Water pipe

Abstract

The present invention provides a water pipe device (202) that can be attached to a water pipe (246). [Solution] The hookah apparatus (202) consists of a plurality of ultrasonic mist generators (201) for generating mist for the user to inhale. The hookah apparatus (202) is configured to include a drive unit (202) that controls the mist generators (201) to maximize the efficiency of mist generation by the mist generators (201) and optimize the mist output from the hookah apparatus (202).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications This application claims the benefit of each of the priority claims, which are incorporated in their entirety by reference: U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 122025 filed on 15 December 2020, U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 220189 filed on 1 April 2021, and UK Patent Application No. 2104872.3 filed on 6 April 2021.

[0002] field This invention relates to a hookah apparatus. More specifically, this invention relates to a hookah apparatus that generates mist using ultrasonic vibrations. [Background technology]

[0003] background A traditional hookah is a smoking device that burns crushed tobacco leaves over charcoal. The heat from the charcoal burns the crushed tobacco leaves, producing smoke that is then passed through water in a glass chamber and inhaled by the user. The hot smoke is cooled with water to make it easier to inhale.

[0004] Hookah is said to have originated centuries ago in ancient Persia and India. Today, hookah cafes are gaining popularity all over the world, including in the UK, France, Russia, the Middle East, and the US.

[0005] A typical modern hookah consists of a head (with a hole at the bottom), a metal body, a water bowl, and a flexible hose with a mouthpiece. New forms of electronic hookah products have also emerged, such as steam stones and hookah pens. These products operate on batteries or a mains power supply and heat a liquid containing chemicals such as nicotine and flavorings to produce smoke, which is then inhaled.

[0006] Many users believe it is less harmful than smoking cigarettes, but smoking hookah carries many of the same health risks as smoking cigarettes.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need in the art for improved hookah devices that attempt to address at least some of the problems described in this book.

[0008] The present invention aims to provide an improved hookah device. [Overview of the project]

[0009] overview The present invention provides a hookah apparatus as described in claim 1 and a hookah as described in claim 19. The present invention also provides preferred embodiments as described in the dependent claims.

[0010] The various examples of this disclosure described below have several advantages and benefits compared to conventional hookah devices and hookahs. These advantages and benefits are described below.

[0011] The hookah apparatus of the embodiment of this disclosure has environmental advantages because it does not produce smoke and eliminates the need for burning charcoal.

[0012] According to several configurations, a hookah apparatus is provided comprising: a plurality of ultrasonic mist generators, each having its own mist outlet; a drive unit electrically connected to each mist generator and configured to operate the mist generator; a hookah mounting device configured to attach the hookah apparatus to a hookah, a hookah mounting arrangement comprising a hookah outlet port providing an outlet from the mist outlet ports of the mist generators to the hookah apparatus, wherein when at least one of the mist generators is activated by the driver device, the mist generated by each activated mist generator flows along a fluid path and exits the hookah apparatus to the hookah.

[0013] In some configurations, the driver unit is electrically connected to each mist generator via a data bus, and the driver unit is configured to identify and control each mist generator using its own unique identifier.

[0014] In some configurations, each mist generator further comprises an identification configuration, which 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 configurations, the driver unit is configured to control each mist generator and start them independently of other mist generators.

[0016] In some configurations, the driver device is configured to control each mist generator to operate in a predetermined sequence.

[0017] In some configurations, each mist generator has a manifold having a manifold pipe that is in fluid communication with the mist outlet port of the mist generator, and the mist output from the mist outlet port is coupled within the manifold pipe and flows out of the water pipe through the manifold pipe.

[0018] In some configurations, the hookah apparatus consists of four mist generators coupled to a manifold so as to be detachable from one another at a 90° relative angle.

[0019] In some configurations, each mist generator is removably mounted to the driver unit so that each mist generator can be separated from the driver unit.

[0020] In some arrangements, each mist generating device comprises: a mist generating housing that is elongated and has an air inlet port and a mist outlet port; a liquid chamber provided within the mist generating housing, the liquid chamber containing a liquid to be atomized; an ultrasonic treatment chamber provided within the mist generating housing; a capillary element extending between the liquid chamber and the ultrasonic treatment chamber, with a first portion of the capillary element within the liquid chamber and a second portion of the capillary element within the acoustic treatment chamber, the first portion containing the capillary element. An ultrasonic transducer having a generally planar atomization surface provided within the ultrasonic treatment chamber, the ultrasonic transducer being mounted within the mist generating housing such that the plane of the atomization surface is substantially parallel to the longitudinal length of the mist generating housing. A portion of the second portion of the capillary element overlaps a portion of the atomization surface, and the ultrasonic transducer is configured to vibrate the atomization surface to atomize the liquid carried by the second portion of the capillary element to generate a mist composed of atomized liquid and air within the ultrasonic treatment chamber. An air flow arrangement providing an air flow path between the air inlet port, the ultrasonic treatment chamber, and the air outlet port.

[0021] In some arrangements, each mist generating device further comprises a transducer holder held within the mist generating housing, the transducer element holding the ultrasonic transducer and holding the second portion of the capillary element that overlaps a portion of the atomization surface, and a partition providing a barrier between the liquid chamber and the ultrasonic treatment chamber, the partition further comprising a capillary opening through which a portion of the first portion of the capillary element extends.

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

[0023] In some arrangements, the air flow arrangement is configured to change the direction of the air flow along the air flow path such that when the air flow passes through the ultrasonic treatment chamber, the air flow is substantially perpendicular to the atomization surface of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0024] In some arrangements, the liquid chamber contains 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 arrangements, the liquid chamber contains a liquid having an approximate 2:1 molar ratio of levulinic acid to nicotine.

[0026] In some arrangements, the driver device comprises: an AC drive configured to generate an AC drive signal at a predetermined frequency to drive each ultrasonic transducer within each mist generator. An effective power monitoring arrangement configured to monitor the effective power used by the ultrasonic transducer when the ultrasonic transducer is driven by the AC drive signal, the effective power monitoring arrangement being configured to provide a monitoring signal indicative of the effective power used by the ultrasonic transducer. A processor configured to control the AC drive and receive the monitoring signal drive from the effective power monitoring arrangement. A memory storing instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to: A. Control the AC drive to output an AC drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer at a predetermined sweep frequency B. Calculate the effective power being used by the ultrasonic transducer based on the monitoring signal C. Control the AC drive to modulate the AC drive signal to maximize the effective power used by the ultrasonic transducer D. Store in the memory a record of the maximum effective power used by the ultrasonic transducer and the sweep frequency of the AC drive signal E. After a predetermined number of iterations, repeat steps A - D a predetermined number of times while increasing the sweep frequency in each iteration such that the sweep frequency increases from a sweep start frequency to a sweep end frequency F. Identify from the records stored in the memory the optimal frequency of the AC drive signal, which is the sweep frequency at which the maximum effective power is used by the ultrasonic transducer G. The AC drive is controlled to output an AC drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer at the optimal frequency, driving the ultrasonic transducer to atomize the liquid.

[0027] In some configurations, the active power monitoring configuration includes a current sensing configuration for sensing the drive current of the AC drive signal that drives the ultrasonic transducer, and the active power monitoring configuration is designed to provide a monitoring signal indicating the sensed drive current.

[0028] In some configurations, memory stores instructions, when executed by the processor, to repeat steps A through D, in which the sweep frequency increases from a sweep start frequency of 2900 kHz to a sweep end frequency of 2960 kHz.

[0029] In some configurations, memory stores instructions, when executed by the processor, to repeat steps A through D, in which the sweep frequency increases from a sweep start frequency of 2900 kHz to a sweep end frequency of 3100 kHz.

[0030] In some configurations, the AC drive modulates the AC drive signal by pulse width modulation to maximize the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer.

[0031] According to several configurations, a hookah is provided comprising: a water chamber; an elongated stem having a first end attached to the water chamber, with a mist channel extending from a second end of the stem, through the stem, to the first end; a hookah apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 19 as defined below, characterized in that the hookah mounting arrangement of the hookah apparatus is attached to the stem of the hookah at the second end of the stem. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0032] To make the present invention easier to understand, embodiments of the present invention will now be described by example with reference to the accompanying drawings: [Figure 1] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the components of an ultrasonic mist inhaler. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the components of the inhaler liquid reservoir structure. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the components of the inhaler liquid reservoir structure. [Figure 4A] Figure 4A is an isometric view of the airflow member of the inhaler liquid reservoir structure shown in Figures 2 and 3. [Figure 4B] Figure 4B is a cross-sectional view of the air blower shown in Figure 4A. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing a piezoelectric transducer modeled as an RLC circuit. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a graph of frequency versus logarithmic impedance for an RLC circuit. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a graph of frequency versus log impedance showing the inductive and capacitive operating regions of a piezoelectric transducer. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the frequency controller. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the mist generating apparatus of this disclosure. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the mist generating device of the present disclosure. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the mist generating apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the converter holder of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the converter holder of this disclosure. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a perspective view of the capillary element of this disclosure. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the capillary element of this disclosure. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the converter holder of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the converter holder of the present disclosure. [Figure 18]Figure 18 is an illustrative perspective view of a portion of the housing of this disclosure. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the absorbent element of this disclosure. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is an illustrative perspective view of a portion of the housing of this disclosure. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is an illustrative perspective view of a portion of the housing of this disclosure. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a perspective view of the absorbent element of this disclosure. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is an illustrative perspective view of a portion of the housing of this disclosure. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is an illustrative perspective view of a portion of the housing of this disclosure. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is an illustrative perspective view of a portion of the housing of this disclosure. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is an illustrative perspective view of the circuit board of this disclosure. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is an illustrative perspective view of the circuit board of this disclosure. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the mist generator of the present disclosure. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the mist generator of the present disclosure. [Figure 30] Figure 30 is a schematic diagram of the integrated circuit layout of the present disclosure. [Figure 31] Figure 31 is a schematic diagram of the integrated circuit of this disclosure. [Figure 32] Figure 32 is a schematic diagram of the pulse width modulation generator of this disclosure. [Figure 33] Figure 33 is a timing diagram of an example of this disclosure. [Figure 34] Figure 34 is a timing diagram of an example of this disclosure. [Figure 35] Figure 35 is a table showing an example of port functions in this disclosure. [Figure 36] Figure 36 is a schematic diagram of the integrated circuit of this disclosure. [Figure 37]Figure 37 is a circuit diagram of an example of an H-bridge in this disclosure. [Figure 38] Figure 38 is a circuit diagram of an example of a current sense configuration in this disclosure. [Figure 39] Figure 39 is a circuit diagram of an example of an H-bridge in this disclosure. [Figure 40] Figure 40 is a graph showing the voltages between phases during the operation of the H-bridge in Figure 37. [Figure 41] Figure 41 is a graph showing the voltages between phases during the operation of the H-bridge in Figure 37. [Figure 42] Figure 42 is a graph showing the voltage and current at the terminals of the ultrasonic transducer while the ultrasonic transducer is driven by the H-bridge shown in Figure 37. [Figure 43] Figure 43 is a schematic diagram showing the connections between the integrated circuits of this disclosure. [Figure 44] Figure 44 is a schematic diagram of the integrated circuit of this disclosure. [Figure 45] Figure 45 is a diagram illustrating the steps of an example authentication method of this disclosure. [Figure 46] Figure 46 is a cross-sectional view showing the mist generating apparatus of this disclosure. [Figure 47] Figure 47 is a cross-sectional view showing the mist generating apparatus of this disclosure. [Figure 48] Figure 48 is a cross-sectional view showing the mist generating apparatus of this disclosure. [Figure 49] Figure 49 is a perspective view of the hookah apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 50] Figure 50 is a perspective view showing the water pipe device of the present disclosure attached to the water pipe body and water bowl. [Figure 51] Figure 51 is an exploded perspective view of the hookah apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 52] Figure 52 is a perspective view of the components of the hookah apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 53] Figure 53 is a perspective view of the components of the hookah apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 54]Figure 54 is a perspective view of one component of the hookah apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 55] Figure 55 is a perspective view of one component of the hookah apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 56] Figure 56 is a perspective view of one component of the hookah apparatus and four mist generators of the present disclosure. [Figure 57] Figure 57 is a perspective view of the components of the hookah apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 58] Figure 58 is a cross-sectional view of the components of the hookah apparatus of the present disclosure. [Figure 59] Figure 59 is a perspective view showing the hookah body and water bowl of the hookah apparatus of the present disclosure in their attached state. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0033] Detailed explanation The aspects of this disclosure will be best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the attached figures. Note that, in accordance with standard practice in this industry, various features are not depicted to scale. In fact, the dimensions of various features may be increased or decreased as appropriate for the sake of clarity in the discussion.

[0034] The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for carrying out different features of the subject matter provided. Specific examples of components, concentrations, uses, and arrangements are described below for the sake of brevity of this disclosure. Of course, these are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope. For example, the mounting of the first and second features in the following description may include embodiments in which the first and second features are mounted in direct contact, or it may include embodiments in which an additional feature may be positioned between the first and second features so that the first and second features are not in direct contact. In addition, this disclosure may repeat reference numerals and / or letters in various examples. This repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate relationships between the various embodiments and / or configurations discussed.

[0035] The following disclosure describes representative configurations or examples. Each configuration or example may be considered an embodiment, and references to “configuration” or “example” in this disclosure may be replaced with “embodiment.”

[0036] Some configurations of hookah apparatus incorporate ultrasonic aerosolization technology. Some configurations of hookah apparatus are configured to replace conventional hookah heads (coal-heated or electronically heated). Some configurations of hookah apparatus are removably mounted to an existing stem or metal body and water chamber / bowl, instead of a conventional hookah head that contains tobacco and coal (or electronic heating element).

[0037] In other configurations, the hookah apparatus features a stem / body and a water chamber / bowl as a complete hookah apparatus.

[0038] The tanks come in various shapes and styles, ranging from traditional to futuristic, allowing users to choose according to their personal preferences. The design and development of several configurations of ultrasonic aerosolized water pipe devices were carried out with tradition in mind, and to create interchangeable heads that fit any existing water pipe. The following disclosure describes the components and functionality of an ultrasonic mist generator. Next, this disclosure describes several arrangements of water pipe devices incorporating multiple ultrasonic mist generators.

[0039] Conventional electronic vaporizers tend to rely on inducing high temperatures in metal components configured to heat the liquid inside the inhaler, thereby vaporizing the inhalable liquid. The liquid typically contains nicotine and flavorings blended in a solution of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerin (VG), which are vaporized via the heating component at high temperatures. Problems with conventional inhalers include the possibility of the metal catching fire, and subsequently inhaling the metal along with the burnt liquid. Also, some people dislike the burnt smell and taste from the heated liquid.

[0040] Figures 1 to 4 show ultrasonic inhalers that constitute an ultrasonic processing chamber. Note that the term “mist” as used in the following disclosure means that the liquid is not heated as is typically done in conventional inhalers known from the prior art. In fact, conventional inhalers use a heating element to heat the liquid above its boiling point to generate vapor, which is different from mist.

[0041] When a liquid is ultrasonically treated with high intensity, the sound waves propagating through the liquid medium alternate between high-pressure (compression) and low-pressure (dilution) cycles at different speeds depending on the frequency. In the low-pressure cycle, the high-intensity ultrasound creates tiny vacuum bubbles or voids in the liquid. This phenomenon is called cavitation. When these bubbles reach a volume where they can no longer absorb energy, they collapse violently in the high-pressure cycle. At this time, extremely high pressure is generated locally. In cavitation, broken capillary waves are generated, and tiny droplets that have broken the surface tension of the liquid are rapidly released into the air as a mist.

[0042] The cavitation phenomenon will be explained in more detail below.

[0043] When a liquid is atomized by ultrasonic vibrations, tiny water bubbles are generated within the liquid.

[0044] The formation of these bubbles is a cavity formation process caused by negative pressure resulting from strong ultrasonic waves generated by ultrasonic vibrations.

[0045] During a positive pressure cycle, the cavity size becomes relatively small and negligible, leading to rapid cavity growth due to high-intensity ultrasound.

[0046] Ultrasound, like other sound waves, consists of cycles of compression and expansion. When in 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.

[0047] Strong ultrasound creates positive and negative pressure regions. Negative pressure can create cavities, which can grow larger. When a cavity reaches a critical size, it collapses.

[0048] The required negative pressure varies depending on the type and purity of the liquid. For highly pure liquids, the tensile strength is so high that commercially available ultrasonic generators cannot generate sufficient negative pressure to form a cavity. For example, pure water requires a negative pressure of over 1,000 atmospheres, but even the most powerful ultrasonic generators only produce about 50 atmospheres. The tensile strength of a liquid is reduced by gas trapped in the gaps between liquid particles. This effect is similar to the strength reduction caused by cracks in solid materials. When a negative pressure cycle using sound waves is applied to a gas-filled gap, the pressure drop causes the gas in the gap to expand, releasing small bubbles into the solution.

[0049] However, bubbles exposed to ultrasound continue to absorb energy by repeatedly undergoing cycles of compression and expansion caused by the sound waves. This causes the bubbles to grow and contract, maintaining a dynamic balance between the voids inside the bubbles and the surrounding liquid. Ultrasound can also change the size of the bubbles, and in some cases, it can increase the average size of the bubbles.

[0050] Cavity growth depends on sound intensity. High-intensity ultrasound can rapidly expand the cavity during negative pressure cycles, leaving no opportunity for the cavity to contract during positive pressure cycles. In this way, the cavity can grow rapidly within a single sound wave cycle. In the case of low-intensity ultrasound, the size of the cavity vibrates in phase with the expansion and compression cycles. The surface of the cavity created by low-intensity ultrasound becomes slightly larger during the expansion cycle than during the compression cycle. Since the amount of gas entering and leaving the cavity depends on the surface area, diffusion into the cavity is slightly greater during the expansion cycle than during the compression cycle. In other words, with each sound cycle, the cavity expands slightly more than it contracts. Over many repetitions, the cavity slowly grows larger.

[0051] It is known that the grown cavity eventually reaches a critical size at which it most efficiently absorbs ultrasonic energy. This critical size depends on the ultrasonic frequency. If the cavity grows very rapidly due to high-intensity ultrasonic waves, it can no longer efficiently absorb energy from the ultrasound. Without this energy input, the cavity can no longer maintain itself. Liquid rushes in, and the cavity collapses due to a nonlinear response.

[0052] The energy released by the implosion breaks the liquid down into fine particles, which are then dispersed into the air as a mist.

[0053] The equations describing the above nonlinear response phenomena can be expressed by the Rayleigh-Presset equations. These equations can be derived from the Navier-Stokes equations used in fluid dynamics.

[0054] The inventors' approach was to rewrite the Rayleigh-Presset equation, which uses bubble volume V as a dynamic parameter and describes dissipation in the same way as the more classical form used with radius as the dynamic parameter.

[0055] This equation is derived as follows:

[0056]

number

[0057] In ultrasonic misting inhalers, the kinematic viscosity of the liquid is between 1.05 Pascals-seconds and 1.412 Pascals-seconds.

[0058] By solving the above equation with viscosity, density, and the desired target bubble volume for liquid atomization into air as appropriate parameters, it has been found that a frequency range of 2.8 MHz to 3.2 MHz produces a bubble volume of approximately 0.25 microns to 0.5 microns for liquid viscosities in the ranges of 1.05 Pascals and 1.412 Pascals.

[0059] The ultrasonic cavitation process significantly affects the nicotine concentration in the generated mist.

[0060] Because it does not use a heating element, there is no risk of the heating element burning, and the effects of secondhand smoke can be reduced.

[0061] In some configurations, the liquid contains 57-70% (w / w) vegetable glycerin and 30-43% (w / w) propylene glycol, wherein the propylene glycol contains nicotine and optionally a flavoring.

[0062] In an ultrasonic mist inhaler, the capillary element may extend between the ultrasonic treatment chamber and the liquid chamber.

[0063] In an ultrasonic mist inhaler, the capillary elements are made of a material that is at least partially bamboo fiber.

[0064] The capillary element enables not only high absorption capacity and high absorption rate, but also high liquid retention.

[0065] The unique properties of the proposed materials used in the capillaries were found to have a significant impact on the efficient function of the ultrasonic mist inhaler.

