Aerosol Device Consumable Identification via Optical Surface Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol provision systems, such as electronic cigarettes, face challenges in identifying the type of consumable being used, particularly for users with visual impairments or in low visibility conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an aerosol provision system equipped with a sensor that determines a predetermined property of any consumable, such as its composition, by sensing an external surface portion of the consumable, allowing for accurate identification before aerosol generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor is added to detect consumable properties, then identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual identification with an optical sensor system that automatically detects consumable properties. The optical sensor captures images of the consumable container, and image processing algorithms automatically identify the consumable type, eliminating the need for manual reading of labels or visual differentiation by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary image processing system that bridges the optical sensor and the consumable identification. The image processing module acts as a mediator, capturing visual data from the consumable container and converting it into identifiable information about the consumable type, composition, and properties.
2Measurement precision
If optical sensing is implemented to detect consumable properties, then measurement capability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor operates periodically rather than continuously, activating only when a consumable container is detected in the receptacle. The system uses motion sensors or contact switches to trigger image capture at appropriate moments (when the consumable is inserted or removed), minimizing energy consumption while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary detection of the consumable container's presence before initiating full optical scanning. This preliminary action filters out unnecessary image processing operations, ensuring that the optical sensor and image processing algorithms are only activated when a consumable is actually present in the receptacle.
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 enhances the efficiency and safety of aerosol provision systems by ensuring the correct consumable is used, preventing potential damage or inappropriate aerosol generation, and improving usability for users with visual impairments.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor for sensing a portion of the consumable when the consumable is received by the aerosol provision device, wherein the portion comprises an external surface of the consumable
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol provision system (1) for generating an aerosol, wherein the aerosol provision system (1) comprises a consumable (2), and an aerosol provision device (4) which is configured to receive the consumable (2). The aerosol provision device 1 comprises a sensor (101) for sensing a portion of the consumable (2) when the consumable (2) is received by the aerosol provision device (4), wherein the portion (71) comprises an external surface (73) of the consumable (2). The sensor 101 is configured to output sensor data, and the aerosol provision device (4) is configured to use the sensor data to determine a predetermined property of the consumable (2), such as the composition of aerosolisable material inside the consumable (2), or the remaining amount of aerosolisable material inside the consumable (2).