Capacitive Sensor Calibration in Aerosol Generating Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol generating devices with malfunctioning sensors can lead to improper functioning, causing user inconvenience, and there is a need for methods to detect and ensure the sensitivity and accuracy of capacitive sensors within these devices.
Innovation Solution
A method of performing sensor calibration in aerosol generating devices involves providing a reference current for capacitive sensors, monitoring charging time, and adjusting the reference current level based on preset normal ranges to maintain sensor sensitivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensor calibration is not performed, then device complexity is reduced, but sensor sensitivity and accuracy deteriorate causing malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary sensor calibration by measuring the charging time of the capacitive sensor during an initial calibration phase and storing the measured value. This preliminary action ensures sensor sensitivity is established before actual use, resolving the contradiction by preparing the sensor in advance rather than requiring complex real-time calibration during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring the charging time of the capacitive sensor and comparing it against stored reference values. When deviations are detected, the system automatically adjusts or recalibrates the sensor, creating a closed-loop system that maintains sensitivity without requiring complex manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If continuous sensor monitoring is implemented, then sensor accuracy is maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of the capacitive sensor by measuring charging time at specific intervals rather than continuously. The system compares periodically obtained charging time values against stored reference values and performs calibration only when necessary, thereby maintaining measurement precision while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
3Reliability
If calibration threshold is set low, then sensor sensitivity is maintained, but false malfunction detection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial calibration action by setting calibration thresholds that trigger calibration only when charging time deviations exceed specific limits, rather than calibrating excessively for every minor variation. This approach maintains sensor sensitivity by calibrating when truly needed while avoiding false malfunction detection by ignoring normal operational variations that fall within acceptable thresholds.
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
Ensures the sensitivity and accuracy of capacitive sensors, preventing malfunctions and ensuring proper device operation by detecting deviations and adjusting reference currents accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
a capacitive sensor that is fully charged from a discharge voltage to a charge voltage during a charge cycle by using a reference current provided by a current source
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are an aerosol generating device, and a method of performing sensor calibration in an aerosol generating device. The method includes providing a reference current for charging a capacitive sensor in a charging cycle of the capacitive sensor, when the capacitive sensor is fully charged by the reference current from a discharge voltage to a charge voltage, obtaining a counting value corresponding to a time required for the full charging of the capacitive sensor, determining whether the obtained counting value is within a preset normal range including a reference counting value indicating normal, when an aerosol generating article is inserted, and, when it is determined that the obtained counting value deviates from the normal range, performing calibration with respect to sensitivity of the capacitive sensor by adjusting a level of the reference current provided to the capacitive sensor.