E-Cigarette Controller Detects Consumable via Contact Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic cigarettes struggle to accurately and reliably control the vaping temperature based on the type of consumable inserted, leading to inconsistent user experiences and potential degradation of components.
Innovation Solution
The electronic cigarette features a mechanical arrangement of electrical contact points that detect a consumable's encoded operating parameters, such as optimal heating temperature, through an electrically conductive pattern on the consumable, ensuring precise temperature control and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If voltage measurements or resistance measurements are used to detect consumable type, then temperature control can be adjusted, but measurement errors occur due to temperature dependence of the measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary conductive pattern on the consumable that acts as a temperature-independent reference element. This pattern is thermally isolated from the heating element and heating chamber, allowing it to maintain a stable electrical resistance regardless of heating temperature. The controller compares the temperature-dependent resistance measurement with this stable reference value to calculate the actual heating temperature, thereby eliminating measurement errors caused by temperature dependence.
2Ease of operation
If manual temperature control is offered, then users can adjust vaping temperature, but users must know the optimal temperature which requires time-consuming trial and error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically determine and adjust the optimal vaping temperature without user intervention. The controller detects the consumable type through the conductive pattern configuration, automatically identifies the optimal temperature parameters, and adjusts the heating element accordingly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually search for optimal temperatures through trial and error, saving time while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the electrical resistance of the conductive pattern and adjusting the heating temperature based on the detected consumable type. The controller uses the resistance measurements to determine which consumable is inserted and automatically configures the optimal heating parameters, providing real-time feedback control that eliminates manual temperature optimization.
3Productivity
If heating temperature is increased to improve vapor generation, then vapor production increases, but consumable degrades faster and taste deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters dynamically based on the detected consumable type. By identifying the specific consumable through the conductive pattern configuration, the controller adjusts the heating temperature to the optimal parameter for that consumable. This prevents excessive heating that would cause rapid degradation, while maintaining sufficient temperature for effective vapor generation, thereby extending consumable lifespan without sacrificing productivity.
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 solution allows for robust and error-proof determination of optimal vaping temperatures, enhancing user experience by ensuring consistent vapor quality and extending the lifespan of electronic cigarette components.
Implementation Method 1
heating element configured to vaporize a substance in the consumable
Implementation Method 2
heating circuit that is connectable to a heater configured to supply energy to the consumable such as to vaporize the substance
Implementation Method 3
electrical contact points arranged as a pair and configured to establish a closed electrical circuit when they are in contact with a conductive surface on the removable consumable
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention provides an electronic cigarette, a consumable for an electronic cigarette as well as a smoking system. The electronic cigarette (100) comprises: a main body (110) having a receiving cavity (112) configured to receive a removable consumable (150) comprising a substance to be vaporized, and an electrical circuitry (114), wherein the electrical circuitry (114) comprises a heating circuit that is connectable to a heater (136) configured to supply energy to the consumable (150) such as to vaporize the substance, and wherein the electrical circuitry (114) comprises an open control circuit (130) comprising and connected to at least two electrical contact points (131-i, 132-i, 133-i, 134-i) arranged as a pair and configured to establish a closed electrical circuit when they are in contact with a conductive surface on the removable consumable (150), the conductive surface being separate from the heater (136). The open control circuit (130) comprises a plurality of closable branches, wherein each branch of the open control circuit (130) is provided with a pair of electrical contact points (131-i, 132-i, 133-i, 134-i). The electrical circuitry (114) further comprises a controller (240), wherein the controller (240) is configured to sense which pair of electrical contact points (131-i, 132-i, 133-i, 134-i) is connected by a conductive surface on the consumable (150), and wherein the controller (240) is further configured to set an operating temperature to which the heater (136) heats a portion of the consumable (150) based on which pair of the electrical contact points (131-i, 132-i, 133-i, 134-i) is connected.