Aerosol Generating Device Power Control for Timing Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol generating devices using ceramic wicks face challenges in accurately controlling aerosol generation timing due to higher thermal capacity compared to glass fiber wicks, leading to unnecessary energization and inconsistent user experience.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol generating device with a power source, sensor, and controller that adjusts power supply based on measured values from a sensor, controlling power supply amounts between different thresholds to optimize aerosol generation timing and prevent unnecessary energization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the threshold to determine puff start time is made small, then the aerosol generation timing is advanced, but unnecessary energization easily occurs due to noise pickup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-heating the heater before actual aerosol generation. When the sensor detects a measured value exceeding the first threshold, the controller starts supplying power at a first value to pre-heat the heater. This preliminary heating prepares the system for subsequent aerosol generation without immediately activating full power, thus avoiding unnecessary energization while ensuring ready timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by dynamically adjusting the power supply amount based on the sensor's measured value. The controller switches between a first power value (when measured value is between first and second thresholds) and a second power value (when measured value exceeds the second threshold). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to respond appropriately to actual usage conditions while filtering out noise-induced false triggers.
2Loss of time
If the threshold to determine puff end time is larger than the threshold to determine puff start time, then the puff end condition is satisfied substantially at the same time as or immediately after the puff start condition, but this does not provide appropriate aerosol generation control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by starting the heater energization before the actual puff detection threshold is reached. When the measured value exceeds the first threshold (which is lower than the second threshold), the controller begins supplying power to pre-heat the heater. This ensures that by the time the measured value reaches the second threshold and actual aerosol generation is needed, the heater is already prepared, eliminating timing delays while maintaining proper control.
3Ease of manufacture
If ceramic wick is used instead of glass fiber, then the manufacturing process is simplified and aerosol yield is improved, but the thermal capacity increases causing timing control issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by dynamically adjusting the power supply strategy to match the thermal characteristics of the ceramic wick. The controller monitors the sensor's measured value and adjusts power supply between two levels: a first value during pre-heating (when measured value is between first and second thresholds) and a second value during active aerosol generation (when measured value exceeds the second threshold). This dynamic control compensates for the higher thermal capacity of ceramic wicks, ensuring proper timing control while maintaining the manufacturing and yield benefits.
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
The device effectively generates aerosol at appropriate timings while minimizing unnecessary energization, optimizing aerosol generation for each user by dynamically adjusting power supply based on sensor measurements.
Implementation Method 1
atomizing an aerosol source by a heater
Implementation Method 2
a sensor that outputs a measured value for controlling the power supplied
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
Provided is an aerosol generating device which is capable of optimizing the timing at which aerosol generation is stopped. This aerosol generating device 100 includes: a power source 114 which supplies power in order to atomize an aerosol source and/or heat a flavor source; a sensor 106 which outputs a measurement value indicating a first physical quantity for controlling the power supplied; and a controller 130 which acquires the measurement value output by the sensor 106, stores a profile of the measurement value, and controls the supplied power by controlling a second physical quantity different to the first physical quantity, on the basis of the acquired measurement value and at least a part of the stored profile of the measurement value.