Aerosol Provision System Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aerosol delivery systems face issues with energy dissipation leading to increased temperatures in components other than the aerosol generator, causing discomfort and potential damage to users and their possessions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a controller and indicator in the aerosol provision system to determine when the temperature falls below a predefined threshold after a usage session, allowing for safe storage by indicating when it is safe to put the device away.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If an aerosol generator is used to generate aerosol through heat vaporization, then aerosol generation efficiency is improved, but temperature of components increases causing discomfort and potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerosol generation efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature increase causing discomfort and damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a controller that monitors temperature of the aerosol provision system and provides feedback control. When temperature exceeds a threshold, the controller adjusts operation to reduce heating, and when temperature is below threshold, it allows normal operation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism resolves the contradiction by dynamically balancing aerosol generation efficiency against temperature control to prevent discomfort and damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes operational parameters based on temperature conditions. The controller modifies heating power, puff detection sensitivity, or other operational parameters dynamically according to measured temperature. This parameter adjustment allows the system to maintain aerosol generation efficiency when cool while preventing excessive temperature rise that causes discomfort and damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If temperature monitoring and indication system is added, then user safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser safetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service approach where the system automatically monitors its own temperature and provides appropriate indications without requiring external intervention. The controller continuously measures temperature and autonomously determines when to activate safety indications, eliminating the need for complex external monitoring systems while maintaining high user safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses visual indicators such as LED lights that change color or illumination state to communicate temperature status to users. This simple visual feedback mechanism provides clear safety information without requiring complex displays or interfaces, thus improving user safety while minimizing the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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

Prevents adverse effects such as discomfort and damage by ensuring the device is safely stored once the temperature has cooled, maintaining user safety and protecting possessions.

Implementation Method 1

an aerosol generator, e.g. a heating element, arranged to vaporize or aerosolize a portion of aerosolizable material (e.g. a solid material such as tobacco) to generate a vapor or aerosol

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat vaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

determine, after an end of a usage session, that a temperature of the aerosol provision system is below a predefined threshold temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermistor

Implementation Method 3

control the indicator, in response to determining the temperature of the aerosol provision system is below the predefined threshold temperature, to indicate the temperature of the aerosol provision system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight emission: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentUS20240138486A1Aerosol provision system
Publication Date: 2024.05.02 NICOVENTURES TRADING LTD
  • US20240138486A1 patent drawing
  • US20240138486A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol for user inhalation from aerosol-generating material using an aerosol generator, wherein the aerosol provision system includes a controller and an indicator, and the controller is configured to: determine, after an end of a usage session, that a temperature of the aerosol provision system is below a predefined threshold temperature; and control the indicator, in response to determining the temperature of the aerosol provision system is below the predefined threshold temperature, to indicate the temperature of the aerosol provision system is below the predefined threshold temperature.