PWM Heater Control for Aerosol Device Abnormal Operation Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol generating devices face challenges in determining abnormal operations, particularly abnormal heating, which can lead to hardware damage and safety issues due to malfunctioning control circuits.
Innovation Solution
The device incorporates a first control circuit that converts power into a PWM signal to heat an aerosol generating article and a second control circuit that transmits instructions to the first control circuit, allowing it to block the PWM signal if it determines the second control circuit is operating abnormally, thereby preventing abnormal heating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a control circuit is added to determine abnormal operation, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the abnormal operation detection function with the existing control circuit by having the control circuit perform dual functions: normal heating control and abnormal operation detection. The control circuit monitors parameters such as heating temperature, heating time, and power consumption to detect abnormalities, thereby improving reliability without adding separate detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the heater during normal operation and simultaneously monitors for abnormal conditions. By integrating detection capabilities into the existing control circuit, the system achieves multi-functionality that improves safety without increasing overall device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If the control circuit continuously monitors operation parameters, then detection precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit performs periodic monitoring of operation parameters rather than continuous monitoring. It checks parameters such as temperature and power consumption at predetermined intervals during heating operation, which maintains adequate detection precision while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit monitors only critical parameters that indicate abnormal operations, such as heating temperature and power consumption, rather than all possible parameters. This selective monitoring approach achieves sufficient detection precision for safety purposes while minimizing energy consumption.
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 solution effectively prevents abnormal heating by determining abnormal operations and blocking the PWM signal, enhancing safety, user convenience, and preventing accidents like fires, while also allowing for detailed determination of aerosol generating device malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
a first control circuit configured to convert power received from the battery into a PWM signal
Implementation Method 2
a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating article based on the PWM signal received from the first control circuit
Data Source
AI summary
According to some embodiments, an aerosol generating device may include a battery, a first control circuit configured to convert power received from the battery into a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal, a heater configured to heat an aerosol generating article based on the PWM signal received from the first control circuit, and a second control circuit configured to transmit an instruction for causing the first control circuit to generate the PWM signal, in response to a user input to the first control circuit. The first control circuit may determine abnormal operation of the second control circuit, and the second control circuit may determine abnormal operation of the aerosol generating device. Accordingly, the aerosol generating device may determine a more specific operation state and prevent abnormal operation of the heater.