Capacitive Puff Sensor Inclination Detection for Flavor Inhalers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-burning type flavor inhalers face challenges in accurately detecting puff duration due to reliance on absolute value monitoring, leading to erroneous detections and compromised power source output efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The use of a sensor with a capacitor that outputs electric capacitance values, where the controller detects the start or end of a puff duration based on the inclination of output values with a predetermined sign and absolute value greater than a certain threshold, improving detection accuracy and power source output capability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If absolute value monitoring is used to detect puff duration, then the detection process is simple, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to erroneous detections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from absolute value monitoring to inclination (rate of change) monitoring. The controller detects puff start/end by monitoring the inclination of sensor output values, which represents the rate of change of capacitance. This parameter transformation enables accurate differentiation between actual puff events and erroneous signals, resolving the contradiction between detection accuracy and process simplicity.
2Speed
If monitoring cycle is shortened to improve detection responsiveness, then detection speed increases, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic monitoring cycle that adapts to the detection phase. During puff detection (when puff is not yet detected), a first monitoring cycle is used. After puff detection, a second monitoring cycle is applied. This dynamic adjustment optimizes responsiveness during critical detection phases while reducing power consumption during stable operation phases, resolving the contradiction between speed and energy use.
3Measurement precision
If continuous monitoring is performed to maintain accurate puff detection, then detection accuracy is maintained, but power source output efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring with varying cycles based on detection state. Instead of continuous monitoring, the system uses periodic sampling at different intervals - a first cycle before puff detection and a second cycle after. This periodic approach maintains detection accuracy during critical transitions while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous monitoring, resolving the contradiction between precision and energy loss.
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 approach enhances the accuracy of puff duration detection and improves the efficiency of power source output to the heat source, reducing false positives and maintaining a consistent flavor delivery.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor including a capacitor, the sensor outputting a value indicating electric capacitance of the capacitor, the electric capacitance changed depending on a puff action of a user
Data Source
AI summary
A non-burning type flavor inhaler, comprises: a housing having an airflow path that continues from an inlet to an outlet; an atomizer configured to atomize an aerosol source without burning; a sensor including a capacitor, the sensor outputting a value indicating electric capacitance of the capacitor, the electric capacitance changed depending on a puff action of a user; and a controller configured to detect a start or an end of a puff duration on the basis of an output value that is output from the sensor. The controller detects the start or the end of the puff duration when an inclination formed by two or more of the output values has a predetermined sign and when an absolute value of the inclination having the predetermined sign is larger than a predetermined value.