Aerosol Heater Power Harvesting for Longer Battery Runtime
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol-generating devices face challenges with limited battery capacity and frequent recharging needs, often leading to device malfunction due to discharged batteries, especially when used outdoors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a harvest device within the aerosol-generating device to convert environmental energy into power, which is then used to recharge the battery and supply power to components, managed by a controller to optimize energy conversion and charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a battery is used to supply power to the heating element, then the device can operate portably, but the battery capacity is limited and requires frequent recharging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple energy harvesting methods (solar panels, kinetic energy harvesters, thermal energy harvesters) with the battery system to create a hybrid power supply. This merging of energy sources extends the operating duration while reducing charging time by capturing energy from multiple environmental sources simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy harvesting devices enable the aerosol-generating device to recharge itself by capturing ambient energy (solar radiation, kinetic motion, thermal gradients) without requiring external charging infrastructure. This self-service capability directly addresses the frequent recharging problem by allowing the device to replenish its battery during normal use or idle periods.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the battery capacity is increased to extend operating time, then the device can run longer, but the device weight and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on a single large-capacity battery, the patent merges multiple small-capacity energy harvesting devices with a smaller battery. This combination achieves extended operating time without the weight penalty of a large battery, as energy is continuously supplemented from environmental sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the energy supply parameter from a single static battery capacity to a dynamic multi-source energy harvesting system. This allows the effective energy capacity to be extended without increasing physical battery size or device weight, as energy is harvested from solar, kinetic, and thermal sources during operation.
3Loss of time
If energy harvesting devices are added to recharge the battery, then charging time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy harvesting function into separate, modular devices (solar panel, kinetic harvester, thermal harvester) that can be independently integrated. Each device handles a specific energy conversion task, simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving multi-source energy harvesting and reduced charging time.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is designed with multi-functionality to manage both the heating element operation and the energy harvesting devices. This universal control approach consolidates the system complexity into a single management unit, coordinating power distribution from the battery and harvested energy while controlling the heating element, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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
Enhances energy efficiency and reduces battery charging time, allowing for extended device usage without frequent recharging.
Implementation Method 1
a harvest device arranged at a certain location of the aerosol-generating device, and a controller configured to control the conversion of power generated by the harvest device
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol-generating device includes a heating element configured to heat an aerosol-generating substrate, a battery configured to supply power to the heating element, a harvest device configured to generate power, and a controller configured to control conversion of power generated by the harvest device and control charging of the battery by using converted power.