Modular Aerosol-Generating Device With Wick Thermal Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating devices face challenges in allowing independent replacement of components storing liquid and wicks, extending the usage of wicks by removing debris, removing absorbed liquid, and preventing unintentional heating of heaters.
Innovation Solution
The device includes a body, a first container with a wick and heater, and a second container for storing liquid, with an interface for user input and a controller that determines a cleaning function based on container separation and controls heater power according to a temperature profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the liquid container and wick component are integrated as a single unit, then the device structure is simpler, but the components cannot be replaced independently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the liquid storage system into two separate replaceable components: a liquid container and a wick component. Each component can be independently removed and replaced, allowing users to replace only the liquid container when empty or only the wick component when depleted, without replacing the entire assembly.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the wick component cannot be cleaned, then the device structure is simpler, but the usage period of the wick is limited due to debris accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a cleaning mechanism that activates automatically when the wick component is removed from the liquid container. The controller detects the separation of components and automatically controls the heater to heat the wick component, removing accumulated debris and extending its usage period before replacement is needed.
3Ease of operation
If liquid remains in the container after replacement, then the device structure is simpler, but liquid absorption issues occur during component replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a heating mechanism that activates when the liquid container is separated from the wick component. The controller detects this separation and controls the heater to heat the liquid container, evaporating and removing residual liquid that would otherwise be absorbed by the wick component during replacement operations.
4Ease of operation
If the heater can be activated at any time, then the operation is more flexible, but unintentional heating by users occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a control system that uses feedback from component separation detection to control heater activation. The controller monitors whether the liquid container and wick component are separated, and only activates the heater under these specific conditions, preventing unintentional heating while maintaining operational flexibility for intended cleaning functions.
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
Enables independent replacement of liquid and wick components, extends wick usage by debris removal, and prevents unintentional heater heating.
Implementation Method 1
a first container (20) including a wick (25) and a heater (2531)
Implementation Method 2
control so that power is supplied to the heater (2531) according to a temperature profile (1010) corresponding to the cleaning function
Implementation Method 3
control so that the power is supplied to the heater (2531) according to a first temperature profile (1010), based on the liquid being absorbed by the wick (25)
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol-generating device and an operation method thereof are disclosed. The aerosol-generating device of the disclosure includes a body, a first container including a wick and a heater, a second container configured to store a liquid, an interface configured to receive a user input; and a controller. The body and the first container are detachably coupled to each other. The first container and the second container are detachably coupled to each other. The controller determines whether a predetermined input is received within a predetermined time corresponding to a cleaning function, based on the first container and the second container being separated from each other while the body and the first container are coupled, and controls so that power is supplied to the heater according to a temperature profile corresponding to the cleaning function, based on receiving the predetermined input within the predetermined time.