[0066] Furthermore, a unique property of this material is that it maintains good moisture permeability while also possessing good hygroscopic properties. This allows the aspirated liquid to efficiently penetrate the capillaries, and its high water absorption capacity enables it to hold a large amount of liquid, allowing the ultrasonic mist inhaler to be used for a longer period compared to other commercially available products.

[0067] Another major advantage of using bamboo fiber is that it has antibacterial, antifungal, and deodorizing properties due to "kun," a naturally occurring antimicrobial biological agent found within the bamboo fiber, making it suitable for medical applications.

[0068] These unique properties of bamboo fiber have been verified through numerical analysis regarding the advantages of bamboo fiber in ultrasonic treatment.

[0069] The following formula has been tested with bamboo fiber material and other materials such as cotton, paper, or other fiber strands for use as capillary elements, demonstrating that bamboo fiber has far superior properties for use in ultrasonic processing:

[0070]

number

[0071]

number

[0072] Figure 1 illustrates a disposable ultrasonic mist inhaler 100. As can be seen from Figure 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 appearance of a typical cigarette. For example, the inhaler may comprise a first part 101 that mainly mimics the tobacco stick portion of a cigarette, and a second part 102 that mainly mimics the filter. In a disposable configuration, the first and second parts constitute areas of a single, but separable, device. The designations first part 101 and second part 102 are used for convenience to distinguish the components mainly contained in each part.

[0073] As can be seen in Figure 1, the ultrasonic mist inhaler consists of a mouthpiece 1, a liquid reservoir structure 2, and a casing 3. The first part 101 constitutes the casing 3, and the second part 102 constitutes the mouthpiece 1 and the reservoir structure 2. do.

[0074] The first part 101 contains power energy.

[0075] The power storage device 30 supplies power to the ultrasonic mist inhaler 100. The power storage device 30 may be, but is not limited to, a battery such as a lithium-ion battery, alkaline battery, zinc-carbon battery, nickel-metal hydride battery, nickel-cadmium battery, supercapacitor, or a combination thereof. In a disposable configuration, the power storage device 30 is not rechargeable, but in a reusable configuration, the power storage device 30 would be selected to be rechargeable. In a disposable configuration, the power storage device 30 is primarily selected to supply a constant voltage over the lifespan of the inhaler 100. Otherwise, the performance of the inhaler will degrade over time. Preferred power storage devices that can provide a constant voltage output over the lifespan of the device include lithium-ion batteries and lithium polymer batteries.

[0076] The electrical storage device 30 has a first end 30a that generally corresponds to a positive terminal and a second end 30b that generally corresponds to a negative terminal. The negative terminal extends to the first end 30a.

[0077] Since the energy storage device 30 is located in the first part 101 and the liquid reservoir structure 2 is located in the second part 102, the joint needs to provide electrical communication between these components. Electrical communication is established using at least electrodes or probes that are compressed together when the first part 101 is fastened to the second part 102.

[0078] In this device, the energy storage device 30 is rechargeable for reuse. The casing 3 is provided with a charging port 32.

[0079] The integrated circuit 4 has a proximal end 4a and a distal end 4b. The positive terminal of the first end 30a of the electrical storage device 30 is in electrical communication with the positive lead of the flexible integrated circuit 4. The negative terminal of the second end 30b of the electrical storage device 30 is in electrical communication with the negative lead of the integrated circuit 4. The distal end 4b of the integrated circuit 4 comprises a microprocessor. The microprocessor is configured to process data from the sensor, control the light, instruct the ultrasonic vibration 5 in the second part 102 to flow current, and terminate the current flow after a pre-programmed time.

[0080] The sensor detects when the ultrasonic mist inhaler 100 is in use (when the user inhales from the inhaler) and activates the microprocessor. The sensor can be selected to detect changes in pressure, airflow, or vibration. In one configuration, the sensor is a pressure sensor. In a digital device, the sensor performs continuous readings, and as a result, the digital sensor needs to continuously draw current, although the amount is small and will have a negligible impact on the overall battery life.

[0081] In some configurations, the integrated circuit 4 may constitute an H-bridge formed by four MOSFETs to convert DC to AC at high frequencies.

[0082] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, an illustration of the liquid reservoir structure 2 in a single configuration is shown. The liquid reservoir structure 2 consists of a liquid chamber 21 adapted to receive the liquid to be atomized, and an ultrasonic treatment chamber 22 that is in fluid communication with the liquid chamber 21.

[0083] In the configuration shown, the liquid reservoir structure 2 includes an intake channel 20 that provides an air passage from the ultrasonic processing chamber 22 to the surroundings.

[0084] As one possible arrangement for the sensor, the sensor may be placed in the ultrasonic processing chamber 22.

[0085] The inhalation channel 20 has a conical portion 20a and an internal container 20b.

[0086] As shown in Figures 4A and 4B, the intake channel 20 further includes an airflow member 27 for supplying airflow from the surroundings to the ultrasonic processing chamber 22.

[0087] The airflow member 27 has an integrally formed airflow bridge 27a and an airflow duct 27b, the airflow bridge 27a having two airway openings 27a' that form part of the intake channel 20, and the airflow duct 27b extending from the airflow bridge 27a into the ultrasonic treatment chamber 22 to provide airflow from the surroundings into the ultrasonic treatment chamber.

[0088] The airflow bridge 27a cooperates with the conical element 20a at the second diameter 20a2.

[0089] The airflow bridge 27a has two opposing peripheral openings 27a'' that supply airflow to the airflow duct 27b.

[0090] The cooperation between the airflow bridge 27a and the frustration conical element 20a is arranged such that two opposing peripheral openings 27a'' cooperate with the complementary opening 20a'' of the frustration conical element 20a.

[0091] The nozzle 1 and the conical section 20a are spaced apart radially, with the airflow chamber 28 positioned between them.

[0092] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the mouthpiece 1 has two opposing peripheral openings 1''.

[0093] The peripheral openings 27a'', 20a'', 1'', of the airflow bridge 27a, the frustrated conical element 20a, and the mouthpiece 1 directly supply the maximum airflow to the ultrasonic treatment chamber 22.

[0094] The conical element 20a includes an internal passage aligned in the same direction as the intake channel 20, and has an internal passage such that the first diameter 20a1 is smaller than that of the second diameter 20a2, and the internal passage decreases in diameter over the conical element 20a.

[0095] The conical element 20a is positioned in alignment with the ultrasonic vibration means 5 and the capillary element 7, with a first diameter 20a1 communicating with the internal duct 11 of the mouthpiece 1 and a second diameter 20a2 communicating with the internal container 20b.

[0096] The inner container 20b has an inner wall that separates the ultrasonic irradiation chamber 22 and the liquid chamber 21.

[0097] The liquid reservoir structure 2 has an outer container 20c that partitions the outer wall of the liquid chamber 21.

[0098] The inner container 20b and the outer container 20c are the inner and outer walls of the liquid chamber 21, respectively.

[0099] The liquid reservoir structure 2 is positioned between the nozzle 1 and the casing 3 and is detachable from the nozzle 1 and the casing 3.

[0100] The liquid reservoir structure 2 and the mouthpiece 1 or casing 3 may include complementary arrangements for engaging with each other; further, such complementary arrangements may include bayonet-type arrangements; screw-engagement-type arrangements; magnetic arrangements; or friction-fit arrangements, where the liquid reservoir structure 2 includes a portion of the arrangement and the mouthpiece 1 or casing 3 includes a complementary portion of the arrangement.

[0101] In a reusable configuration, the components are substantially the same. The difference between a reusable configuration and a disposable configuration is the housing used to replace the liquid reservoir structure 2.

[0102] As shown in Figure 3, the liquid chamber 21 has an upper wall 23 and a bottom wall 25 that close the inner container 20b and the outer container 20c of the liquid chamber 21.

[0103] The capillary element 7 is positioned between the first part 20b1 and the second part 20b2 of the inner container 20b.

[0104] The capillary element 7 has a flat shape that extends from the ultrasonic irradiation chamber to the liquid chamber.

[0105] As shown in Figure 2 or Figure 3, the capillary element 7 consists of a U-shaped central part 7a and an L-shaped peripheral part 7b.

[0106] The L-shaped portion 7b extends along the bottom wall 25 into the liquid chamber 21 on the inner container 20b.

[0107] The U-shaped portion 7a is housed within the ultrasonic irradiation chamber 21. The U-shaped portion 7a is positioned on the inner container 20b so as to follow the bottom wall 25.

[0108] In the ultrasonic misting inhaler, the U-shaped portion 7a has an inner portion 7a1 and an outer portion 7a2, the inner portion 7a1 is in surface contact with the atomizing surface 50 of the ultrasonic vibration means 5, and the outer portion 7a2 is not in surface contact with the ultrasonic vibration means 5.

[0109] The bottom wall 25 of the liquid chamber 21 is a bottom plate 25 that seals the liquid chamber 21 and the ultrasonic irradiation chamber 22. Since the bottom plate 25 is sealed, leakage of liquid from the ultrasonic irradiation chamber 22 to the casing 3 is prevented.

[0110] The base plate 25 has an upper surface 25a with a recess 25b into which the elastic member 8 is inserted. The ultrasonic vibration means 5 is supported by the elastic member 8. The elastic member 8 is formed from an annular plate-shaped rubber having an inner hole 8' designed with a groove for holding the ultrasonic vibration means 5.

[0111] The upper wall 23 of the liquid chamber 21 is a cap 23 that closes the liquid chamber 23.

[0112] The top wall 23 has an upper surface 23 that represents the maximum level of liquid that the liquid chamber 21 can accommodate, and a lower surface 25 that represents the minimum level of liquid in the liquid chamber 21.

[0113] Since the top wall 23 is sealed, leakage of liquid from the liquid chamber 21 to the nozzle 1 is prevented.

[0114] The top wall 23 and the bottom wall 25 are fixed to the liquid storage structure 2 by fastening means such as screws, adhesives, or friction.

[0115] As shown in Figure 3, the elastic member is in line contact with the ultrasonic vibration means 5, and by preventing contact between the ultrasonic vibration means 5 and the wall of the inhaler, vibration of the liquid reservoir structure is more effectively suppressed. Therefore, the fine particles of the liquid atomized by the atomizing member can be sprayed over a greater distance.

[0116] As shown in Figure 3, the inner container 20b has an opening 20b' between the first part 20b1 and the second part 20b2, through which a capillary element 7 extends from the ultrasonic treatment chamber 21. The capillary element 7 absorbs liquid from the liquid chamber 21 through the opening 20b'. The capillary element 7 is a wick. The capillary element 7 transports the liquid to the ultrasonic irradiation chamber 22 by capillary action. In some configurations, the capillary element 7 is made of bamboo fiber. In some configurations, the capillary element 7 has a thickness between 0.27 mm and 0.32 mm and a weight of 38 g / m 2 and 48g / m 2 It may have a density between [the specified values].

[0117] As can be seen from Figure 3, the ultrasonic vibration means 5 is positioned directly below the capillary element 7.

[0118] The ultrasonic vibration means 5 may be a transducer. In terms of configuration, the ultrasonic vibration means 5 may be a piezoelectric transducer and may be designed in the shape of a circular plate. The material of the piezoelectric transducer may be ceramic.

[0119] Furthermore, various transducer materials can be used for the ultrasonic vibration means 5.

[0120] The end of the air duct 27b1 faces the ultrasonic vibration means 5. The ultrasonic vibration means 5 is electrically in contact with the electrical contactors 101a and 101b. Notably, the distal end 4b of the integrated circuit 4 has an inner electrode and an outer electrode. The inner electrode contacts the first electrical contact 101a, which is a spring contact probe, and the outer electrode contacts the second electrical contact 101b, which is a side pin. Through the integrated circuit 4, the first electrical contact 101a communicates electrically with the positive terminal of the energy storage device 30 via a microprocessor, and the second electrical contact 101b communicates electrically with the negative terminal of the energy storage device 30.

[0121] Electrical contacts 101a and 101b traverse the bottom plate 25. The bottom plate 25 is positioned to be received inside the peripheral wall 26 of the liquid storage structure 2. The bottom plate 25 rests on complementary ridges, thereby forming the liquid chamber 21 and the ultrasonic irradiation chamber 22.

[0122] The inner container 20b consists of a circular inner slot 20d to which a mechanical spring is applied.

[0123] By pressing the central portion 7a1 against the ultrasonic vibration means 5, the mechanical spring 9 ensures a contact surface between them.

[0124] The liquid reservoir structure 2 and the bottom plate 25 can be made using various thermoplastic materials.

[0125] When a user inhales into the ultrasonic mist inhaler 100, airflow is drawn in through the peripheral opening 1'', passes through the airflow chamber 28, through the peripheral opening 27a'' of the airflow bridge 27a and the frustconical element 20a, flows down through the airflow duct 27b into the ultrasonic processing chamber 22, and directly comes into contact with the capillary element 7. Simultaneously, liquid is drawn into the capillary element 7 from the reservoir chamber 21 through multiple openings 20b' by capillary action. The capillary element 7 brings the liquid into contact with the ultrasonic vibration means 5 of the inhaler 100. In addition, the user's inhalation activates the pressure sensor 4, which in turn conducts an electric current to the ultrasonic vibration means 5. Thus, when a user draws into the mouthpiece 1 of the inhaler 100, two actions occur simultaneously. First, the sensor activates the integrated circuit 4, which triggers the ultrasonic vibration means 5 to start vibrating. Secondly, the trigger reduces the pressure outside the reservoir chamber 21 so that the liquid begins to flow through the opening 20b', which saturates the capillary element 7. The capillary element 7 then carries the liquid to the ultrasonic vibration means 5, which causes bubbles to form in the capillary passage and atomize the liquid. The atomized liquid is then sucked in by the user.

[0126] In some configurations, the integrated circuit 4 includes a frequency controller configured to control the frequency on which the ultrasonic vibration means 5 operates. The frequency controller comprises a processor and memory, the memory storing executable instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform at least one function of the frequency controller.

[0127] As described above, in some configurations, the ultrasonic mist inhaler 100 drives the ultrasonic vibrating means 5 with a signal having a frequency of 2.8 MHz to 3.2 MHz to vaporize a liquid having a viscosity of 1.05 Pascal seconds to 1.412 Pascal seconds, in order to produce a bubble volume of approximately 0.25 to 0.5 microns. However, for liquids with different viscosities or for other applications, it may be possible to drive the ultrasonic vibrating means 5 with different frequencies.

[0128] For each different application of the mist generator, there is an optimal frequency or frequency range for driving the ultrasonic vibration means 5 to optimize mist generation. In configurations where the ultrasonic vibration means 5 is a piezoelectric transducer, the optimal frequency or frequency range will depend on at least the following four parameters: 1. Manufacturing process of the converter In some configurations, the ultrasonic vibration means 5 is made of piezoelectric ceramic. Piezoelectric ceramics are manufactured by mixing compounds to create a ceramic base, but this mixing process may not be consistent throughout the manufacturing process. This non-uniformity can result in variations in the resonant frequency of the cured piezoelectric ceramic.

[0129] If the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric ceramic does not correspond to the required operating frequency of the device, mist will not be generated during operation. In the case of nicotine mist inhalers, even a slight deviation in the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric ceramic can affect mist generation, meaning that the device will not be able to provide the user with the appropriate level of nicotine.

[0130] 2. Load on the converter During operation, when the load on the piezoelectric transducer changes, the vibration displacement of the entire piezoelectric transducer is suppressed. To optimally displace the vibration of the piezoelectric transducer, the drive frequency needs to be adjusted so that the circuit can supply sufficient power for the maximum displacement.

[0131] Types of loads that affect oscillator efficiency include the amount of liquid on the transducer (humidity of the wicking material) and the spring force applied to the wicking material to maintain permanent contact with the transducer. Electrical connection methods may also be included.

[0132] 3.Temperature The ultrasonic vibrations of the piezoelectric transducer are partially attenuated by incorporating them into the device. One possible method is to place the transducer in a silicone / rubber ring and apply pressure to the wicking material above the transducer using a spring. This vibration attenuation causes a localized increase in temperature on and around the transducer.

[0133] Rising temperature affects the oscillator's vibrations due to changes in the molecular behavior of the transducer. Increased temperature imparts more energy to the ceramic molecules, temporarily affecting their crystal structure. This effect reverses as the temperature decreases, but modulation of the supplied frequency is necessary to maintain optimal oscillation. This frequency modulation was not possible with conventional fixed-frequency devices.

[0134] Furthermore, as the temperature rises, the viscosity of the vaporized solution (e-liquid) decreases, which may necessitate changing the drive frequency to induce cavitation and maintain continuous mist generation. In the case of conventional fixed-frequency devices, lowering the viscosity of the liquid without changing the drive frequency will reduce or completely stop mist generation, rendering the device inoperable.

[0135] 4. Distance to the power source The oscillation frequency of an electronic circuit can vary depending on the wiring length between the converter and the oscillator-driver. The frequency of an electronic circuit is inversely proportional to the distance between the converter and the rest of the circuit.

[0136] While distance parameters are primarily fixed to the device, they can change during the manufacturing process, potentially reducing the overall efficiency of the device. Therefore, it is desirable to adjust the device's drive frequency to compensate for these fluctuations and optimize its efficiency.

[0137] A piezoelectric transducer can be modeled as an RLC circuit in an electronic circuit, as shown in Figure 5. The four parameters mentioned above can be modeled as changes in the inductance, capacitance, and resistance of the entire RLC circuit, which can change the resonant frequency range supplied to the transducer. As the circuit frequency rises to near the transducer's resonant point, the logarithmic impedance of the entire circuit drops to a minimum, then rises to a maximum, and then settles in the middle range. Figure 6 is a general graph illustrating the change in overall impedance with increasing frequency in an RLC circuit. Figure 7 shows the piezoelectric transducer at a first predetermined frequency f s At the following frequencies, in the first capacitive region, the second predetermined frequency fp This figure shows how it acts as a capacitor in the second capacitive region at the above frequencies. The piezoelectric converter operates at first and second predetermined frequencies f s ,f p Between these frequencies, it acts as an inductor in the inductive region. To maintain optimal oscillation of the converter and thus obtain maximum efficiency, the current flowing through the converter must be kept at a frequency within the inductive region.

[0138] In some configurations, the frequency controller of the apparatus is configured to maintain the oscillation frequency of the piezoelectric transducer (ultrasonic vibration means 5) within the induction range in order to maximize the efficiency of the apparatus.

[0139] The frequency controller is configured to perform a sweep operation, driving the converter at a frequency that is progressively tracked over a predetermined sweep frequency range. While the frequency controller performs the sweep, it monitors the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) value of the analog-to-digital converter coupled to the converter. In some configurations, the ADC value is an ADC parameter proportional to the voltage across the converter. In other configurations, the ADC value is an ADC parameter proportional to the current flowing through the converter.

[0140] As will be explained in more detail below, in some configurations, the frequency controller determines the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer by monitoring the current flowing through the transducer.

[0141] During the sweep operation, the frequency controller searches for the inductive frequency region for the transducer. Once the frequency controller has identified the inductive region, it records the ADC value and adjusts the transducer's drive frequency to a frequency within the inductive region (i.e., a first and second predetermined frequency f) in order to optimize ultrasonic cavitation by the transducer. s ,f p The device locks within the specified range. When the drive frequency is locked within the inductive range, the electromechanical coupling coefficient of the transducer is maximized, thereby maximizing the efficiency of the device. In some configurations, the frequency controller is configured to perform a sweep operation to determine the position of the inductive region each time the oscillation is started or restarted. In other configurations, the frequency controller is configured to lock the drive frequency at a new frequency within the inductive region each time the oscillation is started, thereby compensating for changes in parameters that affect the operational efficiency of the device.

[0142] In some configurations, the frequency controller ensures optimal mist generation and maximizes the efficiency of drug delivery to the user. In other configurations, the frequency controller optimizes the device, improves efficiency, and maximizes nicotine delivery to the user. In other configurations, frequency controllers optimize the device and improve the efficiency of any other device using ultrasound. In some configurations, frequency controllers are configured for use with ultrasound technology in therapeutic applications to enhance drug release from ultrasound-responsive drug delivery systems. Having a precise and optimal frequency during operation ensures that microbubbles, nanobubbles, nanodroplets, liposomes, emulsions, micelles, or any other delivery system are highly effective. In some configurations, the frequency controller is configured to operate in recursive mode to ensure optimal mist generation and optimal compound delivery as described above. When the frequency controller operates in recursive mode, it periodically sweeps the frequency 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 converter.

