Dual-Switch Output Circuit for Atomizer Fail-Safe Power Cutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic cigarette output control circuits pose safety risks due to continuous power output from the atomizer when the controller or switching circuits fail, leading to potential fires.
Innovation Solution
An output control circuit comprising a controller, first and second switching circuits, and a driving circuit with pulse-width modulation (PWM) signals ensures simultaneous control of the atomizer's power supply, preventing continuous operation and enhancing safety and reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single switch circuit is used to control the atomizer, then the structure is simple and cost is reduced, but safety reliability deteriorates when the controller or switch circuit fails
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is divided into two independent switching circuits (first switching circuit and second switching circuit) that operate in parallel. Each switching circuit can independently control the atomizer's power supply, so that when one circuit fails, the other can still function or both can be safely turned off, thereby improving safety reliability without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a fail-safe mechanism where the dual switching circuits are designed to detect abnormal states (such as controller failure or circuit malfunction) and automatically cut off power to the atomizer. This prior cushioning approach prevents potential fire hazards by proactively addressing failure modes before they can cause harm
2Device complexity
If a single switch circuit is used for atomizer control, then the device complexity is low, but continuous operation during failure causes harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the single switch circuit into two independent switching circuits, the patent creates redundant control paths that can detect and respond to failures. This segmentation allows the system to identify when one circuit has failed and prevent continuous operation, thereby eliminating fire risks while maintaining relatively simple circuit architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The dual switching circuit configuration enables feedback mechanisms where each circuit can monitor the state of the other and the controller. When abnormal conditions are detected (such as failure to switch off), the system receives feedback and automatically takes corrective action by cutting off power, thus preventing harmful effects without requiring complex additional safety systems
Data Source
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AI summary
An output control circuit (100), applied to an electronic cigarette (400). The electronic cigarette (400) comprises a battery assembly (200) and an atomizer (300); the output control circuit (100) comprises a controller (10), a first switching circuit (20), a driving circuit (30), and a second switching circuit (40); the controller (10) is configured to control switch-on or switch-off of the first switching circuit (20) and to provide a PWM signal to the driving circuit (30); the first switching circuit (20) is separately connected to the battery assembly (200), the controller (10), and the atomizer (300); the driving circuit (30) is connected to the controller (10), and is configured to drive the second switching circuit (40) to be switched on or off according to the PWM signal; the second switching circuit (40) is separately connected to the battery assembly (200), the driving circuit (30), and the atomizer (300); the controller (10) is also connected to the battery assembly (200); the first switching circuit (20), the atomizer (300), and the second switching circuit (40) are connected in series; when both the first switching circuit (20) and the second switching circuit (40) are switched on, the atomizer (300) is switched on, thereby improving the reliability and safety of a product.