Automated Cigarette Detection for Smoking Set Cover Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing smoking sets require cumbersome operation, such as manually starting heating and opening/closing mechanisms, which reduces user experience.

Innovation Solution

A smoking set equipped with a detection apparatus that automatically opens the cavity upon detecting a cigarette insertion, using a driving apparatus controlled by a controller, eliminating the need for manual operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation is used to open the cavity and start heating, then the device structure remains simple, but the operation process becomes cumbersome and user experience deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation processVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection apparatus automatically detects cigarette insertion and triggers the driving apparatus to open the cavity and start heating without requiring manual operation. The system serves itself by using the detection signal to automatically initiate the heating process, eliminating the need for users to press keys or manually open the cavity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated control system. The detection apparatus generates an electrical signal that is processed by a controller, which then activates the driving apparatus to open the cavity and启动 heating, substituting the mechanical manual operation with an electromechanical control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Extent of automation

If automated detection and opening mechanism is implemented, then user experience and convenience are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation levelVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically detects cigarette insertion through the detection apparatus and autonomously initiates the cavity opening and heating processes. The automation is achieved by having the detection apparatus output a signal that the controller processes to trigger the driving apparatus, creating a self-service operational flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller serves multiple functions: it receives signals from the detection apparatus, controls the driving apparatus to open the cavity, and initiates the heating process. This multi-functionality consolidates control operations into a single component, managing the increase in device complexity through functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If manual key pressing is required to start heating, then the control system remains simple, but the operation becomes cumbersome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidcontrol system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection apparatus is positioned to detect cigarette insertion before the heating process begins. By detecting the cigarette in advance and automatically triggering the opening and heating sequences, the system performs preliminary actions that eliminate the need for manual key pressing and reduce operational time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection apparatus provides feedback about cigarette insertion status to the controller, which then adjusts the system state accordingly. This feedback mechanism enables the control system to respond automatically to user actions, improving operational efficiency by eliminating manual intervention steps.

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

Simplifies the operation of the smoking set by automating the insertion and heating processes, enhancing user experience by reducing manual intervention and improving convenience.

Implementation Method 1

a heater, where the heater is configured to heat a cigarette removably placed within the cavity to generate an aerosol for smoking

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4136993B1Smoking set and control method therefor
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 SHENZHEN FIRST UNION TECH CO LTD
  • EP4136993B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4136993B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4136993B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present application relates to the field of smoking sets, and provides a smoking set and a control method therefor. The smoking set includes a cavity and a heater; a cover; a driving apparatus, configured to drive the cover to move relative to the cavity, so as to open or cover the cavity; a first detection apparatus, provided downstream of the cover, the first detection apparatus being configured to detect whether there is a cigarette to be inserted into the cavity, and if it is detected that there is a cigarette to be inserted into the cavity, output a cigarette insertion signal; and a controller, configured to acquire the cigarette insertion signal, and control, according to the cigarette insertion signal, the driving apparatus to drive the cover to move relative to the cavity, so as to open the cavity such that the cigarette can be inserted into the cavity. According to the present application, when the detection apparatus detects that there is a cigarette to be inserted into the cavity, the driving apparatus can be controlled to drive the cover to move relative to the cavity, so as to open the cavity such that the cigarette can be inserted into the cavity. A user is not required to manually slide the cover to open the cavity, thereby simplifying the operation of the smoking set, and improving the user experience.