Aerosol Generating Device Electrode Power Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aerosol generating devices with sensors consume power even in standby mode due to continuous power supply needs, leading to increased power consumption and potential accidental device activation.

Innovation Solution

The aerosol generating device features a power supply unit with a first and second electrode arranged apart on its surface, connecting only when the user intentionally connects them, either through a slider mechanism or touch input, to supply power to the controller, reducing standby power consumption and preventing accidental operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a sensor is continuously powered to detect cigarette presence, then detection reliability is improved, but standby power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecigarette detection reliabilityVSAvoidstandby power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is powered periodically rather than continuously. The control unit activates the sensor only when needed (when a cigarette is inserted or during operation) and turns it off during standby periods, reducing power consumption while maintaining detection reliability when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the power supply state of the sensor based on operational conditions. The sensor transitions between active and standby states, with its power supply controlled by the control unit according to whether a cigarette is detected or the device is in idle mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If continuous power is supplied to ensure device readiness, then response speed is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice response speedVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Power is supplied periodically based on operational needs rather than continuously. The control unit manages power supply to the heater and sensor only when operation is required, achieving fast response when needed while conserving energy during standby through intermittent power cycles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If power is easily accessible to ensure operational readiness, then ease of operation is improved, but accidental activation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower accessibilityVSAvoidaccidental operation prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive member acts as an intermediary between the user and the power supply system. It requires intentional user action (touching or sliding) to connect the first and second electrodes, providing easy operation when intended while preventing accidental activation through a deliberate interaction requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional mechanical switch or button is replaced with a touch-based conductive member system. This substitution allows for easier operation through simple touch or slide gestures while maintaining reliability by requiring intentional user contact to activate power supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 design significantly reduces standby power consumption and enhances user convenience by ensuring power is only supplied when the device is in use, preventing unintended activation.

Implementation Method 1

a power supply unit comprising a first electrode and a second electrode arranged apart from each other on an outer surface of the main body, and configured to supply power to the controller when the first electrode and the second electrode are connected to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

a heater accommodated in the main body and configured to heat an aerosol generating material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20220279859A1Aerosol generating device
Publication Date: 2022.09.08 KT&G CO LTD
  • US20220279859A1 patent drawing
  • US20220279859A1 patent drawing
  • US20220279859A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An aerosol generating device includes a first electrode and a second electrode, which are arranged apart from each other on an outer surface of a main body, and supplies power to a controller only when the first electrode and the second electrode are in electrical contact with each other by user's manipulation, such that power consumption in a standby mode may be significantly reduced.