[0143] In some configurations, the frequency controller performs a sweep operation while the device is in the process of aerosolizing the liquid, in case the frequency controller can identify a possible better frequency for the converter. If the frequency controller identifies a better frequency, it locks the drive frequency to the newly identified better frequency to maintain optimal operation of the device.

[0144] In some configurations, the frequency controller periodically performs frequency sweeps for predetermined durations during the operation of the device. For devices in the configurations described above, the predetermined duration of the sweep and the time intervals 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 throughout the user's inhalation.

[0145] Figure 8 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of a frequency controller in several configurations.

[0146] The following disclosures further configurations of a mist inhaler, comprising many of the same elements as those in the configuration described above. The elements of the configuration described above can be substituted with any of the elements of the configurations described in the remainder of this disclosure.

[0147] The mist generators described below are used with, or intended for use with, the hookah apparatus 202, which will be described later. In other configurations, the hookah apparatus 202 consists of multiple other mist generators instead of the mist generator 201 described herein.

[0148] To ensure sufficient aerosol generation, several configurations of the mist inhaler 201 consist of ultrasonic / piezoelectric transducers with a diameter of exactly or substantially 16 mm. These transducers are manufactured to specific capacitance and impedance values ​​to control the frequency and power required for the desired aerosol volume generation.

[0149] A horizontally positioned 16mm diameter disc-shaped ultrasonic transducer can result in a large mist generator. To minimize size, the ultrasonic transducer in this configuration is held vertically within the ultrasonic chamber (the plane of the ultrasonic transducer is roughly parallel to the aerosol mist flow and / or roughly parallel to the longitudinal length of the mist generator). In other words, the ultrasonic transducer is generally perpendicular to the base of the mist generator.

[0150] Referring here to Figures 9 to 11 of the attached drawings, the mist generator 201 consists of a mist generating housing 204 formed from two elongated housing sections 205 and 206 that can be optionally attached to each other. The mist generating housing 204 consists of an air inlet port 207 and a mist outlet port 208.

[0151] In this configuration, the mist generating housing 204 is made of injection-molded plastic, specifically polypropylene, which is typically used in medical applications. In this configuration, the mist generating housing 204 is a heterophase copolymer. More specifically, it is BF970MO heterophase copolymer, which has an optimal combination of very high rigidity and high impact strength. Mist generating housing components molded from this material exhibit good antistatic performance. Heterogeneous copolymers such as polypropylene are particularly suitable for the mist generating housing 204 because they do not cause aerosol condensation as the material flows from the ultrasonic treatment chamber 219 through the mist outlet port 208. This plastic material can also be easily recycled directly using industrial crushing and washing processes.

[0152] In Figure 10, the mist outlet port 208 is closed by the closure element 209. However, when using the mist inhaler 200, it will be understood that the closure element 209 is removed from the mist outlet port 208, as shown in Figure 9.

[0153] Referring now to Figures 12 and 13, the mist generator 200 includes a transducer holder 210 held within the mist generating housing 204. In this configuration, the transducer holder 210 consists of a cylindrical or generally cylindrical body 211 and circular upper and lower openings 212, 213. The transducer holder 210 is provided with an internal channel 214 for receiving the end of the ultrasonic transducer 215, as shown in Figure 13.

[0154] The transducer holder 210 incorporates a cutout 216 through which the electrode 217 extends from the ultrasonic transducer 215, so that the electrode 217 can be electrically connected to the AC driver of the hookah device 202, and the electrode 217 extends from the ultrasonic transducer 215, as will be described in more detail below.

[0155] Referring again to Figure 11, the mist generator 201 includes a liquid chamber 218 located within the mist generating housing 204. The liquid chamber 218 is for containing the liquid to be atomized. In some configurations, the liquid is contained within the liquid chamber 218. In other configurations, the liquid chamber 218 is initially empty and then filled with liquid.

[0156] A liquid (also called an electron liquid) composition suitable for use in an ultrasonic mist generator 201 in several configurations, comprising a nicotine salt consisting of nicotine levulinate, is as follows: The relative amount of vegetable glycerin in the 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 The relative amount of propylene glycol in the composition is: 5-30% (w / w), or 10-30% (w / w), or 15-25% (w / w), or 20% (w / w), and / or The relative amount of water in the composition is: 5-15% (w / w), or 7-12% (w / w), or 10% (w / w), and / or The amount of nicotine and / or nicotine salt in the 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.

[0157] In some configurations, the mist generator 201 contains an electron liquid having a kinematic viscosity between 1.05 Pascals·seconds and 1.412 Pascals·seconds.

[0158] In some configurations, the liquid chamber 218 contains a liquid containing a nicotine levulinate salt in a 1:1 molar ratio.

[0159] In some configurations, the liquid chamber 218 contains an electronic liquid comprising nicotine, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, water, and a fragrance. In some examples, the concentration percentages of each component in the electronic liquid are shown in Tables 1, 2, 3, or 4 below.

[0160] [Table 1]

[0161] [Table 2]

[0162] [Table 3]

[0163] [Table 4]

[0164] In non-specific examples, nicotine in a solution is all or part in the form of nicotine levulinate.

[0165] Levulinic acid nicotine salt is formed by the bonding of nicotine and levulinic acid in solution. As a result, levulinic acid nicotine salt is formed, consisting of a levulinic acid anion and a nicotine cation.

[0166] The percentage concentrations of nicotine in the electronic liquid shown in Tables 1, 2, 3, and 4 are approximately equivalent to 17 mg / ml.

[0167] In some configurations, the liquid chamber 218 contains 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.

[0168] In some configurations, 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.

[0169] By using an electronic liquid with the correct viscosity and density parameters, and achieving the desired target bubble volume of liquid spray into air, it has been found that a frequency of 2.8 MHz to 3.2 MHz, with a liquid viscosity range of 1.05 Pascals·seconds and 1.412 Pascals·seconds and a density of approximately 1.1 to 1.3 g / mL (density range obtained from Hertz), produces droplet volumes of 90% less than 1 micron and 50% less than 0.5 microns.

[0170] The mist generator 201 is configured to include an ultrasonic irradiation chamber 219 provided within the mist generator housing 204.

[0171] Returning to Figures 12 and 13, the transducer holder 210 is configured to include a partition 220 that provides a barrier between the liquid chamber 218 and the ultrasonic irradiation chamber 219. The barrier provided by the partition 220 minimizes the risk of the ultrasonic treatment chamber 219 overflowing with liquid from the liquid chamber 218, or the risk of the capillary elements on the ultrasonic transducer 215 becoming oversaturated, both of which would overload and reduce the efficiency of the ultrasonic transducer 215. Furthermore, overflowing the ultrasonic irradiation chamber 219 or oversaturating the capillary elements could also lead to the unpleasant experience of the user inhaling liquid during inhalation. To mitigate this risk, the partition 220 of the transducer holder 210 sits as a wall between the ultrasonic irradiation chamber 219 and the liquid chamber 218.

[0172] The partition 220 constitutes a capillary opening 221, which is the only means by which liquid can flow from the liquid chamber 218 to the ultrasonic irradiation chamber 219 via a capillary element. In this configuration, the capillary opening 221 is an elongated slot having a width of 0.2 mm to 0.4 mm. The dimensions of the capillary opening 221 are such that the edge of the capillary opening 221 provides a bias force acting on the capillary element extending through the capillary opening 221 to control the liquid flow into the ultrasonic treatment chamber 219.

[0173] In this configuration, the transducer holder 210 is made of liquid silicone rubber (LSR). In this configuration, the liquid silicone rubber has a hardness of Shore A 60. The LSR material ensures that the ultrasonic transducer 215 vibrates without the transducer holder 210 damping vibrations. In this configuration, the vibrational displacement of the ultrasonic transducer 215 is 2-5 nanometers, and any damping effect could reduce the efficiency of the ultrasonic transducer 215. Therefore, the material and hardness of this LSR are selected to obtain optimal performance with minimal compromise.

[0174] Referring next to Figures 14 and 15, the mist generator 201 includes a capillary or capillary element 222 for transferring a liquid (containing a drug or other substance) from the liquid chamber 218 to the ultrasonic treatment chamber 219. The tubular element 222 is planar or substantially planar, having a first portion 223 and a second portion 224. In this arrangement, the first portion 223 has a rectangular or substantially rectangular shape, and the second portion 224 has a partially circular shape.

[0175] In this configuration, the capillary element 222 consists of a third part 225 and a fourth part 226, which are the same shape as the first and second parts 223 and 224, respectively. In this configuration, the capillary element 222 is folded around the fold line 227 so that the first and second parts 223 and 224 and the third and fourth parts 225 and 226 overlap each other, as shown in Figure 15.

[0176] In this configuration, the capillary element has a thickness of approximately 0.28 mm. As shown in Figure 15, when the capillary element 222 is folded to have two layers, the overall thickness of the capillary element becomes approximately 0.56 mm. This double layer also ensures that there is always sufficient liquid on the ultrasonic transducer 215 for optimal aerosol generation.

[0177] In this configuration, when the capillary element 222 is folded, the lower ends of the first and third portions 223 and 225 define an enlarged lower end 228 that increases the surface area of ​​the portion of the capillary element 222 that is in the liquid within the liquid chamber 218 in order to maximize the rate at which the capillary element 222 absorbs the liquid.

[0178] In this configuration, the capillary element 222 is 100% bamboo fiber. In other configurations, the capillary element is at least 75% bamboo fiber. The advantages of using bamboo fiber as the capillary element are as described above.

[0179] Referring now to Figures 16 and 17, the capillary element 222 is held by the transducer holder 210 such that the transducer holder 210 holds a second portion 224 of the capillary element 222 that is superimposed on a portion of the atomizing surface of the ultrasonic transducer 215. In this arrangement, the circular second portion 224 is housed within an inner recess 214 of the transducer holder 210.

[0180] The first portion 223 of the capillary element 222 extends through the capillary opening 221 of the transducer holder 210.

[0181] Next, referring to Figures 18 to 20, the second part 206 of the mist generating housing 204 consists of a roughly circular wall 229 that receives the transducer holder 222 and forms part of the wall of the ultrasonic processing chamber 219.

[0182] The contact openings 230 and 231 are provided in the side walls of the second portion 206 to receive electrical contacts 232 and 233 that form an electrical connection with the electrodes of the ultrasonic transducer 215.

[0183] In this configuration, an absorbent tip or absorbent element 234 is provided adjacent to the mist outlet port 208 to absorb liquid at the mist outlet port 208. In this configuration, the capillary element 234 is made of 100% bamboo fiber.

[0184] Next, referring to Figures 21 to 23, the first portion 205 of the mist generating housing 204 has a similar shape to the second portion 206 and further comprises a generally circular wall portion 235 that forms a further part of the wall of the ultrasonic irradiation chamber 219 and holds the transducer holder 210.

[0185] In this configuration, an absorbent element 236 is further provided adjacent to the mist outlet port 208 for absorbing liquid at the mist outlet port 208.

[0186] In this configuration, the first portion 205 of the mist generating housing 204 constitutes a spring support arrangement 237 that supports the lower end of the retainer spring 238, as shown in Figure 24.

[0187] The upper end of the retainer spring 238 contacts the second portion 224 of the capillary element 222 such that the retainer spring 238 provides a biasing force that biases the capillary element 222 toward the atomizing surface of the ultrasonic transducer 215.

[0188] Referring to Figure 25, it is shown that the transducer holder 210 is in place and held by the second part 206 of the mist generating housing 204 before the two parts 205 and 206 of the mist generating housing 204 are attached to each other.

[0189] Referring to Figures 26 to 29, in this configuration, the mist generator 201 is configured to include an identification array 239. The identification array 239 consists of a printed circuit board 240 having electrical contacts 241 on one side, and an integrated circuit 242 and another optional component 243 on the other side.

[0190] The integrated circuit 242 has a memory for storing an identifier unique to the mist generator 201. The electrical contact 241 provides an electronic interface for communicating with the integrated circuit 242.

[0191] In this configuration, the printed circuit board 240 is mounted in a recess 244 on one side of the mist generating housing 204. The integrated circuit 242 and any other electronic components 243 are housed in further recesses 245 such that the printed circuit board 240 is substantially flush with the side of the mist generating housing 204.

[0192] In this configuration, integrated circuit 242 is a one-time programmable (OTP) device that provides an anti-counterfeiting feature that allows only genuine mist generators from the manufacturer to be used with the device. This anti-counterfeiting feature is implemented in the mist generator 201 as a specific custom integrated circuit (IC) bonded to the mist generator 201 (and the printed circuit board 240). The OTP as an IC contains truly unique information that enables complete traceability of the mist generator 201 (and its contents) throughout its lifespan, as well as precise monitoring of consumption by the user. The OTP IC allows the mist generator 201 to function only when permitted to generate mist.

[0193] The OTP (Authorized Technology Policy) specifies the authorized status of a particular mist generator 201 as a characteristic feature. In fact, to prevent carbonyl emissions and maintain aerosol levels at a safe level, experiments have shown that after approximately 1000 seconds of aerosolization, the mist generator 201 is considered to have emptied the liquid in the liquid chamber 218. In this way, a non-genuine or empty mist generator 201 will be unable to operate after this predetermined usage time.

[0194] The OTP, as a feature, may be part of a complete chain involving the integration of the digital sales point, the mobile companion application, and the mist generator 201. Only genuine mist generators 201 manufactured by a trusted party and sold through the digital sales point can be used with the hookah device 202. The OTP IC is read by the hookah device 202, which is capable of recognizing the mist generator 201. In some configurations, the OTP IC is disposable, just like the mist generator 201. Whenever the mist generator 201 is considered empty, it will not be activated if inserted into the hookah device 202. Similarly, a counterfeit mist generator 201 will not function in the hookah device 202.

[0195] Referring here to Figure 30 of the attached drawings, the driver device 202 consists of ultrasonic transducer driver microchips, which are referred to herein as power management integrated circuits or PMICs 300. Each PMIC 300 is a microchip for driving each ultrasonic transducer 215 in one of the mist generators 201. In embodiments of this disclosure, the number of PMICs in the hookah apparatus 202 corresponds to the number of mist generators 201 for use with the hookah apparatus 202. In the example described below, there are four mist generators 201, and the hookah apparatus 202 consists of four corresponding PMICs 300. In other examples, the hookah apparatus 202 consists of 2 to 8 PMICs 300 configured to drive 2 to 8 mist generators 201 coupled to the hookah apparatus 202.

[0196] In this disclosure, the terms chip, microchip, and integrated circuit are interchangeable. A microchip or integrated circuit is a single unit consisting of multiple interconnected embedded components and subsystems. A microchip is, for example, a semiconductor, at least in part, such as silicon, and is manufactured using semiconductor manufacturing techniques.

[0197] Furthermore, the hookah apparatus 202 comprises a plurality of second microchips, each referred to herein as a bridge integrated circuit or bridge IC301. Each bridge IC301 is electrically connected to one of the PMIC300s. Each bridge IC301 is a microchip for driving each ultrasonic transducer 215 in one of the mist generators 201. In embodiments of this disclosure, the number of bridge IC301s in the hookah apparatus 202 corresponds to the number of mist generators 201 for use with the hookah apparatus 202. Each bridge IC301 is a single unit consisting of a plurality of interconnected embedded components or subsystems. In an example later described, there are four bridge IC301s, and the hookah apparatus 202 consists of four corresponding PMIC300s.

[0198] In this example, each PMIC 300 and its representative connecting bridge IC 301 are mounted on the same board of the hookah device 202. As will be described later, each bridge IC 301 is connected to its respective PMIC 300 via a connector on the PCB, without using a communication bus (e.g., the I2C bus described later). In this example, the physical dimensions of the PMIC 300 are 1-3 mm in width and 1-3 mm in length, and the physical dimensions of the bridge IC 301 are width They are 1-3 mm in size and 1-3 mm in length.

[0199] For simplicity, Figure 43 shows only one PMIC 300 and one bridge IC 301, and the following description will refer only to one PMIC 300 and one bridge IC 301. However, it will be understood that the hookah device 202 incorporates multiple PMICs 300 and multiple bridge ICs 301 connected in the same configuration as shown in Figure 43. As will be described later, each PMIC 300 is connected to a communication (I2C) bus 302, and each PMIC 300 can be controlled independently by signals from a microcontroller 303 transmitted via the communication bus 302.

[0200] The mist generating device 201 is configured to include a programmable integrated circuit or a one-time programmable integrated circuit or an OTP IC 242. When the mist generating device 201 is coupled to the e-cigarette device 202, the OTP IC is electrically connected to the PMIC 300 and is adapted to receive power from the PMIC 300 so that the PMIC 300 can manage the voltage supplied to the OTP IC 242. Also, the OTP IC 242 is connected to a data bus or communication bus 302 within the driver device 202. In this example, the communication bus 302 is an I2C bus, but in other examples, the communication bus 302 is another type of data bus.

[0201] The ultrasonic transducer 215 within the mist generating device 201 is electrically connected to the bridge IC 301 and can be driven by an AC drive signal generated by the bridge IC 301 during use of the e-cigarette device 202.

[0202] The e-cigarette device 202 is composed of a processor in the form of a microcontroller 303 that is electrically coupled to communicate with the communication bus 302. In this example, the microcontroller 303 is a Bluetooth TM low energy (BLE) microcontroller. The microcontroller 303 receives power from a low dropout regulator (LDO) 304 driven by a battery. The LDO 304 supplies a stable regulated voltage to the microcontroller 303 so that the microcontroller 303 can operate stably even when the voltage of the battery 250 fluctuates.

[0203] The hookah apparatus 202 constitutes a voltage regulator in the form of a DC-DC boost converter 305 powered by the battery 250. Although only one DC-DC boost converter 305 is shown in Figure 43, in some embodiments the hookah apparatus 202 consists of multiple DC-DC boost converters 305, each supplying power to one of the multiple bridge ICs 301. In other embodiments the hookah apparatus 305 consists of only one DC-DC boost converter 305 configured to supply power to each of the multiple bridge ICs 301.

[0204] The boost converter 305 increases the voltage from the battery or power supply to a programmable voltage VBOOST. The programmable voltage VBOOST is set by the boost converter 305 in response to a voltage control signal VCTL from the PMIC 300. As will be detailed later, the boost converter 305 outputs the voltage VBOOST to the bridge IC 301. In other examples, the voltage regulator is a buck converter or other type of voltage regulator that outputs a selectable voltage.

[0205] The voltage control signal (VCTL) in this example is generated by a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) implemented within the PMIC300. Because the DAC is integrated into the PMIC300, it is not visible in Figure 30. The DAC and the technical advantages of integrating it into the PMIC300 are described in detail below.

[0206] In this example, the PMIC 300 is connected to a power connector in the form of a Universal Serial Bus (USB) connector 306 so that the PMIC 300 can receive the charging voltage VCHRG when the connector 306 is plugged into a USB charger. In another example, the PMIC 300 is connected to a separate power socket so that the hookah device 202 can be connected to an external power source and thereby powered.

[0207] In this example, the hookah device 202 consists of a first pressure sensor 307, which is a static pressure sensor. The hookah device 202 also includes a second pressure sensor 308, which is a dynamic pressure sensor. However, in other examples, the hookah device 202 consists of only one of the two pressure sensors 307, 308. The pressure sensors 307, 308 sense changes in air pressure to determine when the user is smoking the hookah and inhaling air through the mist generator 201. In this example, the hookah device 202 consists of multiple LEDs 308 controlled by the PMIC 300. In other examples, one or more LEDs 308 are omitted. The microcontroller 303 functions as the master device on the communication bus 302, with the PMIC 300 being the first slave device, the OTP IC 242 being the second slave device, the second pressure sensor 308 being the third slave device, and the first pressure sensor 307 being the first slave device. Each additional PMIC 300 in the multiple PMIC 300s is another slave device on the communication bus 302. The communication bus 302 allows the microcontroller 303 to control the following functions within the hookah device 202.

[0208] 1. All functions of each PMIC300 are highly configurable by the microcontroller303.

