Aerosol Generator Battery Charging Control Under Temperature Limits

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrically heated aerosol-generating systems face inefficiencies and risks in charging and discharging processes due to inadequate temperature-based control of power supply, potentially damaging rechargeable batteries.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a method and system that monitor ambient temperature to adjust charging and discharging currents within specific temperature ranges, using weighted averages to optimize power supply and prevent excessive currents, thereby protecting the rechargeable power supplies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If high charging current is used to charge the rechargeable power supply quickly, then charging speed is improved, but the risk of damaging the battery due to excessive current increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidbattery safety
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The charging current is made dynamic rather than fixed. The system continuously monitors ambient temperature and adjusts the charging current accordingly - using higher currents (e.g., 0.2C or 1C) when temperature is within the optimal range (10°C to 45°C), and reducing or preventing charging when temperature is too low (0°C to 10°C) or too high (above 45°C). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by enabling fast charging when safe and preventing damage when conditions are unfavorable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements temperature feedback control by continuously monitoring ambient temperature and using this information to regulate charging current. The controller receives temperature data and automatically adjusts charging parameters - increasing current when temperature is optimal and reducing or stopping charging when temperature is extreme. This feedback mechanism ensures both fast charging capability and battery protection, resolving the contradiction between charging speed and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If charging current is reduced to protect the battery, then battery safety is improved, but charging efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebattery safetyVSAvoidcharging efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the charging current parameter based on temperature conditions. Instead of using a fixed conservative current that would always prioritize safety over speed, the system adjusts the current parameter dynamically - using higher currents (0.2C, 1C) when temperature is within the optimal range (10°C to 45°C) and lower or zero current when temperature is extreme. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by achieving both safety and efficiency under appropriate conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If fast charging is enabled regardless of temperature, then charging speed is improved, but the risk of battery damage in extreme temperatures increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidtemperature-related battery damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system takes preliminary action by monitoring ambient temperature before initiating or adjusting charging. The temperature monitoring and control logic prevents fast charging from starting in extreme temperature conditions (below 0°C or above 45°C) and adjusts charging parameters before temperature-related damage can occur. This preliminary protection resolves the contradiction by enabling fast charging when safe and preventing temperature-related damage before it can happen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP4035546B1An electrically heated aerosol-generating system
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA
  • EP4035546B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP4035546B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4035546B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a controller for recharging a rechargeable power supply of an electrically heatable aerosol-generating system, wherein the controller is configured to: provide a charging current of less than about 0.1 C to the rechargeable power supply when a temperature reading is within a first pre-determined range, provide a charging current of greater than about 0.1 C to the rechargeable power supply when the temperature reading is within a second pre-determined range, and prevent charging of the rechargeable power supply when the temperature reading is above a pre-determined temperature. The invention further relates to a method for recharging a rechargeable power supply of an electrically heatable aerosol-generating system.