Pulse-Controlled Atomizer for Consistent Aerosol Particle Diameter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-combustion type flavor inhalers face challenges in maintaining consistent particle diameter distribution of aerosol particles during and between puffing actions due to temperature changes in the atomizer, leading to variable aerosol quality.
Innovation Solution
A non-combustion type flavor inhaler with a controller that starts and stops power output to the atomizer before and during puffing actions, respectively, and includes an absorbing member to manage aerosol condensation, ensuring consistent aerosol generation and preventing particle diameter variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the atomizer operates continuously to maintain temperature, then aerosol generation is consistent, but energy consumption increases and temperature control during puffing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The atomizer is operated at a first power output level before the puffing action begins, allowing the atomizer to reach an optimal temperature state in advance. This preliminary heating ensures that when the user puffs, the atomizer is already at the correct temperature for consistent aerosol generation, eliminating the need for continuous high-power operation during puffing.
Solution Approach 2:
The power output to the atomizer is varied periodically based on the puffing state: a first power output during non-puffing periods for temperature maintenance, and a second (different) power output during puffing periods for optimal aerosol generation. This periodic modulation of power output achieves consistent aerosol quality while reducing overall energy consumption compared to continuous operation.
2Reliability
If the atomizer power is adjusted dynamically, then aerosol quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the power output to the atomizer based on real-time detection of the puffing state. The system transitions from static power delivery to dynamic power modulation, changing the power output level according to whether the user is puffing or not, thereby optimizing aerosol generation while adapting to user behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a sensor to detect the puffing state and feeds this information back to the controller, which then adjusts the atomizer power output accordingly. This feedback loop ensures that the atomizer receives the appropriate power level based on actual user inhalation, maintaining consistent aerosol particle diameter while using a relatively simple control strategy.
3Reliability
If aerosol is generated continuously, then aerosol supply is stable, but waste increases when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The atomizer is activated in advance before the user puffing begins, creating a ready supply of aerosol. This preliminary action ensures that when the user actually puffs, aerosol is immediately available without delay, maintaining stable aerosol supply while limiting generation to periods when it is actually needed rather than continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Aerosol generation occurs periodically rather than continuously - the atomizer operates at elevated power output during non-puffing periods to prepare aerosol, then maintains or adjusts power during actual puffing periods. This periodic generation pattern ensures aerosol availability when needed while reducing waste by not continuously generating aerosol during extended non-use periods.
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 maintains consistent aerosol particle diameter within and between puffing actions, ensuring a stable aerosol supply and reducing waste by re-atomizing condensed aerosol, thus enhancing user experience and device efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an atomizer atomizing an aerosol source without burning
Implementation Method 2
a controller controlling a power output to the atomizer, wherein the controller is configured to start supply of a power output to the atomizer before start of a user's puffing action, and is configured to stop supply of a power output to the atomizer during a user's puffing action
Implementation Method 3
an absorbing member to absorb the condensed aerosol
Data Source
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AI summary
A non-combustion type flavor inhaler (100) comprising: an atomizer (111R) atomizing an aerosol source without burning; and a controller (53) controlling a power output to the atomizer (111R), ; wherein the supply of a power output to the atomizer (111R) is controlled by pulse control of voltage; and wherein the controller (53) stops supply of a power output to the atomizer (111R) when a first duration has elapsed after starting of supply of a power output to the atomizer (111R), wherein the controller (53) restarts supply of a power output to the atomizer (111R) after a second duration has elapsed after stopping of the supply of a power output to the atomizer (111R) due to the elapse of the first duration.