Aerosol Generating Device LED Reflection for Heating Profiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generating devices lack a way to indicate operational states, such as heating profiles, without affecting the external design or ergonomic shape, and users cannot easily discern whether a customized heating profile is being used.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol generating device with a Light Emitting Diode (LED) that emits light reflected from the consumable article's wrapper, indicating operational states like heating profiles, positioned in a way that does not alter the device's external design or ergonomics, allowing users to discern customized profiles through distinct light characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If an indicator or display is arranged on the external surface of the device to indicate operational states, then the user can see the heating profile information, but the external design and ergonomic shape of the device are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the consumable article's wrapper as an intermediary surface to display heating profile information. Instead of placing indicators directly on the device housing, the system projects light onto the wrapper material, which then reflects the information back to the user. This mediator approach allows information display without modifying the device's external design or ergonomics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention moves the display function from the device's external surface to the consumable article's wrapper surface. By utilizing the wrapper as a display medium and using light projection at specific angles, the system creates a visual interface in a different spatial dimension that does not interfere with the device's ergonomic shape.
2Ease of operation
If a LED is placed on the device housing to indicate operational state, then the user can see the heating profile, but the device's external design is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the display function from the device housing and relocates it to the consumable article's wrapper. By taking out the indicator elements from the device structure and using the wrapper as the display medium, the system maintains device simplicity and external design integrity while still providing operational information to the user.
3Illumination intensity
If the LED emits light directly visible to the user, then the operational state is clearly indicated, but the light may be visible from unwanted directions affecting device appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by controlling the light emission and reflection characteristics at specific locations and angles. The LED is positioned to emit light at a specific angle onto the wrapper, and the wrapper's reflective properties are utilized to direct the light visibly only from certain angles. This localized light control ensures operational visibility while maintaining device appearance from other directions.
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
Enables users to identify the heating profile in use without disrupting the device's appearance, providing a customizable vaping experience by reflecting light from the consumable article, enhancing user interaction and experience.
Implementation Method 1
a LED configured to be at one operational state during a vaping session and emit light in this operational state
Implementation Method 2
the light emitted by the LED is reflected from the external surface of the consumable article when the LED is at said operational state
Implementation Method 3
heat, rather than burn, an aerosol generating substrate by conduction, convection, and/or radiation
Implementation Method 4
heat, rather than burn, an aerosol generating substrate by conduction, convection, and/or radiation
Implementation Method 5
heat, rather than burn, an aerosol generating substrate by conduction, convection, and/or radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns an aerosol generating device (10) configured to operate with a consumable article (100) defining an external surface (110) and comprising substrate part (102) and a mouthpiece part (108). The device (10) comprising: - a housing (12); - a cavity (30) formed in the housing (12) and configured to receive the substrate part (102) of the consumable article (100); - a heater (46) arranged at least partially in the housing (12) and configured to heat the substrate part (102); - a LED (50) configured to be at one operational state during a vaping session and emit light in this operational state, the LED (50) being arranged on the housing (12) so as the light emitted by the LED (50) is reflected from the external surface of the consumable article (100) when the LED (50) is at said operational state.