Dual Haptic Actuation for Phase-Differentiated Aerosol Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generating devices provide limited and inefficient haptic feedback to users, lacking differentiation between phases of a vaping session and often consuming excessive energy.
Innovation Solution
The device employs two distinct haptic actuators, a more energy-efficient linear resonant actuator and a less efficient piezoelectric actuator, controlled to provide differentiated haptic feedback during various phases of a vaping session, optimizing user experience and energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single haptic actuator is used to provide feedback throughout the entire vaping session, then the device structure remains simple, but the user cannot differentiate between different phases of the vaping session and energy consumption is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The vaping session is divided into distinct phases (heating phase and vaping phase), and different haptic actuators are assigned to different phases. The first haptic actuator operates during the heating phase while the second haptic actuator operates during the vaping phase, enabling phase differentiation through distinct tactile feedback characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The haptic feedback system dynamically switches between different actuators based on the current phase of the vaping session. The controller activates the first haptic actuator during the heating phase and switches to the second haptic actuator during the vaping phase, creating adaptive and context-appropriate feedback.
2Reliability
If a high-performance haptic actuator is used throughout the entire vaping session, then the user experiences consistent tactile feedback, but energy consumption increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback function is segmented across two different actuators, each optimized for specific phases. The first haptic actuator handles the heating phase while the second handles the vaping phase, allowing each actuator to operate only when needed and at optimal performance levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by switching between different actuator types based on phase requirements. During the heating phase, the first actuator provides appropriate feedback, then the system transitions to the second actuator for the vaping phase, optimizing energy consumption for each operational state.
3Ease of operation
If differentiated haptic feedback is provided for different phases of the vaping session, then user experience is enhanced, but the device requires multiple haptic actuators increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The haptic feedback system is segmented into two distinct actuators, each responsible for specific phases of the vaping session. This segmentation enables differentiated tactile feedback that enhances user experience by providing phase-specific feedback characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves multiple functions by managing both haptic actuators and coordinating their operation across different phases. The system achieves multi-functionality where the haptic feedback subsystem can provide both heating-phase feedback and vaping-phase feedback through coordinated actuator operation.
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
Enhances user differentiation between vaping session phases with optimized energy efficiency by using two haptic actuators, providing tailored tactile responses while reducing power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
Vibro-tactile feedback may be provided to the user of the device by using a vibration actuator to generate an oscillating or reciprocating motion of the device
Implementation Method 2
a piezoelectric actuator
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol generating device is described. The device is configured to atomise aerosol generating material to generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user, for example by heating the material or substrate. The device includes a first haptic actuator and a second haptic actuator. A controller of the device is configured to control the first and second haptic actuators to provide haptic feedback to the user during a vaping session.