Aerosol Generator Charging Control for In-Use Fast Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing smoking articles that burn tobacco to create smoke lack efficient alternatives for releasing compounds without combustion, and there is a need for improved control and charging mechanisms in aerosol generating devices to optimize battery usage and user interaction.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol generating device with a control module and charging controller that adjusts charging rates based on device usage and power capabilities, including a user interface for input, to manage battery charging efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the battery is charged at a high charging rate to reduce charging time, then the charging speed is improved, but the battery may overheat or suffer from reduced lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The charging controller dynamically adjusts the charging rate based on real-time monitoring of battery temperature, charge level, and usage state. The system transitions between different charging modes (first charging mode with higher rate, second charging mode with lower rate) to optimize both charging speed and battery safety, resolving the contradiction between fast charging and battery reliability.
2Reliability
If the charging rate is reduced to protect the battery, then the battery reliability is improved, but the charging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging process employs periodic adjustment of charging rates through multiple charging modes. The controller periodically evaluates battery temperature and charge level, switching between first charging mode (higher rate) and second charging mode (lower rate) to achieve a balance between charging speed and battery protection, reducing overall charging time while maintaining reliability.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the device charges the battery while in use to maintain continuous operation, then the operational continuity is improved, but the charging efficiency decreases due to power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements self-service charging by automatically managing power allocation between operational components and battery charging. The charging controller detects when the device is in use and autonomously adjusts charging parameters to maintain operational continuity while optimizing charging efficiency, allowing the system to serve itself without external intervention.
4Productivity
If the charging controller continuously monitors device usage to adjust charging modes, then the charging optimization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging controller is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs battery management, temperature monitoring, usage detection, and charging mode adjustment. By consolidating these functions into a single universal controller, the system achieves charging optimization without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and a method for an aerosol generating device is described, the apparatus including a control module and a charging controller. The charging controller is configured to control charging of a battery at a first charging rate in a first charging mode and to control charging of the battery at a second charging rate, lower than the first charging rate, in a second charging mode. The control module is configured to determine whether the aerosol generating device is in use. The charging controller, when operating in the second charging mode, is configured to change the charging mode to the first charging mode in the event that the control module determines that the aerosol generating device is in use.