Aerosol Device Color Detection With Intermittent Light Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol generating devices with continuous light emitting modes for color detection waste power and shorten the life of the light source due to decreased luminous efficiency over time.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an intermittent light emitting mode for the light source in aerosol generating devices to reduce power consumption and extend the life of the light source by controlling the light source to emit light intermittently during at least part of the operating time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the light source operates in continuous light emitting mode, then the color detection function is maintained, but power consumption increases and service life is shortened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor detection functionVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The light source is controlled to emit light intermittently rather than continuously. The control unit activates the light source only when color detection is required, and keeps it off during periods when detection is not needed, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining the necessary detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Reliability

If the light source operates in continuous light emitting mode, then the color detection function is maintained, but the service life of the light source is shortened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor detection functionVSAvoidservice life of light source
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By implementing periodic operation where the light source is turned on only when needed for detection and turned off otherwise, the cumulative operating time is reduced, which directly extends the service life of the light source while maintaining adequate detection coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Measurement precision

If the light source operates in continuous light emitting mode, then detection accuracy is maintained, but luminous efficiency decreases over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecolor detection accuracyVSAvoidluminous efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The intermittent operation reduces the total energy input to the light source, preventing the accumulation of energy-related degradation effects that reduce luminous efficiency over time, while still providing sufficient detection moments to maintain accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

The intermittent light emitting mode maintains stable luminance, extends the service life of the light source, and reduces power consumption while maintaining accurate detection of aerosol generating product insertion and removal.

Implementation Method 1

a light source, configured to emit light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a color sensor, configured to detect a reflected light of the emitted light to generate a color signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4643685A1Control method for aerosol generating device, and aerosol generating device and system
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 SHENZHEN FIRST UNION TECH CO LTD
  • EP4643685A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4643685A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4643685A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

An aerosol generating device (110), a control method for the aerosol generating device (110), and an aerosol generating system (100). The aerosol generating system (100) comprises the aerosol generating device (110) and an aerosol generating article (120). The aerosol generating device (110) comprises a housing (111), a chamber, an atomizing element, and a color detection device. The housing (111) is provided with an opening (112). The aerosol generating device (110) is provided with the chamber that can accommodate the aerosol generating article (120) that can be inserted into or pulled out of the chamber by means of the opening (112). The chamber is communicated with the outside by means of the opening (112). In the control method, the aerosol generating device controls a light source to emit light in an intermittent light emitting mode within at least part of a working time period after the light is turned on; and during the intermittent light emitting mode, the device acquires a color signal by means of a color sensor, and controls a turn-on operation or a turn-off operation of a heater according to the color signal. The light source is prevented from continuously emitting light outwards after being turned on, the light emitting duration of the light source is shortened, the long-term stability of the brightness of the light source is maintained, and the service life is prolonged.