Inhalation Device Controller Temperature Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhalation devices face challenges in accurately controlling the temperature of a heating resistor used for aerosol generation, leading to variations in temperature measurement and control, which affects the quality of the aerosol produced.
Innovation Solution
An inhalation device controller that includes a power supply unit, a detection circuit to measure the resistance value of the heater, and a processor to generate control signals based on smoothed signals, allowing for precise temperature control and detection of the heater's resistance value and temperature, even when the atomizer is attached or detached.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the heating resistor is used both as a heating device and temperature sensor, then temperature measurement can be done quickly without impeding temperature control, but the temperature measurement result contains variation and control accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement process into separate phases: a heating phase where the heating element operates normally, and a measurement phase where a separate measurement circuit is activated to measure resistance. This segmentation allows both heating function and temperature sensing to be performed without mutual interference, resolving the contradiction between quick measurement and accurate control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a separate measurement circuit as an intermediary component that measures the resistance of the heating element without interfering with its heating function. This intermediary measurement circuit enables accurate temperature measurement while the heating element continues to perform its primary heating role, eliminating the variation in measurement results.
2Productivity
If temperature measurement is performed between heating periods, then the heating function is not impeded, but the temperature control accuracy deteriorates due to measurement variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where the measured resistance values are continuously monitored and used to adjust the heating power. The control unit compares the measured temperature with the target temperature and modifies the heating element's power consumption accordingly, ensuring accurate temperature control despite measurements taken between heating periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary measurement of the heating element's resistance characteristics during manufacturing or initial setup to establish a baseline relationship between resistance and temperature. This preliminary action enables the system to accurately interpret subsequent resistance measurements and maintain precise temperature control even when measurements are taken during non-heating intervals.
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 controller ensures accurate temperature control of the heater, improving the consistency and quality of the aerosol produced by reducing temperature measurement errors and facilitating efficient power management, thereby enhancing user experience and device performance.
Implementation Method 1
a detection circuit configured to detect a resistance value of the heater
Implementation Method 2
an atomizer including a heater configured to heat an aerosol source
Data Source
AI summary
An inhalation device controller includes a power supply unit configured to supply power to an atomizer including a heater configured to heat an aerosol source, a detection circuit configured to detect a resistance value of the heater, a processor configured to generate a control signal in accordance with a smoothed signal generated by smoothing information obtained using the detection circuit, and a holding portion configured to hold the atomizer in a detachable state. The holding portion includes a first electrical contact contacting a third electrical contact of the atomizer, and a second electrical contact contacting a fourth electrical contact of the atomizer. Information obtained using the detection circuit is affected by stress applied to the first to fourth electrical contacts when attaching the atomizer to the holding portion.