Dispensing device with electromechanical feedback system and method of use

Abstract

Systems and apparatuses of dispensing devices having an electromechanical feedback system are provided herein.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a distribution device and its communication method with a user, and more particularly to an electromechanical feedback system and its operating mode. Background Technology

[0002] Existing electronic cigarette and vaporizer systems rely on digital control mechanisms to modulate user experience feedback. These digital systems use software-driven signals to communicate between components and to signal the user. Unfortunately, aberrant or accidental activation is a major failure mode, which can be introduced from the microcontroller to the haptic actuator and then to the feedback system. This is due to malfunctions in the coding software within the actuator or the device it controls, or the coding software within the microcontroller, as well as the data inputs it monitors and the outputs it generates. There is a desire to produce an electromechanical feedback system that simplifies control, reduces construction costs, and eliminates multiple points of failure. This invention attempts to address these and other issues. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This article provides systems and devices for distribution devices with electromechanical feedback systems.

[0004] These systems and devices are set forth in part in the following description and will be apparent in part from the description, or may be learned through practice of these methods, devices, and systems. The advantages of these systems and devices will be realized and obtained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It should be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and not intended to limit the claimed systems and devices.

[0005] Therefore, the object of this invention is to exclude any previously known products, manufacturing processes, or methods of using the products, thereby allowing the applicant to retain rights and disclose any previously known products, processes, or methods herein with a disclaimer. It should also be noted that this invention is not intended to cover anything that does not meet the requirements of the USPTO (35 U.S.C.). 112, paragraph 1) or EPO (Article 83 of the EPC) provides a written description and activating of the claimed product, process, or method of making or using the product, thereby reserving the right to disclose any previously described product, manufacturing process, or method of using the product as a disclaimer. In the practice of this invention, compliance with EPC Clause 53(c) and EPC Clauses 28(b) and (c) may be advantageous. All rights to any embodiment of any patentable subject matter as granted by the applicant are expressly waived in the family of this application, in any other family, or in any previously filed application of any third party. Nothing herein shall be construed as a commitment. Attached Figure Description

[0006] In the accompanying drawings, the same elements in several preferred embodiments of the invention are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0007] Figure 1 This is a front view of a distribution device including electromechanical feedback, a battery, and a switch, according to one embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2A This is a schematic diagram of a distribution device including an electromechanical feedback circuit according to one embodiment.

[0009] Figure 2B This is a schematic diagram of a tactile feedback circuit according to one embodiment.

[0010] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a distribution device including an electromechanical feedback device circuit according to one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0011] The above and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments, which are read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The detailed description and drawings are merely illustrative and not limiting of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0012] Embodiments of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals always reflect like elements. The terminology used in the description presented herein is not intended to be interpreted in any limiting or restrictive manner, but is used merely in conjunction with the detailed description of certain particular embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may include several novel features, none of which alone is responsible for its desired properties or is necessary for carrying out the invention described herein.

[0013] In the context of describing this invention, the terms “a”, “an”, “the”, and similar pronouns should be interpreted as including both the singular and plural, unless otherwise stated herein or the context clearly contradicts them. It should also be understood that, when used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and / or “including” specify the presence of the said feature, integral, step, operation, element, and / or component, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0014] Unless otherwise stated herein, the listing of numerical ranges herein is intended only as a shorthand method of individually referring to each individual value falling within the range, and each individual value is incorporated into this specification as if it were listed separately herein. When used with numerical values, the word “about” should be interpreted as indicating a deviation from the stated value of up to and including 10%. The use of any and all instances or exemplary terms (“e.g.” or “such as”) provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the invention and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise required. Nothing in this specification should be construed as indicating that any unclaimed element is necessary for the practice of the invention.

[0015] References to “one embodiment,” “implementation,” “exemplary embodiment,” “various embodiments,” etc., may indicate that one or more embodiments of the invention described herein may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but not every embodiment must include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Furthermore, repeated use of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an exemplary embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although they may be identical.

