E-Cigarette Atomizer Power Control for Consistent Vaporization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic cigarettes lack precise control over vaporization energy and liquid delivery, leading to inconsistent puff quality and inaccurate liquid level detection, especially when varying airflow and liquid characteristics are considered.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes control electronics and a non-transitory computer-readable medium to determine vaporization energy, atomizer power, and liquid level based on airflow and liquid characteristics, adjusting power delivery to the atomizer accordingly, and providing accurate liquid level detection through sensors and processors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional airflow sensors are used to detect user puffs, then the device can be activated to generate vapor, but the control over vaporization energy remains imprecise leading to inconsistent puff quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical airflow sensors with a mass airflow sensor that provides precise digital measurement of air flow characteristics. This substitution enables the system to accurately quantify airflow parameters and adjust vaporization energy accordingly, resolving the contradiction between reliable puff detection and precise energy control for consistent puff quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the mass airflow sensor continuously monitors inhalation characteristics and the control electronics adjust the power delivered to the atomizer in real-time. This closed-loop feedback ensures precise vaporization energy control that adapts to varying user inhalation patterns, maintaining consistent puff quality across different usage conditions.
2Measurement precision
If fixed power delivery is used to the atomizer, then the device is simple to control, but liquid level detection becomes inaccurate when airflow varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed power delivery to dynamic power control where the atomizer power is continuously adjusted based on real-time airflow measurements. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain accurate liquid level detection across varying airflow conditions while providing optimized vaporization performance, accepting increased control complexity as necessary for precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the atomizer based on detected airflow characteristics and liquid level measurements. By dynamically adjusting power delivery parameters according to actual usage conditions and liquid remaining levels, the system achieves accurate liquid level detection and optimized vaporization without requiring overly complex control mechanisms.
3Measurement precision
If the device does not track vaporization energy consumption, then the control system is simpler, but liquid level monitoring becomes inaccurate over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary tracking of vaporization energy consumption and total power delivered to the atomizer. By continuously monitoring and recording energy usage from the start of device operation, the system can accurately calculate remaining liquid levels based on energy consumption patterns, enabling precise liquid level monitoring without requiring complex real-time sensing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the control electronics to self-determine liquid level by tracking cumulative vaporization energy and power delivery. The system uses its own operational data (energy consumed, power delivered) to calculate and monitor liquid levels, eliminating the need for separate complex sensing systems while maintaining accurate monitoring throughout device usage.
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
Ensures consistent vaporization quality and accurate liquid level monitoring, adapting to user airflow and liquid properties, thereby enhancing the user experience and efficiency of electronic cigarettes.
Implementation Method 1
determine a flow rate of air provided to the atomizer, based on a signal received from a mass airflow sensor
Implementation Method 2
The atomizer vaporizes or atomizes liquid supplied from a reservoir and provides vaporized or atomized liquid as an aerosol
Implementation Method 3
determine an amount of power to deliver to the atomizer, based on the characteristic and the flow rate of air
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a system (130) for controlling an operation of an electronic cigarette (10), the system comprising a processor; and a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising computer executable instructions, the instructions executable by the processor to: determine a total amount of vaporization energy required to vaporize an amount of liquid stored in a reservoir portion (104) of an electronic cigarette; determine an amount of power to deliver to an atomizer (28) of the electronic cigarette based on received data provided by a user operable variable power switch, the amount of power being variable; cause the determined amount of power to be delivered to the atomizer (28); and determine an amount of liquid remaining in the reservoir of the electronic cigarette (10), based on a comparison between the total amount of vaporization energy and the total amount of power delivered to the atomizer (28) over a period of time.