driving signal at the above optimal frequency to the above ultrasonic transducer.

[0658] 18. A hookah device according to claim 17, wherein the start sweep frequency is 2900 kHz and the end sweep frequency is 3100 kHz.

[0659] 19. As a hookah,

[0660] Water chamber;

[0661] A long stem having a first end attached to the above-mentioned water chamber; and

[0662] It includes a hookah device in accordance with any one of paragraphs 1 through 18, and

[0663] The above stem includes a mist flow path extending from the second end of the stem through the stem to the first end, and

[0664] The hookah attachment device of the above hookah device is a hookah that is attached to the stem of the above hookah at the second end of the stem.

Claims

Claim 1 A hookah device for use with a hookah, wherein the hookah comprises an elongate stem and a water chamber, and a first end of the stem is attached to the water chamber, and the hookah device comprises: a plurality of ultrasonic mist generators each provided with a mist emission port, wherein the mist generators atomize a liquid to generate a mist containing droplets of the liquid, and the mist comprises at least 90% of the droplets of the liquid being 1 micron 3 (1μm 3 A hookah device comprising: having a drop volume having a size less than ); a driver device electrically connected to each of the mist generators and configured to activate the mist generators; and a hookah attachment device configured to attach the hookah device to a second end of the stem of the hookah, wherein the hookah attachment device has a hookah discharge port, and the hookah discharge port provides a fluid flow path from the mist discharge port of the mist generator to the outside of the hookah device, and accordingly, when at least one of the mist generators is activated by the driver device, the mist generated by spraying the liquid by each activated mist generator flows along the fluid flow path toward the outside of the hookah device toward the hookah. Claim 2 In claim 1, the driver device comprises: an AC driver configured to generate an AC driving signal at a predetermined frequency to drive each ultrasonic transducer within each mist generator; an active power monitoring device configured to monitor the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer when the ultrasonic transducer is driven by the AC driving signal, wherein the active power monitoring device is configured to provide a monitoring signal indicating the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer; a processor configured to control the AC driver and receive a monitoring signal from the active power monitoring device; and further comprises a memory for storing instructions, wherein when executed by the processor, the instructions cause the processor to: A. control the AC driver to output an AC driving signal to the ultrasonic transducer at a predetermined sweep frequency; B. calculate the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer based on the monitoring signal; C. control the AC driver to modulate the AC driving signal to maximize the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer; and D. E. Store the maximum active power used by the ultrasonic transducer and the sweep frequency of the AC driving signal as a record in the memory; E. Repeat steps A through D for a predetermined number of repetitions, wherein for each repetition, the sweep frequency is increased, and accordingly, after repeating for a predetermined number of times, the sweep frequency is increased from the starting sweep frequency to the ending sweep frequency; F. Identify the optimal frequency for the AC driving signal, which is the sweep frequency of the AC driving signal at which the maximum active power is used by the ultrasonic transducer, from the record stored in the memory; and G.A hookah device that performs steps of controlling the AC driver to output the AC driving signal to the ultrasonic transducer at the optimal frequency, thereby driving the ultrasonic transducer to atomize the liquid. Claim 3 In paragraph 2, the active power monitoring device comprises: a current sensing device configured to sense the driving current of the AC driving signal driving the ultrasonic transducer, and the active power monitoring device configured to provide a monitoring signal indicating the sensed driving current, a hookah device. Claim 4 A hookah device according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the AC driver is configured to maximize the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer by modulating the AC driving signal through pulse width modulation (PWM). Claim 5 In any one of claims 1 to 3, 50% of the droplets of the liquid have a size of 0.5 micron 3 Less than, hookah device. Claim 6 A hookah device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the driver device is configured to control the operation of the mist generator in response to data received from a computing device. Claim 7 A hookah device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the driver device is electrically connected to each of the mist generators by a data bus, and the driver device is configured to identify and control each of the mist generators using a unique identifier for each of the mist generators. Claim 8 A hookah device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each mist generator comprises an identification device, and the identification device comprises: an integrated circuit having a memory for storing a unique identifier for the mist generator; and an electrical connection portion providing an electronic interface for communicating with the integrated circuit. Claim 9 A hookah device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the microcontroller is configured to control each microchip and each individual mist generator to independently activate other mist generators. Claim 10 In claim 9, the microcontroller is configured to control the mist generator to be activated according to a predetermined sequence, a hookah