Aerosol Device Extension Unit Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aerosol generation devices face limitations in size, weight, memory space, and power supply constraints, making it challenging to integrate additional functionalities without increasing size or weight and overburdening the limited resources, while also allowing for user customization.

Innovation Solution

An extension unit with a connection interface that can be connected to the aerosol generation device, enabling additional functionalities such as power supply control, data transfer, and communication via a communication bus, allowing for modular expansion and user customization without exceeding device limitations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional hardware and software are integrated into the aerosol generation device to provide more functionalities, then the device's functionality and versatility are improved, but the device's size and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoiddevice weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into a core aerosol generation device and separate extension units. Each extension unit provides specific additional functionalities (flashlight, haptic feedback, display, audio output) that can be attached or detached independently, allowing users to expand functionality only when needed without permanently increasing device weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Additional functionalities are moved from the main device body to external extension units that connect via a communication bus interface. This dimensional shift allows the core device to remain compact while functionality is expanded through attachable modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidpower supply

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Power consumption is segmented by separating power-intensive functionalities into extension units. The control section only activates and powers extension units when they are connected and needed, avoiding continuous power consumption for unused features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts power supply based on connection status. The control section detects which extension units are connected and activates only those functionalities, allowing power consumption to vary according to actual usage needs rather than being fixed at maximum capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Weight of moving object

If the aerosol generation device is kept compact and lightweight, then portability is improved, but the ability to integrate additional functionalities is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice weightVSAvoidfunctionality

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection interface and control section are designed with universal compatibility to work with multiple types of extension units. A single core device can support various functionalities (lighting, haptic feedback, display, audio) through different extension units, making the system universally adaptable without increasing base device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A communication bus serves as an intermediary between the core device and extension units. This standardized interface enables seamless integration of additional functionalities while keeping the core device compact, as the communication protocol handles the complexity of interfacing with diverse extension units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If communication is enabled with multiple extension units via a communication bus, then the device's versatility is improved, but communication control complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextension compatibilityVSAvoidcommunication control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control section implements feedback mechanisms to detect which extension units are connected to the communication bus. By receiving feedback signals from extension units, the control section can automatically identify connected devices and activate appropriate communication protocols, reducing the complexity of manual configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-configuration when extension units are connected. The control section automatically detects connected extension units through the communication bus and configures communication parameters without user intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in managing communication complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20240225115A9Method, Computer Program, Power Supply And Aerosol Generating Device For Controlling Communication With One or More Extension Units

Publication Date: 2024.07.11 JT INTERNATIONAL SA

AI summary

It is provided an extension unit (and correspondingly an aerosol generation device and system) for an aerosol generation device, the extension unit comprising a first connection interface, at a first end of the extension unit, that is connectable to the aerosol generation device. Further, the unit comprises means for enabling at least one additional functionality of the aerosol generation device, further to aerosol generation, when connected to the aerosol generation device.