Single-Wire PWM Control in Non-Nicotine Vaping Heaters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-nicotine electronic vaping devices lack efficient mechanisms for power control and data transmission, which limits their ability to accurately monitor and manage the heating of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulations and provide user feedback.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a power control circuit and a memory module within the device, utilizing a pulse width modulated power signal to control the heater element and record information, allowing for precise power management and data transmission through a single wire, enabling efficient heating and user feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a power control circuit and memory module are integrated into the vaping device, then power management precision and data transmission capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power control circuit and memory module into an integrated system that communicates through a single wire interface. The power control circuit performs both power delivery and data reception functions, while the memory module handles both data storage and transmission, merging multiple functions into unified components that reduce overall system complexity despite adding advanced capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The single wire serving as the interface between the power control circuit and memory module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it carries power signals for heating control and data signals for information transmission. This multi-functional approach allows precise power management and data communication without requiring separate dedicated circuits for each function.
2Loss of information
If pulse width modulated power signals are used for both power delivery and data transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but power control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs pulse width modulation where power is delivered through periodic pulses rather than continuous flow. By varying the width (duration) of these periodic pulses, the system encodes data information within the power signal itself, enabling simultaneous power delivery and data transmission through the same wire without requiring separate control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The power control circuit modifies parameters of the pulse width modulated signal (such as pulse duration, frequency, or width) to encode different data values. By changing these signal parameters dynamically, the system transmits information through the power signal without requiring additional dedicated data communication channels or complex separate control systems.
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 enables precise control over the heating process, extends device usage time, and provides accurate user feedback on the remaining non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, enhancing the overall vaping experience.
Implementation Method 1
a heater element configured to heat non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation drawn from the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
the power control circuit configured to apply a pulse width modulated power signal to the heater element through the wire
Data Source
AI summary
A non-nicotine e-vaping device includes a heater, a power control circuit, and a memory module. The heater element is configured to heat a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation being devoid of nicotine and including at least one non-nicotine compound. The power control circuit is coupled to the heater element through a wire. The power control circuit is configured to apply a pulse width modulated power signal to the heater element through the wire, and to receive information over the wire. The memory module is configured to detect a plurality of pulses in the pulse width modulated power signal, record information based on the detected plurality of pulses, and output the recorded information to the power control circuit via the wire.