Aerosol Flow Sensor in Vapor Passage for Responsive Device Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol generating devices lack the ability to directly detect the flow of aerosol, which is crucial for efficient operation and user-specific control.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a sensor in the passage that deforms in response to aerosol flow, generating electrical signals to control the device's operation based on airflow or aerosol flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If temperature sensors or puff sensors are used to control aerosol generating device operation, then the device can operate based on temperature or user puff motion, but the device cannot directly detect the flow of aerosol generated and transmitted to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces indirect sensing methods (temperature sensors, puff sensors) with a flow sensor that directly detects aerosol flow through the passage. The flow sensor includes a deformation portion that mechanically deforms in response to aerosol flow, converting mechanical energy to electrical signals for direct flow measurement, thereby eliminating information loss between aerosol generation and detection.
2Reliability
If a flow sensor is arranged in the passage to directly detect aerosol flow, then the device can operate based on direct aerosol flow information, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensor utilizes a deformation portion made of flexible material that can deform in response to aerosol flow. This flexible structure directly converts flow-induced mechanical forces into measurable signals, enabling reliable direct aerosol flow detection without complex sensor assemblies or multiple components, thus maintaining device simplicity while improving reliability.
3Speed
If the sensor deforms to open the passage when aerosol flows, then the device can respond quickly to aerosol flow changes, but the passage may not be properly closed when aerosol flow stops
Solution Approach 1:
The flow sensor is designed with a deformation portion that dynamically responds to aerosol flow conditions. When aerosol flows, the deformation portion opens the passage quickly to allow flow detection. When aerosol flow stops, elastic restoring forces automatically close the passage to maintain proper sealing. This dynamic design ensures both rapid response to flow changes and stable passage closure when not in use.
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
Enables precise and responsive operation of the aerosol generating device, adapting to various environments and user types by directly sensing aerosol flow.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor arranged in the passage to close at least a portion of the passage and configured to generate a signal upon being at least partially deformed by a flow of air or aerosol in the passage
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may further include a resistance portion arranged at the deformation portion and having electrical resistance that changes as the resistance portion is deformed together with the deformation portion
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol generating device includes an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol, a passage through which air to be supplied to the aerosol generator or aerosol generated from the aerosol generator flows, and a sensor arranged in the passage to close at least a portion of the passage and configured to generate a signal upon being at least partially deformed by a flow of air or aerosol in the passage.