[0209] 2. The current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer 215 is sensed at a high common-mode voltage (high-side of the bridge) by a high-bandwidth sense-rectifier circuit. The sensed current is converted to a voltage proportional to the effective current and provided as a buffered voltage to the current-sensing output terminal 309 of the bridge IC 301. This voltage is supplied to the PMIC 300 for sampling and made available as a digital representation via I2C requests. Sensing the current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer 215 forms part of the resonant frequency tracking function. As described in this document, the device's ability to enable this functionality within the bridge IC 301 provides a significant technical advantage.

[0210] 3. The DAC integrated within the PMIC300 (not shown in Figure 30) allows the DC-DC boost converter voltage VBOOST to be programmed to be between 10V and 20V.

[0211] 4. The microcontroller 303 enables the charger subsystem of the device 202 to manage the charging of the battery, which is a single-cell battery.

[0212] 5. A light-emitting diode (LED) driver module (not shown) drives the LED 308 in either linear mode or gamma correction mode and is powered by the PMIC 300 for digital dimming.

[0213] 6. The microcontroller 303 can read the Pressure#1 and Pressure#2 sensor values ​​from the pressure sensors 307 and 308.

[0214] Referring here to Figure 31 of the attached drawings, each PMIC 300 in this example is a self-contained chip or integrated circuit consisting of an integrated subsystem and a number of pins that provide electrical input and output to the PMIC 300. References to integrated circuits or chips in this disclosure are interchangeable, and either term encompasses semiconductor devices, which may be silicon, for example.

[0215] The PMIC300 features an analog core 310, which consists of analog components including a reference block (BG) 311, an LDO 312, a current sensor 313, a temperature sensor 314, and an oscillator 315.

[0216] As will be described in more detail below, oscillator 315 is coupled to a delay-locked loop (DLL) that outputs pulse-width modulation (PWM) A and B stages, and oscillator 315 and the DLL generate a two-phase center-matched PWM output that drives the H bridge in bridge IC 301.

[0217] A DLL consists of multiple end-to-end delay lines, the total delay time of which is equal to the period of the main clock signal clk_m. In this example, the DLL is implemented in a digital processor subsystem of the PMIC300, called the digital core 316 in this document, which receives the clock signal from oscillator 315 and the regulated power supply voltage from LDO312. The DLL is implemented in the digital core 316 with a large number of delay gates (e.g., on the order of millions) connected end to end.

[0218] Currently, there are no signal generator components in the integrated circuit market that constitute this implementation, making it unique to implement the oscillator 315 and DLL on the same integrated circuit as the PMIC300 to generate a two-phase center-aligned PWM signal.

[0219] As explained in this book, PWM is part of the functionality that allows the hookah apparatus 202 to accurately track the resonant frequency of the ultrasonic transducer 215 in order to maintain an efficient transfer of electrical energy to kinetic energy in order to optimize mist generation.

[0220] In this example, the PMIC300 is configured to include a charger circuit 317 that controls battery charging using power from, for example, a USB power source.

[0221] The PMIC300 is configured to include an integrated power switch VSYS that configures the PMIC300 to power the analog core 310 either by power from a battery or by power from an external power supply.

[0222] The PMIC300 constitutes the embedded analog-to-digital converter (ADC) subsystem 318. The integration of the ADC318 together with the oscillator 315 within the same integrated circuit is unique in the integrated circuit market, as no other integrated circuits exist that combine an oscillator and ADC as subblocks within an integrated circuit. In conventional devices, the ADC is supplied as a separate discrete component from the oscillator, and the ADC and oscillator are typically mounted on the same PCB. The problem with this conventional arrangement is that the two independent components, the ADC and oscillator, unnecessarily occupy space on the PCB. Furthermore, conventional ADCs and oscillators are usually connected to each other via serial data communication buses such as the I2C bus, which have the limitation of a maximum communication speed of 400 kHz. In contrast to conventional devices, the PMIC300 integrates the ADC318 and oscillator 315 within the same integrated circuit. This means there is no lag in communication between the ADC318 and oscillator 315, and the ADC318 and oscillator 315 can communicate with each other at high speed, for example, at the speed of the oscillator 315 (e.g., 3MHz to 5MHz).

[0223] In this example of the PMIC300, the oscillator 315 operates at 5 MHz and generates a 5 MHz clock signal, SYS CLOCK. However, in other examples, the oscillator 315 generates clock signals at much higher frequencies, up to 105 MHz. All integrated circuits described in this book are configured to operate at the higher frequencies of the oscillator 315.

[0224] The ADC318 consists of multiple feedback input terminals or analog inputs 319 that make up multiple GPIO inputs (IF_GPIO1~3). At least one of the feedback input terminals or analog inputs 319 receives a feedback signal from the H-bridge circuit in the bridge IC301, which indicates the parameters of the operation of the H-bridge circuit or the parameters of the AC drive signal when the H-bridge circuit is driving a resonant circuit such as the ultrasonic transducer 215 with the AC drive signal. As will be described later, the GPIO inputs are used to receive a current sense signal from the bridge IC301 that indicates the root mean square (rms) current reported by the bridge IC301. In this example, one of the GPIO inputs is a feedback input terminal that receives a feedback signal from the H-bridge in the bridge IC301.

[0225] The ADC subsystem 318 samples the analog signals received by the multiple ADC input terminals 319 at a sampling frequency proportional to the frequency of the main clock signal. Then, the ADC subsystem 318 generates an ADC digital signal using the sampled analog signals.

[0226] In this example, the ADC318 built into the PMIC300 samples not only the RMS current flowing through the H-bridge 334 and ultrasonic transducer 215, but also the voltages available in the system (e.g., VBAT, VCHRG, VBOOST), the temperature of the PMIC300, the battery temperature, and GPIO inputs (IF_GPIO1~3) to enable future expansion.

[0227] The digital core 316 receives the ADC-generated digital signal from the ADC subsystem, processes the ADC digital signal, and generates a driver control signal. The digital core 316 transmits the driver control signal to the PWM signal generator subsystem (DLL332) and controls the PWM signal generator subsystem.

[0228] Rectifier circuits currently available on the market have very limited bandwidth (typically less than 1 MHz). Since the oscillator 315 of the PMIC300 operates at up to 5 MHz, or up to 105 MHz, a high-bandwidth rectifier circuit is implemented in the PMIC300. As described later, sensing the RMS current in the H-bridge of the bridge IC301 forms part of a feedback loop that enables the hookah device 202 to drive the ultrasonic transducer 215 with high precision. This feedback loop is a game-changer in the ultrasonic transducer driving industry, as it accommodates all process variations (variations in resonant frequency) in the manufacture of the piezoelectric transducer and compensates for the temperature effect of the resonant frequency. This is partially achieved by the inventive realization of integrating the ADC318, oscillator 315, and DLL within the same integrated circuit of the PMIC300. This integration allows these subsystems to communicate with each other at high speed (e.g., at clock frequencies of 5 MHz or up to 105 MHz). Reducing the lag between these subsystems is a game-changer in the ultrasonic industry, particularly in the field of mist generators.

[0229] The ADC318 consists of battery voltage monitoring input VBAT, charger input voltage monitoring input VCHG, as well as voltage monitoring inputs VMON and VRTH, and temperature monitoring input TEMP.

[0230] The temperature monitoring input TEMP receives a temperature signal from the temperature sensor 314 built into the PMIC 300. This allows the PMIC 300 to accurately sense the actual temperature inside the PMIC 300 and detect malfunctions within the PMIC 300, as well as malfunctions in other components on the printed circuit board that affect the temperature of the PMIC 300. The PMIC 300 then controls the bridge IC 301 to prevent excitation of the ultrasonic transducer 215 if a malfunction occurs, thereby ensuring the safety of the water pipe device 202 and maintaining the safety of the mist inhaler 200.

[0231] The additional temperature sensor input VRTH receives a temperature sensing signal from an external temperature sensor within the e-cigarette device 202 that monitors the temperature of the e-cigarette device 250. Thus, the PMIC 300 can react to shut down the e-cigarette device 202 to reduce the risk of damage caused by an overly high operating temperature.

[0232] In this example, the PMIC 300 comprises an LED driver 320 that receives a digital drive signal from the digital core 316 and provides an LED drive output signal to six LEDs 321 - 326 configured to be coupled to the output pins of the PMIC 300. Thus, the LED driver 320 can drive and dim the LEDs 321 - 326 with up to six independent channels.

[0233] The PMIC 300 includes a first digital-to-analog converter (DAC) 327 that converts a digital signal within the PMIC 300 into an analog voltage control signal and outputs it from the PMIC 300 via the output terminal VDAC0. The first DAC 327 converts the digital control signal generated by the digital core 316 into an analog voltage control signal and outputs it via the output terminal VDAC0 to control a voltage regulator circuit such as the boost converter 305. In this way, the voltage control signal controls the voltage regulator circuit to generate a predetermined voltage for modulation by an H-bridge circuit for driving the ultrasonic transducer 215 in response to a feedback signal indicating the operation of the resonant circuit (ultrasonic transducer 215).

[0234] In this example, the PMIC 300 is configured to include a second DAC 328 that converts a digital signal within the PMIC 300 into an analog signal output from the PMIC 300 via a second analog output terminal VDAC1.

[0235] By embedding DAC327 and 328 within the same microchip as the other subsystems of the PMIC300, DAC327 and 328 can communicate with the digital core 316 and other components within the PMIC300 with little to no communication lag and at high speed. DAC327 and 328 provide analog outputs to control external feedback loops. For example, the first DAC327 supplies a control signal VCTL to the boost converter 305, controlling its operation. In another example, DAC327 and 328 are configured to supply a drive signal to a DC-DC buck converter, either in place of or in addition to the boost converter 305. By integrating two independent DAC channels into the PMIC300, the PMIC300 can manipulate the feedback loop of any regulator used in the hookah device 202, allowing the hookah device 202 to adjust the ultrasonic irradiation power of the ultrasonic transducer 215 or set analog thresholds for the absolute maximum current and temperature settings of the ultrasonic transducer 215.

[0236] The PMIC300 configures a serial communication interface, which in this example is an I2C interface with an internal external I2C address configured via a pin.

[0237] The PMIC300 also consists of various functional blocks, including a Digital Machine Module (FSM) for implementing the functions of the microchip. These blocks are described in more detail below.

[0238] Referring to Figure 32 in the attached drawing, the pulse width modulation (PWM) signal generator subsystem 329 is integrated into the PMIC 300. The PWM generator system 329 consists of an oscillator 315, a frequency divider 330, a multiplexer 331, and a delay-locked loop (DLL) 332. As will be described later, the PWM generator system 329 is This is a two-phase center-aligned PWM generator.

[0239] The frequency divider 330, multiplexer 331, and DLL 332 are implemented using digital logic components (e.g., transistors, logic gates, etc.) within the digital core 316.

[0240] In the examples of this disclosure, the frequency range covered by the oscillator 315 and the PWM generation system 329, respectively, is 50 kHz to 5 MHz or up to 105 MHz. The frequency accuracy of the PWM generation system 329 is ±1%, and its temperature overhang is ±1%. Currently, there are no ICs on the IC market that incorporate an oscillator and a two-phase center-matched PWM generator capable of providing a frequency range of 50 kHz to 5 MHz or 105 MHz.

[0241] Oscillator 315 generates a main clock signal (clk_m) with a frequency of 50kHz to 5MHz or up to 105MHz. The main clock clk_m is input to frequency divider 330, which divides the frequency of the main clock clk_m by one or more predetermined divisors. In this example, frequency divider 330 divides the frequency of the main clock clk_m by 2, 4, 8, and 16, and supplies the divided frequency clocks as outputs to multiplexer 331. Multiplexer 331 multiplexes the divided frequency clocks and supplies the divided frequency outputs to DLL332. The signal passed to DLL332 is a frequency reference signal that controls DLL332 to output signals at the desired frequencies. In other examples, frequency divider 330 and multiplexer 331 are omitted.

[0242] Furthermore, oscillator 315 generates two phases: a first phase clock signal Phase 1 and a second phase clock signal Phase 2. The phases of the first and second phase clock signals are center-aligned, as shown in Figure 33: The first phase clock signal, Phase 1, is high for a variable time corresponding to the positive half-period of clk_m, and low during the negative half-period of clk_m. The Phase 2 clock signal is High for a variable time corresponding to the negative half-period of clk_m, and Low for the positive half-period of clk_m.

[0243] The first-phase clock signal Phase1 and the second-phase clock signal Phase2 are then sent to DLL332, which generates a double-frequency clock signal. This double-frequency clock signal has twice the frequency of the main clock signal clk_m. In this example, an "OR" gate in DLL332 uses the first-phase clock signal Phase1 and the second-phase clock signal Phase2 to generate a double-frequency clock signal. This double-frequency clock, or the divided frequency coming from the frequency divider 330, is selected based on the chosen target frequency and then used as the reference for DLL332.

[0244] Within the DLL332, the signal referred to as "clock" below controls the main clock clk_m. A signal called "clock_del" represents a doubled version of the original clock, and the latter represents a replica of the clock delayed by one cycle. Both clock and clock_del pass through a phase frequency detector. Based on the polarity of the phase error, node Vc is charged and discharged by a charge pump. A control voltage is directly supplied to control the delay of each delay unit within the DLL332 until the total delay of the DLL332 is exactly one cycle.

[0245] The DLL332 controls the rising edges of the first-phase clock signal Phase1 and the second-phase clock signal Phase2 to synchronize with the rising edge of the double-frequency clock signal. The DLL332 adjusts the frequency and duty cycle of the first-phase clock signal Phase1 and the second-phase clock signal Phase2 according to their respective frequency reference signals and duty cycle control signals, and generates the first-phase output signal PhaseA and the second-phase output signal PhaseB to drive the H-bridge or inverter and generate AC drive signals to drive the ultrasonic converter.

[0246] The PMIC300 consists of a first-phase output signal terminal PHASE_A, which outputs the first-phase output signal A stage to the H-bridge circuit, and a second-phase output signal terminal PHASE_B, which outputs the second-phase output signal B stage to the H-bridge circuit.

[0247] In this example, the DLL332 adjusts the duty cycles of the first-phase clock signal Phase1 and the second-phase clock signal Phase2 by changing the delay time of each delay line of the DLL332 in response to the duty cycle control signal.

[0248] The clock is used at twice its frequency to ensure better accuracy. As shown in Figure 34, if the frequency of the main clock clk_m is used for illustrative purposes (not used in the examples of this disclosure), phase A is synchronized to the rising edge R of the clock and phase B is synchronized to the falling edge F of the clock. The delay line of DLL332 controls the rising edge R, and therefore, for the falling edge F, the PWM generation system 329 would have to rely on a perfect match of the delay unit of DLL332, which could be imperfect. However, to eliminate this error, the PWM generation system 329 uses a double-frequency clock so that both phase A and phase B are synchronized to the rising edge R of the double-frequency clock.

[0249] To execute duty cycles from 20% to 50% in 2% step sizes, the DLL332 delay line consists of 25 delay units, with the output of each delay unit representing a phase nth. Ultimately, the phase of the output of the last delay unit corresponds to the input clock. Assuming all delays are approximately the same, a specific duty cycle can be obtained at the output of a specific delay unit using the simple logic of the digital core 316.

[0250] While DLL332 may not be able to lock onto a delay period, having two or more periods can lead DLL332 into a non-converging zone, so care must be taken when activating DLL332. To circumvent this problem, an activation circuit is implemented in the PWM generation system 329, which allows DLL332 to be activated from a known deterministic state. The activation circuit further enables DLL332 to be activated with minimal delay.

[0251] In an example of the present disclosure, since the frequency range covered by the PWM generator system 329 is extended, the delay units in the DLL 332 can provide delays from 4 ns (when the oscillator frequency is 5 MHz) to 400 ns (when the oscillator frequency is 50 kHz). To accommodate these different delays, a capacitor Cb is included in the PWM generation system 329, and the capacitor value is selected to provide the required delay.

[0252] The A phase and the B phase are output from the DLL 332 and passed to the bridge IC 301 via the digital IO, enabling the A phase and the B phase to be used for controlling the operation of the bridge IC 301.

[0253] Next, the battery charging function of some examples of the vaping device 202 will be described in more detail. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments where the vaping device 202 is configured to be powered by an external power source instead of a battery, the battery charging function may be omitted.

[0254] In this example, the battery charging subsystem is composed of a charger circuit 317 built into the PMIC 300 and controlled by a digital charging controller hosted by the PMIC 300. The charger circuit 317 is controlled by the microcontroller 303 via the communication bus 302. The battery charging subsystem can charge a single-cell lithium polymer (LiPo) or lithium ion (Li-ion) battery. Yes.

[0255] In this example, the battery charging subsystem can charge the battery or batteries with a maximum charging current of 1 A from a 5V power source (e.g., a USB power source). One or more of the following parameters can be programmed via the communication bus 302 (I2C interface) to adapt the charging parameters of the battery. s

[0256] The charging voltage can be set in 100mV steps between 3.9V and 4.3V.

[0257] The charging current can be set in 50mA increments from 150mA to 1000mA.

[0258] The pre-charge current is 1 / 10 of the charging current.

[0259] The pre-charge and fast-charge timeouts can be set between 5 and 85 minutes, and between 20 and 340 minutes, respectively.

[0260] As an option, an external negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor can be used to monitor the battery temperature.

[0261] In some examples, the battery charging subsystem reports one or more of the following events by generating an interrupt to the host microcontroller 303: Battery detection Battery charging The battery is fully charged. No battery Charging timeout The charging power supply is below the insufficient voltage limit.

[0262] The main advantage of embedding the charger circuit 317 in the PMIC 300 is that all the described programming options and event displays can be implemented within the PMIC 300, ensuring the safe operation of the battery charging subsystem. Furthermore, it is possible to achieve significant savings in manufacturing costs and PCB space compared to conventional mist inhalers consisting of discrete components of the charging system that are separately implemented on the PCB. In addition, the charger circuit 317 allows for versatile settings of charging current and voltage, different fault timeouts, and numerous event flags for detailed state analysis.

[0263] Next, 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, which has a high-speed oscillator 315. Furthermore, integrating the ADC 318 into the PMIC 300 goes against conventional approaches in the art that rely on using one of the many discrete ADC devices available on the IC market.

[0264] In this example, the ADC318 samples at least one parameter within the ultrasonic transducer driver chip (PMIC300) at a sampling rate equal to the frequency of the main clock signal clk_m. In this example, the ADC318 is a 10-bit analog-to-digital converter that can unload digital sampling from the microprocessor 303 to conserve resources on the microprocessor 303. Integrating the ADC318 within the PMIC300 also avoids the need to use an I2C bus, which would otherwise slow down the ADC's sampling capability (traditional devices rely on an I2C bus to transmit data between a dedicated discrete ADC and a microcontroller, typically at a limited clock speed of up to 400 kHz).

[0265] In the examples of this disclosure, one or more of the following parameters may be sequentially sampled by the ADC318.

[0266] i. The RMS current signal received by the ultrasonic transducer driver chip (PMIC300) from the external inverter circuit driving the ultrasonic transducer. In this example, this parameter is the root mean square (rms) current reported by the bridge IC301. Sensing the RMS current is crucial for implementing the feedback loop used to drive the ultrasonic transducer 215. The ADC318 does not rely on this information being transmitted over the I2C bus, so it is possible to sense the RMS current directly from the bridge IC301 via a signal with minimal or no delay. This provides significant speed and accuracy advantages compared to conventional devices, which are constrained by the relatively low speed of the I2C bus. ii. The voltage of the battery connected to the PMIC300. iii. The voltage of the charger connected to the PMIC300. iv. Temperature signal indicating the chip temperature of the PMIC300, etc. As mentioned above, since the temperature sensor 314 is built into the same IC as the oscillator 315, this temperature can be measured with great accuracy. For example, if the temperature of the PMIC300 rises, the PMIC300 controls the current, frequency, and PWM, which in turn controls the oscillation of the converter, thereby controlling the temperature. v. Two external terminals. vi. External NTC temperature sensor for monitoring the battery pack temperature.

[0267] In some examples, the ADC318 sequentially samples one or more of the above sources, for example, in a round-robin manner. The ADC318 samples the sources at a high speed, such as the speed of the oscillator 315, which may be up to 5 MHz or up to 105 MHz.

[0268] In some examples, the device 202 is configured so that the user or the device manufacturer can specify how many samples to take from each source for averaging. For example, the user can configure the system to take 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 skip one of the above sources. In some examples, the hookah device 202 is configured by the user via an external computing device that communicates wirelessly with the hookah device 202 (e.g., via BLE).

