Aerosol Cartridge Capacitance Sensing for Accurate Liquid Remaining Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol generating devices struggle to accurately detect the remaining amount of aerosol generating material, leading to inconsistent aerosol production and user inconvenience.
Innovation Solution
The device includes a capacitive sensor and processor to measure the remaining amount of aerosol generating material by calculating capacitance values, using a preset gain value and correcting for external interference, with a puff sensor to adjust calculations based on usage, and a display to output the remaining amount.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a capacitive sensor is used to detect the remaining amount of aerosol generating material, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components and calibration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a capacitive sensor as an intermediary component between the aerosol generating material and the detection system. The sensor acts as a mediator that converts the physical quantity of remaining material into an electrical signal that can be processed by the processor, thereby enabling accurate measurement without direct contact or complex mechanical measurement mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces potential mechanical measurement systems with an electrical field-based capacitive sensing system. Instead of using mechanical displacement sensors or direct physical measurement mechanisms, the system uses changes in capacitance values to detect the remaining amount of aerosol generating material, simplifying the mechanical complexity while improving measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If capacitance values are corrected for external interference and calibrated with gain values, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to additional calibration steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration actions by storing gain values in memory during the manufacturing process. This preliminary action ensures that the capacitive sensor is pre-calibrated to account for device-specific characteristics, so that during normal operation, the system can automatically apply these pre-determined correction factors without requiring user intervention or complex real-time calibration procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the processor continuously monitors capacitance values, compares them against stored gain values and baseline data, and automatically applies corrections. This closed-loop feedback system maintains measurement precision while keeping the operation simple for the user, as the correction process occurs automatically in the background without requiring manual adjustment
3Stability of the object's composition
If the heater temperature is adjusted based on remaining amount detection, then aerosol generation consistency is improved, but device complexity increases due to temperature control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic temperature control where the heater temperature is not fixed but is adjusted based on the detected remaining amount of aerosol generating material. As the material level changes, the system dynamically modifies the heating parameters to maintain optimal evaporation conditions, ensuring consistent aerosol generation throughout the material's lifecycle. This dynamic adjustment is managed through software control rather than complex mechanical temperature regulation mechanisms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Accurate detection of aerosol generating material allows for consistent aerosol production and user-friendly operation, ensuring appropriate heating and preventing device malfunction.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive sensor configured to apply a certain measurement signal to the electrode member and to receive a sensing signal received from the electrode member, and a processor configured to calculate a capacitance value based on the sensing signal received from the capacitive sensor
Implementation Method 2
a heater configured to evaporate the aerosol generating material
Implementation Method 3
a heater configured to evaporate the aerosol generating material
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an aerosol generating device including a detachable cartridge including a liquid storing portion storing an aerosol generating material and a heater configured to evaporate the aerosol generating material, an electrode member disposed on one surface of a main body to face one surface of the cartridge, a capacitive sensor configured to apply a certain measurement signal to the electrode member and to receive a sensing signal received from the electrode member, and a processor configured to calculate a capacitance value based on the sensing signal received from the capacitive sensor and to calculate a remaining amount of the aerosol generating material stored in the liquid storing portion, based on the calculated capacitance value and a preset gain value.