Boost-Driven Micropump Aerosol Delivery With Independent Atomizer Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol delivery devices, such as electronic cigarettes, lack improved electronics for enhanced usability and efficient aerosol production without significant combustion.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol delivery device incorporating a housing with a reservoir, power-source terminals, an atomizer, a micro pump, and a driver circuit with a boost converter, controlled by processing circuitry to independently power the atomizer and micro pump for precise aerosol precursor delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a micro pump is added to deliver aerosol precursor composition, then controlled aerosol production is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A driver circuit is introduced as an intermediary component between the power source and the micro pump. The driver circuit includes a boost converter that converts voltage from the power source to a level suitable for driving the micro pump, enabling controlled aerosol precursor delivery without directly exposing the micro pump to raw power supply conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The power delivery system is segmented into independent controllable paths: one path through the driver circuit and boost converter for the micro pump, and another direct path through a switch for the atomizer. This segmentation allows independent control of each component, improving operational flexibility while managing complexity through modular design.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a driver circuit with boost converter is used to power the micro pump, then power conversion efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boost converter dynamically adjusts voltage parameters from the power source to match the micro pump's operational requirements. By changing voltage levels adaptively, the system achieves efficient power conversion while the control circuitry manages the complexity of parameter adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing circuitry provides feedback control to the driver circuit, monitoring and adjusting the boost converter operation to optimize power delivery to the micro pump. This feedback mechanism ensures efficient energy transfer while automatically managing the complexity of power conversion through intelligent control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If independent power control for atomizer and micro pump is implemented, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power control system is divided into independent segments: a switch-controlled path for the atomizer and a driver circuit-controlled path for the micro pump. This segmentation enables independent operation of each component, allowing the device to adapt to various operational modes while managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing circuitry serves multiple functions by controlling both the switch for the atomizer and the driver circuit for the micro pump. This multi-functional control approach enables operational flexibility across different modes while consolidating control logic to mitigate the increase in overall device complexity.
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
The device provides efficient and controlled aerosol production, mimicking traditional smoking experiences without combustion, with adjustable flow rates and user-selectable amounts, enhancing usability and user control.
Implementation Method 1
an atomizer configured to vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition
Implementation Method 2
a micro pump arranged to be operable between the reservoir and the atomizer to deliver aerosol precursor composition from the reservoir to the atomizer
Implementation Method 3
a driver circuit including a boost converter coupled to and between the first power-source terminal and the micro pump
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol delivery device includes a housing enclosing a reservoir retaining an aerosol precursor composition. A first power-source terminal connects a power source to the aerosol delivery device. An atomizer is configured to vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition. A switch is coupled between the first power-source terminal and the atomizer. A micro pump is arranged between the reservoir and the atomizer to deliver aerosol precursor composition from the reservoir to the atomizer. A driver circuit includes a boost converter coupled between the first power-source terminal and the micro pump, to drive the micro pump. A control component includes processing circuitry configured to switchably control the driver circuit to drive the micro pump, and switchably control the switch to connect the power source to the atomizer independently of the driver circuit and thereby power the atomizer to vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition.