Flavor Generation Power Control for Low-Battery Function Prioritization

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flavor generation devices face issues where all functions are uniformly stopped when the power supply reaches a predetermined low level, leading to inefficiencies and potential power supply degradation.

Innovation Solution

A control unit in the flavor generation device manages power supply to both generation and auxiliary devices based on remaining power levels, selectively suppressing or permitting power to these components to ensure optimal operation and prolong device life.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If power supply to all functions is uniformly stopped when power reaches a predetermined low level, then power consumption is controlled, but device operational time is reduced and user convenience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoiddevice operational time

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments power supply control by device component, dividing auxiliary devices into different categories (notification devices, detection devices, communication devices) and applying different power supply strategies to each segment based on their operational necessity and power consumption characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by setting different remaining amount thresholds for different auxiliary devices based on their specific functions and importance, allowing critical devices to operate at lower power levels while non-critical devices are powered down earlier

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If power supply to auxiliary devices is maintained at low power levels, then device functionality is preserved, but power supply degradation accelerates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice functionalityVSAvoidpower supply degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic power supply control where the remaining amount threshold for each auxiliary device is adjusted based on current power supply state, operational context, and device priority, allowing flexible adaptation between functionality preservation and power protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor power supply state, remaining capacity, and device operational status to dynamically adjust power supply decisions, ensuring optimal balance between maintaining functionality and preventing power supply degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple auxiliary devices operate simultaneously at low power levels, then device versatility is maintained, but overall power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice versatilityVSAvoidoverall power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by selectively maintaining power supply to only the most essential auxiliary devices when power levels are low, rather than maintaining all devices, thereby reducing overall power consumption while preserving core functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS20250268308A1Flavor generation device, program, and power supply unit

Publication Date: 2025.08.28 JAPAN TOBACCO INC

AI summary

There is provided a flavor generation device that includes: a control unit configured to acquire a remaining amount value that is a value concerning a remaining amount of power stored in a power supply; a generation unit configured to atomize an aerosol source or heat a flavor source; and an auxiliary device different from the generation unit. The generation unit and the auxiliary device are electrically connected to the power supply. The control unit is configured to suppress power supply to at least one of the generation unit and the auxiliary device when the remaining amount value is higher than a discharge end value representing a discharge end state of the power supply.