Aerosol Power Mode Switching to Prevent Standby Battery Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aerosol generating devices face battery damage due to continuous voltage decrease in standby mode, leading to reduced battery life expectancy.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a power mode switching mechanism where the device transitions from a first power mode to a second power mode, blocking power to the controller when specific conditions are met, such as inactivity or low battery charge, to prevent battery damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If the device remains in standby mode to save power during non-operation, then power consumption is reduced, but battery voltage continuously decreases leading to battery damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidbattery damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power mode switching between first power mode (standby mode with minimal power consumption) and second power mode (operational mode with full power supply). The controller dynamically adjusts the power supply state based on operation detection, transitioning from a static power supply approach to a dynamic one that adapts to usage conditions, thereby preventing battery damage while maintaining low power consumption during non-use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the power supply parameter (voltage level) based on operational state. In the first power mode, the power supply unit provides reduced voltage to maintain minimal functionality, while in the second power mode, full voltage is restored for complete operation. This parameter change allows the system to balance between power savings and battery protection, avoiding the continuous voltage discharge that would occur with constant standby mode operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If power is continuously supplied to the controller in standby mode to maintain device readiness, then device responsiveness is improved, but battery life is reduced due to continuous voltage decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice responsivenessVSAvoidbattery life

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by providing minimal power supply in the first power mode just sufficient to maintain basic device readiness and detect operational inputs, rather than providing full power continuously. This partial power supply maintains adequate responsiveness for detecting user actions while significantly reducing power consumption compared to continuous full power supply, thereby extending battery life without completely sacrificing device responsiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20230371607A1Aerosol generating device and method for controlling power mode thereof

Publication Date: 2023.11.23 KT&G CO LTD

AI summary

Disclosed is an aerosol generating device including a battery; a power supply unit configured to control power supply of the battery; and a controller configured to, when a first mode switching condition is satisfied, control the power supply unit such that the aerosol generating device switches from a first power mode in which power is supplied to the controller to a second power mode in which no power is supplied to the controller.