External Optical Reservoir Detection for Aerosolisable Substrate Levels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic vapor provision systems, such as e-cigarettes, lack effective methods for detecting the level of aerosolisable substrate material in their reservoirs, which is crucial for determining when the reservoir needs refilling or replacement.
Innovation Solution
An optical system is used to detect the level of aerosolisable substrate material in the reservoir by directing light into the reservoir and measuring the characteristics of the light transmitted, reflected, or scattered by the contents, allowing for the determination of the material's presence, absence, or quantity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the reservoir is made opaque or internal for aesthetic or protective purposes, then the appearance and protection are improved, but the ability to observe contents is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual inspection method with an optical detection system. An optical source emits light through the reservoir walls, and an optical detector measures the transmitted or reflected light to determine the presence and level of aerosolisable substrate material, enabling detection without making the reservoir transparent.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary to detect the reservoir contents. The optical source and detector use light transmission or reflection through the reservoir walls to indirectly measure the substrate material level, allowing observation without direct visual access.
2Device complexity
If no detection system is implemented, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the optical detector continuously monitors the substrate material level and provides information to the control unit. When the material is depleted, the system can alert the user or automatically control the heating element, ensuring reliable operation and preventing damage from empty reservoirs.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system performs preliminary detection of substrate material levels before complete depletion occurs. This allows advance warning to users or preemptive control actions to be taken, maintaining operational reliability without requiring complex real-time intervention systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual inspection methods are used, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the measurement precision is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical detection system. The optical source and detector provide precise, objective measurement of substrate material levels through light transmission or reflection characteristics, eliminating the imprecision of human observation while keeping the system relatively simple and cost-effective.
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
Enables accurate detection of the reservoir's contents, informing users when refilling or replacement is necessary, thereby ensuring continuous operation and preventing system failure due to empty reservoirs.
Implementation Method 1
directing light into the reservoir and measuring the characteristics of the light transmitted, reflected, or scattered by the contents
Implementation Method 2
directing light into the reservoir and measuring the characteristics of the light transmitted, reflected, or scattered by the contents
Implementation Method 3
directing light into the reservoir and measuring the characteristics of the light transmitted, reflected, or scattered by the contents
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~8
AI summary
A vapour provision system comprises: a reservoir defining a storage volume to hold aerosolisable substrate material; and an aerosolisable substrate material detection system comprising: an optical source located externally of the reservoir and operable to emit light into the storage volume; an optical detector located externally of the reservoir and operable to detect light emitted by the optical source that has traversed an optical path through the storage volume; and a controller configured to determine a characteristic of light detected by the optical detector and deduce information regarding a depth of aerosolisable substrate material in the storage volume from the determined characteristic of the light.