Aerosol Device Unlocking via Inhalation Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-delivery devices, such as smoking substitute systems, face challenges in preventing unauthorized use and accidental activation, particularly in environmental conditions where activation is not desired.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol-delivery device equipped with a user feedback element and a controller that utilizes an airflow sensor to detect a user inhalation pattern. The controller determines if the pattern matches a predefined inhalation pattern, switching the device from a locked mode to an unlocked mode only when a match is found, and provides user feedback. The device automatically switches back to the locked mode after a predefined period of inactivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the device is made accessible for easy use, then user convenience is improved, but unauthorized use and accidental activation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses inhalation pattern parameters (flow rate, duration, sequence) as a key to control access. By requiring a specific pattern of inhalations rather than simple activation, the system maintains ease of use for intended users while preventing unauthorized activation. The controller monitors and compares detected inhalation patterns against stored reference patterns to determine whether to enable vaporizer operation.
2Reliability
If the device requires authentication mechanisms, then unauthorized use is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication mechanism leverages the user's natural inhalation behavior as the key, eliminating the need for separate authentication components like buttons, codes, or biometric sensors. The airflow sensor already present in the device suffices to detect inhalation patterns, and the controller uses its existing processing capabilities to verify patterns against stored references, thus achieving security without adding significant complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the device remains active continuously, then user convenience is improved, but energy consumption and accidental activation risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device implements periodic authentication requirements by resetting the inhalation pattern verification after each successful activation. This forces repeated authentication cycles rather than continuous operation, reducing energy consumption while maintaining convenience for intended users. The system periodically re-verifies inhalation patterns to maintain active state, balancing accessibility with energy efficiency.
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 effectively prevents unauthorized use and accidental activation of the aerosol-delivery device while allowing intended users to easily unlock and use the device, enhancing both security and user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a vaporiser configured to produce an aerosol for user inhalation
Implementation Method 2
an airflow sensor configured to detect a user inhalation pattern when a user draws air through the device
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an aerosol-delivery device (102) and system (100) e.g. a smoking substitute device (102) and system (100). In particular an aerosol-delivery device (102) comprising: a user feedback element; and a controller (120). The controller (120) is coupled, or couplable, to: an airflow sensor configured to detect a user inhalation pattern when a user draws air through the device (102) and communicate said user inhalation pattern to the controller (120); and a vaporiser configured to produce an aerosol for user inhalation. The controller (120) is configured to: determine whether the user inhalation pattern corresponds to a predefined inhalation pattern; switch the device (102) from a locked mode, in which power cannot be provided to the vaporiser, to an unlocked mode, in which power can be provided to the vaporiser, only if the user inhalation pattern corresponds to the predefined inhalation pattern; provide user feedback to the user via the user feedback element when the user inhalation pattern corresponds to the predefined inhalation pattern; and switch the device (102) from the unlocked mode to the locked mode if a predefined period of time has elapsed since a previous user interaction with the device (102). The present disclosure further relates to a method of unlocking and locking an aerosol-delivery device (102).