Aerosol Device Lighting Array for Usage Session Progress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol-generating devices lack efficient means to convey data concerning their operational state to users, particularly in terms of progression through usage sessions.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol-generating device equipped with a lighting array of light emitting units controlled by electronics to indicate operational phases through varying static luminance levels, allowing for precise and granular visual feedback on the device's progression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a lighting array with multiple luminance levels is implemented to convey operational data, then information communication to the user is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color changes through a lighting array where different colors (e.g., green, yellow, red) represent different operational states or progression levels. This allows rich information communication using a simple visual indicator system that does not require complex displays or multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by varying the luminance levels of light-emitting units across multiple discrete levels (including off state, first static luminance level, second static luminance level). This enables granular indication of operational progression while maintaining simple control logic that maps operational parameters directly to lighting states.
2Measurement precision
If multiple discrete luminance levels are used to indicate operational progression, then measurement precision of operational state is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by controlling the lighting array to operate in discrete periodic states corresponding to different operational phases. The lighting transitions between defined luminance levels in a periodic manner that matches the operational progression, allowing precise indication while minimizing energy consumption by keeping lights in stable states rather than continuously varying.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using only the necessary number of luminance levels required to indicate operational progression, rather than maximizing the number of possible levels. This provides sufficient measurement precision for user feedback while avoiding excessive energy consumption that would result from using all possible luminance levels continuously.
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 receive clear and detailed visual indications about the device's operational state, including usage session progression, power status, and thermal profiles, enhancing user experience and device efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one lighting array comprising a plurality of light emitting units. The control electronics are configured to independently control each one of the plurality of light emitting units in at least: i) an off state in which the light emitting unit does not emit light; ii) a first lighting state in which the light emitting unit emits light at a first static luminance level; and iii) a second lighting state in which the light emitting unit emits light at a second static luminance level
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol-generating device for heating an aerosol-forming substrate to generate an inhalable aerosol during a usage session is provided, the device including: control electronics; and a lighting array including a plurality of light emitters, the control electronics to independently control each light emitter in an off state in which the light emitter does not emit light, a first lighting state in which the light emitter emits light at a first static luminance level, and a second lighting state in which the light emitter emits light at a second static luminance level that is different from the first level, the control electronics to further control each light emitter to be in one of the off state, the first lighting state, and the second lighting state so as to indicate progression of an operational phase of the device to a user, and the progression of being a progression of the usage session.