Aerosol Emission Estimation Using Test and User Operation Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assessing aerosolization system emissions and user operation are inaccurate, invasive, or alter user behavior, failing to reflect real-world usage patterns.
Innovation Solution
A controller with a processor and memory that estimates aerosolization emissions by receiving test and operation data, using equations to calculate emissions per operation duration and total consumption, and generating signals for display or communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If self-reporting survey is used to assess emission and consumption, then user input is obtained, but inaccuracies and biased answers occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the aerosolization system operation by using a test aerosolization system (TAS) to generate emission test data that represents real-world usage. This virtual model allows accurate emission estimation without requiring direct user reporting, thereby maintaining ease of operation while dramatically improving measurement precision through objective sensor-based data collection.
2Measurement precision
If frame-by-frame video recording is used to assess operation behavior, then inhalation topography is captured, but the setting is inconvenient and unnatural for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the user experience by separating the emission assessment process into two independent components: a test system (TAS) that collects emission data under controlled conditions, and a user system that operates naturally without observation. This extraction allows accurate inhalation topography measurement through the TAS model while the actual user operation remains completely natural and convenient.
3Measurement precision
If inhalation recording sensors are added to aerosolization systems, then inhalation data is collected, but the system becomes cumbersome and invasive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary test aerosolization system (TAS) that acts as a mediator between the need for accurate emission data and the desire for simple user devices. The TAS, equipped with comprehensive sensors and emission measurement capabilities, collects detailed emission data under controlled conditions, while the actual user aerosolization system remains simple and unmodified. This intermediary approach enables high measurement precision without adding complexity to the user-facing device.
4Measurement precision
If added sensors are used to monitor operation, then emission data is obtained, but user operation patterns are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the aerosolization system into two distinct parts: a test system (TAS) that monitors and measures emissions under controlled conditions, and a user system that operates naturally without monitoring. By dividing the system this way, the patent ensures that emission data is collected with high precision through the TAS sensors while the user system maintains authentic, unaltered operation patterns, thereby ensuring both measurement accuracy and reliability of real-world usage representation.
Data Source
AI summary
A controller includes a processor and a memory storing instructions configured to cause the processor to receive emission test data of a test aerosolization system corresponding to a test aerosolizer power or a range of test aerosolizer powers of a test aerosolizer of the test aerosolization system and a test concentration or a range of test concentrations, receive operation data of a user aerosolization system corresponding to an operation duration based at least in part on an input signal from a user, the operation data comprising at least a concentration of a consumable included in the user aerosolization system and a aerosolizer power level of a aerosolizer of the user aerosolization system during the operation duration, estimate a emission per operation duration based at least in part on the operation data and the emission test data, and generate a signal indicative of the estimated emission per operation duration.