Puff-Sensing Heater Profiles for Consistent Aerosol Atomization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol generating devices struggle to optimize atomization based on varying puff strengths, as they often rely on fixed temperature profiles that do not adapt to individual puff characteristics, leading to inconsistent vapor production.

Innovation Solution

An aerosol generating device with a controller that detects puff strength and adjusts power to the heater using distinct temperature profiles, supplying power based on a first profile for a set time regardless of puff strength and then adjusting to a second profile based on puff intensity, allowing for optimized atomization for both weak and strong puffs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed temperature profile is used for heating, then the device structure is simple, but the atomization amount cannot be adjusted according to puff strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveatomization amount adjustmentVSAvoidtemperature profile control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed temperature profile to a dynamic temperature profile that changes based on detected puff strength. The controller adjusts heating temperature in real-time according to puff characteristics, making the system adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter dynamically based on puff strength detection. Different temperature profiles are selected according to the detected puff characteristics, allowing the system to optimize atomization for each puff type without requiring complex mechanical adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If power is supplied based on puff strength from the beginning, then atomization is optimized, but sufficient vapor is not generated in the early stage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevapor generation amountVSAvoidatomization optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by supplying power based on a first temperature profile during an initial predetermined time period regardless of puff strength. This ensures the heating element reaches sufficient temperature to generate adequate vapor before puff-strength-based optimization begins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses periodic action by dividing the heating process into distinct time periods with different control strategies. The first period uses a fixed temperature profile for vapor generation, while subsequent periods use puff-strength-based profiles for optimization, creating a temporal sequence of control modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Reliability

If a single temperature profile is used, then the control system is simple, but inconsistent vapor production occurs with varying puff strengths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevapor production consistencyVSAvoidtemperature profile control

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by providing different temperature profiles for different puff strength conditions. Instead of a uniform approach, the system tailors the heating parameters to match the specific puff characteristics detected, ensuring consistent vapor production across varying user behaviors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback by detecting puff strength and using this information to select appropriate temperature profiles. The system continuously monitors puff characteristics and adjusts heating parameters accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains consistent vapor production.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 approach ensures sufficient vapor generation early in the smoking process and optimizes atomization for varying puff strengths, providing a customized vapor output for each puff.

Implementation Method 1

a puff detection sensor configured to detect a user's puff

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAirflow detection:

Implementation Method 2

a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 3

a battery configured to supply power to the heater

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery electrochemical conversion: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentEP3897249B1Aerosol generating device and operation method thereof

Publication Date: 2023.11.15 KT&G CO LTD

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AI summary

Provided is an aerosol generating device including: a heater configured to heat an aerosol-generating material; a battery configured to supply power to the heater; a puff detection sensor configured to detect a user's puff; and a controller configured to receive a sensing value from the puff detection sensor, wherein the controller is configured to, when the sensing value is equal to or less than a first threshold value, determine that a puff has occurred and control power supplied to the heater based on a first temperature profile for a pre-set time period, and after the pre-set time period, control power supplied to the heater based on a second temperature profile.