Aerosol Generating Device for Personalized Puff-Based Heating Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol generating devices lack the ability to determine and personalize inhalation patterns of users, making it inconvenient for users to adjust the operation based on their inhalation habits and providing no clear indication of inhalation start and end.

Innovation Solution

An aerosol generating device equipped with a puff sensor, input device, and controller that identifies user inhalation patterns, determines a heating profile based on these patterns, and controls heater power accordingly, allowing user input for personalization and feedback on inhalation pattern determination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the device automatically determines inhalation patterns without user input, then the operation is automated and convenient, but the user cannot personalize the operation based on their specific inhalation habits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic inhalation pattern determinationVSAvoiduser personalization capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between automatic inhalation pattern determination mode and manual personalization mode based on user input. The controller can operate in two states: automatically analyzing puff data from the puff sensor or accepting user-defined parameters through the input device, allowing the device to adapt to different user needs while maintaining both automation and personalization capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device provides self-service through automatic inhalation pattern determination using the puff sensor, where the system independently analyzes user inhalation behavior without requiring manual input. This self-service mechanism handles routine operations automatically while leaving the door open for user-initiated personalization when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If the device continuously monitors inhalation patterns, then the vapor generation can be precisely controlled, but the user receives no feedback on when the determination started and ended

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinhalation pattern monitoring accuracyVSAvoiduser feedback on determination timing

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback by providing users with information about the inhalation pattern determination process. The controller outputs signals to the user when the determination starts and ends, creating a closed-loop communication that keeps users informed about the system's operations while maintaining precise continuous monitoring of inhalation patterns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If the device uses automatic inhalation pattern determination, then the operation is simplified, but the user cannot adjust the heating profile to match their specific inhalation characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidheating profile customization

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The heating profile selection dynamically adapts to user needs by switching between automatically selected profiles based on detected inhalation patterns and manually selected profiles through the input device. This dynamic system maintains operational simplicity through automatic functions while enabling customization when users provide input to select specific heating profiles matching their inhalation characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables the device to generate vapor corresponding to user inhalation patterns, enhance user convenience through personalization, and inform users of inhalation pattern initiation and completion.

Implementation Method 1

a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating substance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 2

a puff sensor configured to provide output corresponding to a puff by a user

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20250234935A1Aerosol generating device and method of operating the same

Publication Date: 2025.07.24 KT&G CO LTD

AI summary

An aerosol generating device and a method of operating the same are provided. The aerosol generating device includes: a heater to heat an aerosol generating substance; a puff sensor to provide output corresponding to a puff by a user; an input device to receive a user input; and a controller to identify that the user input corresponds to first data, determine, after identifying that the user input corresponds to the first data, an inhalation pattern associated with inhalation by the user, based on the output provided by the puff sensor, determine, a heating profile corresponding to the inhalation pattern, based on the determined inhalation pattern; and control power supplied to the heater according to the heating profile.