Electronic Cigarette Liquid Transfer Control via Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic cigarettes face issues with precise control of cigarette liquid transfer, leading to uneven vaporization and liquid leakage, as well as insufficient atomization rate, which affects user experience and preference over traditional cigarettes.
Innovation Solution
An electronic cigarette design incorporating a fluid transportation device with an airflow sensor and air pressure sensor, allowing for precise control of the cigarette liquid transfer and atomization rate through a control module that adjusts the driving frequency and power of the fluid transportation device and heater module based on airflow detection signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional liquid transfer method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision of liquid transfer control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where a sensor detects the liquid level in the reservoir and sends signals to a control circuit, which then adjusts the pump's operation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables precise control of liquid transfer from the reservoir to the atomizer, directly resolving the contradiction between transfer precision and device complexity by introducing intelligent control to manage the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical liquid transfer methods with an electronically controlled pump system. The pump, driven by electrical signals from the control circuit based on sensor feedback, substitutes traditional mechanical or passive liquid transfer mechanisms, enabling precise control over liquid flow rate and timing, thereby improving manufacturing precision while managing device complexity through electronic control.
2Productivity
If conventional atomization method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity of vapor generation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic control system where the pump's operation is continuously adjusted based on real-time liquid level detection and user inhalation patterns. The control circuit dynamically modulates the pump's pumping rate to optimize liquid delivery to the atomizer, enabling high-speed vapor generation when needed while reducing operation when liquid levels are low, thus improving productivity without requiring permanently complex hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic pumping action controlled by the microprocessor-based control circuit. The pump operates in periodic cycles, activating when liquid is needed and pausing when the reservoir level is sufficient or during inhalation phases. This periodic operation pattern enables high productivity during active pumping phases while allowing system simplification during idle periods, resolving the contradiction between atomization rate and device complexity.
3Reliability
If conventional liquid storage method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of liquid supply deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a feedback mechanism where a liquid level sensor continuously monitors the reservoir and provides real-time information to the control circuit. This feedback enables the system to detect low liquid levels and adjust pump operation accordingly, preventing both liquid leakage (when levels are high) and insufficient supply (when levels are low), thereby ensuring reliable liquid supply while managing device complexity through intelligent control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary detection of liquid levels before transfer operations commence. The sensor system proactively identifies when liquid levels are approaching critical thresholds and pre-adjusts pump operation or alerts the user, preventing potential supply failures before they occur. This preliminary action approach enhances liquid supply reliability by anticipating and preventing problems rather than reacting to them.
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
This design enhances the taste of atomized vapor by ensuring uniform droplet generation and prevents liquid leakage, enabling users to inhale a sufficient amount of vapor quickly and efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric element 662 and a vibration plate 661. The piezoelectric element 662 drives the vibration plate 661 to vibrate in the reciprocating manner
Implementation Method 2
the vibration plate 661 to vibrate in the reciprocating manner. The vibration plate 661 propels the cigarette liquid from the liquid container 52 to the atomizer 4
Implementation Method 3
an electric heater 41. The cigarette liquid is heated and atomized by the electric heater 41
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
An electronic cigarette includes a power supply device (2), an atomizer (4), a liquid storage structure (5), a fluid transportation device (6) and a sensing unit (3). The atomizer (4) includes an electric heater (41). The liquid storage structure (5) includes a passageway (51) and a liquid container (52) for storing cigarette liquid. The fluid transportation device (6) is in communication with the liquid container (52) and the atomizer (4) for transferring the cigarette liquid to the atomizer (4) at a certain amount. Consequently, an atomized vapor is generated. The sensing unit (3) includes an airflow sensor (31) and an air pressure sensor (32). The power supply device (2) is selectively enabled or disabled according to a result of detecting the airflow by the airflow sensor (31), and the air pressure sensor (32) issues a detection signal to the control module (22) according to a result of detecting a pressure of the airflow so as to adjust a speed of atomizing the cigarette liquid and the speed of providing the cigarette liquid.