Electronic Inhaler Menu Control Using a Pressure Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic inhalation devices, such as e-cigarettes, lack user customization options and safety features, particularly in terms of operational parameter adjustments and vaporization control.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a computer processor with a memory and input-output means in electronic inhalation devices, allowing users to enter a menu mode for configuring settings, altering operational parameters, and controlling vaporization through a pressure sensor and audio signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a menu mode is added to allow user configuration, then user customization capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing pressure sensor, originally designed solely to detect inhalation for vaporizer activation, is enhanced to serve dual purposes: it continues to detect normal inhalation events while also functioning as an input device for menu mode navigation. By detecting specific inhalation patterns (such as prolonged inhalation or multiple sequential inhalations), the sensor enables users to enter menu mode, navigate options, and configure device parameters without requiring additional buttons or input mechanisms. This multi-functional use of the pressure sensor adds user customization capability while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from adding separate input hardware.
2Device complexity
If the pressure sensor is used as an input device for menu mode, then the number of components is reduced, but the reliability of normal vaporization activation may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
Different functional responses are assigned to different characteristics of the same input signal from the pressure sensor. Normal inhalation patterns (typical duration and intensity) trigger vaporizer activation, while specific distinct patterns (such as prolonged inhalation exceeding a threshold duration, or multiple rapid sequential inhalations) trigger menu mode entry. The computer analyzes the temporal and intensity characteristics of each pressure sensor signal to determine the user's intent, ensuring that normal vaporization operations remain reliable while enabling menu access through deliberately different inhalation behaviors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts its interpretation of pressure sensor signals based on the current operational state. When in normal operation mode, the pressure sensor triggers vaporization. When specific patterns are detected, the system transitions to menu mode where subsequent pressure sensor inputs are interpreted as menu navigation commands rather than vaporization requests. This dynamic state-dependent interpretation ensures reliable distinction between normal use and menu interaction.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the vaporizer is suspended during menu mode, then user safety is improved, but the duration of device unavailability for primary function increases
Solution Approach 1:
The menu mode incorporates automatic timeout functionality that periodically checks for user inactivity. If no menu navigation inputs are detected within a predetermined time period, the system automatically exits menu mode and returns to normal vaporization operation. This ensures that even if a user inadvertently enters menu mode or forgets to exit it, the device will resume its primary function after a brief interval, thereby minimizing the loss of time while maintaining safety during active menu configuration.
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 provides users with enhanced customization and safety features, enabling them to adjust settings according to their preferences, suspend vaporization during menu mode for safety, and control vaporization parameters for improved performance.
Implementation Method 1
the computer is configured in use to enter the menu mode when the pressure sensor detects operation of the device outside of normal mode use
Implementation Method 2
the device further comprises a vaporiser having a heating element
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic inhalation device comprising a power cell and a computer. The computer comprises a computer processor, a memory and an input-output means. The computer is configured in use to enter a menu mode when a user activates the menu mode.