Aerosol Power Supply Layout for Accurate Charging and Heating

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Solution Overview

Problem

In aerosol-generating devices, the proximity of heating elements and charging ICs to the power source leads to increased wiring resistance and reduced accuracy in charging control due to remote measurement points, affecting both heating efficiency and charging precision.

Innovation Solution

The power supply unit is configured with the charging IC's power source voltage measurement pin connected closer to the power source connecting portion than the power conversion device or heating switch, reducing wiring distance and maintaining accurate charging control while improving heating efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the charging IC is disposed close to the power source to improve charging control accuracy, then the measurement precision of power source voltage is improved, but the heating efficiency deteriorates due to increased wiring resistance for heating elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging control accuracyVSAvoidheating efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the circuit board into distinct functional zones: a first region for mounting the power source connecting portion and power conversion device, and a second region for mounting the charging IC. This spatial segmentation allows the charging IC to be positioned away from the power source, reducing wiring resistance for heating elements while maintaining adequate charging control through separate voltage measurement wiring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes the two-dimensional plane of the circuit board to resolve the contradiction by positioning components in different regions rather than competing for proximity to the power source. The charging IC is placed in a second region while power conversion devices occupy a first region, allowing both functions to operate optimally without spatial conflict.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Loss of energy

If the power conversion device and heating switch are disposed close to the power source to improve heating efficiency, then the power loss is reduced, but the wiring distance for voltage measurement increases reducing charging control accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower lossVSAvoidcharging control accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the circuit board into functional regions where power conversion devices are mounted in a first region close to the power source for efficient power delivery, while the charging IC with its voltage measurement function is mounted in a second region. This segmentation allows heating elements to be positioned close to the power source minimizing power loss, while the charging IC uses separate voltage measurement wiring to maintain accurate charging control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces separate voltage measurement wiring as an intermediary mechanism that connects the charging IC to the power source. This dedicated measurement path allows the charging IC to accurately measure power source voltage even when disposed away from the power source, enabling precise charging control without requiring the charging IC to be physically close to the power source connecting portion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 maintains charging control accuracy while enhancing heating efficiency by minimizing wiring resistance and heat-related errors, thus optimizing power management in aerosol-generating devices.

Implementation Method 1

a power conversion device for converting power from the power source and supplying heating power to the heating unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPower conversion:

Implementation Method 2

a heating unit for heating an aerosol source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

a power source voltage measurement pin for measuring a voltage of the power source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage measurement:

Implementation Method 4

a power source for supplying power to a heating unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4635332A1Power supply unit for aerosol generation device, and aerosol generation device
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 JAPAN TOBACCO INC
  • EP4635332A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4635332A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4635332A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An inhalation device (100) comprises: a power source unit (111C) for supplying power to a heating unit (121C); a step-up DC/DC converter (82) and/or a heating switch (85); a charging IC (81); and a main board (50) for mounting the charging IC (81), a power source connecting portion (51), and the step-up DC/DC converter (82) and/or the heating switch (85). At least one of the step-up DC DC converter (82) and/or the heating switch (85) is disposed closer to the power source connecting portion (51) than the charging IC (81). A power source voltage measurement pin (Ps) of the charging IC (81) is connected by way of voltage measurement wiring (521) to a position closer to the power source connecting portion (51) than a power source connection pin (Ps) in power source wiring (520) joining the power source connecting portion (51) and a power source connection pin (Pb).