Aerosol Power Supply Circuit With Dual Load Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol generation devices face challenges in miniaturization and cost reduction due to the need for large-scale and high-cost charging ICs when a load connected to the output terminal increases, requiring efficient power supply solutions.
Innovation Solution
A power supply unit for aerosol generation devices that includes a charging IC to convert electric power and supply it to a first load, while also providing a discharge path to connect the power supply and a second load without passing through the charging IC, allowing for simultaneous operation of the MCU and heater without excessive load on the IC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large-scale charging IC is used to supply power to increased loads, then the power supply capability is improved, but the device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two distinct paths: a first path through the charging IC for charging the power supply unit and supplying the first load, and a second path bypassing the charging IC for supplying the second load. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized independently, enabling the use of a smaller charging IC while maintaining overall power supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit acts as an intermediary energy storage component that decouples the two load supply paths. It receives power from the external power supply through the charging IC, stores energy, and then supplies power to both loads through different paths, allowing the charging IC to be smaller while still supporting high-power loads.
2Device complexity
If a single power supply path through the charging IC is used, then power conversion is simplified, but the load capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is divided into two independent paths: the first path through the charging IC for power conversion and charging, and the second path bypassing the charging IC for direct power supply. This segmentation removes the bottleneck of the charging IC from the high-power supply path, significantly increasing overall load capacity.
3Ease of operation
If the charging IC supplies power to all loads, then power management is centralized, but the current output limit restricts simultaneous operation of multiple loads
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply architecture is segmented into two paths: the first path through the charging IC for controlled power management and charging, and the second path bypassing the charging IC for high-current load supply. This allows simultaneous operation of multiple loads by distributing them across different paths, overcoming the current output limitation of the charging IC.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit serves multiple functions: it acts as an energy storage device that can be charged through the charging IC, and simultaneously serves as a power source for the second load path. This multi-functionality allows the system to handle both power management and high-power supply requirements.
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 configuration reduces the need for expensive charging ICs, enabling miniaturization and cost reduction while ensuring sufficient power supply to both loads during simultaneous operation.
Implementation Method 1
a charging IC including an input terminal connected to the connector, a charging terminal connected to the power supply, and an output terminal connected to the first load, and configured to convert electric power input to the input terminal and output the converted electric power from the charging terminal
Implementation Method 2
a power supply; a connector electrically connected to an external power supply
Implementation Method 3
a heating element
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device that generates an aerosol by heating an aerosol source, the power supply unit including: a power supply; a connector electrically connectable to an external power supply; a first load; a charging IC including an input terminal connected to the connector, a charging terminal connected to the power supply, and an output terminal connected to the first load, and configured to convert electric power input to the input terminal and output the converted electric power from the charging terminal; and a discharge path configured to connect the power supply and a second load without passing through the charging IC, in which the charging IC is configured to supply electric power input from the power supply to the charging terminal to the first load via the output terminal.