[0016] As used herein, the term "method" means the manner, means, technique, and procedure for accomplishing a given task, including but not limited to those manner, means, techniques, and procedures known to or readily developed from known methods, means, techniques, and procedures in the chemical, biochemical, electrical, and mechanical fields. Unless otherwise expressly stated, no method or aspect set forth herein is intended to be construed as requiring its steps to be performed in a particular order. Therefore, no order is intended to be inferred in any aspect unless a method claim specifically states in the claim or description that the steps will be limited to a particular order. This applies to any possible non-express basis of interpretation, including logical questions concerning the arrangement of steps or operational procedures, simple meanings derived from grammatical organization or punctuation, or the number or type of aspects described in the specification.

[0017] Description of implementation methods

[0018] The distribution device with an electromechanical feedback system disclosed herein differs significantly from distribution devices utilizing haptic technology. Haptic technology includes haptic actuators and haptic motors. A haptic actuator is a ROM or programmable chip that receives digital signals from a microcontroller and sends these digital signals to a haptic motor configured to receive and process these digital signals. In some embodiments, the haptic actuator can monitor the condition of the motor and notify the microcontroller. A haptic motor is a motor capable of receiving digital signal information from both the haptic actuator and the integrated microcontroller. It is programmed to accept digital signals as input, corresponding to a specific wavelength or vibration frequency to be generated. It responds to the haptic actuator with digital signals indicating its vibration state, thereby enabling continuous monitoring of the system.

[0019] A microcontroller is a small computer on a single VLSI integrated circuit (IC) chip. A microcontroller contains one or more CPUs (processor cores), as well as memory and programmable input / output peripherals. On-chip program memory in the form of ferroelectric RAM, NOR flash memory, or OTP ROM, along with a small amount of RAM, is also frequently included. Microcontrollers are designed for embedded applications, unlike the microprocessors used in personal computers or other general-purpose applications consisting of various discrete chips. A microcontroller is electrically connected to multiple components within an electronic vaporizer device. A microcontroller can be connected to a driver, which in turn connects to downstream devices, such as haptic actuators.

[0020] In contrast, the present invention includes an electromechanical feedback system that eliminates the microcontroller and haptic actuator of the haptic motor system. A distribution device with an electromechanical feedback system includes at least one switch that monitors conditions and, when these conditions are met, opens a power path to downstream components in the feedback system. In some embodiments, the DC motor can be activated solely by applying current supplied when the switch is in the active position. Existing haptic motor systems suffer from several problems, including, but not limited to, increased component costs and susceptibility to software-driven code errors leading to malfunctions or false activation.

[0021] like Figure 1As shown, the dispensing device 100 includes a housing 110 and electrically connected components and circuitry, including an atomizer activated when a user inhales or applies negative pressure to the housing 110. Within the housing, an electromechanical feedback device 120 is operatively connected to a battery 130 via a switch 140. The switch 140 accepts input and, in response to the input, opens a power path, allowing power to flow from the battery to the electromechanical feedback device 120. The system is flexible, allowing variations in the type of switch and the type of downstream components, resulting in different operating modes. The electromechanical feedback device 120 includes a switch type and downstream components that provide feedback to the user regarding the device's operating status, including operating the atomizer to vaporize liquid or gel into smoke or gas. The electromechanical feedback device includes circuitry that operatively connects the switch 140, the battery, and the atomizer when the user applies force or suction to the outer housing 110.

[0022] In one embodiment, the electromechanical feedback device 120 may include a DC motor. According to another embodiment, the electromechanical feedback device may also be an armature-controlled DC motor. According to another embodiment, the electromechanical feedback device may also be an LED light. According to another embodiment, the electromechanical feedback device may also be a piezoelectric motor. According to another embodiment, the electromechanical feedback device may also be a magnetic resonant motor or other types of DC motors.

[0023] A DC motor is a type of rotary electric motor that converts direct current (DC) electrical energy into mechanical energy. The most common types rely on a force generated by a magnetic field. Almost all types of DC motors have some internal mechanism (electromechanical or electronic) that periodically changes the direction of a portion of the current flowing through the motor. When current flows through a coil, the coil generates an electromagnetic field aligned with the center of the coil. The direction and magnitude of the magnetic field generated by the coil can change depending on the direction and magnitude of the current flowing through the coil.

