Aerosol Heater Circuit Isolation for Accurate Stick Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aerosol-generating devices face challenges in preventing noise components from being generated in signal circuits due to power supply and accurately determining the insertion or removal of a stick within the device.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a low-pass filter in the power circuit and using a sensor to output signals corresponding to the insertion space, with a heater and sensor connected via separate circuits to minimize noise interference and accurately detect stick presence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If power is supplied through a power circuit to the heater, then the heater can heat the stick to generate aerosol, but noise components are generated in the signal circuit due to electromagnetic interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower supply to heaterVSAvoidnoise in signal circuit

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the electrical system into separate power circuit and signal circuit pathways. The power circuit supplies high current to the heater while the signal circuit detects sensor outputs, preventing electromagnetic interference from the power circuit from corrupting the sensitive signal circuit. This circuit segmentation resolves the contradiction by isolating the noisy power supply from the sensitive signal processing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a low-pass filter as an intermediary component in the signal circuit. This filter acts as a mediator that allows the desired sensor signals to pass through while blocking high-frequency noise components generated by the power circuit. The filter serves as a buffer between the noisy power supply environment and the sensitive signal processing, resolving the electromagnetic interference issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a sensor is used to detect stick insertion, then the insertion state can be detected, but noise from the power circuit interferes with the accuracy of the detection signal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestick insertion detection accuracyVSAvoidelectromagnetic noise interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the detection function into an independent signal circuit that is electrically isolated from the power circuit. The sensor and its associated signal processing form a distinct pathway that does not share common ground or power lines with the heater circuit, preventing noise coupling and maintaining detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The low-pass filter serves as an intermediary that cleans the sensor signal by removing high-frequency noise components. This filter is positioned between the sensor output and the signal processing electronics, acting as a protective barrier that preserves signal integrity despite the presence of electromagnetic noise from the power circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the power circuit and signal circuit share common electrical pathways, then device complexity is reduced, but noise is generated in the signal circuit due to power supply interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecircuit configuration simplicityVSAvoidnoise in signal circuit

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements circuit segmentation by creating separate power and signal pathways with dedicated traces, grounds, and filtering components. While this increases component count slightly, it maintains overall device simplicity by using standard filtering techniques and clear circuit layout practices that are straightforward to manufacture and assemble.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The low-pass filter is introduced as a minimal additional component that effectively mediates between the power and signal circuits. This single filter component provides substantial noise reduction without significantly increasing device complexity, making it a practical solution that balances performance and simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Prevents noise components in signal circuits during power supply and accurately determines the insertion or removal of a stick, ensuring reliable operation and accurate control of the aerosol-generating device.

Implementation Method 1

The power circuit may include a low-pass filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLow-pass filter: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

a heater configured to heat a stick inserted into the insertion space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20250000158A1Aerosol-generating device

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 KT&G CO LTD

AI summary

An aerosol-generating device is disclosed. The aerosol-generating device of the disclosure includes a housing having an insertion space, a heater configured to heat a stick inserted into the insertion space, at least one sensor configured to output a signal corresponding to the insertion space, a power circuit electrically connected to the heater to transmit power to the heater, and a signal circuit electrically connected to the sensor to transmit a signal corresponding to the sensor. The power circuit includes a low-pass filter.