Aerosol Generating Apparatus Controller Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol generating apparatuses face limited operation time due to high power consumption by heaters, especially in heated tobacco systems, which continuously heat even during non-use periods, leading to inefficient battery usage.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol generating apparatus with a controller that adjusts power supply to the heater based on usage data, predicting inactivity periods to reduce power consumption and optimizing power efficiency by applying a tailored power profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heater is continuously heated to generate aerosol with desired characteristics, then the aerosol quality is improved, but the power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The heater operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. During active periods, it heats to generate aerosol; during inactive periods, it reduces or stops heating. This periodic operation maintains aerosol quality when needed while significantly reducing overall power consumption during non-use periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system dynamically adjusts its operation based on usage detection. The controller monitors user activity and adapts the heater's power consumption accordingly, transitioning between high-power aerosol generation mode and low-power standby mode to optimize the balance between aerosol quality and energy efficiency.
2Productivity
If the heater operates at peak power continuously, then the aerosol generation capability is maintained, but the battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic heating cycles where the heater alternates between peak power operation for aerosol generation and reduced power operation during inactivity. This approach preserves full aerosol generation capability when users need it while extending battery life by avoiding continuous peak power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects usage patterns and self-regulates heater power consumption without user intervention. The controller monitors inhalation events and autonomously adjusts heating power, enabling the system to serve itself in optimizing the balance between productivity and duration.
3Productivity
If the heater is continuously heated between puffs, then the aerosol precursor is exhausted, but the capacity to deliver multiple heating cycles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing periodic heating rather than continuous heating, the system allows the aerosol precursor to recover and replenish during inactive periods. This enables multiple heating cycles from the same consumable, as the precursor is not continuously depleted, thereby increasing the number of operational cycles the stationary consumable can support.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the power supply to the heater is reduced during inactivity, then the power efficiency is improved, but the temperature must be increased quickly when use is detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of user presence or intent to use the device. When usage is anticipated, the controller pre-heats the heater to the required temperature before the user actually needs aerosol generation. This preliminary action ensures that when use is detected, the heater is already ready, eliminating the need for rapid heating while still allowing reduced power consumption during confirmed inactivity periods.
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 apparatus extends battery life and maintains user experience by accurately predicting activity periods, reducing power consumption during inactivity and increasing temperature quickly before use, thus enhancing power efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the aerosol generating unit includes a heater which is driven by the power supply to generate the aerosol
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
An aerosol generating apparatus is provided comprising a controller operatively connected to a heater. The heater is configured to heat, according to a power profile, an aerosol precursor provided in a consumable. The controller is configured to: measure usage data relating to a user operation of the aerosol generating apparatus during one or more initial consumable heating cycles; determine the power profile for the heater based on the usage data; and apply the power profile to the heater during a subsequent consumable heating cycle.