Atomizer Exchange Controller Using Voltage Ranges for Heater Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhalation devices face challenges in reducing costs while effectively detecting and controlling atomizers with heaters, particularly in distinguishing between attached and detached states for efficient aerosol production and flavor delivery.
Innovation Solution
An inhalation device controller with a holding portion, power supply unit, amplifier, and processor that determines the state of the atomizer by analyzing voltage ranges, calculates resistance and temperature values, and controls power supply to maintain target temperatures, ensuring efficient aerosol production and promoting user-friendly exchange of atomizer capsules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate circuit configurations are used for detecting atomizer presence and acquiring heater information, then detection reliability is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the atomizer presence detection circuit and heater information acquisition circuit into a single integrated circuit configuration. The amplifier detects voltage changes across a shunt resistor that simultaneously indicates both the presence of the atomizer (through voltage level) and provides heater resistance measurements (through voltage division). This merging eliminates the need for separate circuit configurations while maintaining both detection functions, thereby reducing device cost without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects whether the atomizer is attached to the holder, measures heater resistance values, and provides temperature information. The amplifier and shunt resistor configuration serves as a universal circuit that handles both presence detection and heater characterization in a single integrated system, reducing overall circuit complexity and manufacturing cost.
2Device complexity
If voltage ranges for holding and non-holding states overlap, then circuit simplicity is improved, but state detection accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing different voltage threshold levels to distinguish between holding and non-holding states. The processor compares the amplifier output voltage against predetermined thresholds: a first threshold range indicates the atomizer is attached (holding state), while a second threshold range indicates detachment (non-holding state). By carefully selecting these non-overlapping voltage ranges based on the circuit's electrical characteristics, the system achieves accurate state detection without requiring complex additional circuitry.
3Extent of automation
If multiple separate circuits are used for atomizer control functions, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple control functions into a single integrated circuit system. The same amplifier that detects atomizer presence also provides heater resistance measurements, and the processor uses this single voltage signal to perform presence detection, temperature monitoring, and heating control. This consolidation maintains precise control capabilities while reducing the overall number of separate circuits and components required in the device.
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 device costs by accurately detecting atomizer states and controlling heating elements, ensuring consistent aerosol quality and user convenience through efficient power management and capsule exchange notifications.
Implementation Method 1
an amplifier to which a voltage according to a voltage of a node on a current path configured to supply the power to the heater is input
Implementation Method 2
the processor can acquire and store the reference resistance value of the heater... calculate the temperature of the heater based on the value of the information and the reference resistance value
Implementation Method 3
a power supply unit configured to supply power to the heater of the atomizer attached to the holding portion
Data Source
AI summary
An inhalation device controller includes a holding portion configured to hold an atomizer including a heater configured to heat an aerosol source, a power supply unit configured to supply power to the heater of the atomizer attached to the holding portion, an amplifier to which a voltage according to a voltage of a node on a current path configured to supply the power to the heater is input, and a processor configured to acquire information from the amplifier and execute control according to the information. A first range that a value of the information takes in a holding state in which the holding portion holds the atomizer and a second range that the value of the information takes in a non-holding state in which the holding portion does not hold the atomizer do not include ranges overlapping each other.