Supercapacitor Power Supply for Fast-Charging Aerosol Provision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol provision systems, such as electronic cigarettes, face challenges with slow charging times, low instantaneous charging/discharging current, and limited lifespan of rechargeable power sources.
Innovation Solution
The aerosol provision system incorporates a supercapacitor as the power source, which can be charged from a discharged state to a charged state in less than or equal to 12 minutes, and is capable of storing sufficient electrical charge to supply power for up to 200 puffs, with the option to reduce this capacity further for faster charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a rechargeable power source (battery) is used in aerosol provision systems, then the device can be recharged and reused many times, but the charging time is slow and the instantaneous charging/discharging current is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the power storage mechanism from conventional battery chemistry to supercapacitor technology. Supercapacitors utilize electrostatic energy storage through electric double layers at electrode-electrolyte interfaces, enabling charging times of seconds to minutes compared to hours for batteries, while maintaining high instantaneous current delivery capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the electrochemical energy conversion mechanism of batteries with an electrostatic energy storage mechanism in supercapacitors. This substitution eliminates the slow chemical reactions inherent in batteries, providing rapid charge/discharge cycles without compromising the reusable nature of the power source
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a rechargeable power source (battery) is used in aerosol provision systems, then the device can be recharged and reused many times, but the lifespan in terms of total charge/discharge cycles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the degradation mechanism from electrochemical wear in batteries to more stable electrostatic processes in supercapacitors. Supercapacitors experience minimal chemical reactions, resulting in significantly longer operational lifespans with tens of thousands of charge/discharge cycles compared to the limited cycle life of conventional batteries
3Duration of action of moving object
If the supercapacitor capacity is increased to supply power for more puffs, then the operational duration is extended, but the charging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by enabling frequent, rapid charging cycles from a mobile phone throughout the day. Instead of requiring a single long charging session, the supercapacitor can be quickly recharged multiple times (e.g., during brief intervals between puff sessions), maintaining extended operational duration while minimizing total charging time loss
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 rapid charging of the aerosol provision system, allowing for quick recharging from a mobile phone, and extends the device's operational cycles while maintaining performance, thus addressing the limitations of existing battery technologies.
Implementation Method 1
the power source comprising a supercapacitor; circuitry configured, in use, to charge the supercapacitor using the electrical energy received from the mobile phone
Data Source
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AI summary
An aerosol provision system for providing an aerosol during a puff on the aerosol provision device is disclosed. The aerosol provision system comprises a power source in the form of a supercapacitor, an interface for receiving electrical energy from a mobile phone, and circuitry configured, in use, to charge the power source using the electrical energy received from the mobile phone via said interface. The power source is configured to supply power to an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. A corresponding method of charging a power source in an aerosol provision system is also disclosed.