Aerosol Inhaler Load Control Using Constant-Current Resistance Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol inhaler control systems require complex and large-scale circuits to accurately measure the electric resistance value and temperature of the load, often necessitating multiple voltage sensors and constant voltage output circuits, which complicates the design and increases circuit size.
Innovation Solution
A control device and method for an aerosol inhaler that uses a voltage sensor and a constant current circuit to acquire the electric resistance value and temperature of the load, simplifying the configuration by outputting a constant current to the load and measuring the voltage applied, allowing for accurate determination of the load's resistance and temperature with a reduced circuit complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a constant voltage output circuit is used to measure the electric resistance value of the load, then the measurement can be performed, but the circuit scale becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from voltage-based measurement (requiring constant voltage output) to current-based measurement (using constant current output). By applying a constant current to the load and measuring the resulting voltage, the electric resistance can be calculated without requiring a complex constant voltage output circuit, thus reducing circuit scale while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the constant voltage output circuit (electrical system) with a constant current circuit and voltage measurement system. This replacement eliminates the need for the complex constant voltage output circuit while achieving the same measurement objective through a different electrical approach
2Measurement precision
If a voltage dividing circuit with multiple voltage measurements is used, then the electric resistance value can be obtained, but the number of voltage sensors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the unnecessary voltage dividing circuit and its associated multiple voltage sensors. By directly applying a constant current to the load and measuring only the voltage across the load, the measurement system is simplified to require only a single voltage sensor, removing the complexity of the voltage dividing approach
Solution Approach 2:
The single voltage sensor in the patent serves multiple functions: it measures the voltage across the load during constant current operation to determine electric resistance, and can also be used for temperature monitoring. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement circuits and sensors
3Ease of operation
If a constant voltage output circuit is used, then voltage control is achieved, but the circuit configuration becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of controlling voltage and measuring current (the conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by controlling current and measuring voltage. This inversion simplifies the circuit configuration because constant current circuits are inherently simpler than constant voltage output circuits, while still achieving effective load control and measurement
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 enables highly accurate acquisition of the load's electric resistance value and temperature with a simple configuration, reducing circuit size and complexity while maintaining precision, thereby improving the efficiency and usability of aerosol inhaler control systems.
Implementation Method 1
a voltage sensor configured to output a voltage value applied to the load; a control circuit configured to acquire the electric resistance value of the load or the temperature of the load based on output of the voltage sensor and the constant current
Implementation Method 2
a constant current circuit configured to output a constant current to the load; a load heating an aerosol generation source
Data Source
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AI summary
A control device of an aerosol inhaler includes a load 21 heating an aerosol generation source, in which a temperature and an electric resistance value of the load are correlated. The control device includes: a voltage sensor 17 configured to output a voltage value applied to the load; a constant current circuit configured to output a constant current to the load; and a control circuit 50 configured to acquire the electric resistance value of the load or the temperature of the load based on output of the voltage sensor and the constant current.