Breath-Activated Inhaler Menu Control to Prevent Unintended Vaporization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic inhalation devices, such as e-cigarettes, lack user customization and safety features, as they typically require separate components for activation and menu navigation, which can lead to unintended vaporizer activation and limited user control over operational parameters.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a microprocessor with a pressure sensor that doubles as an input device, allowing users to enter a menu mode by distinct breathing actions, enabling configuration of operational parameters, such as vaporization settings and device calibration, while suspending normal mode functions for enhanced safety and user control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate button or switch is added for menu navigation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor serves dual functions: detecting normal inhalation for vaporizer activation and detecting prolonged inhalation patterns for menu mode activation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate input components while maintaining ease of operation through breath-based control.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses the user's own breath as the input mechanism for both normal operation and menu navigation. The breath itself serves as the control signal, eliminating the need for external buttons or switches and simplifying the device structure.
2Device complexity
If the pressure sensor is used for both inhalation detection and menu activation, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to potential unintended activation
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its response based on the duration of the detected breath. Normal brief inhalations trigger vaporizer activation, while prolonged inhalations exceeding a threshold duration trigger menu mode entry. This dynamic temporal discrimination ensures reliable function differentiation using a single pressure sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer distinguishes between different functions by monitoring the temporal parameter of breath duration. By setting a threshold duration, the system reliably differentiates between normal inhalation (shorter duration) and menu activation intent (prolonged duration), preventing unintended activation while using the same sensor.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If normal mode function is suspended during menu mode, then safety is improved by preventing unintended vaporizer activation, but ease of operation worsens due to mode switching
Solution Approach 1:
The normal vaporizer activation function is temporarily extracted or suspended during menu mode operation. This separation prevents unintended vaporizer activation while the user navigates menu options, enhancing safety. The function is restored upon exiting menu mode through prolonged inhalation or timeout.
4Adaptability or versatility
If customization options are added through menu mode, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing pressure sensor and computer are extended to provide menu navigation and parameter customization capabilities. By reusing existing hardware components for multiple functions (inhalation detection, menu activation, menu navigation), the patent achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing hardware 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
This solution provides users with customizable settings and enhanced safety by using a single pressure sensor for both inhalation and menu navigation, reducing component count and preventing unintended vaporizer activation, thus offering a more versatile and user-friendly electronic inhalation experience.
Implementation Method 1
Some electronic inhalation devices have a pressure sensor that activates when a user applies the suction force
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic inhalation device comprising a power cell and a computer. The computer comprises a computer processor, a memory and an input-output means. The computer is configured in use to enter a menu mode when a user activates the menu mode.