Aerosol Device User Selectable Session Criteria

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aerosol-generating devices lack the ability to dynamically adjust their operational phases based on user preferences, leading to inefficient aerosol generation and unsatisfactory user experiences due to fixed duration settings that do not account for individual usage styles.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates a controller that allows users to select between different criteria for controlling usage sessions, such as puff count or aerosol volume, enabling personalized duration settings and visual indicators to display progress through multiple indication states, allowing users to choose the most suitable mode for their usage style.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the device uses a fixed duration setting for usage sessions, then the device structure remains simple, but the adaptability to different user preferences and usage styles deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to user preferencesVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of usage session duration by allowing the controller to switch between multiple criteria (time-based, puff-count-based, aerosol-volume-based) depending on user preference and usage conditions. This enables the device to adapt from static fixed-duration operation to dynamic multi-mode operation, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the device provides fixed duration usage sessions, then the ease of operation is maintained, but the user experience satisfaction deteriorates due to inability to account for individual usage styles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidaccommodation of usage styles

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the controller universally capable of operating under multiple criteria modes (time-based, puff-count-based, aerosol-volume-based). This multi-functionality allows the device to accommodate diverse user preferences and usage styles while maintaining ease of operation through automatic mode selection or simple user input, resolving the contradiction between operational simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If the device uses predetermined time-based control, then the control mechanism remains simple, but the efficiency of aerosol generation deteriorates due to mismatch with actual usage patterns

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaerosol generation efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the control parameters from单一的 time-based parameter to multiple parameters including puff count, aerosol volume, and temperature. The controller monitors and adjusts operational parameters dynamically based on the selected criteria, enabling efficient aerosol generation that matches actual usage patterns while managing complexity through systematic parameter management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Loss of information

If the device lacks visual progress indicators, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user experience deteriorates due to lack of feedback on session progress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefeedback on session progressVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements visual feedback mechanisms including LED indicators that display session progress, remaining time, and operational status. The controller continuously monitors usage parameters and provides real-time visual feedback to users, reducing information loss and improving user experience while managing complexity through integrated monitoring and display systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 user experience by allowing personalized control over aerosol generation, ensuring efficient use of the aerosol-forming substrate and providing clear visual feedback on session progress, thus optimizing the duration and satisfaction of each usage session.

Implementation Method 1

an inhalable aerosol is generated by the transfer of heat from a heat source to a physically separate aerosol-forming substrate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

As the released compounds cool, they condense to form an aerosol that is inhaled by the consumer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCondensation: Condensation

Data Source

PatentUS20240315353A1Aerosol-generating device with user selectable progression criteria

Publication Date: 2024.09.26 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA

AI summary

An aerosol-generating device for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-forming substrate is provided, the aerosol-generating device including a controller configured to control a usage session, to select one of a first criterion and a second criterion different from the first criterion, and to control the usage session with reference to the selected criterion, both the first criterion and the second criterion being criteria selected from the list consisting of volume of aerosol-generated, a combination of time and number of user puffs, a combination of time and volume of aerosol-generated, and a combination of time and a monitored user interaction parameter. A method of operating an aerosol-generating device is also provided.