Container-Driven Heater Control for Stable Non-Nicotine Vaporization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-nicotine electronic vaping devices lack efficient control mechanisms for heating non-nicotine pre-vapor formulations to achieve optimal vaporization, leading to inconsistent vapor production and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method of controlling the heater in non-nicotine e-vaping devices by detecting power information from removable containers, adjusting power levels based on preference levels and formulation types, and using a PID controller to maintain target temperatures, ensuring consistent vaporization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heater is used to vaporize non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation material, then vapor production is achieved, but inconsistent vapor quality and user experience result due to lack of efficient control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The heater control system dynamically adjusts power delivery based on real-time temperature feedback from the temperature sensor, transitioning between different power levels (first power level for heating, second power level for maintenance) to maintain optimal vaporization conditions and ensure consistent vapor production
Solution Approach 2:
A temperature sensor provides continuous feedback on the heater temperature, which is used by the control system to adjust power delivery accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains reliable and consistent vapor production
2Adaptability or versatility
If power levels are adjusted based on preference levels and formulation types, then vapor quality and user satisfaction are enhanced, but device complexity increases due to multiple operating modes
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery is segmented into distinct power levels (first power level and second power level) that can be selectively applied based on formulation type and user preference, allowing the device to adapt to different materials and user requirements without requiring a completely redesign of the heating system
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (power levels, temperature setpoints) based on detected formulation characteristics and user preferences, enabling the same hardware to deliver optimized performance across multiple formulation types and user preferences
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
The solution enables precise control of heating temperatures, enhancing vapor quality and consistency, and improving user satisfaction by adapting to different formulations and preferences.
Implementation Method 1
A non-nicotine e-vapor device includes a heater which vaporizes the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation material to produce non-nicotine vapor
Implementation Method 2
using a PID controller to maintain target temperatures
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a heater of a device including a removable container that stores a material includes detecting, from the removable container, power information indicating a first operating point and a second operating point; and supplying power to the heater based on the detected power information by, determining a first amount of power based on the first operating point, supplying the first amount of power to the heater during a first operation mode of the heater, determining a second amount of power based on the second operating point, and supplying the second amount of power to the heater during a second operation mode of the heater, the second amount of power being higher than the first amount of power, the device being a non-nicotine e-vaping device or a heat-not-burn aerosol-generating device, the material being a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation or an aerosol-forming substrate.