Inhalant Component Generation Device Power Notification System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inhalation component generation devices, such as electronic cigarettes, face issues with user notification when the electric power source is depleted, leading to an unnatural feel and potential inability to charge the device if the charger is not available, causing sudden power exhaustion.

Innovation Solution

The device incorporates a notification unit and control unit that provide distinct notifications based on the remaining power level, allowing users to be informed of normal use, charge request, and abnormality modes through different light emission colors and patterns, ensuring timely charging before power exhaustion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the device uses a simple power depletion notification system, then the device complexity is reduced, but the user experience deteriorates due to unnatural feel and sudden power exhaustion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenotification system complexityVSAvoiduser experience reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The notification system is segmented into multiple distinct notification types (first notification for normal operation, second notification for charge request, third notification for abnormality). Each notification type corresponds to different power levels and device states, providing nuanced information to users without requiring complex system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The notification unit utilizes different light emission colors to represent different device states and power levels. This visual differentiation allows users to quickly understand device status without complex interfaces, maintaining simplicity while enhancing reliability and user experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

2Loss of information

If the device provides detailed power level notifications, then the information completeness is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple notification modes and threshold management

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower level information completenessVSAvoidnotification control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses parameter changes in light emission (color, pattern, intensity) to convey different power level information. By varying these optical parameters rather than adding complex notification mechanisms, the system maintains information completeness while controlling device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The notification unit acts as an intermediary between the power source and user, translating complex power level data into simple visual signals. This intermediary approach allows detailed power monitoring without requiring complex user interaction or display systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of stationary object

If the device terminates discharge at management voltage value, then the electric power source lifespan is extended, but the available usage time is reduced due to premature termination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectric power source lifespanVSAvoiddevice usage time
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by providing advance notifications (first and second notifications) before the power source reaches the management voltage value. This allows users to plan charging in advance rather than experiencing sudden power exhaustion, effectively extending usable device time while still protecting the power source lifespan through controlled termination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This solution effectively notifies users of power levels, preventing sudden device unavailability and encouraging timely charging, thus enhancing user experience and prolonging device lifespan by avoiding premature power exhaustion.

Implementation Method 1

the notification unit comprises a light emitting element, the first notification comprises a first light emission color by the light emitting element, the second notification comprises a second light emission color by the light emitting element, the third notification comprises a third light emission color by the light emitting element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Data Source

PatentEP3701817B1Inhalant component generation device, method for controlling inhalant component generation device, and program
Publication Date: 2023.02.22 JAPAN TOBACCO INC
  • EP3701817B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3701817B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3701817B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The inhalation component generation device comprises: a load that vaporizes or atomizes an inhalation component source by electric power from an electric power source; a notification unit; and a control unit that obtains a value representing a remaining amount of the electric power source and obtains an operation requesting signal to the load and generates an instruction for operating the load. The control unit is configured to cause the notification unit to perform a first notification when the value representing the remaining amount of the electric power source is equal to or greater than a first threshold value. The control unit is configured to cause the notification unit to perform a second notification when the value representing the remaining amount of the electric power source is less than the first threshold value and equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is less than the first threshold value. The control unit is configured to cause the notification unit to perform a third notification when the value representing the remaining amount of the electric power source is less than the second threshold value. The first, second and third notifications are different from each other.