Electronic Atomization Airflow Sensor Lockout for Minor Misuse
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic atomization devices lack effective mechanisms to prevent unintended aerosol generation during inhalation, particularly by minors, and fail to provide user control over airflow sensing.
Innovation Solution
An electronic atomization device with a movable operating element that can configure between positions to either block or allow airflow sensing, controlling power to the atomization assembly based on airflow sensor feedback, and includes a locking mechanism to prevent aerosol generation when desired.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an airflow sensor is used to detect inhalation and control aerosol generation, then the device can respond to user inhalation actions, but it cannot prevent unintended aerosol generation by minors or provide user control over sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the airflow sensor's sensing capability dynamically controllable through a movable operating element. The operating element can shift between positions to block or unblock the airflow path to the sensor, allowing the system to transition between sensing and non-sensing states. This dynamic control enables both user-initiated aerosol generation and prevention of unintended generation by minors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an operating element as an intermediary component between the user and the airflow sensor. This intermediary serves as a control mechanism that mediates the relationship between inhalation actions and aerosol generation. The operating element can be actuated by users to enable or disable sensing, providing an additional layer of control that prevents minor misuse while allowing adult user control.
2Productivity
If the airflow sensor continuously monitors airflow changes, then aerosol generation can be triggered promptly, but the device cannot prevent aerosol generation when not intended
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the airflow sensor's monitoring capability based on the position of the operating element. When the operating element is in the first position, the sensor is blocked and cannot detect airflow changes, preventing unintended aerosol generation. When shifted to the second position, the sensor becomes active and promptly responds to legitimate inhalation actions, ensuring both reliability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating element is positioned in advance to block the airflow path to the sensor before any inhalation action occurs. This preliminary action prevents unintended aerosol generation by minors or users who do not intend to use the device. When the user intentionally activates the operating element, the sensor is unblocked and ready to respond immediately, ensuring prompt aerosol generation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the operating element blocks the airflow sensor, then unintended aerosol generation is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing a focused blocking mechanism at a specific location in the airflow path rather than complex system-wide controls. The operating element locally blocks the airflow path to the sensor when needed, providing precise control with minimal added complexity. This localized approach prevents unintended aerosol generation without requiring complex control systems throughout the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the sensing function from continuous operation by using the operating element to isolate the airflow sensor from the airflow path when blocking is required. This extraction allows the sensor to be selectively engaged or disengaged from the airflow stream, preventing unintended aerosol generation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that does not require complex continuous control mechanisms.
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
The device effectively prevents aerosol generation during unintended inhalation by minors and allows user control over airflow sensing, enhancing safety and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
an airflow sensor, configured to sense an airflow change in the airflow channel, where the airflow sensor includes a first side and a second side facing away from each other, and the first side and the second side are in airflow isolation from each other
Implementation Method 2
an atomization assembly, configured to atomize the liquid substrate to generate an aerosol
Implementation Method 3
an operating element, arranged to be configurable between a first position and a second position, where the operating element closes at least one of the first side and the second side of the airflow sensor when being at the first position
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic atomization device is provided. The device includes a liquid storage cavity, an atomization assembly, and a battery cell. The device further includes an airflow channel defining an airflow path from an air inlet to an inhalation port through the atomization assembly; an airflow sensor including a first side and a second side for sensing an airflow change in the airflow channel; an operating element, which closes at least one of the first side and the second side at a first position to prevent the sensor from sensing the airflow change and opens both the first side and the second side at a second position to allow the sensor to sense an airflow in the airflow channel; and a circuit, which controls the battery cell to provide power according to a sensing result of the sensor.