[0269] In some examples, the user can specify two digital thresholds for each source, dividing the entire range into multiple zones (e.g., three zones). An interrupt can then be configured to occur when the sampled value changes from zone 2 to zone 3.

[0270] Conventional ICs currently available on the market cannot perform the functions described above for the PMIC300. Such flexibility and granularity in sampling are crucial when driving ultrasonic transducers.

[0271] In this example, the PMIC300 consists of 8-bit general-purpose digital input / output ports (GPIO). Each port can be configured as a digital input and a digital output. Additionally, as shown in the table in Figure 35, some ports also have analog input capabilities.

[0272] The GPIO7-GPIO5 ports of the PMIC300 can be used to address devices on the I2C bus 302. Eight identical devices can then be used on the same I2C bus. This is a unique feature in the IC industry because it allows eight identical devices to be used on the same I2C bus without address conflicts. This is achieved by each device reading the state of GPIO7-GPIO5 during the first 100μs after the PMIC300 starts up, and storing the addresses of that portion internally in the PMIC300. After the PMIC300 starts up, the GPIOs can be used for other purposes.

[0273] As described above, the PMIC300 is configured to include a 6-channel LED driver 320. In this example, the LED driver 320 is composed of a 5V withstand voltage N-Channel Metal-Oxide Semiconductor (NMOS) current source. The LED driver 320 is configured to allow setting the LED current to four discrete levels: 5mA, 10mA, 15mA, and 20mA. The LED driver 320 is configured to dim each LED channel with a 12-bit PWM signal, with or without gamma correction. The LED driver 320 is configured to vary the PWM frequency between 300Hz and 1.5KHz. This feature is unique in the field of ultrasonic mist inhalers because it is integrated as a subsystem of the PMIC300.

[0274] In this example, the PMIC300 consists of two independent 6-bit digital-to-analog converters (DACs) 327 and 328 integrated into the PMIC300. The purpose of DACs 327 and 328 is to output analog voltages to manipulate the feedback path of an external regulator (e.g., DC-DC Boost converter 305 a Buck converter or LDO). Furthermore, in some examples, DACs 327 and 328 can also be used to dynamically adjust the overcurrent shutdown level of the bridge IC 301, as described later.

[0275] The output voltage of each DAC327 and 328 is programmable between 0V and 1.5V, or between 0V and V_battery (Vbat). In this example, the DAC output voltage is controlled via I2C commands. The incorporation of two DACs into the PMIC300 is unique, enabling dynamic monitoring and control of the current. If either the DAC327 or 328 were an external chip, it would be subject to the same limitations as the speed limit imposed by the I2C protocol. With all these built-in functions within the PMIC, the active power monitoring arrangement of device 202 functions with optimal efficiency. If these were external components, the active power monitoring arrangement would be completely inefficient.

[0276] Referring here to Figure 36 of the attached drawings, the bridge IC 301 is a microchip that constitutes the embedded power switching circuit 333. In this example, the power switching circuit 333 is the H-bridge 334 shown in Figure 37, which will be described in detail below. However, it will be understood that in other examples, the bridge IC 301 may incorporate a power switching circuit that performs an equivalent function for generating the AC drive signal to drive the ultrasonic transducer 215, instead of the H-bridge 334.

[0277] Bridge IC 301 constitutes the first phase terminal A, which receives the first phase output signal A from the PWM signal generation subsystem of PMIC 300. Bridge IC 301 also constitutes the second phase terminal B, which receives the second phase output signal B from the PWM signal generator subsystem of PMIC 300.

[0278] The bridge IC 301 consists of a current sensing circuit 335 that directly senses the current flow in the H-bridge 334 and provides an RMS current output signal via the RMS_CURR terminal of the bridge IC 301. The current sensing circuit 335 is configured for overcurrent monitoring, detecting when the current flowing through the H-bridge 334 exceeds a predetermined threshold. Integrating all of the power switching circuit 333 and current sensing circuit 335 that constitute the H-bridge 334 into the same embedded circuit of the bridge IC 301 is a unique combination in the IC market. Currently, there are no other integrated circuits in the IC market that constitute an H-bridge with an embedded circuit for sensing the RMS current flowing through the H-bridge.

[0279] The bridge IC 301 consists of a temperature sensor 336, which includes over-temperature monitoring. The temperature sensor 336 is configured to shut down the bridge IC 301 or disable at least a portion of the bridge IC 336 if it detects that the bridge IC 301 is operating at a temperature exceeding a predetermined threshold. Thus, the temperature sensor 336 provides an integrated safety feature that prevents damage to the bridge IC 301 or other components in the hookah device 202 if the bridge IC 301 operates at an excessively high temperature.

[0280] The bridge IC 301 comprises a digital state machine 337 integrally connected to the power switching circuit 333. The digital state machine 337 receives A-stage and B-stage signals from the PMIC 300 and, for example, an ENABLE signal from the microcontroller 303. The digital state machine 337 generates timing signals based on the first phase output signal A-stage and the second phase output signal B-stage.

[0281] The digital state machine 337 controls the power switching circuit 333 by receiving timing signals corresponding to the A-stage signal and the B-stage signal, as well as BRIDGE PR signal and BRIDGE The EN signal is output to the power switching circuit 333. As a result, the digital state machine 337 outputs timing signals to switches T1-T4 of the H-bridge circuit 334, controlling switches T1-T4 to turn on / off sequentially so that the H-bridge circuit outputs AC drive signals to drive resonant circuits such as the ultrasonic transducer 215.

[0282] As will be explained in more detail later, the switching sequence consists of a free-float period 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 in order to dissipate the energy stored in the resonant circuit (ultrasonic transducer 215).

[0283] The bridge IC 301 is configured to include a test controller 338 that can test the bridge IC 301 to determine whether the embedded components within the bridge IC 301 are functioning correctly. DATA, TEST CLK, TEST It is connected to the LOAD terminal, allowing data to be sent to the bridge IC 301 and connected to an external control device to test the operation of the bridge IC 301. The bridge IC 301 also has a TST (Transmission Stability Test) function. A TEST BUS is configured that allows testing of the digital communication bus within the bridge IC301 via the PAD terminal.

[0284] The bridge IC 301 includes 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 up normally only when the power supply voltage is 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 power supply voltage comes within the predetermined range.

[0285] The bridge IC 301 comprises a reference block (BG) 340 that provides a precise reference voltage for use by other subsystems of the bridge IC 301.

[0286] The bridge IC 301 constitutes a current reference 341 that provides accurate current to power switching circuits 333 and / or other subsystems within the bridge IC 301, such as the current sensor 335.

[0287] The temperature sensor 336 continuously monitors the silicon temperature of the bridge IC 301. If the temperature exceeds a predetermined temperature threshold, the power switching circuit 333 is automatically switched off. Furthermore, the overheating may be reported to an external host to notify the external host that an overheating event has occurred.

[0288] The digital state machine (FSM) 337 generates timing signals for the power switching circuit 333, which in this example are timing signals for controlling the H-bridge 334.

[0289] The bridge IC 301 consists of comparators 342 and 343 that compare signals from various subsystems of the bridge IC 301 with voltage and current references 340 and 341, and provide reference output signals via the pins of the bridge IC 301.

[0290] Referring again to Figure 37 of the attached drawings, the H-bridge 334 in this example consists of four switches in the form of NMOS field-effect transistor (FET) switches on both sides of the H-bridge 334. The H-bridge 334 consists of four switches or transistors T1-T4 connected in an H-bridge configuration, each of which transistors T1-T4 is driven by its respective logic inputs A-D. Transistors T1-T4 are configured to be driven by a bootstrap voltage generated internally using two external capacitors Cb connected as shown in Figure 37.

[0291] The H-bridge 334 configures the input and output of various power supplies connected to each pin of the bridge IC 301. The H-bridge 334 receives the programmable voltage VBOOST output from the boost converter 305 via the first power supply terminal labeled VBOOST in Figure 37. The H-bridge 334 also constitutes the second power supply terminal labeled VSS_P in Figure 37.

[0292] The H-bridge 334 comprises outputs OUTP and OUTN, which are configured to be connected to the respective terminals of the ultrasonic transducer 215 so that the AC drive signals output from the H-bridge 334 can drive the ultrasonic transducer 215.

[0293] The switching of the four switches or transistors T1-T4 is controlled by switching signals from the digital state machine 337 via logic inputs A-D. While Figure 37 shows the four transistors T1-T4, it should be understood that in other examples, the H-bridge 334 incorporates more transistors or other switching components to achieve the functions of an H-bridge.

[0294] In this example, the H-bridge 334 operates with a switching power of 22W to 37W to supply an AC drive signal with sufficient power to drive the ultrasonic transducer 215 and optimally generate mist. The voltage that the H-bridge 334 switches in this example is ±15V, but in other examples it is ±20V.

[0295] In this example, the H-bridge 334 switches at frequencies from 3 MHz to 5 MHz, or up to 105 MHz. This is a high switching speed compared to conventional integrated circuit H-bridges available on the IC market. For example, conventional integrated circuit H-bridges currently available on the IC market are configured to operate at a maximum frequency of only 2 MHz. Apart from the bridge IC 301 described in this book, there are no conventional integrated circuit H-bridges available on the IC market that can operate at frequencies up to 5 MHz, let alone up to 105 MHz, at power levels of 22V to 37V.

[0296] Next, referring to Figure 38 of the attached drawings, the current sensor 335 consists of positive and negative current sensing resistors RshuntP and RshuntN connected in series with the respective high-side and low-side of the H-bridge 334, as shown in Figure 37. The current sensing resistors RshuntP and RshuntN are low-value resistors of 0.1 Ω in this example. The current sensor 335 consists of a first voltage sensor in the form of a first operational amplifier 344 that measures the voltage drop across the first current sensing resistor RshuntP, and a second voltage sensor in the form of a second operational amplifier 345 that measures the voltage drop across the second current sensing resistor RshuntN. In this example, the gain of each operational amplifier 344 and 345 is 2V / V. The output of each operational amplifier 344 and 345 is 1mA / V in this example. The current sensor 335 is connected to a pull-down resistor R cs It consists of a resistor, which in this example is 2kΩ. The outputs of op-amps 344 and 345 provide an output CSout that has passed through a low-pass filter 346 to remove transients of the signal CSout. The output Vout of the low-pass filter 346 is the output signal of the current sensor 335.

[0297] In this way, the current sensor 335 measures the AC current flowing through the H-bridge 334 and then through the ultrasonic transducer 215. The current sensor 335 converts the AC current into an equivalent RMS output voltage (Vout) relative to ground. The H-bridge 334 can be operated at frequencies up to 5 MHz, or up to 105 MHz in some examples, so the current sensor 335 has high bandwidth capability. The output Vout of the current sensor 335 reports a positive voltage corresponding to the measured AC effective current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer 215. In this example, the output voltage Vout of the current sensor 335 is fed back to the control circuit in the bridge IC 301, allowing the bridge IC 301 to shut down the H-bridge 334 if the current flowing through the H-bridge 334, and consequently the current flowing through the transducer 215, exceeds a predetermined threshold. Furthermore, an overcurrent threshold event causes the bridge IC 301 to shut down the bridge IC 301's OVC. The overcurrent event is reported to the first comparator 342 of the bridge IC 301 via the TRIGG pin.

[0298] Next, referring to Figure 39 in the attached drawings, the control of the H-bridge 334 will be explained, with reference to the equivalent piezoelectric model of the ultrasonic transducer 215.

[0299] As shown in V_out in Figure 39, the switching sequence of transistors T1-T4 via inputs A-D to generate a positive voltage across the outputs OUTP and OUTN of the H-bridge 334 (note the direction of the arrows) is as follows: 1. Positive output voltage across ultrasonic transducer 215: A - On, B - Off, C - Off, D - On 2. Transition from positive output voltage to zero: A - off, B - off, C - off, D - on. During this transition, if there is a switching error or delay in A, C is switched off first to minimize or avoid power loss by minimizing or avoiding the current flowing through A and C. 3. Output voltage zero: A-OFF, B-OFF, C-ON, D-ON. At this zero output voltage stage, the OUTP and OUTN terminals of the H-bridge 334 are grounded by the C and D switches, which remain ON. This dissipates the energy stored in the capacitor of the ultrasonic transducer's equivalent circuit, minimizing the voltage overshoot of the switching waveform voltage applied to the ultrasonic transducer. 4. Transition from zero to negative output voltage: A-OFF, B-OFF, C-ON, D-OFF. 5. Negative output voltage across the ultrasonic transducer 215: A-OFF, B-ON, C-ON, D-OFF.

[0300] At high frequencies of up to 5 MHz, or even up to 105 MHz, it will be understood that the duration of each part of the switching sequence is extremely short, on the order of nanoseconds or picoseconds. For example, at a switching frequency of 6 MHz, each part of the switching sequence occurs in approximately 80 nanoseconds.

[0301] Figure 40 in the attached diagram shows a graph illustrating the output voltages OUTP and OUTN of the H-bridge 334 due to the switching sequence described above. The zero output voltage portion of the switching sequence is included to correspond to the energy stored by the ultrasonic transducer 215 (for example, the energy stored by the capacitor in the equivalent circuit of the ultrasonic transducer). As described above, this minimizes the voltage overshoot of the switching waveform voltage applied to the ultrasonic transducer, thereby minimizing unwanted power dissipation and heating in the ultrasonic transducer.

[0302] Furthermore, minimizing or eliminating voltage overshoot prevents the transistors within the bridge IC301 from receiving voltages exceeding their rated voltage, thereby reducing the risk of transistor damage. Additionally, minimizing or eliminating voltage overshoot allows the bridge IC301 to accurately drive the ultrasonic transducer in a manner that minimizes the breakdown of the current sense feedback loop described in this document. As a result, the bridge IC301 can drive the ultrasonic transducer at high power levels of 22W to 50W or 70W at high frequencies up to 5MHz or 105MHz.

[0303] The bridge IC301 in this example is controlled by the PMIC300 and is configured to operate in two different modes, referred to in this document as forced mode and native frequency mode. These two operating modes are novel compared to existing bridge ICs. In particular, native frequency mode is a major innovation that provides substantial advantages in the accuracy and efficiency of driving the ultrasonic transducer compared to conventional devices.

[0304] Forced Frequency Mode (FFM) In forced frequency mode, the H-bridge 334 is controlled in the order described above, but at a frequency selectable by the user. As a result, the H-bridge transistors T1-T4 are forcibly controlled independently of the intrinsic resonant frequency of the ultrasonic transducer 215, switching the output voltage across the ultrasonic transducer 215. Therefore, in forced frequency mode, the H-bridge 334 can drive the ultrasonic transducer 215, which has a resonant frequency f1, at a different frequency f2.

[0305] Driving an ultrasonic transducer at a frequency different from its resonant frequency may be appropriate to adapt its operation to different applications. For example, it may be appropriate to drive an ultrasonic transducer at a frequency slightly deviated from its resonant frequency (for mechanical reasons to prevent mechanical damage to the transducer). Alternatively, it may be appropriate to drive an ultrasonic transducer at a lower frequency, but ultrasonic transducers have different inherent resonant frequencies due to their size.

[0306] The hookah apparatus 202 controls the bridge IC 301 to drive the ultrasonic transducer 215 in forced frequency mode, depending on the configuration of the hookah apparatus 202 for a particular application or a particular ultrasonic transducer. For example, the hookah apparatus 202 may be configured to operate in forced frequency mode if it is used in a particular application such that the mist inhaler 200 generates mist from a liquid of a certain viscosity containing a drug to be delivered to the user.

[0307] Native frequency mode (NFM) The following native frequency mode operation represents a significant development, offering advantages in improved accuracy and efficiency compared to conventional ultrasonic drivers currently available on the IC market.

[0308] The native frequency mode operation follows the same switching sequence as described above, but the timing of the zero-output portion of the sequence is adjusted to minimize or avoid problems that may arise due to current spikes in forced frequency mode operation. These current spikes occur when the voltage across the ultrasonic transducer 215 switches to the opposite voltage polarity. The ultrasonic transducer, made of a piezoelectric crystal, has an electrically equivalent circuit incorporating a parallel-connected capacitor (see, for example, the piezo model in Figure 39). When the voltage across the ultrasonic transducer is hard-switched from a positive voltage to a negative voltage, a large current flow can occur as the energy stored in the capacitor dissipates due to the high dV / dt.

[0309] The native frequency mode avoids hard-switching the voltage across the ultrasonic transducer 215 from positive to negative (and vice versa). Instead, before applying the inverting voltage, the ultrasonic transducer 215 (piezoelectric crystal) is left in a free-float state with zero voltage applied across its terminals for a free-float period. The PMIC 300 sets the drive frequency of the bridge IC 301 so that the bridge 334 causes the current flowing inside the ultrasonic transducer 215 during the free-float period (due to the energy stored in the piezoelectric crystal) to invert the voltage across the terminals of the ultrasonic transducer 215.

[0310] As a result, when the H-bridge 334 applies a negative voltage to the terminals of the ultrasonic transducer 215, the ultrasonic transducer 215 (the capacitor in the equivalent circuit) is already reverse-charged, and since there is no high dV / dt, no current spike occurs.

[0311] However, it should be understood that when the ultrasonic transducer 215 is first activated, it takes time for the charge to accumulate within the ultrasonic transducer 215 (piezoelectric crystal).

[0312] Therefore, the ideal situation in which the energy within the ultrasonic transducer 215 reverses the voltage during the free-float period only occurs after the oscillation within the ultrasonic transducer 215 has accumulated charge. To address this, when the bridge IC 301 first starts up the ultrasonic transducer 215, the PMIC 300 controls the power supplied to the ultrasonic transducer 215 via the H-bridge 334 to a low value, a first value (e.g., 5V). Then, the PMIC 300 controls the power supplied to the ultrasonic transducer 215 via the H-bridge 334 to increase over a period of time to a second value (e.g., 15V) higher than the first value, in order to build up the energy accumulated within the ultrasonic transducer 215. Current spikes also occur during this ramp of oscillation until the current inside the ultrasonic transducer 215 is sufficiently developed. However, by using a low first voltage at startup, these current spikes are kept sufficiently low, minimizing their impact on the operation of the ultrasonic transducer 215.

[0313] To achieve native frequency mode, the hookah apparatus 202 precisely controls the frequency of the oscillator 315 and the duty cycle (ratio of turn-on time to free-float time) of the AC drive signal output from the H-bridge 334. In this example, the hookah apparatus 202 implements three control loops to adjust the oscillator frequency and duty cycle to ensure the most accurate voltage inversion at the terminals of the ultrasonic transducer 215 and to minimize or avoid current spikes. Precise control of the oscillator and duty cycle using control loops represents a significant advance in the field of IC ultrasonic drivers.

[0314] During operation in native frequency mode, the current sensor 335 senses the current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer 215 (resonant circuit) during the free-float period. When the digital state machine 337 senses that the current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer 215 (resonant circuit) is zero during the free-float period, it adjusts the timing signal to turn on either the first switch T1 or the second switch T2.

[0315] Figure 41 in the attached drawing shows the oscillator voltage waveform 347 (V(osc)), the switching waveform 348 due to the turn-on and turn-off of the left high switch T1 of the H bridge 334, and the switching waveform 349 due to the turn-on and turn-off of the right high switch T2 of the H bridge 334. During the free float period 350, both high switches T1 and T2 of the H bridge 334 are turned off (free float phase). The duration of the free float period 350 is controlled by the magnitude of the free float control voltage 351 (Vphioff).

[0316] Figure 42 in the attached drawing shows the voltage waveform 352 at the first terminal of the ultrasonic transducer 215 (the voltage waveform is inverted at the second terminal of the ultrasonic transducer 215) and the piezoelectric current 353 flowing through the ultrasonic transducer 215. The piezoelectric current 353 represents a (nearly) ideal sinusoidal waveform (this is never possible with forced frequency modes or any bridge on the IC market).