[0024] A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor light source that emits light when an electric current flows through it. Electrons and electron holes in a semiconductor recombine, releasing energy in the form of photons (energy packets). The color of light (corresponding to the energy of the photons) is determined by the energy required for an electron to cross the band gap of the semiconductor. White light is obtained by using multiple semiconductors or a layer of phosphorescent material on a semiconductor device. The current through an LED must be regulated by an external circuit, such as a constant current source, to prevent damage. Since most common power supplies are (almost) constant voltage sources, LED luminaires must include a power converter, or at least a current-limiting resistor. In some applications, the internal resistance of a small battery is sufficient to keep the current within the LED's rating.

[0025] A piezoelectric motor is an electric motor based on the inverse piezoelectric effect, which causes a piezoelectric material to change shape when an electric field is applied. The circuit generates acoustic or ultrasonic vibrations in the piezoelectric material, most commonly lead zirconate titanate, and occasionally lithium niobate or other single-crystal materials. These materials can produce linear or rotational motion depending on their mechanism. Examples of piezoelectric motor types include peristaltic motors, stepper and slip-stick motors, and ultrasonic motors, which can be further divided into standing wave motors and traveling wave motors. Piezoelectric motors typically use cyclic stepping motion, allowing the oscillation of the crystal to produce arbitrarily large motions, while the range of motion of most other piezoelectric actuators is limited by the static strain that may be induced in the piezoelectric element.

[0026] In other implementations, other electric motors may be used depending on the power supply type, construction, application, and motion output type. The electric motor may be powered by AC or DC, brushed or brushless, single-phase, two-phase, or three-phase, with axial or radial flux, and may be air-cooled or liquid-cooled. The electric motor operates based on one of three physical principles: magnetism, electrostatics, and piezoelectricity.

[0027] In one implementation, switch 140 is an ASIC. An ASIC is an Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) and an integrated circuit (IC) chip customized for a specific purpose, rather than intended for general use. Application-Specific Standard Product (ASSP) chips fall between ASICs and industry-standard integrated circuits such as the 7400 series or 4000 series. ASIC chips are manufactured using metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) technology, such as MOS integrated circuit chips.

[0028] In one embodiment, the switch is an ASIC connected to the transducer. In some embodiments, the switch is a ROM chip. In other embodiments, the switch is a ROM chip connected to the transducer. In other embodiments, the switch is a suction sensor. In other embodiments, the switch is a suction sensor connected to the transducer.

[0029] There are many different types of circuits that determine when a power circuit should be turned on and off. This results in multiple inputs and a single output—the activation of the power path. Meanwhile, the components connected to the power path can vary, leading to multiple outputs, including but not limited to vibration, sound, light emission, static electricity, and other feedback mechanisms providing information about the atomizer or battery's operating status.

[0030] In one embodiment, the battery has a cell capacity between about 200 mAh and about 500 mAh, alternatively between about 250 mAh and about 450 mAh, or alternatively between about 300 mAh and about 400 mAh. The battery cell capacity can be adjusted to provide sufficient power to the electromechanical device selected for operation. The battery cell capacity can be charged via AC or DC current or via a USB or USB-C power cable.

[0031] In one embodiment, the atomizer includes a recess or reservoir for containing e-liquid, a heating surface for vaporizing the e-liquid, and a wick for conveying the e-liquid from the reservoir to the heating surface. The atomizer can be a direct-to-lung vape tank (DTL), a mouth-to-lung vape tank (MTL), or a vapepod. A mouth-to-lung vape tank is a canister atomizer designed to support mouth-to-lung inhalation and is compatible with most threaded vape tanks and vape mods. A direct-to-lung vape tank is a canister atomizer designed with a very large airflow vent and a wide mouthpiece for direct, deep inhalation into the lungs. A pod vape system is an vape device with a separate, detachable pod that functions as both an atomizer and an e-liquid reservoir.

[0032] according to Figure 2A In another embodiment shown, the electromechanical feedback device circuit 200 includes a battery charger 210 operatively connected to a first LED 220, a second LED 222, and a battery protection system 230. The first LED illuminates when a USB power source is plugged in. The second LED illuminates when the battery is fully charged.

