Inhaler Heater Control Using Dynamic Resistance Reference Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inhalation device technologies face challenges in accurately detecting the temperature of a heater due to variations in the reference resistance value caused by parasitic resistance and contact resistance, leading to potential inaccuracies in detecting the dry state of the heater filament.
Innovation Solution
A controller for an inhalation device is developed, comprising a power supplier, a detection circuit, and a processor that updates the reference resistance value of the heater after each heating process, allowing for accurate temperature detection by continuously monitoring and adjusting the resistance value during heating processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the reference resistance value is measured before any heating is performed and used in all subsequent detection processes, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to variations in parasitic resistance and contact resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The reference resistance value is dynamically updated after each heating operation based on the actual resistance measured at that time. This transforms the static reference value approach into a dynamic one that adapts to changes in parasitic resistance and contact resistance, thereby maintaining measurement precision without significantly increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by measuring the resistance value after each heating operation and using it to update the reference resistance value for the next operation. This feedback mechanism ensures that the reference value continuously adapts to changing conditions, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision
2Measurement precision
If the reference resistance value is updated after each heating operation, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional detection and update processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by automatically measuring its own resistance value after each heating operation and updating its reference value without external intervention. This self-service approach improves precision while minimizing the need for additional complex external calibration equipment or processes
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance measurement and reference value update are performed in advance before the next heating operation begins. This preliminary action ensures that the reference value is ready and accurate for the upcoming operation, integrating the complexity into idle time rather than adding to operational complexity
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 ensures precise temperature control and detection of the heater, preventing overheating and ensuring consistent aerosol production by accounting for changes in resistance values, thereby improving the reliability of the inhalation device.
Implementation Method 1
a heater (127) that heats and atomizes an aerosol source
Implementation Method 2
a detection circuit (220) configured to detect a resistance value of the heater
Data Source
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AI summary
A controller for an inhalation device comprises a power supplier 270 configured to supply power to a heater 127 used to heat and atomize an aerosol source, a detection circuit 220 configured to detect a resistance value of the heater, and a processor 240 configured to execute heating processing of heating the aerosol source by controlling the power supplier in accordance with reception of an atomization request of the aerosol source. The processor controls the heating processing based on the resistance value RHTR of the heater detected using the detection circuit and which depends on the temperature of the heater, a reference temperature of the heater, and a reference resistance value of the heater, and updates the reference resistance value by the resistance value of the heater detected using the detection circuit after an end of the heating processing and before the reception of the next atomization request.