[0317] Before the sine wave of the piezoelectric current 353 becomes zero, the left-side high switch T1 of the H-bridge 334 is turned off (here, switch T1 is turned off when the piezoelectric current 353 is approximately 6A). The remaining piezoelectric current 353 flowing through the ultrasonic transducer 215 (the capacitor in the piezoelectric equivalent circuit), due to the energy stored in the ultrasonic transducer 215, acts as a voltage inversion during the free-float period 350. The piezoelectric current 353 decays to zero during the free-float period 350 and thereafter transitions into the negative current flow region. The terminal voltage of the ultrasonic transducer 215 drops to less than 2V from the power supply voltage (19V in this case), and the decline stops when the piezoelectric current 353 becomes zero. This is the optimal timing to turn on the low-side switch T3 of the H-bridge 334 to minimize or avoid current spikes.

[0318] Compared to the forced frequency mode described above, the native frequency mode has at least three advantages. 1. Current spikes associated with hard switching of package capacitors are significantly reduced or completely avoided. 2. There is virtually no power loss due to hard switching. 3. Frequency control is performed using a control loop, which can bring the frequency closer to the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric transducer (the natural resonant frequency of the piezoelectric transducer).

[0319] In the case of frequency adjustment by a control loop (advantage 3 above), the PMIC300 starts by controlling the bridge IC301 to drive the ultrasonic transducer 215 at a frequency above the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric transducer. The PMIC300 then controls the bridge IC301 so that the frequency of the AC drive signal is attenuated / decreased during startup. As the frequency approaches the resonant frequency of the piezoelectric transducer, the piezoelectric current develops / increases rapidly. When the piezoelectric current becomes high enough to cause the desired voltage inversion, the PMIC300 stops attenuating / decreasing the frequency. The control loop of the PMIC300 then takes over the adjustment of the frequency and duty cycle of the AC drive signal.

[0320] In forced frequency mode, the power supplied to the ultrasonic transducer 215 is controlled through the duty cycle and / or frequency shift and / or by changing the supply voltage. However, in this example, in native frequency mode, the power supplied to the ultrasonic transducer 215 is controlled only through the supply voltage.

[0321] In this example, during the setup phase of the hookah device, the bridge IC 301 is configured to measure the length of time until the current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer 215 (resonant circuit) becomes 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. The bridge IC 301 then sets the length of the free float period to be equal to the measured length of time.

[0322] Referring here to Figure 43 of the attached drawings, the PMIC300 and bridge IC301 in this example are designed to work together as a companion chipset. The PMIC300 and bridge IC301 are electrically connected to communicate with each other.

[0323] In this example, there is an interconnection between the PMIC300 and the bridge IC301 that enables the following two categories of communication: 1. Control signals 2. Feedback signal

[0324] The connections between the PHASE_A and PHASE_B terminals of the PMIC300 and the bridge IC301 transmit PWM-modulated control signals that drive the H-bridge 334. The connections between the EN_BR terminal of the PMIC300 and the bridge IC301 transmit the EN_BR control signal, which triggers the activation of the H-bridge 334. The timing between the PHASE_A, PHASE_B, and EN_BR control signals is critical and is handled by the digital bridge control of the PMIC300.

[0325] The connection between the CS, OC, and OT terminals of the PMIC300 and the bridge IC301 returns the CS (current sense), OC (overcurrent), and OT (overheat) feedback signals from the bridge IC301 to the PMIC300. Most notably, the CS (current sense) feedback signal consists of a voltage corresponding to the rms current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer 215, which is measured by the current sensor 335 of the bridge IC301.

[0326] The OC (overcurrent) and OT (overtemperature) feedback signals are digital signals indicating that either an overcurrent or overvoltage event has been detected by the bridge IC 301. In this example, the overcurrent and overtemperature thresholds are set by external resistors. Alternatively, the thresholds can be dynamically set in response to a signal passed from one of the two DAC channels VDAC0 or VDAC1 from the PMIC 300 to the OC_REF terminal of the bridge IC 301.

[0327] In this example, the design of the PMIC300 and bridge IC301 allows the pins of these two integrated circuits to be directly connected to each other (e.g., via copper tracks on the PCB), thus minimizing delay in signal communication between the PMIC300 and bridge IC301. This provides a significant speed advantage compared to conventional bridges in the IC market, which are typically controlled by signals over digital communication buses. For example, a standard I2C bus is clocked at only 400 kHz, which is too slow to communicate sampled data at the high clock speeds of up to 5 MHz in the example of this disclosure.

[0328] While the examples of this disclosure described above relate to microchip hardware, it will be understood that other examples of this disclosure consist of methods for operating the components and subsystems of each microchip to perform the functions described herein. For example, a method for operating the PMIC300 and bridge IC301 in either forced frequency mode or native frequency mode.

[0329] Next, referring to Figure 44 of the attached drawing, the OTP IC 242 consists of a power-on reset circuit (POR) 354, a bandgap reference (BG) 355, a capless low-dropout 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 also consists of a digital core 361, which includes a cryptographic authenticator. In this example, the cryptographic authenticator uses ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm) to encrypt / decrypt data stored in the OTP IC 242 and data transmitted to and from the OTP IC 242.

[0330] The POR354 ensures that the OTP IC242 starts up correctly only when the power supply voltage is within a predetermined range. If the power supply voltage is outside the predetermined range, the POR354 resets the OTP IC242 and waits until the power supply voltage comes within the predetermined range.

[0331] The BG355 supplies precise reference voltage and current to the LDO356 and oscillator359. The LDO356 supplies power to the digital core361, communication interface357, and eFuse memory bank358.

[0332] The OTP IC 242 is configured to operate in at least the following modes: Fuse Programming: During fuse programming (programming of one-time programmable memory), a high current is required to burn the associated fuse in eFuse memory bank 358. In this mode, a higher bias current is supplied to maintain the gain and bandwidth of the regulating loop.

[0333] Fuse Reading: In this mode, a moderate current is required to maintain fuse readings in eFuse memory bank 358. This mode is executed when the OTP IC 242 is started, transferring the fuse contents to the shadow register. In this mode, the regulation loop gain and bandwidth are set to lower values ​​than in fuse mode.

[0334] Normal operation: In this mode, the LDO356 is driven with a very low bias current, allowing the OTP IC242 to operate at low power, thus minimizing the power consumption of the OTP IC242.

[0335] Oscillator 359 supplies the necessary clock to the digital core / engine 361 during testing (SCAN Test), fixing, and normal operation. Oscillator 359 is trimmed to meet the stringent timing requirements during fixing mode.

[0336] In this example, the communication interface 357 conforms to the FM+ specification of the I2C standard, but also conforms to slow mode and fast mode. The OTP IC 242 uses the communication interface 357 to communicate with the hookah device 202 (host) for data and key exchange.

[0337] The digital core 361 implements the control and communication functions of the OTP IC 242. The cryptographic authenticator of the digital core 361 enables the OTP IC 242 to self-authenticate with the driver device 202 (for example, using ECDSA encrypted messages), ensuring that the OTP IC 242 is genuine and authorized to connect with the hookah device 202.

[0338] Referring to Figure 45 of the attached drawings, the OTP IC 242 performs the following PKI procedure to authenticate the OTP IC 242 for use with a host (e.g., the hookah device 202): 1. Verification of the signer's public key: The host requests the manufacturer's public key and certificate. The host verifies the certificate with the certificate authority's public key. 2. Verification of the device public key: If verification is successful, the host will request the device public key and certificate. The host will verify the certificate using the manufacturing public key. 3. Challenge-Response: If verification is successful, the host creates a random number challenge and sends it to the device. The final product signs the random number challenge with the device's private key. 4. The signature is sent back to the host for verification using the device's public key.

[0339] If all steps of the authentication procedure are completed successfully, the chain of trust is verified down to the root of trust, and the OTP IC 242 is properly authenticated for use with the host. However, if any step of the authentication procedure fails, the OTP IC 242 is not authenticated for use with the host, and the use of devices incorporating the OTP IC 242 will be restricted or blocked.

[0340] Figures 46 to 48 show how air flows inside the mist generator 201 while it is in operation.

[0341] Liquid drugs (such as nicotine) are atomized (aerosolized) by ultrasonic treatment. However, this mist will settle on top of the ultrasonic transducer 215 if sufficient ambient air is not available to displace the rising aerosol. In the ultrasonic treatment chamber 219, mist (aerosol) is generated and drawn out through the mist outlet port 208, so a continuous supply of air is required. To meet this requirement, an airflow channel is provided. In this configuration, the airflow channel is 11.5 mm. 2 It has an average cross-sectional area, which is calculated based on the negative pressure from the average user and designed for the ultrasonic irradiation chamber 219. This also controls the mist-to-air ratio of the inhaled aerosol and controls the amount of drug delivered to the user.

[0342] Based on the design requirements, the airflow path is routed to begin at the bottom of the ultrasonic processing chamber 219. The opening at the bottom of the aerosol chamber is aligned with and closely adjacent to the opening to the airflow bridge within the device. The airflow path runs vertically upward along the reservoir and continues to the center of the ultrasonic processing chamber (concentric with the ultrasonic transducer 215). Here, it bends 90° inward. The path then continues to a point approximately 1.5 mm from the ultrasonic transducer 215. This path maximizes the supply of ambient air directly towards the atomizing surface of the ultrasonic transducer 215. The air flows through the channel towards the transducer, collecting the generated mist, and exits through the mouthpiece to the user.

[0343] Referring here to Figures 49 and 50 of the attached drawings, several arrangements of the water pipe apparatus 202 are configured to be removably attached to an existing water pipe 246. The water pipe apparatus 202 is attached to the stem 247 in place of the conventional water pipe head that otherwise houses the tobacco and charcoal (or electronic heating element).

[0344] The water pipe 246 consists of a water chamber and an elongated stem 247 having a first end attached to the water chamber. The stem 247 forms a mist channel that extends from a second end of the stem 247, through the stem 247, to the first end, and into the water chamber.

[0345] In this configuration, the hookah device 202 is removably attached to the second end of the stem 247 of the hookah 246. However, in other configurations, the hookah device 202 is not designed to be removable, but is instead fixed to or integrally formed with the stem 247 of the hookah 246.

[0346] Referring to Figures 51-59 of the attached drawings, the hookah apparatus 202 consists of a housing 248 incorporating a base 249 and a cover 250 that are attached to each other or detachably attached. In this arrangement, the housing 248 is cylindrical and generally disc-shaped.

[0347] In this configuration, the cover 250 is provided with multiple air inlets 251 to allow air to be drawn into the hookah device 202. The base 249 is provided with a hookah outlet 252 for allowing air and mist to flow out of the hookah device 202 into the hookah 246. The diameter of the hookah outlet port 252 is sufficient for the user to quickly draw air through the hookah device 202 into the hookah 246 and generate mist bubbles moving in the water within the hookah 246. be.

[0348] In this configuration, the hookah outlet port 252 is a circular opening that receives the end of the stem 247 of the hookah 246. The hookah device 202 is supported on the stem 247 of the hookah 246, with a generally airtight seal formed between the hookah device 202 and the stem 247.

[0349] In this configuration, the water pipe device 202 is a self-sufficient device in which electronic components containing an electrolyzed liquid and a mist generator are housed within the housing 248.

[0350] In this configuration, the hookah apparatus 202 consists of an upper support plate 253, an intermediate 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 apparatus 202. Each mist generator is a mist generator 201 as described herein. In this configuration, the mist generators 201 are removably mounted in the hookah apparatus 202 so that they can be replaced when they are empty (i.e., when the electroliquid is partially or completely depleted).

[0351] In this configuration, the hookah apparatus 202 consists of four mist generators 201 controlled by the microcontroller 303 of the hookah apparatus 202 (via their respective PMICs 300 and bridge ICs 301). In other configurations, the hookah apparatus 202 consists of multiple mist generators 201, such as at least two mist generators 201 or up to eight mist generators 201.

[0352] The hookah device 202 includes a first contact terminal 259 that establishes 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 also includes a second contact terminal 260 that establishes an electrical connection between the controller of the hookah device 202 and the electrical contacts 241 on the OTP PCB of each mist generator 201.

[0353] In this configuration, the hookah device 202 consists of an upper printed circuit board (PCB) 256 positioned on the upper support plate 253, and an intermediate PCB 257 positioned between the intermediate support plate 254 and the lower support plate 255. A lower PCB 258 is positioned below the lower support plate 255. PCBs 256-258 mount the electronic components that constitute the drive mechanism of the hookah device 202. PCBs 256-258 are electrically coupled to each other so that the electronic components on each PCB 256-258 can communicate with one another.

[0354] This configuration has three PCBs, 256-258, while other configurations consist of only one or more PCBs performing the same function as the driver unit of the hookah device 202.

[0355] In this configuration, the hookah apparatus 202 consists of multiple magnets 261 that enable the support plates 253-255 to be removably attached to each other. Once the hookah apparatus 202 is assembled with the support plates 253-255 and PCBs 256-258 stacked on top of each other and the mist generator 201 held between the support plates 253-255, the cover 250 is placed on the base 249 and removably attached to the base 249 using multiple screws 262.

[0356] The upper support plate 253 constitutes a manifold 263 positioned in the center of one side of the upper support plate 253. In this configuration, the manifold 263 has four openings 264 (only one of which is visible in Figure 56), each receiving an outlet port 208 of its respective mist generator 201. In this configuration, the hookah apparatus 202 consists of four mist generators 201 that are detachably coupled to the manifold, facing each other at 90° angles. In other configurations, the manifold 263 has a different number of openings 264, corresponding to the number of mist generators 201 used with the hookah apparatus 202.

[0357] The manifold 263 consists of an opening 264 and a manifold pipe 265 that is in fluid communication with the manifold pipe 265, allowing the mist generated by the mist generator 201 to combine and flow out of the manifold 263 through the manifold pipe 265. When the hookah apparatus 202 is assembled, the manifold pipe 265 extends through the opening 266 of the intermediate support plate 254 and the opening 267 of the intermediate PCB 257. The manifold pipe 265 then connects to an outlet pipe 268 that extends through the lower support plate 255, providing a fluid flow path through the lower support plate to the hookah outlet port 252 of the hookah apparatus 202.

[0358] During use, each of the mist generators 201 is held horizontally by a manifold. That is, the longitudinal length of each mist generator 201 is perpendicular or approximately perpendicular to the direction of mist flow as the mist flows downward from the base of the hookah device 202.

[0359] The outlet pipe 268 extends downward from the underside of the lower support plate 255 through an opening 269 in the lower PCB 258. The outlet pipe 268 then extends through an opening 270 in the base 249 of the hookah device 202. In this configuration, the outlet pipe 268 and the hookah outlet port 252 constitute a hookah mounting configuration 271 that attaches or is configured to attach the hookah device 202 to the hookah 246. In this configuration, the hookah device 202 is attached to the hookah 246 by inserting a portion of the stem 247 of the hookah into the hookah outlet port 252.

[0360] As shown in Figures 58 and 59, the water pipe outlet port 252 provides a fluid channel 272 from the mist outlet port 208 of the mist generator 201 to the outside of the water pipe device 202, allowing the mist generated by the mist generator 201 to flow out of the water pipe device 202 and into the water pipe 246. The mixing of air and mist generates bubbles in the water of the water pipe 246. When inhaled, the bubbles escape the water surface along with the mist that rises above the water surface in the water pipe basin, travel through the pipe to the user.

[0361] In this configuration, the upper PCB 256 carries a pressure sensor that senses the air pressure near the mist outlet port 208 of the mist generator 201. The pressure sensor then detects negative pressure near the mist outlet port 208 when the user pulls the hookah and draws air through the mist generator 201 along the fluid flow path 272. The pressure sensor provides a signal to the hookah device controller, as described later, so that the controller activates at least one of the mist generators 201 to produce mist when the user draws into the hookah.

[0362] In this configuration, the lower PCB 258 carries a power control component 273 that controls and distributes power to other electronic components of the hookah device 202. In some configurations, the power control component 273 receives power from an external power source, such as a mains power adapter that is removably mounted to the hookah device 202. In this configuration, the hookah head 202 is configured to be powered by the external power adapter at a DC voltage in the range of 20V to 40V.

[0363] In other configurations, the hookah apparatus 202 consists of a battery integrated within the hookah apparatus 202 and connected to a power control component 273. In some configurations, the battery is a rechargeable Li-Po battery. In some arrangements, the battery is configured to output a DC voltage of 20V to 40V. In some arrangements, the battery has a high discharge rate. A high discharge rate is necessary for the voltage amplification required by the ultrasonic transducer of the mist generator 201. Due to the requirement of having a high discharge rate, the Li-Po batteries in some configurations are specifically designed for continuous current draw. In some configurations, a charging port is provided in the hookah apparatus 202, allowing the battery to be charged by an external power source.

[0364] The intermediate PCB 257 houses the processor 274 and memory 275 of the controller or computing device of the hookah apparatus 202. In this example, the PMIC 300 and bridge IC 301 are mounted on PCB 257 along with other electronic components of the hookah apparatus 22. In this configuration, the processor 274 and memory 275 are components of the driver device within the hookah apparatus 202. In this configuration, the functionality of the driver device is implemented by executable instructions stored in memory 275, which, when executed by the processor 274, cause the processor 274 to control the driver device to perform at least one function. The driver device is electrically connected to each of the mist generators 201. In this configuration, the driver device of the hookah apparatus 202 is, as described above, I 2Each mist generator 201 is coupled to communicate via a communication bus or data bus, such as a C data bus. In this arrangement, each mist generator 201 is identified by a unique identifier used when controlling the mist generator 201 via the data bus (the microcontroller 303 controls each PMIC 300 via the data bus, which in turn controls each mist generator 201). Depending on the arrangement, the unique identifier is stored in the OTP IC 242 of the mist generator 201.

[0365] In some arrangements, the driver device (microcontroller 303) controls each mist generator independently. In some arrangements, the control function is implemented by executable instructions stored in memory 275. The independent control configuration allows the driver device to operate or stop each mist generator 201 independently of other mist generators 201. Thus, the driver device can control one or more mist generators 201 to generate mist simultaneously or alternately according to predetermined requirements.

[0366] In some configurations, the driver device controls the mist generator 201 to sequentially activate and / or deactivate it. In some configurations, the operation sequence of the mist generator 201 optimizes the operation of the hookah apparatus 202 by ensuring that the mist is generated fast enough to allow bubbles to pass through the water in the water chamber of the hookah. In some configurations, the hookah apparatus 202 thereby allows bubbles of mist to be drawn at high speed through the water in the water chamber when the user pulls the hookah mouthpiece. As a result, water-soluble compounds (e.g., vegetable glycerin, fragrances, etc.) can move through the water in the bubbles of mist for inhalation by the user.

[0367] In some configurations, the driver device controls the mist generators 201 to start them sequentially over a predetermined period of time. In some configurations, the driver device controls the mist generators 201 to start in a rotating manner, so that they start sequentially and / or one at a time in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.

[0368] In some configurations, the driver device controls the mist generators 201 to operate in pairs. In some configurations, the driver device controls two mist generators 201 to start simultaneously; either two mist generators 201 adjacent to each other or two mist generators 201 opposite each other.

[0369] In some configurations, the driver device is configured not to activate if the mist generator 201 is not properly drawing in the electrolyzed liquid within its capillary 222, or if the liquid chamber 218 is empty or nearly empty of electrolyzed liquid. This provides protection for the water pipe device 202 by ensuring that the water pipe device 202 maintains correct operation.

[0370] The electronic components of the driver unit of the hookah device 202 (distributed across PCBs 256-258) are divided as described below. The following explanation will refer to the control of one mist generator 201, but it will be understood that the driver unit of the hookah device 202 controls each mist generator 201 independently. To achieve the most efficient aerosolization to date with particle sizes of 1 μm or less, the ultrasonic processing unit must provide a contact pad that receives the ultrasonic transducer 215 (piezoelectric ceramic disc (PZT)) at a high adaptive frequency (approximately 3 MHz). This section needs to provide not only high frequency but also consistently optimized cavitation while protecting the ultrasonic transducer 215 from failure.

[0371] The mechanical deformation of the PZT is linked to the amplitude of the AC voltage applied to it, and maximum deformation must always be supplied to the PZT to ensure optimal system function and delivery with each ultrasonic irradiation.

[0372] However, in order to prevent PZT failure, it is necessary to precisely control the active power transmitted to the PZT.

[0373] The processor 274 and memory 275 are configured to instantaneously control the modulation of the active power supplied to the PZT without compromising the mechanical vibration amplitude of the PZT.

[0374] By applying PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) to the AC voltage applied to the PZT, the mechanical amplitude of the vibration can be kept constant.

