Aerosol Source Depletion Detection Using Heater Temperature Variance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol generating devices, such as electronic cigarettes and heated tobacco products, face challenges in detecting aerosol source depletion or shortage efficiently, leading to insufficient aerosol supply and inability to generate intended fragrance flavors, with existing methods being slow or ineffective in determining the empty state of the aerosol substrate.
Innovation Solution
The device employs a control unit that analyzes temperature deviations during electric power supplying cycles to detect aerosol source depletion or shortage by calculating standard deviations and variances, excluding noise data and using phase-based analysis to precisely determine the occurrence of aerosol depletion, allowing for earlier detection and accurate estimation of aerosol source states in storage and holding units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threshold-based detection methods are used to determine aerosol source depletion, then detection reliability is improved, but judgment speed deteriorates due to noise filtering requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating statistical parameters (mean, standard deviation) of temperature data during the heating phase before depletion occurs. These pre-established baseline parameters enable rapid comparison with current temperature readings, allowing fast judgment without real-time noise filtering. The control unit stores reference temperature profiles and their statistical characteristics, enabling immediate depletion detection through simple parameter comparison rather than complex real-time analysis.
2Measurement precision
If multiple detection parameters are analyzed to improve aerosol source state detection accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the temperature sensor serve multiple functions: it not only monitors the current temperature for depletion detection but also collects data for calculating statistical parameters (mean, standard deviation) that characterize the heating process. The same sensor and processing unit are used both for normal operation monitoring and for establishing baseline profiles, eliminating the need for separate detection systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high measurement precision.
3Productivity
If early detection of aerosol source depletion is implemented, then productivity is improved by preventing insufficient aerosol supply, but measurement precision requirements increase to distinguish early depletion signals from noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing baseline temperature profiles and their statistical characteristics (mean, standard deviation) during the heating phase before depletion occurs. These pre-calculated reference parameters enable the system to detect even subtle deviations indicating early depletion. By having these reference values ready, the system can immediately compare current temperature readings against the expected range, detecting depletion signals that would otherwise be indistinguishable from normal thermal noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by using statistical parameters (mean temperature, standard deviation of temperature readings) rather than simple threshold values. This transformation of the detection approach allows the system to account for natural temperature variations and noise. The depletion detection is based on changes in these statistical parameters over time, enabling precise detection of early depletion signals while maintaining robustness against thermal noise and measurement variations.
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
This solution enables early detection of aerosol source depletion, improving precision and reducing false positives, ensuring consistent aerosol supply and flavor generation by accurately determining the aerosol source state in both storage and holding units.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for outputting a value relating to temperature of the load
Implementation Method 2
a load for atomizing the aerosol source by heat generated by receiving supply of electric power
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol generating device which can infer or detect the state of at least one of a storage and a receptacle for an aerosol source, the aerosol generation device includes: a load which atomizes the aerosol source by generating heat with power supplied from a power source; a sensor which outputs values relating to the temperature of the load; and a controller. The controller infers or detects the state of at least one of the storage and the receptacle based on at least an output value of the sensor in a first power supply cycle, an output value of the sensor in a second power supply cycle, or a value relating to behavior of the temperature of the load in the second power supply cycle.