Sensor Apparatus for Aerosol Flow Rate Monitoring and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor apparatuses struggle to effectively monitor and control the flow rate of aerosol drawn from external tobacco elements, particularly in ensuring that the aerosol draw pattern conforms to a threshold pattern.
Innovation Solution
A sensor apparatus comprising a conduit structure, an inlet structure, and multiple sensor devices, which includes a communication interface for real-time data transmission, a flow control device to adjust the aerosol flow rate, and a feedback device to provide observable feedback based on aerosol draw pattern analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor apparatuses are used to monitor aerosol flow rates, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor apparatus is divided into separate functional modules: a sensor module for detecting aerosol flow rate, a control module for processing sensor data, and a feedback module for controlling the aerosol generation device. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently while reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A microcontroller or processing unit acts as an intermediary between the sensor devices and the aerosol generation control system. This intermediary processes sensor data and generates control signals, simplifying the interface between measurement and control functions while reducing direct system complexity.
2Productivity
If flow control devices are added to control aerosol flow rate, then flow rate control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback control mechanism where sensor data on aerosol flow rate is continuously monitored and fed back to the control device. The control device automatically adjusts aerosol generation parameters based on this feedback to maintain consistent flow rates, improving productivity without requiring complex manual control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerosol generation system incorporates self-regulating features where the control device automatically adjusts its operation based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for external manual intervention. This self-service capability maintains consistent aerosol delivery while simplifying the overall control architecture.
3Loss of time
If real-time data transmission is implemented, then monitoring responsiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication interface transmits sensor data at periodic intervals rather than continuously, reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate monitoring responsiveness. The transmission frequency is optimized to provide timely data for control purposes without excessive power usage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts communication parameters such as transmission frequency and data rate based on operational conditions. During stable operation, transmission frequency is reduced to save energy, while during transient conditions requiring rapid response, transmission frequency increases to improve monitoring responsiveness.
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 sensor apparatus enables real-time monitoring and control of aerosol flow rates, ensuring that the aerosol draw pattern conforms to a threshold pattern, thereby improving the efficiency and consistency of aerosol delivery.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of sensor devices may be hydrodynamic contact with the conduit. Each sensor device may be configured to generate sensor data indicating a pressure of the instance of aerosol drawn through a separate portion of the conduit.
Implementation Method 2
The communication interface is a wireless communication interface and the communication link may be a wireless network communication link.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor apparatus may include a conduit structure including an inner surface defining a conduit extending through an interior of the conduit structure, an inlet structure coupled to an end of the conduit structure, and a plurality of sensor devices in hydrodynamic contact with the conduit. The inlet structure may couple with an outlet end of an external tobacco element to hold the outlet end of the external tobacco element in fluid communication with an inlet opening of the conduit structure, such that the conduit structure may receive a generated aerosol from the external tobacco element at the inlet opening, and draw an instance of aerosol through the conduit towards an outlet opening. The instance of aerosol may include at least a portion of the generated aerosol. Each sensor device may generate sensor data indicating a pressure of the instance of aerosol through a separate portion of the conduit.