[0375] In fact, just as with voltage modulation, the effective voltage applied in effective duty cycle modulation is the same, but the active power transmitted to the PZT degrades. In fact, this can be expressed by the following equation:

[0376]

number

[0377] When considering the first harmonic, Irms is a function of the amplitude of the actual voltage applied to the transducer, and pulse width modulation controls Irms because it changes the duration of the voltage supplied to the transducer.

[0378] The specific design of the PMIC employs state-of-the-art design, enabling ultra-precise control of the frequency range and step size applied to the PZT, including a complete set of feedback loops and monitoring paths used by the control unit.

[0379] In this case, the drive unit consists of a DC / DC boost converter and a transformer, which supply the necessary power to the PZT contact pads.

[0380] In this configuration, an AC driver is used to convert the voltage from the battery into an AC drive signal of a predetermined frequency to drive the ultrasonic transducer.

[0381] The driver device comprises an active power monitoring arrangement for monitoring the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer (described above) when the ultrasonic transducer is driven by an AC drive signal. The active power monitoring arrangement provides a monitoring signal indicating the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer.

[0382] The processor 274 within the driver device controls the AC driver and receives monitoring signals from the active power monitoring configuration.

[0383] The driver device's memory 275 stores instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to do the following: A. Control the AC driver to output an AC drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer at a sweep frequency. B. Calculate the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer based on the monitoring signal. C. Control the AC drive to modulate the AC drive signal and maximize the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer. D. Record and save in memory the maximum active power used by the ultrasonic transducer and the sweep frequency of the AC drive signal. E. After a predetermined number of iterations, steps A to D are repeated a predetermined number of times, with the sweep frequency increasing or decreasing in each iteration, so that after a predetermined number of iterations, the sweep frequency increases or decreases from the sweep start frequency to the sweep end frequency. F. From the records stored in memory, identify the optimal frequency of the AC drive signal, which is the sweep frequency of the AC drive signal at which the ultrasonic transducer uses the maximum active power. G. The AC drive is controlled to output an AC drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer at the optimal frequency, driving the ultrasonic transducer to atomize the liquid.

[0384] In some configurations, the active power monitoring configuration includes a current sensing configuration for sensing the drive current of the AC drive signal that drives the ultrasonic transducer, and the active power monitoring configuration provides a monitoring signal indicating the sensed drive current.

[0385] In some configurations, the current sensing configuration includes an analog-to-digital converter that converts the sensed drive current into a digital signal for processing by the processor.

[0386] In one arrangement, the starting frequency is 2900 kHz and the ending frequency is 3100 kHz. In another arrangement, the starting frequency is 3100 kHz and the ending frequency is 2900 kHz.

[0387] In some configurations, memory stores instructions, when executed by the processor, to repeat the aforementioned steps A to D, where the sweep frequency increases from a sweep start frequency of 2900 kHz to a sweep end frequency of 2960 kHz.

[0388] In some configurations, memory stores instructions, when executed by the processor, to repeat the aforementioned steps A to D, where the sweep frequency increases from a sweep start frequency of 2900 kHz to a sweep end frequency of 3100 kHz.

[0389] In some configurations, memory stores an instruction that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to control an AC driver to output an AC drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer at a frequency shifted by a predetermined amount from the optimal frequency in step G.

[0390] In some configurations, the given shift amount is between 1% and 10% of the optimal frequency.

[0391] The pressure sensor used in this device serves two purposes. The first purpose is to prevent unwanted accidental starting of the sonic engine (driving the ultrasonic transducer). This function is implemented in the device's processing layout, but it is optimized for low power consumption and constantly measures environmental parameters such as temperature and ambient pressure through internal correction and baseline settings to accurately detect and classify what is called true inhalation.

[0392] The second purpose of the pressure sensor is not only to accurately monitor the user's inhalation time for precise inhalation volume measurement, but also to determine the strength of the user's inhalation. Overall, we can fully visualize the pressure profile of every inhalation and predict the end of the inhalation for both optimal aerosolization operation and operational understanding.

[0393] In this example, the microcontroller 202 uses Bluetooth TM This is a low-energy (BLE) microcontroller. This makes it possible to simultaneously achieve extremely precise inhalation time, optimized aerosolization, monitoring of numerous parameters to ensure safe mist, prevention of the use of non-genuine electronic liquids or aerosol chambers, and protection of the device from the risk of overheating and the user from over-mist.

[0394] By using a BLE microcontroller, wireless updates are possible, allowing for the continuous delivery of improved software to users based on anonymized data collection and trained AI for PZT modeling. The BLE microcontroller also enables a remote computing device to communicate with the hookah device 202 so that the remote computing device can control the operation of the hookah device 202. In one embodiment, multiple hookah devices are controlled by one or more remote computing devices, for example, in a hookah or shisha bar, so that a bar manager can control the operation and / or monitor the status of each hookah device.

[0395] In one example, data indicating the status of each mist generator in each hookah apparatus is transmitted by the hookah apparatus to a remote computing device, allowing the remote computing device to monitor the status of each mist generator. This allows administrators or users to track when the liquid level in each mist generator is low or when it is not functioning correctly, enabling them to replace the mist generator if necessary.

[0396] This water pipe device 202 must provide controlled and reliable aerosolization, as it is a precise, reliable, and safe aerosolization solution for everyday customer use.

[0397] This is done by an internal method that can be divided into several sections, as follows:

[0398] Sonication To achieve optimal aerosolization, the ultrasonic transducer (PZT) needs to be vibrated in the most efficient way.

[0399] frequency Due to the electromechanical properties of piezoelectric ceramics, the components are most efficient at their resonant frequency. However, if the PZT is kept resonating for an extended period, the components will inevitably break, rendering the aerosol chamber unusable.

[0400] Furthermore, important considerations when using piezoelectric materials include variations during manufacturing and variations due to temperature and lifespan.

[0401] To resonate a PZT at 3 MHz to generate droplets smaller than 1 μm, an adaptive method is required to find and target the specific PZT "sweet spot" within all aerosol chambers used by the device with each inhalation.

[0402] sweep Because the "sweet spot" needs to be identified with each inhalation, and also due to overuse, the PZT's temperature changes using an in-house double-sweep method.

[0403] The initial sweep is performed when the instrument has not been used for a sufficient amount of time in a particular aerosol chamber for all heat dissipation to occur and the PZT to cool to its "default temperature". This procedure is also called a cold start. During this procedure, the PZT needs a boost to generate the required aerosols. This is achieved by passing through only a small subset of frequencies between 2900 kHz and 2960 kHz, which cover the resonance point, considering extensive research and experimentation.

[0404] Each frequency within this range is controlled by the sound wave engine, and the current passing through the PZT is actively monitored, stored by a microcontroller via an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), and converted into a current so that the power used by the PZT can be precisely subtracted.

[0405] This provides a cold profile of the PZT with respect to frequency, and the frequency used during inhalation is the one that uses the most current, i.e., the frequency with the lowest impedance.

[0406] The second sweep is performed during subsequent inhalation, covering the entire frequency range between 2900kHz and 3100kHz through modifications to the PZT profile regarding temperature and deformation. This hot profile is used to determine the shift to apply.

[0407] shift Because aerosolization must be optimal, the shift is not used during low-temperature inhalation, and the PZT will vibrate at its resonant frequency. This can only happen if repeated in short bursts, otherwise the PZT will inevitably break.

[0408] However, the shift is used in most intakes as a way to target low impedance frequencies, achieving near-optimal operation of the PZT while protecting it from failure.

[0409] Since hot and cold profiles are saved during suction, the microcontroller can select the appropriate shift frequency according to the measured current flowing through the PZT during the sweep, ensuring safe mechanical operation.

[0410] Because piezoelectric components behave differently inside and outside the dual resonance / anti-resonance frequency range, the choice of shift direction is crucial. Since PZTs are inductive and not capacitive, the chosen shift should always be within this range defined by the resonance and anti-resonance frequencies.

[0411] Finally, the shift rate is kept below 10% so that it is close to the lowest impedance but far enough away from resonance.

[0412] adjustment Due to the inherent nature of PZT, each inhalation is different. In addition to the piezoelectric element, numerous other parameters, such as the amount of electrolyzed liquid remaining in the aerosol chamber, the wicking condition of the gauze, and the battery level of the device, all affect the inhalation results.

[0413] Therefore, the current used by the PZT in the aerosol chamber is constantly monitored, and the microcontroller continuously adjusts parameters such as frequency and duty cycle to supply the aerosol chamber with the most stable power within a predetermined range, based on research and experimental results for optimal safe aerosolization.

[0414] Battery monitoring In some configurations, the battery is integrated into the hookah device 202. In these configurations, the hookah device 202 is powered by a DC Li-Po battery that provides the voltage required for the hookah device 202. Due to the requirement of having a high discharge rate, the Li-Po batteries in some configurations are specifically designed for continuous current draw.

[0415] When the ultrasonic generator is activated, the battery voltage drops and fluctuates significantly. Therefore, the microcontroller constantly monitors the power used by the PZT in the aerosol chamber to ensure proper and safe aerosol generation.

[0416] Furthermore, since control is key to aerosolization, this device first ensures that the device's control and information unit is always functioning and does not shut down in a way that would be detrimental to the ultrasonic processing unit.

[0417] Therefore, the adjustment method takes real-time battery level into significant consideration, and if necessary, modifies parameters such as the duty cycle to maintain the battery at a safe level. If the battery level becomes low before the sonic engine starts, the control and information section will prevent it from starting.

[0418] Power control As is often said, control is key to aerosolization, and the method used in this device is a real-time multidimensional function that constantly takes into account the PZT profile, the current inside the PZT, and the device's battery level.

[0419] All of this is only achievable through the use of a microcontroller that can monitor and control every element of the device to ensure optimal suction.

[0420] interval Because it relies on piezoelectric components, the ultrasonic irradiation unit is designed to stop operating when inhalation stops. The safety delay between two inhalations is adapted by the duration of the previous inhalation. This ensures that the gauze is properly aspirated before the next operation.

[0421] This feature allows the device to operate safely and optimize aerosolization without damaging the PZT element or exposing the user to toxic components.

[0422] Connectivity (BLE) The device's control and information unit consists of a wireless communication system using a Bluetooth Low Energy-compatible microcontroller. The wireless communication system communicates with the device's processor and is configured to send and receive data between the driver unit and computing devices such as smartphones.

[0423] Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity with companion mobile applications requires less power for this communication, allowing devices to remain functional for extended periods even when not in use, compared to conventional wireless connectivity solutions such as Wi-Fi, traditional Bluetooth, GSM, and even LTE-M and NB-IoT.

[0424] Most importantly, this connectivity enables OTP functionality and complete control and safety of inhalation. All data, from the resonant frequency of inhalation to what was used, or even the negative pressure created and duration by the user, is stored and transmitted via BLE for further analysis and improvement of the embedded software.

[0425] Finally, this connectivity enables embedded firmware updates both internally and over-the-air (OTA), ensuring that the latest version can always be rapidly deployed. This increases the scalability of the device and ensures that the device is maintained.

[0426] In one example, a mist inhaler 200 equipped with a hookah device includes an active power monitor incorporating a current sensor, such as the current sensor 335 described above, for sensing the RMS drive current of the AC drive signal that drives the ultrasonic transducer 215. The active power monitor provides a monitoring signal indicating the sensed drive current, as described above.

[0427] This additional functionality allows the mist inhaler 200 to monitor the operation of the ultrasonic transducer while it is operating. The mist inhaler 200 calculates an effectiveness value or quality index indicating how effectively the ultrasonic transducer is working to atomize the liquid in the device. The device uses the effectiveness value to calculate the actual amount of mist generated over the duration of the ultrasonic transducer's activation.

[0428] Once the actual amount of mist is calculated, the device is configured to calculate the actual amount of drug present in the mist, and therefore the actual amount of drug inhaled by the user, based on the concentration of the drug in the liquid.

[0429] In reality, as described above, there are various factors that affect the operation of the ultrasonic transducer, which in turn affect the amount of mist generated by the ultrasonic transducer and, consequently, the actual amount of medication delivered to the user.

[0430] Next, the configurations of several examples of mist inhalers and methods for generating mist using these mist inhalers will be described in detail below.

[0431] In this example, the mist inhaler incorporates the components of the mist inhaler 200 described above, but the memory of the driver device 202 further stores an instruction that, when executed by the processor, causes the processor to activate the mist generator 200 for a first predetermined time. As described above, the mist generator is activated by driving the ultrasonic transducer 215 within the mist generator 200 with an AC drive signal, causing the ultrasonic transducer 215 to atomize the liquid carried by the capillary element 222.

[0432] The executed instruction causes the processor to use a current sensor to periodically sense the current of the AC drive signal flowing through the ultrasonic transducer 215 for a predetermined period of time, and to store the periodically measured current value in memory.

[0433] The executed instruction causes the processor to calculate the effectiveness value using the current value stored in memory. The effectiveness value indicates the effectiveness of the ultrasonic transducer's operation when atomizing the liquid.

[0434] In one example, the executed instruction causes the processor to use this equation to calculate the effectiveness value:

[0435]

number

[0436] In one example, the memory stores an instruction, when executed by the processor, to cause the processor to periodically measure the duty cycle of the AC drive signal that drives the ultrasonic transducer over a first predetermined time period, and to store the periodically measured duty cycle value in memory. The mist inhaler then stores the analog-to-digital converter side effect value Q based on the current value stored in memory. A The following correction is made. As a result, the mist inhaler in this example takes into account the duty cycle fluctuations that may occur through the activation of the ultrasonic transducer 215 when the device calculates the effect value. Thus, the mist inhaler can accurately calculate the actual amount of mist produced by taking into account the duty cycle fluctuations of the AC drive signal that may occur while the ultrasonic transducer is operating.

[0437] The effectiveness value is used as a weight to calculate the actual amount of mist produced by the mist inhaler by proportionally reducing the maximum amount of mist that would be produced if the device were operating optimally.

[0438] In one example, the memory stores an instruction, when executed by the processor, to periodically measure the frequency of the AC drive signal that drives the ultrasonic transducer 215 over a first predetermined time period, and to store the periodically measured frequency value in the memory. The device then calculates the effect value using the frequency value stored in the memory in addition to the current value, as described above.

[0439] In one example, memory stores an instruction, when executed by the processor, that causes the processor to calculate the maximum amount of mist that would be generated if the ultrasonic transducer 215 were operating optimally for a predetermined duration. In one example, the maximum amount of mist is calculated based on a model that determines the maximum amount of mist that would be generated when the ultrasonic transducer is operating optimally.

[0440] Once the maximum mist volume value is calculated, the mist inhaler can calculate the actual mist volume value by proportionally decreasing the maximum mist volume value based on the effectiveness value to determine the actual amount of mist generated over a duration of a first predetermined length of time.

[0441] Once the actual mist volume is calculated, the mist inhaler can calculate a drug dose value indicating the amount of drug in the actual mist volume generated over a predetermined duration. The mist inhaler then stores the drug dose value in its memory.

[0442] In one example, memory stores an instruction, when executed by the processor, that causes the processor to select a second predetermined time length in response to an effectiveness value. In this case, the second predetermined length is the length of time during which the ultrasonic transducer 215 is activated by the user during a second inhalation or puff. In one example, the second predetermined length is equal to the first predetermined length but is proportionally decreased or increased according to the effectiveness value. For example, if the effectiveness value indicates that the ultrasonic transducer 215 is not operating effectively, the effectiveness value is used to lengthen the second predetermined length so that a desired amount of mist is generated during the second predetermined length.

[0443] For the next inhalation, the mist inhaler operates the mist generator for a second predetermined time so that the mist generator generates a predetermined amount of mist during that second predetermined time. In this way, the mist inhaler precisely controls the amount of mist generated during the second predetermined time, taking into account various parameters reflected by the effectiveness value that affects the operation of the mist inhaler.

[0444] In one example, memory stores instructions, when executed by the processor, to operate a mist generator for a predetermined duration. For instance, the mist generator is operated between multiple consecutive inhalations or puffs by the user.

[0445] The mist inhaler stores multiple drug dose values ​​in its memory, and each drug dose value serves as an indicator of the amount of drug in the mist generated over one duration period of a predetermined length of time.

[0446] Some examples of mist inhalers in this disclosure transmit data indicating drug dosage values ​​from the mist generator to a computing device (e.g., via Bluetooth). TMThe data is transmitted (via Low Energy communication) and configured to be stored in the memory of a computing device (e.g., a smartphone). An executable application running on the computing device can record the amount of medication provided to the user. The executable application can also control the operation of the mist inhalers so that it can correct the operation of each mist inhaler in the hookah apparatus to address mist inhalers that are not operating optimally.

[0447] Because the aerosolization of e-cigarettes is achieved by the mechanical action of a piezoelectric disc rather than by directly heating the liquid, the individual components of e-cigarettes (propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, flavorings, etc.) remain largely unchanged and are not broken down into small harmful components such as acrolein, acetaldehyde, and formaldehyde at the high rates seen in conventional e-cigarettes.

[0448] All of the above applications, including ultrasonic technology, can benefit from optimizations achieved by a frequency controller that optimizes the ultrasonic processing frequency for optimal performance.

[0449] It will be understood that the disclosures in this document are not limited to use for nicotine delivery. The apparatus disclosed herein is intended for use with any drug or other compound (e.g., CBD), the drug or compound being supplied in liquid form in the liquid chamber of the apparatus for aerosolization by the apparatus.

[0450] Some configurations of the ultrasonic hookah apparatus 202 are healthier alternatives to conventional hookah heads that use heat from charcoal or an electric element to burn tobacco. Nevertheless, some configurations of the ultrasonic hookah apparatus 202 still provide the same user experience as conventional hookahs due to the mist bubbles in the water. Therefore, users are likely to want to use some configuration ultrasonic hookah apparatus 202 instead of conventional hookahs that burn tobacco, thereby avoiding the dangers of smoking tobacco with a hookah.

[0451] The foregoing outlines some examples or embodiments to help those skilled in the art better understand various aspects of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art should understand that this disclosure can be readily used as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures to accomplish the same objectives and / or achieve the same advantages as the various examples or embodiments introduced herein. Furthermore, those skilled in the art should recognize that such equivalent structures will not deviate from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, and that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made to this disclosure without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

[0452] While the subject matter has been described in language specific to structural features or methodological actions, it should be understood that the subject matter of the attached claims is not necessarily limited to the specific features or actions described above. Rather, the specific features and actions described above are disclosed as exemplary forms for carrying out at least a portion of the claims.

[0453] This book provides various operations of examples or embodiments. The order in which some or all operations are described should not be interpreted as meaning that these operations are necessarily order-dependent. It will be understood that alternative orders may be in the interest of this book. Furthermore, it will be understood that not all operations are necessarily present in every embodiment provided here. Also, it will be understood that not all operations are necessary in some examples or embodiments.

[0454] Furthermore, "exemplary" in this work means serving as an example, instance, illustration, etc., and does not necessarily imply advantage. As used in this application, "or" is intended to mean inclusive, not exclusive. Furthermore, as used in this application and the attached claims, "a" and "an" are generally interpreted as meaning "one or more" unless otherwise specified or it is clear from the context that they are directed to the singular. Furthermore, as long as "including," "having," "possessing," "together," or variations thereof are used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in the same manner as the term "including." Also, unless specifically stated, "first," "second," etc., are not intended to suggest temporal, spatial, or sequential aspects. Rather, such terms are used solely as identifiers, names, etc., for features, elements, items, etc. For example, the first element and the second element generally correspond to element A and element B, or two different elements or two identical elements or identical elements.

[0455] Furthermore, although this disclosure has been shown and described in relation to one or more embodiments, equivalent changes and modifications will be made to others skilled in the art based on a reading and understanding of this document and the accompanying drawings. This disclosure includes all such changes and modifications and is limited only to the scope of the following claims. In particular, with respect to the various functions performed by the features described above (e.g., elements, resources, etc.), the terms used to describe such features are intended to correspond to any feature that performs a predetermined function of the described feature (e.g., functionally equivalent), even if it is not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure, unless otherwise indicated. In addition, although certain features of this disclosure may have been disclosed in relation to only one of several embodiments, such features may be combined with one or more other features of other embodiments as desired and advantageous for any given or particular use.

[0456] The subject matter and examples or embodiments of functional operation described herein may be implemented in digital electronic circuits, computer software, firmware, or hardware, or in one or more combinations thereof, including the structures disclosed herein and their structural equivalents.

