Capsule Controller with Capacitor for E-Cigarette Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic smoking devices lack the ability to easily detect the remaining liquid in disposable capsules and authenticate capsules, leading to engineering challenges in design and functionality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a controller with memory and a capacitor in the capsule that communicates with the electronic smoking device via two electrical contacts, allowing for data exchange on puff count and authenticity, while using a capacitor to power the controller during data transmission and prevent discharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a disposable capsule is used without electronic components, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the ability to detect remaining liquid and authenticate the capsule is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable principle by making the capsule a single-use component that is discarded after use. The capsule contains integrated electronic components (controller, memory, capacitor) that are disposed of with the capsule itself, eliminating the need for complex reusable electronic systems in the main device while still enabling liquid level detection and authentication functions during the capsule's service life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the detection and authentication functions from the main electronic smoking device and relocates them into the disposable capsule. The controller, memory for storing puff count and authentication data, and capacitor are all housed within the capsule, separating these functions from the permanent device structure.
2Speed
If data transmission between capsule and device is rapid, then real-time monitoring is improved, but the capacitor discharge rate increases and power management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic data transmission between the capsule controller and the main device. Rather than continuous real-time monitoring, the system exchanges data at specific intervals (e.g., when the capsule is inserted, during scheduled check-ins, or when triggered by specific events). This periodic communication pattern reduces the discharge rate of the capacitor while still providing adequate monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The capacitor is charged in advance during periods when power is available (such as when the capsule is docked with the main device or when the device battery is active). This preliminary charging ensures that sufficient energy is stored before data transmission or authentication operations are needed, reducing the peak discharge rate during actual operations.
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
Enables accurate tracking of liquid levels and authentication, reducing the need for rapid data transmission and minimizing electronic components, thus maintaining low costs and improving user experience by allowing for seamless capsule replacement and preventing unauthorized use.
Implementation Method 1
The capsule has a capacitor which is charged by the electronic smoking device so that it can power the controller
Implementation Method 2
The capsule may include a diode, which is adapted to prevent discharging of the capacitor when the capacitor powers the controller
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a capsule (6) that contains a liquid (28) to be supplied to an atomizer (20) and is mounted on or in an electronic smoking device (1). The capsule (6) has a controller (40) including a memory, which receives data from and transmits data to control electronics (14) of the electronic smoking device (1). A capacitor in the capsule (6) is charged by the electronic smoking device (1) and powers the controller (40) during intermediate intervals. Electrical contacts (26, 48) of the capsule are connected to electrical contacts (24, 46) of the electronic smoking device (1) to charge the capacitor and exchange data. The memory stores the number of puffs detected by a puff detector (18) of an electronic smoking device (1) whilst the capsule (6) is mounted to the electronic smoking device (1).