E-Vapor Heater Power Control for Consistent Non-Nicotine Vaporization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-nicotine electronic vaping devices lack effective control mechanisms for heating non-nicotine pre-vapor formulations to achieve optimal vaporization temperatures, leading to inconsistent vapor production and user experience.
Innovation Solution
A method of controlling the heater in non-nicotine e-vaping devices by detecting power information from removable containers, adjusting power levels based on preference levels and formulation types, and using PID controllers to maintain target temperatures, ensuring consistent vaporization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power levels are adjusted based on multiple operating points and preference levels, then vaporization consistency and user experience are improved, but device complexity and control algorithm complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power control is segmented into multiple operating points (first operating point for first preference level, second operating point for second preference level) with distinct power amounts. This segmentation allows the system to achieve consistent vaporization for different user preferences while maintaining manageable control complexity through structured power level classification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes power parameters by detecting different operating points and supplying corresponding power amounts (first amount of power vs. second amount of power) to the heater. This parameter-based control approach enables vaporization consistency across different preferences without requiring complex control logic, as each operating point has predefined power settings.
2Productivity
If heater temperature is increased to achieve optimal vaporization, then vapor production quality improves, but energy consumption and risk of material degradation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts heater temperature based on detected operating points, transitioning between different power amounts (first amount vs. second amount) to achieve optimal vaporization. This dynamic control ensures high vapor production quality when needed while reducing energy consumption during normal operation, avoiding constant high-temperature heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system targets specific temperature phases for vaporization - heating material to dispersion temperature (boiling point or aerosolization temperature) only when required for optimal vapor production. By controlling the phase transition timing and temperature, the system achieves high vapor quality while minimizing energy waste from prolonged high-temperature heating.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple operating points with different power levels are implemented, then user preference adaptability improves, but device complexity and power management complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
User preferences are segmented into discrete operating points (first operating point, second operating point) with corresponding preference levels. This segmentation provides adaptability for different user needs while simplifying power management, as each operating point has predefined power settings rather than requiring continuous adjustment logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The power management system is designed to handle multiple operating points and preference levels through a universal control framework that detects operating points and supplies appropriate power amounts. This multi-functional approach enables user preference adaptability while maintaining consistent power management logic across all operating modes.
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 and efficient vaporization of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulations by maintaining optimal heating temperatures, enhancing user experience and vapor quality.
Implementation Method 1
A non-nicotine e-vapor device includes a heater which vaporizes the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation material to produce non-nicotine vapor
Implementation Method 2
the second amount of power supplied during the second operation mode may be an amount that causes the heater to heat the material stored in the device to a temperature equal to, or greater than, the dispersion temperature of the material
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of controlling a heater of a device including a removable container that stores a material includes detecting, from the removable container, power information indicating a first operating point and a second operating point; and supplying power to the heater based on the detected power information by, determining a first amount of power based on the first operating point, supplying the first amount of power to the heater during a first operation mode of the heater, determining a second amount of power based on the second operating point, and supplying the second amount of power to the heater during a second operation mode of the heater, the second amount of power being higher than the first amount of power, the device being a non-nicotine e-vaping device or a heat-not-burn aerosol-generating device, the material being a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation or an aerosol-forming substrate.