[0457] Some examples or embodiments are implemented using one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer-readable medium to control execution by a data processing device or the operation of a data processing device. The computer-readable medium can be a manufactured product such as a hard drive in a computer system or embedded system. The computer-readable medium can be acquired separately, such as by distribution of one or more modules of computer program instructions over a wired or wireless network, and then encoded with one or more modules of computer program instructions. The computer-readable medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage board, a storage device, or a combination of one or more thereof.

[0458] The terms "computing device" and "data processing device" encompass all devices, apparatuses, and machines for processing data, including, for example, programmable processors, computers, or multiple processors or computers. In addition to hardware, a device may include code that constitutes the execution environment of the computer program, such as processor firmware, protocol stacks, database management systems, operating systems, runtime environments, or one or more combinations thereof. Furthermore, such a device may employ various different computing models and infrastructures, such as web services, distributed computing, and grid computing infrastructures.

[0459] The processes and logical flows described in this book are executed by one or more programmable processors running one or more computer programs, and can perform functions by acting on input data and producing outputs.

[0460] Processors suitable for executing computer programs include, as an example, general-purpose and special-purpose microprocessors, and any one or more processors in any type of digital computer. Generally, a processor will receive instructions and data from read-only memory, random-access memory, or both. Essential elements of a computer are a processor for executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. Generally, a computer will include one or more mass storage devices for storing data, such as magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, or optical disks, or be operablely coupled to receive data from or transfer data to both, or both. However, a computer is not required to have such devices. Suitable devices for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices.

[0461] In this book, "to prepare" means "to include, to constitute."

[0462] The features disclosed in the preceding description, the following claims, or the accompanying drawings may be expressed as appropriate in their specific forms, or in terms of means for performing the disclosed functions, or methods or processes for achieving the disclosed results, and may be used separately or in any combination of those features to realize the invention in its various forms.

[0463] Typical features Typical features are described in the following sections, and these can be used individually or in any combination with one or more features disclosed in the text and / or drawings of this document.

[0464] 1. A hookah apparatus includes the following: Multiple ultrasonic mist generators, each incorporating a mist generator: A long, slender mist generating housing equipped with an air inlet port and a mist outlet port. A liquid chamber provided within a mist generating housing, for containing the liquid to be atomized. Ultrasonic processing chamber located inside the mist generating housing A capillary element extending between a liquid chamber and an ultrasonic chamber, wherein a first portion of the capillary element is located in the liquid chamber and a second portion of the capillary element is located in the ultrasonic chamber. An ultrasonic transducer having an atomizing surface, wherein a portion of a second part of a capillary element overlaps a portion of the atomizing surface, and when the ultrasonic transducer is driven by an AC drive signal, the atomizing surface vibrates to atomize the liquid carried by the second part of the capillary element, generating a mist containing the atomized liquid and air inside an ultrasonic irradiation chamber. An airflow arrangement that provides an air passage between an air inlet port, an ultrasonic processing chamber, and an air outlet port, further provided by a hookah apparatus.

[0465] A plurality of H-bridge circuits, each of which is connected to one of the ultrasonic transducers and configured to generate an AC drive signal for driving the ultrasonic transducer.

[0466] Microcontroller.

[0467] A data bus that is electrically connected to a microcontroller and communicates data with the microcontroller.

[0468] Multiple microchips electrically connected to a data bus to receive data from and transmit data to a microcontroller, each of which microchips is connected to one of the H-bridge circuits to control the H-bridge circuits and generate AC drive signals, and each microchip is a single unit consisting of multiple interconnected embedded components and subsystems, including:

[0469] An oscillator configured to produce the following: Main clock signal A first phase clock signal that is high for one period of time during the positive half-cycle of the main clock signal and low during the negative half-cycle. 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, wherein the phases of the first phase clock signal and the second phase clock signal are center-aligned.

[0470] A pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal generator subsystem that includes the following: The ultrasonic transducer system according to claim 1, wherein the system is configured to generate a double-frequency clock signal using a first-phase clock signal and a second-phase clock signal, the double-frequency clock signal having twice the frequency of the main clock signal, and the delay-locked loop is configured to control the rising edges of the first-phase clock signal and the second-phase clock signal to synchronize with the rising edge of the double-frequency clock signal, and the delay-locked loop is configured to generate a first-phase output signal and a second-phase output signal in response to a driver control signal by adjusting the frequency and duty cycle of the first-phase clock signal and the second-phase clock signal, and the first-phase output signal and the second-phase output signal are configured to generate an AC drive signal that drives an H-bridge circuit connected to a microchip to drive the ultrasonic transducer. A first-phase output signal terminal configured to output the first-phase output signal to an H-bridge circuit connected to the microchip. A second-phase output signal terminal configured to output a second-phase output signal to an H-bridge circuit connected to a microchip. A feedback input terminal configured to receive a feedback signal from an H-bridge circuit, wherein when the H-bridge circuit is driving an ultrasonic transducer with an AC drive signal to atomize a liquid, the feedback signal indicates the operating parameters of the H-bridge circuit or AC drive signal connected to the microchip.

[0471] An analog-to-digital converter (ADC) subsystem that includes: An analog converter for multiple analog signals comprising multiple ADC input terminals configured to receive multiple analog signals, one of which is connected to a feedback input terminal so that the ADC subsystem receives a feedback signal from an H-bridge circuit connected to a microchip, the ADC subsystem is configured to sample the analog signals received by the multiple 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. The digital processor subsystem is configured to receive ADC digital signals from the ADC subsystem, process the ADC digital signals to generate driver control signals, and transmit the driver control signals to the PWM signal generation subsystem to control the PWM signal generation subsystem.

[0472] A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) subsystem that includes: A digital-to-analog converter (DAC) configured to convert digital control signals generated by a digital processor subsystem into analog voltage control signals, and to control a voltage regulator circuit that generates a voltage for modulation by an H-bridge circuit connected to a microchip. A DAC output terminal configured to output an analog voltage control signal to control a voltage regulation circuit to generate a predetermined voltage for modulation by an H-bridge circuit connected to a microchip for driving the ultrasonic transducer, in response to a feedback signal indicating the operation of the ultrasonic transducer.

[0473] A water pipe mounting arrangement configured to attach a water pipe device to a water pipe, the water pipe mounting arrangement having a water pipe outlet port that provides a fluid path from the mist outlet port of a mist generator to the water pipe device, such that when at least one of the mist generators is activated by a driver device, the mist generated by each activated mist generator flows along the fluid path and exits the water pipe device to the water pipe.

[0474] 2. The water pipe apparatus of paragraph 1, wherein the microcontroller is configured to identify and control each mist generator using the unique identifier of each mist generator.

[0475] 3. The device described in paragraph 1 or 2, further comprising a microchip that includes the following: This is an identification configuration and comprises the following: An integrated circuit having a memory for storing an identifier unique to the mist generator. and An electrical connection that provides an electronic interface for communicating with an integrated circuit.

[0476] 4. In any of the hookah devices described in the preceding paragraph, the microcontroller is configured to control each microchip and each mist generator, and to operate independently of other mist generators.

[0477] 5. The water pipe apparatus described in paragraph 4 is configured such that the microcontroller controls the mist generator to operate in a predetermined sequence.

[0478] 6. A device described in any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the water pipe device includes the following: A manifold having a manifold pipe that is in fluid communication with the mist outlet port of a mist generator, wherein the mist output from the mist outlet port combines within the manifold pipe and flows out of the water pipe from the water pipe.

[0479] 7. The hookah apparatus according to paragraph 6, wherein the hookah apparatus comprises four mist generators detachably coupled to a manifold at 90° relative to each other.

[0480] 8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the feedback input terminal is configured to receive a feedback signal from an H-bridge circuit in the form of a voltage indicating the effective current of the AC drive signal driving the resonant circuit.

[0481] 9. The device described in any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein each microchip further comprises: A temperature sensor embedded within a microchip is configured to generate a temperature signal indicating the temperature of the microchip, the temperature signal is received by a further ADC input terminal of an ADC subsystem, and the temperature signal is sampled by the ADC.

[0482] 10. A hookah apparatus according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the ADC subsystem is configured to sample each signal sampled by the ADC subsystem along with the signals received at a plurality of ADC input terminals, each a predetermined number of times.

[0483] 11. The apparatus described in any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the hookah apparatus further comprises the following: A plurality of further microchips, each of which is connected to each of the other microchips, forming one H-bridge circuit of a plurality of H-bridge circuits, and each further microchip is a single unit consisting of a plurality of interconnected embedded components and subsystems: The first power terminal. and The second power terminal. Here, An H-bridge circuit on a microchip incorporating a first switch, a second switch, a third switch, and a fourth switch, wherein: The first switch and the third switch are connected in series between the first power terminal and the second power terminal. The method according to claim 1, wherein a first output terminal is electrically connected between a first switch and a third switch, and the first output terminal is connected to a first terminal of an ultrasonic transducer. The second switch and the fourth switch are connected in series between the first power terminal and the second power terminal. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 1, wherein a second output terminal is electrically connected between a second switch and a fourth switch, and the second output terminal is connected to a second terminal of the ultrasonic transducer. A first phase terminal configured to receive a first phase output signal from a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal generator subsystem. Second phase terminal configured to receive the second phase output signal from the PWM signal generator subsystem. A digital state machine configured to generate timing signals based on a first phase output signal and a second phase output signal, output the timing signals to the switches of an H-bridge circuit, and sequentially control the switches to turn on and off so that the H-bridge circuit outputs AC drive signals to drive an ultrasonic transducer, wherein the sequence consists of a free-float period in which the first and second switches are turned off and the third and fourth switches are turned on, and the switches are turned to dissipate the energy stored by the ultrasonic transducer. Current sensor with the following built-in components: A first current sensing resistor connected in series between the first switch and the first power terminal. A first voltage sensor configured to measure the voltage drop across a first current sensing resistor and to provide a first voltage output indicating the current flowing through the first current sensing resistor. A second current sensing resistor is connected in series between the second switch and the first power terminal. A second voltage sensor, configured to measure the voltage drop across a second current sensor resistor and to provide a second voltage output indicating the current flowing through the second current sensor resistor. Current sensor output terminal configured to output an effective voltage to ground equal to the first voltage output and the second voltage output. The ultrasonic transducer according to claim 1, wherein the effective output voltage is the effective current flowing through the first switch or the second switch and the current flowing through the ultrasonic transducer connected between the first output terminal and the second output terminal.

[0484] 12. The hookah apparatus described in paragraph 11, the H-bridge circuit is configured to output 22W to 50W of power to the ultrasonic transducer connected between the first output terminal and the second output terminal.

[0485] 13. A hookah apparatus as described in paragraph 11 or 12, wherein each microchip further comprises: A temperature sensor embedded in a further microchip, wherein the temperature sensor measures the temperature of the further microchip and is configured to disable at least a portion of the further microchip if the temperature sensor detects that the further microchip is above a predetermined threshold.

[0486] 14. A hookah apparatus as described in any one of paragraphs 11 to 13, the apparatus further comprising: A boost converter circuit configured to raise the power supply voltage to a boost voltage in response to an analog voltage output signal from a DAC output terminal, comprising a boost converter circuit configured to provide the boost voltage at a first power supply terminal such that the boost voltage is modulated by switching of a switch in an H-bridge circuit.

[0487] 15. Any hookah apparatus according to paragraphs 11 to 14, wherein a current sensor is configured to sense the current flowing through the resonant circuit during the free-float period, and a digital state machine is configured to adapt a timing signal to switch on either the first switch or the second switch when the current sensor senses that the current flowing through the resonant circuit during the free-float period is zero.

[0488] 16. Any hookah apparatus described in paragraphs 11 through 15, wherein an additional microchip is configured as follows during the setup phase of the apparatus: When the first and second switches are turned off and the third and fourth switches are turned on, measure the length of time it takes for the current flowing through the resonant circuit to become zero. Set the length of the free float period to be equal to the length of the measured time.

[0489] 17. The apparatus described in any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the hookah apparatus further comprises the following: Memory that stores instructions that, when executed by the microcontroller, cause the microchip to do the following: A. Control the H-bridge circuit to output an AC drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer at a sweep frequency. B. Calculate the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer based on the feedback signal. C. Control the H-bridge circuit to modulate the AC drive signal to maximize the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer. D. Record and save in memory the maximum active power used by the ultrasonic transducer and the sweep frequency of the AC drive signal. E. After a predetermined number of iterations, the sweep frequency increases or decreases in each iteration, and the Step AD process is repeated a predetermined number of times, such that the sweep frequency increases or decreases from the sweep start frequency to the sweep end frequency. F. From the records stored in memory, identify the optimal frequency of the AC drive signal, which is the sweep frequency of the AC drive signal at which the ultrasonic transducer uses the maximum active power. The G.H bridge circuit is controlled to output an AC drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer at the optimal frequency, driving the ultrasonic transducer to atomize the liquid.

[0490] 18. A hookah apparatus as described in paragraph 17, wherein the starting sweep frequency is 2900 kHz and the ending sweep frequency is 3100 kHz.

[0491] 19. Hookah includes the following: Water chamber An elongated stem having a first end that is attached to a water chamber, the stem having a mist channel extending from a second end of the stem through the stem to the first end; and The hookah apparatus configuration described in any one of the preceding paragraphs is attached to the stem of the hookah at the second end of the stem.

Claims

1. A water pipe and a water pipe apparatus for use, having an elongated stem and a water chamber to which the first end of the stem is attached, A plurality of ultrasonic mist generators, each having its own mist outlet port, wherein the mist generators aerosolize a liquid to produce a mist containing droplets of the liquid, and the mist has a droplet volume in which 90% of the droplets are 1 micron or smaller in size. A driver device electrically connected to each of the mist generators and configured to operate the mist generators, and A hookah attachment device configured to attach the hookah device to the second end of the stem of the hookah, having a hookah outlet port that provides a fluid passage for the hookah device to exit from the mist outlet port of the mist generator, and when at least one of the mist generators is activated by the driver device, the mist generated by aerosolizing the liquid by each activated mist generator flows along the fluid passage and exits from the hookah device to the hookah. A hookah device equipped with a hookah.

2. A hookah apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the driver device is An AC driver configured to generate an AC drive signal of a predetermined frequency for driving 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 drive signal, characterized in that it 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 the monitoring signal from the active power monitoring device, A memory for storing instructions, wherein when an instruction is executed by the processor, the processor A. Control the AC driver to output an AC drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer at a predetermined sweep frequency. B. Based on the monitoring signal, calculate the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer. C. Control the AC driver to modulate the AC drive signal and maximize the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer. D. The maximum active power used by the ultrasonic transducer and the sweep frequency of the AC drive signal are recorded and stored in the memory. E. After a predetermined number of repetitions, steps A to D are repeated a predetermined number of times, with the sweep frequency incremented in each repetition, so that the sweep frequency increases from the sweep start frequency to the sweep end frequency. F. From the records stored in the memory, the optimal frequency of the AC drive signal, which is the sweep frequency of the AC drive signal that uses the maximum active power by the ultrasonic transducer, is identified. G. Controlling the AC driver to output an AC drive signal to the ultrasonic transducer at the optimal frequency, thereby driving the ultrasonic transducer to atomize the liquid. A hookah device further characterized by having the following features.

3. A hookah apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the active power monitoring device is A hookah apparatus comprising a current sensor configured to sense the drive current of the AC drive signal that drives the ultrasonic transducer, wherein the active power monitoring device is configured to provide the monitoring signal indicating the sensed drive current.

4. A hookah apparatus according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the AC driver modulates the AC drive signal by pulse width modulation (PWM) in order to maximize the active power used by the ultrasonic transducer.

5. A water pipe apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the liquid chamber contains 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.

6. A hookah apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the liquid chamber contains a liquid composed of levulinic acid and nicotine in a molar ratio of approximately 2:

1.

7. A water pipe apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that 50% of the liquid droplets are 0.5 microns or smaller in size.

8. A hookah apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the driver device is configured to control the operation of the mist generator in response to data received from a computing device.

9. A hookah apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that 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 mist generator using a unique identifier for each of the mist generators.

10. A hookah apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein each mist generator is Identification device, An integrated circuit having a memory for storing a unique identifier for the mist generator, and Electrical contacts providing an electronic interface for communication with the aforementioned integrated circuit. Identification device equipped with A hookah device equipped with a hookah.

11. A hookah apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that a microcontroller controls each microchip and each mist generator and is configured to operate independently of other mist generators.

12. A hookah apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that the microcontroller is configured to control the mist generator and operate it in a predetermined order.

13. A hookah apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The system further comprises a manifold having a manifold pipe that is in fluid communication with the mist outlet port of the mist generator, and the mist output from the mist outlet port merges in the manifold pipe and flows out from the water pipe through the manifold pipe, optionally, The manifold further comprises four mist generators, which are provided at 90° intervals from each other and are releasably coupled to the manifold, optionally, Each mist generator is attached to the driver device in a manner that allows it to be detached from the driver device, and can be optionally selected as follows: Each mist generator, A long, slender mist generating housing having an air inlet port and the mist outlet port, A liquid chamber provided within the mist generating housing contains the liquid to be atomized, An ultrasonic chamber provided within the mist generating housing, A capillary element extending between the liquid chamber and the ultrasonic chamber, characterized in that a first portion of the capillary element is located within the liquid chamber and a second portion of the capillary element is located within the ultrasonic chamber, An ultrasonic transducer having a generally planar atomizing surface provided within the ultrasonic chamber, wherein the plane of the atomizing surface is substantially parallel to the longitudinal length of the mist generating housing, a portion of the second part of the capillary element overlaps with a portion of the atomizing surface, and the ultrasonic transducer is configured to vibrate the atomizing surface to atomize the liquid carried by the second part of the capillary element, thereby generating a mist consisting of the atomized liquid and air within the ultrasonic chamber. The air inlet port, the ultrasonic chamber, and the mist outlet port form an air passage through which airflow can pass, and optionally, Each mist generator, A transducer holder held within the mist generating housing, wherein the transducer holder holds the ultrasonic transducer and holds the second portion of the capillary element superimposed on a part of the atomizing surface, A partition portion that provides a barrier between the liquid chamber and the ultrasonic chamber, characterized in that it includes a capillary opening to which a part of the first portion of the capillary element extends. Furthermore, it is equipped with optional features, The aforementioned capillary elements are 100% bamboo fiber, and optionally, A hookah apparatus further configured to change the direction of the airflow along the airflow path such that the airflow is substantially perpendicular to the atomizing surface of the ultrasonic transducer as it passes through the ultrasonic chamber.

14. It is a water pipe, Water chamber and An elongated stem having a first end attached to the water chamber, characterized in that it is provided with a mist channel extending from a second end of the stem, through the stem, to the first end, A water pipe device in which the second end of the stem is attached to the stem of the water pipe, A plurality of ultrasonic mist generators, each having its own mist outlet port, wherein the mist generators aerosolize a liquid to produce a mist containing droplets of the liquid, and the mist has a droplet volume in which 90% of the droplets are 1 micron or smaller in size. A driver device electrically connected to each of the mist generators and configured to operate the mist generators, and A hookah attachment device configured to attach the hookah device to the second end of the stem of the hookah, having a hookah outlet port that provides a fluid passage for the hookah device to exit from the mist outlet port of the mist generator, and when at least one of the mist generators is activated by the driver device, the mist generated by aerosolizing the liquid by each activated mist generator flows along the fluid passage and exits from the hookah device to the hookah. A hookah equipped with a hookah.

15. It is a system, Multiple hookah devices, where each hookah device is A plurality of ultrasonic mist generators, each having its own mist outlet port, wherein the mist generators aerosolize a liquid to produce a mist containing droplets of the liquid, and the mist has a droplet volume in which 90% of the droplets are 1 micron or smaller in size. A driver device electrically connected to each of the mist generators and configured to operate the mist generators, and A hookah attachment device configured to attach the hookah device to the second end of the stem of the hookah, having a hookah outlet port that provides a fluid passage for the hookah device to exit from the mist outlet port of the mist generator, and when at least one of the mist generators is activated by the driver device, the mist generated by aerosolizing the liquid by each activated mist generator flows along the fluid passage and exits from the hookah device to the hookah. A system characterized by comprising the following features.

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