device. Claim 11 A hookah device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the hookah device further comprises a manifold having a manifold pipe that is fluidly in communication with the mist discharge port of the mist generator, and the mist output from the mist discharge port is coupled to the manifold pipe and flows out of the hookah device through the manifold pipe. Claim 12 A hookah device according to claim 11, wherein the hookah device comprises four mist generators detachably coupled to the manifold at 90° relative to each other. Claim 13 A hookah device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each mist generator is detachably attached to the driver device, and accordingly, each mist generator is detachable from the driver device. Claim 14 In any one of claims 1 to 3, each mist generator comprises: a mist generator housing that is elongated and includes an air intake port and a mist discharge port; a liquid chamber provided within the mist generator housing and receiving a liquid to be sprayed; an ultrasonic processing chamber provided within the mist generator housing; a capillary element extending between the liquid chamber and the ultrasonic processing chamber, wherein a first portion of the capillary element is within the liquid chamber and a second portion of the capillary element is within the ultrasonic processing chamber; an ultrasonic transducer having a flat atomizing surface provided within the ultrasonic processing chamber - the ultrasonic transducer is mounted within the mist generator housing such that the plane of the atomizing surface is substantially parallel to the longitudinal length of the mist generator housing, and a portion of the second portion of the capillary element overlaps with a portion of the atomizing surface, and the ultrasonic transducer is configured to generate a mist containing the sprayed liquid droplets and air within the ultrasonic processing chamber by vibrating the atomizing surface to atomize the liquid carried by the second portion of the capillary element -; A hookah device comprising an air flow device that provides an air flow path between the air intake port, the ultrasonic treatment chamber, and the mist discharge port. Claim 15 In claim 14, the liquid chamber is a hookah device having a liquid viscosity between 1.05 Pa·s and 1.412 Pa·s and a liquid density between 1.1 g / ml and 1.3 g / ml. Claim 16 In claim 14, the liquid chamber is a hookah device that accommodates a liquid composed of levulinic acid to nicotine in a 2:1 molar ratio. Claim 17 In claim 14, each mist generator comprises: a transducer holder fixed within the housing of the mist generator—the transducer holder fixes the ultrasonic transducer and maintains a second portion of the capillary element that overlaps with a portion of the atomizing surface—; and a dispensing portion having a capillary aperture that provides a barrier between the liquid chamber and the ultrasonic processing chamber and extends a portion of the first portion of the capillary element. Claim 18 In paragraph 14, the above capillary element is 100% bamboo fiber, a hookah device. Claim 19 A hookah device according to claim 14, wherein the air flow device changes the direction of the air flow along the air flow path, and is configured such that when the air flow passes through the ultrasonic processing chamber, the air flow becomes substantially perpendicular to the atomizing surface of the ultrasonic transducer. Claim 20 A hookah comprises: a water chamber; a long stem having a first end attached to the water chamber, wherein the stem includes a mist flow path extending from the stem through the second end of the stem to the first end; and a hookah device attached to the stem of the hookah at the second end of the stem, wherein the hookah device comprises: a plurality of ultrasonic mist generators each provided with a mist emission port, wherein the mist generators atomize a liquid to generate a mist containing droplets of the liquid, and the mist is such that at least 90% of the droplets of the liquid are 1 micron 3 (1μm 3 A hookah comprising: having a drop volume having a size less than ); a driver device electrically connected to each of the mist generators and configured to activate the mist generators; and a hookah attachment device configured to attach the hookah device to a second end of the stem of the hookah, wherein the hookah attachment device has a hookah discharge port, and the hookah discharge port provides a fluid flow path from the mist discharge port of the mist generator to the outside of the hookah device, and accordingly, when at least one of the mist generators is activated by the driver device, the mist generated by spraying the liquid by each activated mist generator flows along the fluid flow path toward the outside of the hookah device to the hookah. Claim 21 As a system, the plurality of hookah devices are included, and each hookah device is provided with a plurality of ultrasonic mist generators, each having a mist emission port; the mist generators atomize a liquid to generate a mist containing droplets of said liquid, and said mist is such that at least 90% of said liquid droplets are 1 micron 3 (1μm 3 A system comprising: a droplet volume having a size less than ); a driver device electrically connected to each of the mist generators and configured to activate the mist generators; and a hookah attachment device configured to attach the hookah device to a second end of the stem of the hookah, wherein the hookah attachment device has a hookah discharge port, and the hookah discharge port provides a fluid flow path from the mist discharge port of the mist generator to the outside of the hookah device, and accordingly, when at least one of the mist generators is activated by the driver device, the mist generated by spraying the liquid by each activated mist generator flows along the fluid flow path toward the outside of the hookah device toward the hookah.

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