Electrically Heated Aerosol Generation Using Second-Order Flow Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generation systems lack a cost-effective and reliable means for accurately measuring the depletion of aerosol-forming precursors and determining properties of flow, such as the amount of components delivered to a user.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol generation system that utilizes electrical circuitry to determine a characteristic associated with the second order time derivative of electrical energy through a heating system, allowing for precise calculation of flow properties by analyzing oscillations in electrical energy due to user inhalation, enabling control of the heating system to maintain a constant temperature or voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow meters or level sensing systems are used to measure precursor depletion, then measurement capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system performs dual functions: it heats the precursor to generate aerosol and simultaneously serves as the sensing element for measuring precursor depletion. By monitoring changes in electrical energy properties (second order time derivative) of the heating system itself, the system eliminates the need for separate flow meters or level sensing systems, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The heating system is designed to perform multiple functions: aerosol generation through heating and flow measurement through electrical property monitoring. This multi-functional approach allows the same component to serve both process execution and measurement purposes, reducing the overall number of components needed in the system
2Measurement precision
If electrical energy properties are monitored without second order time derivative analysis, then measurement is simpler, but measurement precision and accuracy decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms the measurement parameter from direct electrical energy monitoring to the second order time derivative of electrical energy properties. This parameter transformation enhances the detectability of flow-induced changes and improves measurement precision by highlighting dynamic variations that are not apparent in the raw electrical energy signals
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the second order time derivative of electrical energy properties and uses this information to determine flow properties and control heating power. This feedback mechanism enables real-time adjustment of heating parameters to maintain optimal operating conditions and accurate measurements
3Productivity
If heating system temperature is allowed to vary, then system operation is simpler, but aerosol delivery consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time monitoring of electrical energy properties and their second order time derivatives to detect temperature variations and flow conditions. This feedback information is used to dynamically adjust heating power, ensuring consistent aerosol generation despite variations in precursor depletion or user inhalation patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The heating control system transitions from static temperature maintenance to dynamic adjustment based on real-time electrical property monitoring. The system adapts heating parameters dynamically in response to changing operating conditions, precursor depletion, and user inhalation patterns, thereby maintaining aerosol delivery consistency throughout the precursor lifetime
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
Accurately determines the amount of aerosol components delivered and regulates the heating system to maintain consistent delivery, improving precision and reliability in aerosol generation.
Implementation Method 1
A heating system may be formed of one or more electrically activated resistive heating elements, which are arranged to heat said precursor to generate the aerosol
Data Source
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AI summary
An aerosol generation system (36) for generation of an aerosol from an aerosol-forming precursor that comprises: an electrically operated heating system (30) to heat said precursor to generate the aerosol;a flow path (18) for transmission of flow, including the aerosol, to a user; the heating system arranged in fluid communication with the flow path; and electrical circuitry (8). The electrical circuitry (8) is configured to: measure a property of the electrical energy through the heating system; determine one or more characteristics from the result of the measurement of said measured property of the electrical energy; select, based on the determined characteristics, one from a plurality of different stored relationships between the measured property of the electrical energy and a property of the flow; and determine the property of the flow based on said relationship.