Dual-Switch Output Circuit for Atomizer Fire Risk Prevention

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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 with a dual switching circuit configuration, including a first and second switching circuit, a driving circuit, and a controller that uses pulse-width modulation signals to ensure simultaneous control of the atomizer's power supply, preventing continuous operation in case of controller or switching circuit malfunctions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering 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 due to continuous power output when controller or switch fails

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol circuit structureVSAvoidsafety reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control circuit is segmented into two independent switching circuits (first switching circuit and second switching circuit) that work in parallel. Both circuits must simultaneously fail for the atomizer to continue operating, which dramatically improves safety reliability while maintaining reasonable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The dual switching circuit design provides a safety buffer before complete system failure. Even if one switching circuit fails, the other can still interrupt power to the atomizer, preventing the harmful effect of uncontrolled continuous operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Device complexity

If a single switch circuit is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but harmful factors increase due to fire risks from continuous power output

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol circuit structureVSAvoidfire risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the single switching function into two separate switching circuits, the probability of continuous power output is reduced from single-point-failure to dual-point-failure scenario, thereby eliminating fire risks while keeping the overall device complexity manageable

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second switching circuit acts as a preliminary protective measure against the harmful effect of continuous power output. It provides an additional layer of control that prevents the atomizer from entering a dangerous continuous operation state that could lead to fire

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentUS11925213B2Output control circuit
Publication Date: 2024.03.12 SHENZHEN FIRST UNION TECH CO LTD
  • US11925213B2 patent drawing
  • US11925213B2 patent drawing
  • US11925213B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An output control circuit is applied in an electronic cigarette including a battery assembly and an atomizer. The output control circuit includes a controller, a first switching circuit, a driving circuit and a second switching circuit. The controller is for controlling switching-on or switching-off of the first switching circuit, and providing PWM signals to the driving circuit. The first switching circuit is respectively electrically connected with the battery assembly, the controller and the atomizer. The driving circuit is used for driving to switch on or switch off the second switching circuit according to the PWM signals. The second switching circuit is respectively electrically connected with the battery assembly, the driving circuit and the atomizer. The first switching circuit, the atomizer and the second switching circuit are electrically connected in series. The atomizer is switched on when the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit are switched on simultaneously.