Aerosol Generating Device Shipping Mode Transition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol generating devices require cumbersome operations, such as connecting a charging cable, to transition from shipping mode to use mode, and existing devices consume power unnecessarily before being used by the user, as they switch modes upon removal from packaging.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol generating device with a main body, detachable cartridge, battery, feedback line for electrical connection between the heater and main body, and a controller that changes modes to use mode upon cartridge insertion, eliminating the need for separate charging and minimizing power consumption by using the feedback line without additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the aerosol generating device switches to use mode upon removal from packaging, then the device is ready for immediate use, but the battery power consumption cannot be minimized before actual use
Solution Approach 1:
The device is pre-configured in shipping mode with power consumption components deactivated before reaching the user. The preliminary action of mode switching is delayed until the cartridge is actually inserted, ensuring minimal power consumption during storage and transport while maintaining readiness for immediate use upon proper setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors feedback signals from the cartridge insertion detection to automatically transition from shipping mode to use mode. This feedback mechanism ensures the device only activates power consumption components when the cartridge is properly installed, optimizing the balance between ease of operation and energy efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a separate charging cable connection is required to release shipping mode, then power consumption can be minimized, but the operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mode transition function with the cartridge insertion action. The same physical action of inserting the cartridge serves dual purposes: establishing electrical connection and triggering the mode change from shipping to use mode. This eliminates the need for separate charging cable connections while maintaining power conservation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-service by automatically detecting cartridge insertion and transitioning to use mode without requiring external intervention such as charging cable connections. The system uses the existing electrical feedback from cartridge insertion to autonomously activate power consumption components.
3Reliability
If the device uses additional sensors to detect cartridge insertion, then the mode change can be reliably triggered, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing electrical connection feedback line, originally designed for power transmission, is also utilized for detecting cartridge insertion and triggering mode changes. This multi-functional use of the feedback line eliminates the need for separate sensors, maintaining reliable detection while avoiding additional components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects cartridge insertion by monitoring changes in electrical connection parameters (such as resistance or voltage) through the feedback line. By detecting parameter changes rather than using dedicated sensors, the system achieves reliable detection with minimal added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, an aerosol generating device includes: a main body including an accommodation space into which a cartridge, that is detachable, is configured to be inserted; a battery provided in the main body and configured to supply power to power consumption components included in the main body; a feedback line configured to feedback electrical connection between a heater in the cartridge and the main body based on the cartridge being inserted into the accommodation space; and a controller configured to change a mode of the aerosol generating device to a use mode based on a feedback signal being received through the feedback line when the aerosol generating device is set to a shipping mode.