Smoking Device Charger Control Modes for Charge Rate Negotiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing chargers for electronic smoking devices lack advanced control modes and efficient communication protocols, which limits their ability to optimize charging processes and manage device states effectively.

Innovation Solution

A charger system with control electronics that include a memory with computer-readable instructions to manage multiple modes such as idle, communication, diagnostic, update, and charge modes, allowing for efficient communication and negotiation of charge rates with the electronic smoking device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a charger uses basic charging functionality without advanced control modes, then the device structure remains simple, but the charging process cannot be optimized and device states cannot be managed effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging process optimizationVSAvoidcharger control structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The charger control electronics are divided into distinct operational modes (idle mode, communication mode, diagnostic mode, update mode, charge mode), allowing each mode to be independently optimized for specific functions while maintaining overall system manageability through modular control architecture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The charger control electronics are designed to perform multiple functions across different modes including charging, communication, diagnostics, and firmware updates, eliminating the need for separate dedicated devices for each function and reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the charger lacks communication protocols, then the charger structure remains simple, but the ability to negotiate charge rates and manage device states is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharge rate negotiation capabilityVSAvoidcommunication protocol structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The communication protocol is integrated into the existing charger control electronics to perform multiple functions including charge rate negotiation, device state management, and diagnostic data exchange, avoiding the need for separate communication hardware and reducing overall complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The charger and electronic smoking device autonomously negotiate charge rates and manage their own states through the communication protocol without requiring external intervention or complex external control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4183281B1Charger for an electronic smoking device and method for charging an electronic smoking device
Publication Date: 2025.06.18 FONTEM VENTURES
  • EP4183281B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4183281B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4183281B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a charger for electronic smoking devices such as electronic cigarettes. In various embodiments, the. charger comprises: a first connection, wherein the first connection further comprises a plurality of connecting pins for electrically connecting to the electronic smoking device, a second connection, wherein the second connection is configured for electrically connecting to a computing device, and charger control electronics, wherein the charger control electronics comprises a memory, wherein the memory further comprises a set of computer-readable instructions to place the charger in an idle mode, a communication mode, a diagnostic mode, an update mode, and a charge mode Aspects of the disclosure are further directed to a system comprising an electronic smoking device and a charger. Aspects of the disclosure are further directed to a method for charging an electronic smoking device.