Ultrasonic Atomization Sheet Circuit with Single-PWM Bilateral Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasonic atomization sheet oscillation control circuits require microprocessors to output two paths of complementary PWM waves, limiting their selection range and increasing costs, and they can only operate in simple unilateral or bilateral modes, making them unsuitable for different types of ultrasonic atomization sheets and prone to damage and reduced efficiency over time.

Innovation Solution

An ultrasonic atomization sheet oscillation control circuit with a microprocessor, first and second drive oscillation circuits, a phase inverter, mutual exclusion circuit, and a switching circuit, allowing the microprocessor to output one path of PWM wave to control bilateral oscillation, and enabling switching between unilateral and bilateral modes to suit different sheets, while using a redundant design to extend the life of the atomization sheets.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the microprocessor outputs two paths of complementary PWM waves to control bilateral oscillation, then the ultrasonic atomization sheet can oscillate bilaterally, but the selection range of the microprocessor is limited and the use cost is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicroprocessor selection rangeVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a phase inverter as an intermediary component between the microprocessor and the drive oscillation circuits. The microprocessor only needs to output one path of PWM waves, and the phase inverter automatically generates the complementary PWM waves for the second drive oscillation circuit. This mediator approach simplifies the microprocessor's burden and reduces control circuit complexity while maintaining bilateral oscillation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The control function is segmented between the microprocessor and the phase inverter. The microprocessor handles the primary control signal generation, while the phase inverter handles the signal splitting and complementary wave generation. This functional segmentation allows the microprocessor to have fewer output requirements, expanding the selection range of suitable microprocessors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the ultrasonic atomization sheet operates in a single mode with constant rated power, then the control circuit is simple, but it cannot meet the usage requirements of different user groups and different types of ultrasonic atomization sheets

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating mode flexibilityVSAvoidcontrol circuit complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between unilateral and bilateral oscillation modes through a switching circuit controlled by the microprocessor. The system can adaptively change its operating state based on different usage scenarios, different types of ultrasonic atomization sheets, and user preferences, transforming a static single-mode system into a dynamic multi-mode system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can control both unilateral and bilateral oscillation modes, adapt to different types of ultrasonic atomization sheets (polar and non-polar), and adjust rated power according to different user groups. This multi-functionality is achieved through the combination of the phase inverter and switching circuit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If only one ultrasonic atomization sheet is provided, then the device structure is simple, but the sheet is short in life and easy to burn out due to high temperature and overcurrent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveatomization sheet lifespanVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a redundant design with two ultrasonic atomization sheets that can be switched between them. When one sheet is damaged or exhausted, the system can switch to the other sheet, recovering the atomization function without requiring the entire device to be discarded. This extends the overall system lifespan and improves reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Solution Approach 2:

The redundant sheet design acts as a preventive measure against sheet burnout. By having a backup sheet ready, the system cushions against the risk of complete failure, ensuring continuous operation even when one sheet is damaged due to high temperature or overcurrent conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Productivity

If the ultrasonic atomization sheet operates with large atomization amount for a long time, then the user experience is improved, but the operating efficiency decreases over time and the sheet may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveatomization amountVSAvoidatomization sheet durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables periodic switching between two ultrasonic atomization sheets. The system can operate one sheet for a period, then switch to the other sheet, allowing the first sheet to rest and cool down. This periodic action prevents continuous high-temperature operation, reducing the risk of burnout and extending the service life of each individual sheet while maintaining high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 reduces the cost and complexity of the microprocessor, stabilizes smoke output, allows adjustable power modes for different sheets, and extends the life of the atomization sheets by enabling seamless switching between them, improving user experience and overall performance.

Implementation Method 1

an input end of the first phase inverter and an input end of the second drive oscillation circuit are both electrically connected to a first output end of the microprocessor, and an output end of the first phase inverter is electrically connected to an input end of the first drive oscillation circuit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase inversion:

Implementation Method 2

an output end of the first drive oscillation circuit is electrically connected to a first end of a first ultrasonic atomization sheet, an output end of the second drive oscillation circuit is electrically connected to a second end of the first ultrasonic atomization sheet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic vibration: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3677133B1Ultrasonic atomization sheet oscillation control circuit and ultrasonic electronic cigarette
Publication Date: 2022.12.14 CHINA TOBACCO HUNAN IND CORP
  • EP3677133B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3677133B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3677133B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An ultrasonic atomization sheet oscillation control circuit and an ultrasonic electronic cigarette, comprises a microprocessor (1), a first drive oscillation circuit (2), and a second drive oscillation circuit (3), an output end of the first drive oscillation circuit (2) is connected to a first end of a first ultrasonic atomization sheet (J1), an output end of the second drive oscillation circuit (3) is connected to a second end of the first ultrasonic atomization sheet (J1). The ultrasonic atomization sheet oscillation control circuit further comprises a first phase inverter (4), an input end of the first phase inverter (4) and an input end of the second drive oscillation circuit (3) are both connected to a first output end of the microprocessor (1), and an output end of the first phase inverter (4) is connected to an input end of the first drive oscillation circuit (2). Bilateral oscillation is achieved by the microprocessor that outputs only one path of PWM wave, and no special requirement is needed for the type of the microprocessor; the first ultrasonic atomization sheet (J1) can be switched between a unilateral oscillation operating mode and a bilateral oscillation operating mode, which can adjust the rated power of the product, so that the product is suitable for different types of ultrasonic atomization sheets; and by using a redundant design, the service life of the ultrasonic atomization sheet is prolonged.