Airflow-Responsive E-Cigarette Power Control and Liquid Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic cigarettes lack efficient control over vaporization energy and atomizer power delivery, leading to inconsistent puff quality due to fixed power supply and inadequate liquid vaporization, especially when varying airflow rates are applied.
Innovation Solution
A system with a processor and non-transitory computer-readable medium that determines the required vaporization energy and adjusts atomizer power based on airflow data from a mass airflow sensor, ensuring consistent vaporization and monitoring liquid levels to prevent depletion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If fixed power supply is used to simplify device complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but puff quality consistency deteriorates due to inadequate liquid vaporization control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment by transitioning from a fixed power supply to a variable power delivery system. The control circuit dynamically modifies the power delivered to the atomizer based on real-time airflow sensor data, ensuring optimal vaporization conditions vary with each puff characteristics. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by making the power supply adaptable rather than static.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback control mechanism where airflow sensor data is continuously monitored and fed back to the control circuit. This feedback loop enables the system to adjust power delivery in response to actual puff conditions, maintaining consistent vaporization quality. The feedback principle directly addresses the contradiction by closing the control loop between power supply and vaporization output.
2Device complexity
If fixed atomizer power is used to reduce device complexity, then device complexity is reduced, but vaporization efficiency deteriorates leading to inconsistent puff quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static atomizer power delivery into a dynamic system that responds to airflow conditions. The control circuit adjusts atomizer power in real-time based on sensor input, optimizing vaporization efficiency for each puff. This dynamic power adjustment resolves the contradiction between simplicity and efficiency by automating the adaptation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the power parameter delivered to the atomizer based on detected puff characteristics. By changing power levels dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed parameter, the system achieves consistent vaporization efficiency across varying puff conditions while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
3Device complexity
If no liquid level monitoring is implemented to simplify device structure, then device structure is simplified, but vaporization control accuracy deteriorates due to inability to prevent liquid depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism for liquid level monitoring that provides continuous information to the control circuit. This feedback enables accurate detection of liquid levels and triggers appropriate responses before depletion occurs. The feedback principle resolves the contradiction by providing the necessary measurement capability without requiring complex monitoring hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-monitoring of liquid levels and automatically adjusts operation or alerts the user without requiring external monitoring equipment. This self-service approach maintains measurement precision while minimizing additional device complexity by using existing sensors and control circuits for dual purposes.
4Device complexity
If airflow rate variations are not compensated to reduce control complexity, then control complexity is reduced, but puff quality consistency deteriorates due to varying vaporization conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses airflow sensor feedback to detect variations in puff strength and compensates by adjusting atomizer power accordingly. This feedback-based compensation maintains consistent vaporization quality across different puff intensities while keeping the control mechanism relatively simple through automated adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes power delivery parameters in response to detected airflow rate variations. By adjusting the power parameter based on airflow conditions, the system compensates for varying puff characteristics and maintains consistent puff quality without requiring complex mechanical adjustments.
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 solution ensures consistent puff quality by dynamically adjusting atomizer power according to airflow and accurately monitoring liquid levels, preventing under-vaporization or over-vaporization, thus enhancing user experience and device efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an airflow sensor is provided within the electronic smoking device, which detects a user puffing on the device (e.g., by sensing an under-pressure or an airflow pattern through the device)
Implementation Method 2
The atomizer vaporizes or atomizes liquid supplied from a reservoir and provides vaporized or atomized liquid as an aerosol
Implementation Method 3
a housing accommodating an electric power source (e.g., a single use or rechargeable battery, electrical plug, or other power source)
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for controlling an operation of an electronic cigarette. The method can include determining a total amount of vaporization energy required to vaporize an amount of liquid stored in a reservoir of an electronic cigarette. The method can include determining a total amount of atomizer power that is delivered to an atomizer associated with the electronic cigarette over a period of time. The method can include determining an amount of liquid remaining in the reservoir of the electronic cigarette, based on a comparison between the total amount of vaporization energy and the total amount of atomizer power delivered to the atomizer over the period of time.