Thermal Output Element for Tactile Feedback in Aerosol Generators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrically heated smoking systems provide confusing and distracting user feedback, making it difficult for users to interact with various devices and models, and can disturb others with audible and visual signals.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a thermal output element that generates a user-perceptible temperature change, allowing for consistent and intuitive feedback through a tactile interface, which can be integrated into the device and peripheral devices, reducing the need for audible and vibrational signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If audible and visual signals are used for user feedback, then information can be conveyed to the user, but others may be disturbed and the interface becomes confusing across different devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces audible and visual signal systems with a tactile feedback system using a thermal output element that generates temperature changes perceptible to the user's skin, thereby eliminating disturbance to others while maintaining effective communication of device status
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the feedback parameter from acoustic/optical signals to thermal parameters, using temperature variations to convey information to the user through tactile sensation, which provides clear feedback without the harmful effects of audible and visual signals
2Loss of information
If multiple different feedback methods are used across various devices, then comprehensive information can be provided, but user confusion increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal tactile feedback interface using thermal output elements that can be consistently applied across different aerosol-generating devices and peripheral devices, providing a standardized method for conveying multiple types of information (battery status, device readiness, operational state) through a single consistent interaction paradigm
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
Enhances user experience by providing clear and understandable feedback without disturbing others, improving usability and consistency across different devices and models.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal output element coupled to the housing and distinct from the aerosol-generating element. The aerosol-generating device comprises a circuit coupled to the thermal output element and configured to cause the thermal output element to generate a user-perceptible temperature change
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided an aerosol-generating device (100, 600). The aerosol-generating device (100, 600) may comprise a housing (11, 21, 307, 39, 411, 507). The housing (11, 21, 307, 39, 411, 507) optionally may comprise one or more of an air inlet (15), an air outlet (22), and an airflow path (23) extending therebetween. The aerosol-generating device (100, 600) may comprise an aerosol-generating element (25) disposed within the housing (11, 21, 307, 39, 411, 507) and configured to generate an aerosol. The aerosol-generating device (100, 600) may comprise a thermal output element (303, 403, 413, 423, 433, 443, 453, 503, 513) coupled to the housing (11, 21, 307, 39, 411, 507), the thermal output element (303, 403, 413, 423, 433, 443, 453, 503, 513) being distinct from the aerosol-generating element. The aerosol-generating device (100, 600) may comprise a circuit coupled to the thermal output element (303, 403, 413, 423, 433, 443, 453, 503, 513) and configured to cause the thermal output element (303, 403, 413, 423, 433, 443, 453, 503, 513) to generate a user-perceptible temperature change.