Power Supply Unit Liquid Leakage Detection Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generation apparatuses lack effective detection and prevention mechanisms for liquid leakage and entry, which can disrupt their operation, as they continue to function even after electrolytic solution leaks or when liquid enters the housing.
Innovation Solution
A power supply unit with a controller and electrostatic capacitance sensor that detects liquid leakage or entry, using a porous body to guide the electrolytic solution to the sensor, allowing for timely intervention and preventing operational disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a bulkhead or sealing layer is provided to prevent electrolytic solution leakage, then the harmful influence of leakage is reduced, but the ability to detect leakage is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A bulkhead is introduced as an intermediary component between the battery and atomizer. The bulkhead includes a leakage detection hole that allows the controller to detect electrolytic solution leakage while the main body of the bulkhead prevents leakage from reaching the atomizer, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and detection
Solution Approach 2:
The bulkhead is segmented into different functional regions: a main body portion for preventing leakage and a detection hole portion for enabling detection. This segmentation allows the single component to simultaneously fulfill both protection and detection functions
2Productivity
If the aerosol generation apparatus continues to operate after liquid leakage or entry, then productivity is maintained, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the electrostatic capacitance sensor to detect liquid leakage or entry conditions. When liquid is detected, the controller provides feedback by prohibiting further charging or discharging of the battery, thus maintaining reliability while preventing continued operation under harmful conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The electrostatic capacitance sensor is positioned to detect liquid leakage or entry before the liquid can cause significant damage to internal components. The controller takes preliminary action by stopping charging/discharging operations as soon as liquid presence is detected, preventing further reliability degradation
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 effectively detects and prevents liquid-related issues, ensuring the aerosol generation apparatus operates safely and efficiently by prohibiting charging or discharging when liquid leakage or entry is detected, thus avoiding operational disruptions.
Implementation Method 1
an electrostatic capacitance sensor that is separate from the suction sensor and housed in the housing
Implementation Method 2
using a porous body to guide the electrolytic solution to the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply unit of an aerosol generation apparatus includes: a power supply capable of discharging to a load for generating an aerosol from an aerosol source; a controller configured to control the power supply; and a housing configured to house the power supply and the controller. The controller is configured to detect at least one of leakage of a liquid inside the housing and entering of a liquid into the housing.