Aerosol Device Dual Feedback Control for Consistent Quality
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating devices lack sophisticated control mechanisms to ensure consistent aerosol quality, fail to account for factors like puff intensity and device maintenance, and are limited in customizing heater control to meet individual user preferences, often resulting in inconsistent aerosol production and inability to react to device misuse or component failures.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol-generating device with a heating element, temperature sensor, and aerosol monitoring means that utilize dual feedback control loops to adjust power based on both heating element temperature and aerosol properties, allowing for real-time adjustment of aerosol quality and reaction to abnormal conditions, incorporating a controller that compares measured aerosol properties with expected values and adjusts power accordingly, and includes auxiliary aerosol controlling means like thermoelectric devices and variable filters to refine aerosol properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature control based on electrical resistance measurement is used, then the overall temperature of the heating element can be monitored, but localized overheating cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is divided into multiple heating zones with independent temperature control. Each zone has its own temperature sensor and control circuit, allowing localized temperature monitoring and control. This segmentation enables detection of localized overheating that would be missed by measuring only the overall resistance of the entire heating element.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors are introduced as intermediary devices to directly measure the temperature at each heating zone. These sensors act as mediators between the heating element and the control system, providing accurate localized temperature data without relying on electrical resistance measurements alone.
2Ease of operation
If pre-defined control profiles are used for heater control, then device operation is simplified, but customization for individual user preferences is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system transitions from static pre-defined profiles to dynamic adaptive control. The system continuously monitors aerosol properties and automatically adjusts heating parameters in real-time. Users can also dynamically adjust their preferences through the interface, and the system adapts its control strategy accordingly, combining simplicity with customization.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback control loop is implemented where aerosol property sensors continuously monitor the generated aerosol and feed this information back to the controller. The controller automatically adjusts heating power based on this feedback to maintain desired aerosol properties, enabling both simplified operation and user customization without requiring users to understand complex heating parameters.
3Device complexity
If single feedback control based on heater temperature is used, then control mechanism is simple, but aerosol quality consistency cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
A dual feedback control system is implemented. The first feedback loop monitors heater temperature to prevent overheating. The second feedback loop monitors aerosol properties (such as particle size, concentration, or chemical composition) and adjusts heating power to maintain consistent aerosol quality. This nested feedback structure ensures aerosol consistency while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system monitors and adjusts multiple parameters simultaneously - both heating element temperature and aerosol properties. By changing control parameters dynamically based on real-time measurements, the system ensures consistent aerosol quality across different operating conditions while adapting to factors like puff intensity and device maintenance status.
4Device complexity
If heater control does not account for puff intensity and device maintenance, then control system is simple, but aerosol quality varies with operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection and adjustment for different operating conditions. Sensors detect puff intensity characteristics in advance, and the control system pre-adjusts heating parameters accordingly. The system also monitors device maintenance status (such as substrate depletion or component wear) and proactively adjusts control parameters to maintain aerosol quality before degradation occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is designed to be dynamic and adaptive to changing operating conditions. It continuously monitors puff intensity, duration, and frequency, and adjusts heating power in real-time. The system also adapts to device maintenance status, modifying control parameters as the substrate is consumed or components age, thereby maintaining consistent aerosol quality throughout the device lifecycle.
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 precise control over aerosol quality, ensuring consistent production, reacting to abnormal conditions, and allowing for user customization, thereby improving the overall performance and reliability of aerosol generation.
Implementation Method 1
heating element configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate for generating an aerosol
Implementation Method 2
heating element configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate
Implementation Method 3
temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the heating element
Implementation Method 4
The temperature of the heating element is often determined by detecting an electrical resistance of the heating element
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~1c
Figure 2
AI summary
An aerosol-generating device (20) comprising: a heating element (26) configured to heat an aerosol-forming substrate (102) for generating an aerosol; a temperature sensor for measuring a temperature of the heating element; an aerosol monitoring means for measuring an aerosol property comprising at least one of a physical property and a chemical composition of the generated aerosol; and a controller (32) configured to adjust a power supplied to the heating element based on: i) the measured heating element temperature in a first feedback control loop (210); and ii) the measured aerosol property in a second feedback control loop (220).