Heater Voltage Sensing Circuit for Battery-Independent Aerosol Generator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generators using liquid cartridges suffer from inconsistent heater voltage due to battery power variations, leading to discomfort and burnt taste.
Innovation Solution
A circuit comprising a microcontroller, first and second FETs, and sensing and heater resistors, which allows for precise control of heater voltage independent of battery power by using a voltage division method to determine heater resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the heater voltage is controlled directly by battery power, then the device structure is simple, but the heater voltage varies with battery performance leading to burnt taste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control mechanism where the microcontroller continuously monitors the actual heater voltage through the voltage divider circuit and adjusts the PWM duty cycle accordingly. This closed-loop feedback ensures the heater voltage remains stable despite battery performance variations, preventing burnt taste while maintaining a relatively simple circuit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a voltage divider circuit consisting of a sensing resistor and a known resistor as an intermediary between the battery and the heater. This intermediary circuit allows the microcontroller to indirectly measure the heater voltage without directly loading the heater circuit, enabling accurate voltage sensing while maintaining heater performance.
2Productivity
If the heater voltage is increased to improve vaporization, then the vaporization efficiency is improved, but the burnt taste occurs due to overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control mechanism monitors the actual heater voltage and adjusts the PWM duty cycle to maintain the optimal operating range. This prevents both underheating (poor vaporization) and overheating (burnt taste), ensuring consistent vaporization efficiency without harmful effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the PWM duty cycle parameter based on the measured heater voltage to maintain optimal heating conditions. By changing this control parameter in real-time, the system achieves consistent vaporization efficiency while preventing overheating that causes burnt taste.
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 precise control of heater voltage, preventing burnt taste by adjusting power delivery to the heater based on resistance measurements, independent of battery fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage division method to determine heater resistance
Implementation Method 2
a heater resistor connected to the second FET and also connected to one end of the sensing resistor
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an aerosol generator that vaporizes a liquid type inhalation material, and more particularly, to a circuit capable of sensing and controlling a heater voltage, without being affected by power of a battery, in an aerosol generator using a liquid cartridge. According to the present invention, there is provided a circuit for sensing and controlling a heater voltage in an aerosol generator, the circuit including: a battery that supplies power; a microcontroller; a first FET connected to the battery and turned on/off according to a sensing control signal output from the microcontroller; a sensing resistor connected to the first FET; a second FET connected to the battery and turned on/off according to a heater control signal output from the microcontroller; and a heater resistor connected to the second FET and also connected to one end of the sensing resistor, wherein the upstream end of the sensing resistor is connected to the microcontroller, and the downstream end of the sensing resistor has one side connected to the microcontroller and the other side connected to the second FET.