IMU-Enabled Vaporiser for Automatic Refill and Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional e-cigarettes are complex and difficult to refill, lacking the simplicity and intuitive user interaction of traditional cigarettes, which hinders their mass-market adoption and public health benefits.
Innovation Solution
An electronic cigarette vaporiser system equipped with an IMU that detects when it's lifted out of its case, automatically refilling and recharging, featuring a piezo-electric micro pump for precise e-liquid delivery and a user-friendly interface with LEDs indicating e-liquid levels, eliminating the need for manual refilling and button operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual refilling and button operations are required, then device functionality is maintained, but user convenience and simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The vaporizer automatically detects when it is removed from the case using the IMU sensor and autonomously activates heating and e-liquid delivery without requiring user input. The system self-regulates based on motion detection, eliminating the need for manual button operations and refilling actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (button pressing, manual refilling) with automated sensor-based detection. The IMU sensor detects device orientation and motion to trigger operational states, substituting mechanical user interaction with automated electronic sensing and control.
2Productivity
If the vaporizer remains in the case, then storage and charging are maintained, but automatic activation and e-liquid delivery are prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The vaporizer is pre-configured within the case with integrated sensors and power supply. The IMU sensor continuously monitors device state, and all necessary components (heating element, e-liquid reservoir, pump) are pre-positioned for immediate activation upon removal detection, enabling instant operational readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
The case serves multiple functions: storage, charging, and activation detection. The IMU sensor in the vaporizer provides multi-functional input by detecting both removal events and orientation changes, triggering different operational modes (heating, e-liquid delivery, power management) based on the detected state.
3Measurement precision
If e-liquid levels are not monitored, then device simplicity is maintained, but e-liquid delivery precision and user awareness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor e-liquid levels and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables the vaporizer to adjust e-liquid delivery precision and notify users when refilling is needed, maintaining optimal operation through real-time monitoring.
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
The system simplifies the e-cigarette experience, making it more appealing to smokers by replicating the ritual of traditional cigarettes, enhancing user convenience, and aiding nicotine reduction programs through precise e-liquid management and automatic charging.
Implementation Method 1
featuring a piezo-electric micro pump for precise e-liquid delivery
Implementation Method 2
An electronic cigarette vaporiser system equipped with an IMU that detects when it's lifted out of its case
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic cigarette vaporizer that includes an IMU (inertial measurement unit). The IMU enables the vaporizer to detect when it is being lifted up and out of a case in which it has been stored so that it can change state. The change of state can be to turn on and to start heating an atomizing element. Data from the IMU may also enable the vaporizer to tell if it is not being used and so can power down.