[0033] The electromechanical feedback circuit 200 includes an atomizer 240 and a motor 250, operably controlled by a signal from a flow sensor 260. The haptic motor 250 is directly driven by an amplifier / buffer 262. The atomizer 240 is powered via a MOSFET 270 operably coupled to a first switch 278. The MOSFET 270 is operably coupled to an RC timer 272 and logic circuitry 274. According to one embodiment, the RC timer 272 includes a 10-second inhalation limit. The logic circuitry 274 includes a comparator 276. The electromechanical feedback circuit 200 includes airflow detection, comprising an airflow sensor 260 having a logic output and connected to the buffer 262. The battery protection chip 230 provides protection against overcharge, over-discharge, overcurrent, and short circuits. Since the charger and protector remain unchanged, the new design has the same level of safety as the received sample.

[0034] MOSFET stands for Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor. A MOSFET is a type of field-effect transistor (FET), most commonly manufactured through controlled oxidation of silicon. It has an insulated gate, the voltage of which determines the device's conductivity. This ability to change conductivity by the amount of voltage applied can be used to amplify or switch electronic signals. Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistor (MISFET) is a term almost synonymous with MOSFET. Another synonym for MOSFET is the Insulated Gate Field-Effect Transistor (IGFET). A MOSFET can be a 20 V, single-p-channel trench MOSFET.

[0035] The battery protection chip 230 can be a single-cell lithium-ion / polymer battery protection integrated circuit. The battery protection chip includes advanced power MOSFETs, high-precision voltage detection circuitry, and delay circuitry. It incorporates the protection functions required for battery applications, including overcharge, over-discharge, overcurrent, and load short-circuit protection. Precise overcharge detection voltage ensures safe and efficient charging. During storage, the low standby current draw from the battery cell is minimal.

[0036] The battery charger is a linear charging management controller used for charging from a USB port and complies with all specifications governing the USB power bus. It employs a constant current / constant voltage charging algorithm with optional pre-processing and charging termination. Constant voltage regulation is fixed at four available options: ~4.20V, ~4.35V, ~4.40V, or ~4.50V to meet emerging battery charging demands. The constant current value is set by an external resistor. Under high power or high ambient conditions, the battery charger limits the charging current based on die temperature. This thermal regulation optimizes charging cycle time while maintaining device reliability.

[0037] This amplifier / buffer is an operational amplifier (op amp) with rail-to-rail output swing capability. This op amp is suitable for space-constrained applications requiring low-voltage operation and high-capacitive-load drive. Capacitive load drive is approximately 500 pF, and the resistive open-loop output impedance makes stabilization easier to achieve under much higher capacitive loads. This op amp is specifically designed for low-voltage operation. Features include unity-gain stability, integrated RFI and EMI suppression filters, and no phase reversal under overdrive conditions.

[0038] The air flow sensor is a three-pin microphone and a pneumatic switch, with an operating voltage of approximately 2.5 V to approximately 4.2 V, a high-level output, low quiescent current, and stable performance.

[0039] according to Figure 2B In another embodiment, a schematic diagram of the haptic motor circuit 256 includes a diode 252 operatively connected to an NPN transistor 254 and an operational amplifier 262. The operational amplifier 262 is configured as a buffer, having the same output as the input but with higher drive capability. A freewheeling diode 252 is used for circuit protection. In one embodiment, the haptic motor 250 is a DC motor. When the NPN transistor 254 is turned on, a voltage is applied to the motor, and the motor begins to operate. The NPN transistor 254 acts as a switch, providing approximately 0.3V Vce (saturation) voltage drop to protect the motor by operating at its rated voltage. The airflow sensor 260 includes an output digital (logic) signal: a high level when sucking, a low level when not sucking, and a sucking intensity that is not configurable.

[0040] An NPN transistor is a bipolar transistor with three layers, used for signal amplification. It is a current-controlled device. The abbreviation NPN stands for Negative-Positive-Negative transistor. In this configuration, a p-type semiconductor is fused between two n-type semiconductor materials.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown, the electromechanical feedback device circuit 300 includes a first LED 310 operatively connected to a battery charger 312. The battery charger 312 is operatively connected to a USB power source 314 to indicate the charging status via the first LED 310. The battery charger 312 is operatively connected to a battery protection device 316 and an internal power source or battery 318, wherein, since the battery charger 312 and the battery protection device 316 remain unchanged, the battery protection device 316 provides a safe level for received samples.

