Inhaler Vaporizer Current Control for Parasitic Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vaporizer control methods in inhalers using electrical resistance heating are inadequate due to temperature measurement errors caused by parasitic resistances, leading to overheating and formation of pollutants, as the parasitic resistance is neither constant nor reproducible, resulting in inadequate control over vaporization.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves measuring current values over time to determine a transition point where vaporization occurs, allowing for precise control of heating power by defining a current interval [I1; I2] based on the transition point, without requiring real-time knowledge of vaporizer temperature or parasitic resistance, using regression analysis to minimize measurement errors and adjust the current flow within this interval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If temperature-dependent electrical resistance is used to determine vaporizer temperature, then temperature control is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to parasitic resistances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful parasitic resistance from the measurement equation by using a separate calibration measurement without the current measuring resistor. This allows the system to determine the true vaporizer resistance without the contamination of parasitic resistances, thereby resolving the measurement precision problem while maintaining temperature control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct voltage measurement to current measurement. By measuring current through the vaporizer and using the known relationship between current, resistance, and temperature, the system achieves accurate temperature determination without being affected by parasitic voltages in the measurement circuit
2Measurement precision
If parasitic resistance is measured and compensated, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to measure and compensate for parasitic resistance in the main circuit, the patent extracts the parasitic resistance effect into a separate calibration measurement. This approach eliminates the need for complex real-time compensation circuits while achieving the same measurement precision improvement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs a preliminary calibration measurement during manufacturing to determine the relationship between current and temperature for each vaporizer. This preliminary action stores the necessary compensation data in memory, eliminating the need for complex real-time measurement and compensation circuits during operation
3Reliability
If heating current is increased to ensure vaporization, then vaporization reliability improves, but harmful factors increase due to overheating and pollutant formation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously measuring the current through the vaporizer and adjusting the heating power accordingly. The control device reduces heating power when the vaporizer reaches the desired temperature (indicated by current stabilization), preventing overheating and pollutant formation while ensuring reliable vaporization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static heating control to dynamic control based on real-time current measurements. The heating current is dynamically adjusted during operation, starting high to ensure rapid vaporization onset, then reducing to maintain optimal temperature and prevent harmful overheating effects
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 method effectively and reliably controls vaporization, preventing overheating by determining the onset of vaporization based on current measurement series, allowing for precise control of heating current, reducing temperature errors, and extending battery runtime by pulsing the current flow.
Implementation Method 1
the vaporizer is heated by means of electrical resistance heating
Implementation Method 2
The temperature at the vaporizer is typically determined using a temperature-dependent electrical resistance of the vaporizer
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling vaporization of a vaporizer in an inhaler, wherein the vaporizer is heated by means of electric resistance heating, and wherein an electronic control device controls the current flow through the vaporizer, comprises the following steps: determining an initial point corresponding to the start of a draw by a consumer; taking measured values of the current applied to the vaporizer in time sequence from the initial point; determining a transition point between a range of low vaporization and a range of high vaporization in a time-dependent current measurement series corresponding to the measured values; determining a current value Iv corresponding to the transition point; setting a current interval [I1; I2] depending on the determined current value Iv; and controlling the current flow within the set current interval [I1; I2].