Aerosol Device Heater Operation Time Extension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aerosol generating devices face limitations in operation time, leading to premature termination of heating due to preset time constraints, which can interrupt user smoking sessions, necessitating a method to extend the heater's operation time based on user activity.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a sensor to detect movement of the device and a controller that counts stop time during which no movement is detected, allowing the operation time to be extended by multiplying the stop time by an extension coefficient, within a predetermined range, to provide additional puffs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the heater operation time is limited to prevent overheating and secure battery capacity, then safety and battery life are improved, but the user may not complete intended smoking within the operation time

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidheater operation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heater operation time is made dynamic rather than fixed. The controller adjusts the operation time based on real-time detection of user presence through movement sensors. When no movement is detected during a puffing interval, the system extends the operation time to ensure the user can complete their intended smoking session, while maintaining safety limits to prevent overheating and battery depletion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the heater operation time is extended to allow additional puffs, then user satisfaction is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser satisfactionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring movement sensors to detect user presence and activity. Based on this feedback, the controller intelligently extends or maintains the heater operation time. This ensures energy is consumed only when needed (when the user is present and attempting to puff), improving user satisfaction without causing unnecessary energy waste during periods of non-use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

This solution extends the operation time of the aerosol generating device, enhancing user satisfaction by allowing additional puffs and reducing power wastage by limiting the maximum extension time, thus improving energy efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor configured to detect movement of the aerosol generating device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcceleration detection: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 2

a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11877602B2Aerosol generating device and method of control of the same

Publication Date: 2024.01.23 KT&G CO LTD

AI summary

Provided is an aerosol generating device including a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating material; a sensor configured to detect movement of the aerosol generating device; and a controller configured to: count stop time corresponding to a time for which the movement is not detected during an operation time of the heater, and extend the operation time based on the stop time.