Aerosol Heater PID Control for Stable Continuous Atomization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aerosol-generating devices face challenges in maintaining consistent atomization during continuous use, as the temperature of the heater is difficult to maintain, leading to insufficient atomization.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a proportional integral differential (PID) control method to regulate the power supplied to the heater, with an integral control weight determined based on the initial temperature of the heater, ensuring consistent temperature maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If the heater temperature is maintained at a high level for continuous smoking, then the atomization amount is sufficient, but the temperature becomes difficult to maintain leading to insufficient atomization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveatomization amountVSAvoidheater temperature stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a temperature detection unit that continuously monitors the heater temperature and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the power supply based on the detected temperature, ensuring the heater maintains the necessary temperature for sufficient atomization during continuous smoking. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by dynamically adjusting power to maintain temperature stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a static power supply approach to a dynamic one where the power supply to the heater is continuously adjusted based on real-time temperature detection. The control unit modifies the power level dynamically during continuous smoking to maintain optimal temperature, thereby maintaining consistent atomization amount despite continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If the power supply to the heater is increased to maintain temperature during continuous smoking, then the atomization amount is maintained, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveatomization amountVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by providing power to the heater only when and to the extent necessary to maintain the required temperature for atomization. Rather than continuously supplying maximum power, the control unit adjusts the power level to match the actual temperature needs, avoiding excessive energy consumption while maintaining sufficient atomization amount during continuous smoking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power supply parameter dynamically based on temperature detection results. The control unit adjusts the power level to an optimal value that maintains atomization quality without excessive energy consumption. This parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction by finding the balance point between maintaining atomization amount and minimizing energy use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a simple temperature control method is used, then the device complexity is low, but the temperature cannot be maintained properly during continuous smoking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidtemperature maintenance reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a feedback mechanism where the temperature detection unit continuously monitors heater temperature and the control unit adjusts power supply based on this feedback. This relatively simple feedback loop significantly improves temperature maintenance reliability during continuous smoking without adding excessive complexity to the control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system performs self-adjustment by automatically modifying the power supply to the heater based on temperature detection results. This self-service capability maintains reliable temperature control during continuous smoking without requiring complex external control mechanisms, thereby improving reliability while keeping device complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 approach prevents a reduction in atomization and provides a consistent smoking experience even during continuous use by maintaining optimal heater temperature.

Implementation Method 1

a heater (130) for heating an aerosol-generating substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a controller (110) for controlling power supplied to the heater (130) through a proportional integral differential (PID) method

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectProportional integral differential control: Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3818873B1Method for controlling electric power of heater of aerosol generator, and aerosol generator
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 KT&G CO LTD
  • EP3818873B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3818873B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3818873B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An embodiment of the present invention discloses an aerosol-generating device, the device including a heater for heating an aerosol-generating substrate, and a controller for controlling power supplied to the heater through a proportional integral differential (PID) method, based on an integral control weight determined according to an initial temperature of the heater.