Inhalation Power Supply Circuit for Low-Power Connection Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power supply units for inhalation component generation devices face challenges in efficiently detecting external unit connections and managing current flow to minimize power consumption and prevent connection detection errors, particularly when the external unit is not connected.

Innovation Solution

A power supply unit design featuring a first resistor and a second resistor in series, with a switch and a detecting part that uses a parasitic diode to maintain a reverse current flow when the external unit is not connected, and electrical resistance values are optimized to reduce dark current and ensure accurate connection detection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a switch with parasitic diode is used to detect external unit connection, then connection detection accuracy is improved, but power consumption increases due to reverse current flow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection detection accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the resistance values of the first and second resistors to control the reverse current flow through the parasitic diode. By carefully selecting resistance parameters, the system achieves accurate connection detection while minimizing power consumption during the detection process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The detecting part operates intermittently or with limited current flow through the parasitic diode, rather than maintaining continuous operation. This partial action approach enables connection detection functionality while significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Use of energy by moving object

If resistor values are optimized to reduce dark current, then power consumption is minimized, but connection detection sensitivity may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidconnection detection sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs optimized resistance values for the first and second resistors that balance two competing requirements: minimizing dark current to reduce power consumption while maintaining sufficient voltage drop signal for accurate connection detection. This parameter optimization achieves both low power consumption and high detection sensitivity simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage drop across the resistors serves as an intermediary signal that translates the connection state into a measurable electrical parameter. By optimizing the resistor values, this intermediary signal maintains adequate strength for detection while the overall circuit consumes minimal power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If the detecting part continuously monitors voltage drop, then connection detection accuracy is maintained, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection detection accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The detecting part operates periodically rather than continuously, monitoring the voltage drop at intervals sufficient to detect connection changes while allowing power consumption to be minimized during non-detection periods. This periodic operation maintains detection accuracy while significantly reducing average power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection function is activated only when necessary (such as when connection state may have changed), rather than operating continuously. This partial action approach maintains adequate detection accuracy for practical purposes while minimizing power consumption during extended idle periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive 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 design effectively detects external unit connections while minimizing power consumption and reducing connection detection errors, ensuring efficient operation and accurate voltage drop measurements.

Implementation Method 1

the first switch includes a parasitic diode so that a flowing direction of a current output from the power supply through the first node is a reverse direction when the external unit is not connected to the connection part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectParasitic diode effect: Diode

Implementation Method 2

a detecting part that detects connection of the external unit to the connection part based on a voltage drop amount in the second resistor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOhm's law: Ohm's Law

Implementation Method 3

an electrical resistance value of the second resistor is lower than the electrical resistance value of the first resistor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentEP3738454B1Power source unit for inhalation component generation device
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 JAPAN TOBACCO INC
  • EP3738454B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3738454B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3738454B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A power supply unit on an inhalation component generation device includes a power supply, a first resistor that is connected to the power supply, a second resistor that is connected in series to the first resistor, a connection part that is electrically connectable to an external unit, the connection part including a first electrical terminal that is electrically connected to a first node between the first resistor and the second resistor, and a second electrical terminal that is electrically connected to a second node disposed at a side opposite to the first node with respect to the first resistor, a first switch that is electrically connected to the first node and forms an electrical path electrically parallel with the second resistor, and a detecting part that detects connection of the external unit to the connection part based on a voltage drop amount in the second resistor. The first switch is maintained in an open state when the external unit is not connected to the connection part. The first switch includes a parasitic diode so that a flowing direction of a current output from the power supply that flows into the first switch through the first node is a reverse direction when the external unit is not connected to the connection part. An electrical resistance value of the second resistor is lower than the electrical resistance value of the first resistor.