Charging IC Power Supply Layout for Compact Aerosol Heaters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol generating devices face challenges in achieving miniaturization and cost reduction while maintaining higher functionality due to the need for an electronic component to convert power supply voltage, which complicates the design and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A power supply unit for aerosol generating devices that includes a charging IC to convert power input from an external source and supply it to both the heater and other components, eliminating the need for a dedicated IC by using a charging IC to generate system power supply voltage and supply it to the MCU and LEDs, thereby reducing size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dedicated IC is used to convert power supply voltage for higher functionality, then the device can support more accessories and features, but the device size increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply management function with the existing charging IC by connecting the power supply output to both the heater connector and the charging IC input terminal. The charging IC then distributes power to multiple components (MCU, LEDs, heater) through its output terminals, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated power management IC and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high functionality.
2Reliability
If a dedicated IC is used to convert power supply voltage, then appropriate operating voltage can be supplied to accessories, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The charging IC is designed to perform multiple functions: it charges the power supply battery, provides power to the MCU and LEDs, and supplies operating voltage to the heater through the heater connector. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate dedicated ICs for each function, reducing component count and manufacturing cost while ensuring stable operating voltage through the IC's built-in voltage regulation capabilities.
3Reliability
If power supply voltage is converted using a dedicated IC, then appropriate power can be supplied to various components, but the number of electronic components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple power management functions into a single charging IC. The charging IC receives power from the power supply, converts it to appropriate voltage levels, and distributes it to multiple components (MCU, LEDs, heater) through its output terminals. This consolidation reduces the total number of electronic components while maintaining reliable power supply capability to all necessary parts.
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 enables miniaturization and cost reduction by eliminating the need for a dedicated IC for power supply management, stabilizing the operation of the MCU and LEDs, and efficiently powering the heater, while preventing noise and inrush currents during USB connections.
Implementation Method 1
a charging IC which includes an input terminal connected to the connector and a charging terminal connected to the power supply, and is configured to convert power input to the input terminal and output power which is converted from the charging terminal
Implementation Method 2
a heater connector connected to a heater configured to heat an aerosol source by consuming power supplied from the power supply
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply unit for an aerosol generating device includes a power supply, a heater connector connected to a heater configured to heat an aerosol source by consuming power supplied from the power supply, a connector electrically connectable to an external power supply, a charging IC which includes an input terminal connected to the connector and a charging terminal connected to the power supply, and is configured to convert power input to the input terminal and output power which is converted from the charging terminal, and a first load having one end connected in parallel with the input terminal. The charging IC is configured to supply power input from the power supply to the charging terminal to the first load via the input terminal.