EVPS Diagnostic System Misuse Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic vapor provision systems, such as e-cigarettes, are prone to breakage and malfunction due to frequent use and potential misuse, leading to accidents and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic system and method are introduced to detect misuse events and perform system diagnostics, including circuit integrity tests, cell integrity tests, and moisture tests, using sensors like accelerometers, thermometers, voltage, and current sensors, with results indicated to the user through the device or a connected mobile communication device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the e-cigarette is used frequently and intermittently throughout the day, then the user experience and functionality are improved, but the device becomes more prone to breakage and malfunction due to accidents and misuse
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary diagnostic actions by detecting misuse events (drops, impacts, abnormal usage patterns) and proactively identifying potential failures before they occur. The processor continuously monitors sensor data and executes diagnostic routines in advance to prevent actual breakage or malfunction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where sensor data from accelerometers, impact sensors, and usage monitors is continuously fed back to the processor. This feedback enables real-time assessment of device condition and triggers appropriate diagnostic responses to maintain reliability during frequent use.
2Reliability
If diagnostic tests are performed to detect misuse and ensure safety, then device reliability and user safety are improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processor serves multiple functions: it controls normal e-cigarette operation, monitors sensor data for misuse detection, executes diagnostic routines, and communicates with mobile devices. This multi-functionality allows comprehensive diagnostic capabilities without adding dedicated hardware for each function, thereby limiting complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the diagnostic functionality with the existing control processor and integrates multiple sensor inputs (accelerometer, impact sensor, usage monitor) into a unified diagnostic framework. This consolidation approach enables comprehensive monitoring while avoiding the complexity of separate diagnostic hardware systems.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and diagnostic routines are implemented to detect various misuse events, then measurement precision and detection accuracy are improved, but the device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The processor executes diagnostic routines periodically or triggered by specific events rather than continuously. Normal operation uses standard power management, while intensive diagnostic tests are performed only when misuse events are detected or at scheduled intervals, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its monitoring and diagnostic intensity based on operational conditions. During normal use, basic monitoring is maintained with low power consumption. When abnormal patterns are detected, the system dynamically increases monitoring frequency and executes more comprehensive diagnostic routines, optimizing the balance between detection accuracy and power usage.
Data Source
AI summary
A diagnostic system for an electronic vapor provision system (EVPS) includes a detection processor adapted to detect one or more of a plurality of predetermined misuse events; a diagnostic processor adapted to perform, in response to detection of a predetermined misuse event, at least one corresponding system diagnostic; and an output processor adapted to indicate the result of the or each performed diagnostic to a user.