Aerosol Provision Device NFC Control for Unlocking and Identification

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improved methods and systems to control and manage aerosol provision devices, particularly non-combustible devices like electronic cigarettes and heat-not-burn systems, to enhance user interaction and device management through near-field communication technologies.

Innovation Solution

Implementing near-field communication (NFC) tags and readers in aerosol provision devices to facilitate device unlocking, article identification, and data communication with external devices, such as mobile phones or point-of-sale systems, for enhanced control and management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If near-field communication tags and readers are implemented in aerosol provision devices, then device unlocking and article identification capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice unlocking and article identification capabilitiesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The NFC reader is designed to perform multiple functions: reading NFC tags on articles, communicating with external devices for unlocking, and identifying articles. This multi-functionality approach allows a single component to handle various tasks, improving adaptability while managing complexity through consolidation rather than adding separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If near-field communication technology is used for device unlocking and article identification, then user interaction and device management are enhanced, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser interaction and device managementVSAvoidmanufacturing costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables automatic article identification and device unlocking through NFC technology. When an article is placed in the device or an external device is brought near, the NFC reader automatically reads the tag and performs the unlocking or identification process without requiring manual user input. This self-service approach enhances ease of operation while the use of standardized NFC components helps control manufacturing costs by leveraging established, mass-produced technology.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4629672A1Aerosol provision device
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 NICOVENTURES TRADING LTD
  • EP4629672A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4629672A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4629672A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An aerosol provision device is described comprising a near-field communication tag (for use, in combination with an external device, for unlocking said aerosol provision device from an initially locked state) and a near-field communication reader (configured to read a near-field communication tag of an article for use in the aerosol provision device).