Aerosol Article Insertion Sensing for Fault-Tolerant Heater Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol generating devices face issues with malfunctioning sensors preventing the detection of aerosol generating articles, leading to improper heater control operations.
Innovation Solution
The device employs dual sensors, including an insertion detecting sensor and auxiliary sensors, with prioritized functions and positions to ensure reliable detection and heater control even if one sensor fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single main sensor is used to detect aerosol generating article insertion, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates when the sensor malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by introducing auxiliary sensors that stand ready to compensate for the main sensor's potential malfunction. The auxiliary sensors are pre-configured in the system, and when the main sensor fails, the processor automatically switches to using the auxiliary sensors for insertion detection, thus cushioning against the reliability risk without requiring complex real-time sensor replacement mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter approach by utilizing multiple sensor types (capacitive, inductive, infrared) that detect insertion through different physical parameters. This allows the system to maintain reliable detection even when one sensor type fails, as each sensor type provides independent detection capability based on different physical principles
2Reliability
If auxiliary sensors are added to prevent sensor malfunction, then the reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary sensors are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as backup detection devices and as potential primary sensors under normal operation. The processor is configured to utilize any available sensor (main or auxiliary) for insertion detection, making the system flexible and adaptable without requiring separate dedicated backup components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements copying by creating auxiliary sensors that replicate the detection function of the main sensor. These auxiliary sensors are identical in function and can be activated when the main sensor fails, providing a straightforward copy-paste solution that enhances reliability without introducing fundamentally new complex mechanisms
3Reliability
If multiple sensors are used for insertion detection, then the reliability improves, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary sensors are designed as cost-effective components that can be easily manufactured and replaced. Rather than investing in expensive redundant sensor systems, the patent uses relatively simple auxiliary sensors that provide sufficient backup detection capability at minimal additional cost, aligning with the principle of using economical components for reliability enhancement
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 enhances the reliability and miniaturization of the aerosol generating device by optimizing hardware resources and ensuring consistent operation despite sensor failures.
Implementation Method 1
The insertion detecting sensor may be an inductive sensor configured to detect an insertion of the aerosol generating article
Implementation Method 2
another one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors may be a capacitive sensor arranged on a lower end of the accommodating portion and detecting whether the aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodating portion is over-humidified
Implementation Method 3
a first auxiliary sensor among the plurality of auxiliary sensors may be a proximity sensor arranged on an upper end of the accommodating portion
Implementation Method 4
a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodating portion
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is an aerosol generating device including a housing including an accommodating portion into which an aerosol generating article is inserted, an insertion detecting sensor configured to detect whether the aerosol generating article is inserted into the accommodating portion, a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating article inserted into the accommodating portion, a plurality of auxiliary sensors arranged around the accommodating portion, and a processor configured to control power to be supplied to the heater in response to receiving a sensing signal from the insertion detecting sensor and a sensing signal from at least one of the plurality of auxiliary sensors.