Automatic Cigarette Ignition via Light Sensing and Electric Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cigarettes, carbon-heated cigarettes, and electric heating cigarettes require manual ignition or heating, which is inconvenient and poses safety hazards due to open flames, and contributes to environmental pollution.
Innovation Solution
A device with a heat source system and control system that automatically ignites or heats cigarettes using an electric heating chamber and igniter, featuring a light sensing mechanism to detect cigarette insertion and mode switching for different types of cigarettes, eliminating the need for open flames and integrating cigarette accommodation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual ignition with lighter or match is used, then cigarette can be ignited, but safety hazards such as fire risk and environmental pollution occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical ignition system (lighter or match) with an electric heating element. The electric heating element generates heat through electrical resistance to ignite the cigarette, eliminating the need for open flames and thereby removing fire risks and environmental pollution associated with traditional ignition methods
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electric heating element as an intermediary between the power source and the cigarette. This intermediary converts electrical energy to thermal energy, providing a controlled and safe heating process that avoids the harmful effects of direct flame contact
2Ease of operation
If cigarette case and lighter are carried separately, then ignition function is available, but carrying convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cigarette case and ignition device into a single integrated unit. The cigarette case incorporates an electric heating element, control circuit, and power source, allowing users to ignite cigarettes directly within the case without needing to carry a separate lighter
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cigarette case serves multiple functions: it stores cigarettes, provides ignition capability, and includes control mechanisms for safe operation. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate items, improving carrying convenience while maintaining all necessary functions
3Extent of automation
If automatic ignition system is added to cigarette case, then convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service ignition system where the user simply places the cigarette in the designated position within the case, and the system automatically detects and initiates heating. The control circuit automatically manages the heating process, eliminating the need for manual operation of complex controls
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a light sensing switch that detects the presence of a cigarette through light passing holes. When a cigarette is detected, the system automatically activates the heating element. This feedback mechanism simplifies the control system by using simple optical detection rather than complex sensors or user input requirements
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
Provides a safe, convenient, and environmentally friendly 'three-in-one' smoking device that automatically ignites or heats cigarettes, reducing fire risks and pollution while accommodating multiple cigarettes, with automatic power-off for safety and energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The electric heating chamber (22) includes at least a pair of light passing holes (221) penetrating a wall of the electric heating chamber. The electric heating chamber (22) itself is an electric heating element
Implementation Method 2
The infrared light source (44), the light sensing switch (45), and the light passing holes (221) of the electric heating chamber are aligned with one another
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A device capable of automatically igniting or heating a cigarette includes a heat source system, a control system, and the openable and closeable top cover (6). The heat source system includes the electric heating chamber (22) and the igniter (21). The igniter (21) includes the electric heating element (212). The electric heating chamber (22) includes at least one pair of light passing holes (221) of the electric heating chamber. The control system includes the control circuit board (41), the mechanical switch (42), the mode switching switch (43), the infrared light source (44), the light sensing switch (45), and the device main circuit switch (46). The mechanical switch (42) controls the top cover (6) to be opened or closed and controls the device main circuit switch (46) to be turned on or off. The mode switching switch (43) is used for switching between an operation of the igniter (21) and an operation of the electric heating chamber (22). The infrared light source (44), the light sensing switch (45), and the light passing holes (221) of electric heating chamber are aligned with one another. The light sensing switch (45) controls the igniter (21) or the electric heating chamber (22) to be powered on or off.