Flavor Inhaler Power Supply Assembly for Electrode-Based Authentication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing non-combustion-type flavor inhalers lack effective user authentication mechanisms beyond fingerprint authentication, necessitating a different approach to ensure secure operation and mode selection.

Innovation Solution

A power supply assembly with paired electrodes and a control circuit that detects a predetermined current direction during charging, allowing for user authentication and mode selection through conduction between specific electrodes, preventing unauthorized use and enabling secure operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fingerprint authentication is used for user verification, then user authentication capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser authentication capabilityVSAvoidauthentication mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the authentication function from complex fingerprint recognition hardware and implements it through simple electrical conduction detection between electrodes. The authentication mechanism is reduced to detecting whether a conductor (authorized user's accessory) bridges specific electrodes, eliminating the need for complex biometric sensors while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical/optical fingerprint authentication systems with an electrical conduction-based authentication system. Instead of using fingerprint sensors that require complex optical or capacitive fields, the system uses simple electrical conductivity detection through electrode contact, substituting a complex mechanical/optical system with a simpler electrical measurement approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If multiple authentication methods are implemented, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity levelVSAvoiduser operation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal authentication approach where a single conduction-based mechanism serves multiple authentication purposes. The same electrode conduction detection is used for both user verification and mode selection, eliminating the need for separate authentication methods and simplifying user interaction while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If electrode conduction detection is used for authentication, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveauthentication mechanism complexityVSAvoidcurrent detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating highly localized electrical fields between specific electrode pairs. The detection is performed at precise local contact points between the conductor and electrodes, concentrating the measurement in specific regions. This localized approach enhances detection sensitivity by focusing the electrical field interaction at the authentication interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameter from complex biometric data to simple electrical conductivity values. By monitoring current flow magnitude and direction through the electrode pairs, the system transforms the authentication measurement into a straightforward electrical parameter detection task, improving measurement precision through controlled electrical conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides secure user authentication and mode selection, enhancing the security and usability of non-combustion-type flavor inhalers by utilizing a unique current detection mechanism, ensuring only authorized users can access the device and switch between operation modes.

Implementation Method 1

a control circuit configured to detect a predetermined current in an opposite direction to a direction of a current flowing through the first electrode or the second electrode when the charger charges the power supply

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12070075B2Power supply assembly, non-combustion-type flavor inhaler, and non-combustion-type flavor inhalation system

Publication Date: 2024.08.27 JAPAN TOBACCO INC

AI summary

A non-combustion-type flavor inhaler includes: an atomization assembly including an atomizer configured to atomize an aerosol source without combustion; and a power supply assembly including a power supply for supplying power to the atomizer. The power supply assembly includes: paired electrodes for electrical connection with the atomizer; and a first electrode and a second electrode electrically connected with the power supply. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is electrically connectable to a charger for charging the power supply. The non-combustion-type flavor inhaler is provided with a control circuit configured to detect a predetermined current in an opposite direction to a direction of a current flowing through the first electrode or the second electrode when the charger charges the power supply.