E-Vapor Heater Control Using Pod Power Data and PID Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nicotine e-vapor devices lack efficient control mechanisms for heating nicotine pre-vapor formulations, leading to inconsistent vapor production and potential overheating, especially when using different types of nicotine pre-vapor formulations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method to detect power information from removable pods, receive user preferences via touch sensors and wireless communication, and utilize a PID controller to calibrate heating based on formulation type and user preferences, ensuring precise temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a PID controller is used to control heater temperature, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) controller that continuously monitors heater temperature through resistance measurements and adjusts power delivery based on the difference between actual and target temperatures. This feedback mechanism enables precise temperature control while managing the complexity through systematic control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical temperature sensing and control systems with electrical resistance-based temperature detection and electronic PID control. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving temperature control precision through electronic feedback mechanisms.
2Productivity
If power levels are increased to improve vapor production, then vapor quantity is improved, but overheating risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic power adjustment where the heater power level is continuously adapted based on real-time temperature feedback from resistance measurements. The PID controller dynamically modifies power delivery to maintain optimal vapor production while preventing overheating, allowing the system to respond flexibly to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power delivery parameters dynamically based on temperature conditions and user preferences. By adjusting voltage, current, or duty cycle parameters in response to temperature feedback, the system optimizes vapor production while maintaining safe operating temperatures and preventing harmful overheating effects.
3Productivity
If heating temperature is increased to vaporize nicotine formulation, then vaporization efficiency is improved, but formulation degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses continuous temperature monitoring through resistance measurements to provide feedback that prevents excessive heating. This feedback control ensures the heater operates within an optimal temperature range that maintains vaporization efficiency while protecting the nicotine formulation from thermal degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of overheating into a beneficial control mechanism by using resistance changes as both a measurement tool and a protective feature. The resistance temperature detection system identifies when temperatures approach dangerous levels and automatically adjusts power to prevent formulation degradation, turning a risk into a control advantage.
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
Achieves consistent vapor production and safe heating of nicotine pre-vapor formulations by adapting power levels based on formulation type and user preferences, preventing overheating and enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a heater configured to heat the nicotine pre-vapor formulation to a temperature equal to, or greater than, a boiling point of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation by receiving an adjusted amount of power
Implementation Method 2
The temperature of the coil may be determined based on a measured resistance of the coil
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling a heater (336) of a nicotine e-vapor device (500) includes detecting, from a removable pod (300) included in the nicotine e-vapor device (500), power information indicating a first power level and a second power level; and supplying power to the heater (336) based on the detected power information by determining a first amount of power based on the first power level, supplying the first amount of power to the heater (336) during a first operation mode of the heater (336), determining a second amount of power based on the second power level, and supplying the second amount of power to the heater (336) during a second operation mode of the heater (336), the second amount of power being higher than the first amount of power.