[0042] The electromechanical feedback circuit 300 includes an atomizer 340 and a motor or electromechanical feedback device 330, operatively connected to MOSFET controllers 350 and 352. The atomizer 340 is operatively connected to a first switch 342, and the motor 330 is operatively connected to a second switch 332. The atomizer 340 and the motor 330 share input control to the first switch 342 and the second switch 332, specifically using a first MOSFET 350 and a second MOSFET 352. An airflow sensor 360 is operatively connected to an amplifier 362 and a comparator 364, used for airflow signal detection and control output to input control. Once the airflow sensor 360 detects airflow, it sends signals to the amplifier 362 and the comparator 364 to operate the first MOSFET 350 and the second MOSFET 352 of the motor 330 and the atomizer 340, respectively. In one embodiment, a dual operational amplifier chip may be used.

[0043] All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the extent that each individual publication or patent application is specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0044] While the invention has been described in conjunction with various embodiments, it should be understood that further modifications are possible. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or modifications of the invention as generally followed in its principles, and includes deviations from this disclosure within the scope of known and common practice in the art to which this invention pertains.

Claims

1. A dispensing device, comprising: a. outer shell; b. An electromechanical feedback device, a battery, a switch, and a power path disposed within the housing, the electromechanical feedback device being connected to the battery via the switch, wherein the switch accepts an input and, in response to the input, opens the power path to allow power to flow from the battery to the electromechanical feedback device; c. A circuit comprising a battery charger operatively connected to the switch; The circuit is operatively connected to a first LED, a second LED, and a battery protection chip; when the power source is plugged into the battery charger, the first LED lights up. And when the battery is fully charged, the second LED lights up; as well as d. An atomizer and a DC motor, wherein the atomizer and the DC motor are operablely controlled by a signal from an airflow sensor; the DC motor is directly driven by an amplifier / buffer; and the atomizer is powered via a MOSFET.

2. The dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein, The MOSFET is operatively coupled to an RC timer and logic circuitry, wherein the RC timer includes a 10-second limit.

3. The dispensing device according to claim 2, wherein, The air flow sensor is operatively coupled to a MOSFET, and the air flow sensor includes a logic output and is connected to the amplifier / buffer.

4. The dispensing device according to claim 3, wherein, The battery protection chip includes an overcharge circuit, an over-discharge circuit, an overcurrent circuit, and a short-circuit circuit.

5. The dispensing device according to claim 4, wherein, The DC motor is operatively connected to an operational amplifier configured as a buffer.

6. The distribution device according to claim 5, further comprising a freewheeling diode operatively coupled to the operational amplifier and the transistor.

7. The dispensing device according to claim 6, wherein, The DC motor is a DC motor, and when the transistor is turned on, a voltage is applied to the DC motor, and the DC motor starts to operate; the NPN transistor is used as a switch to provide a voltage drop, protecting the DC motor by operating at its rated voltage.

8. The dispensing device according to claim 7, wherein the airflow sensor includes an output digital signal, the output digital signal including a high level when the user applies suction to the housing and a low level when not applying suction, and the suction intensity is not configurable.

9. A dispensing device, comprising: a. outer shell; b. An electromechanical feedback device disposed within the housing, the electromechanical feedback device being connected to the battery via a switch, wherein the switch accepts an input from operating the distribution device and, in response to the input, opens a power path, allowing power to flow from the battery to the electromechanical feedback device; c. An electromechanical feedback device circuit, the electromechanical feedback device circuit including a first LED operatively connected to a battery charger; the battery charger being operatively connected to a power source to indicate charging status via the first LED; the battery charger being operatively connected to a battery protection device and the battery, wherein, since the battery charger and the battery protection device remain unchanged, the battery protection device provides a safety level; as well as d. An atomizer, wherein the electromechanical feedback device is a motor operatively connected to MOSFET control including a first MOSFET and a second MOSFET; the atomizer is operatively connected to a first switch, and the motor is operatively connected to a second switch; the atomizer and the motor share the input control of the first MOSFET and the second MOSFET.

10. The dispensing device according to claim 9, wherein, The input control includes an air flow sensor operatively connected to an amplifier and a comparator, the air flow sensor being used for air flow signal detection and control output to the input control.

11. The dispensing device according to claim 10, wherein, The amplifier is a dual operational amplifier.

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