Dual-Power Aerosol Generator Control With a Supercapacitor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power delivery characteristics in aerosol provision systems, such as electronic cigarettes, restrict the ability to effectively generate aerosol and control its characteristics.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol provision device equipped with a supercapacitor and control circuitry that provides dual power outputs, allowing for higher power in one mode and lower power in another, with the ability to switch between modes based on temperature or time, enhancing aerosol generation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional power sources are used in aerosol provision systems, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to effectively generate aerosol and control its characteristics is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The power source is segmented into two distinct components: a supercapacitor for high-power instantaneous delivery and a conventional battery for sustained energy supply. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, enabling effective aerosol generation control while maintaining reasonable overall device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between power sources based on operational requirements. The control circuitry detects power demands and automatically transitions between supercapacitor and battery power delivery, providing adaptive aerosol generation control without requiring manual intervention or complex user configuration
2Productivity
If higher power output is provided to aerosol generators, then aerosol generation effectiveness is improved, but power consumption increases and charging time extends
Solution Approach 1:
The supercapacitor is pre-charged during periods of low power demand or when the device is not in use, storing energy in advance for high-power aerosol generation events. This preliminary energy storage allows instantaneous high-power delivery without extending overall charging time, as the supercapacitor charges much faster than the battery
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic charging cycles where the supercapacitor is rapidly recharged from the battery during low-activity periods, then discharged during high-power aerosol generation. This periodic energy transfer optimizes both productivity and charging efficiency, maintaining high aerosol generation effectiveness without proportionally increasing total charging time
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 system provides improved power delivery for aerosol generation, enabling greater control over aerosol characteristics and extended usage without prolonged charging times.
Implementation Method 1
the first power source comprising a supercapacitor
Implementation Method 2
an aerosol generator, e.g. a heating element, arranged to aerosolise a portion of aerosol-generating material to generate an aerosol in an aerosol generation region of an air channel through the aerosol provision system
Implementation Method 3
the first power output being higher than the second power output, wherein the control circuitry is configured to provide the first power output from the supercapacitor to said at least one of the one or more aerosol generators in the first mode of operation
Data Source
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AI summary
An aerosol provision device 200 for providing aerosol during a puff on the device comprises a first power source 201a to supply power to one or more aerosol generators 203 which may be included in a consumable 210 for generating the aerosol from an aerosol-generating material 211, the first power source comprising a supercapacitor. Control circuitry 202 is configured to provide a first power output to at least one of aerosol generators in a first mode of operation, and to provide a second power output to at least one of the aerosol generators in a second mode of operation, the first power output being higher than the second power output. The control circuitry is configured to provide the first power output from the supercapacitor 201a in the first mode of operation, and a second power source 201b may supply power to the aerosol generator in the second mode of operation.