Non-combustion Flavor Inhaler Pressure Sensor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-burning type flavor inhalers rely solely on sensors for detecting inhalation duration for atomizing control, limiting their usage and requiring multiple components for different controls.
Innovation Solution
A non-burning type flavor inhaler design that utilizes a sensor to detect changes in inner pressure within the housing cavity, allowing for both inhalation and predetermined actions to control atomization, thereby expanding the sensor's functionality and reducing component count by using a single sensor for multiple controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sensor is used for detecting inhalation duration, then device complexity is reduced, but the sensor's functionality is limited and cannot distinguish between different actions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single pressure sensor to detect and distinguish between multiple different actions (inhalation, blow, and predetermined actions) through pressure threshold comparison. The controller compares the sensor output against multiple threshold values to determine whether the action is inhalation, blow, or a predetermined action, allowing one sensor to serve multiple control functions without requiring separate sensors for each detection type.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to detect different actions, then detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using different pressure threshold values to distinguish between different actions detected by the same sensor. The controller compares the sensor output against a first threshold value to determine inhalation, a second threshold value to determine blow actions, and a third threshold value to determine predetermined actions. This allows a single sensor to achieve differentiated detection accuracy for multiple action types by changing the comparison parameter (threshold value) rather than adding more sensors.
3Speed
If the sensor detects all pressure changes, then responsiveness is improved, but false detection of predetermined actions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing predetermined threshold values before actual detection occurs. The controller is pre-configured with multiple threshold values (first, second, and third threshold values) that correspond to different action types. When the sensor detects a pressure change, the controller immediately compares the output against these pre-established thresholds to quickly and accurately determine the action type, preventing false detection by using pre-set criteria rather than post-processing.
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 enables a wider range of usage for the sensor in detecting triggers for various controls, including authorized user determination, puff action series, and operation mode switching, while maintaining accurate pressure detection and reducing the device's size and component count.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to detect a change in inner pressure of the housing cavity
Implementation Method 2
an atomizer configured to atomize an aerosol source without burning
Data Source
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AI summary
This non-combustion-type flavor inhaler is provided with: a housing having a housing cavity; an atomizer that atomizes an aerosol source without combustion; a control unit that controls at least the atomizer; a sensor that detects a change in the internal pressure in the housing cavity; a first structure that causes a change in the internal pressure in the housing cavity as a result of a suction action or a blowing action; and a second structure that causes a change in the internal pressure in the housing cavity as a result of a predetermined action other than the suction and blowing actions. The first structure comprises a mouthpiece opening provided at a mouthpiece end of the housing. The control unit performs atomization control to initiate or terminate atomization of the aerosol source on the basis of at least the suction action. The control unit performs predetermined control other than the atomization control on the basis of the predetermined action.