Ultrasonic Aerosol Vibrator Feedback Control for Stable Atomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol generating devices using ultrasonic vibration are sensitive to vibrator characteristics, requiring real-time feedback for optimal operation and detection of cartridge coupling, material sufficiency, and vibrator state changes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a feedback circuit with an operational amplifier and RC filter to monitor and control the drive circuit's PWM signal within preset voltage limits, detecting cartridge detachment and material insufficiency, and preventing overheating or damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If ultrasonic vibration is applied to atomize aerosol generating material, then aerosol generation is achieved, but the device becomes sensitive to vibrator characteristics requiring real-time feedback control
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system that monitors the current supplied to the vibrator and adjusts the drive signal accordingly. A feedback circuit outputs a voltage proportional to the current supplied to the drive circuit, and a processor controls the PWM signal to maintain this voltage within a preset range, ensuring stable vibrator characteristics and consistent aerosol generation.
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring of vibrator state is implemented, then stable atomization is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback circuit continuously monitors the current supplied to the vibrator and outputs a proportional voltage signal. The processor receives this feedback signal and adjusts the PWM duty cycle to maintain the current within optimal ranges, ensuring stable atomization while using a relatively simple voltage monitoring approach rather than complex sensor systems.
3Stability of the object's composition
If PWM control is used to maintain voltage within preset range, then vibrator characteristics are stabilized, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses PWM (pulse width modulation) control where the processor adjusts the duty cycle of the PWM signal based on feedback from the voltage proportional to current. This allows precise control of the average power delivered to the vibrator while maintaining simple switching circuitry, stabilizing vibrator characteristics through duty cycle adjustment rather than complex analog control.
4Measurement precision
If feedback circuit is added to monitor drive circuit current, then device state detection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback circuit uses an operational amplifier as an intermediary to convert the current signal from the drive circuit into a proportional voltage signal that can be easily processed by the microcontroller. This intermediary approach simplifies the manufacturing by using standard electronic components rather than requiring direct current measurement circuitry in the microcontroller itself.
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
Maintains stable aerosol atomization, optimizes device performance, and prevents unnecessary power consumption or damage by monitoring and controlling the device's state through real-time feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a feedback circuit outputting a voltage proportional to a current supplied to the drive circuit
Implementation Method 2
In addition, an RC filter 520 may be connected to an output terminal of the operational amplifier 510
Implementation Method 3
a vibrator generating ultrasonic vibration to atomize the aerosol generating material into an aerosol
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, an aerosol generating device includes a reservoir storing an aerosol generating material, a vibrator generating ultrasonic vibration to atomize the aerosol generating material into an aerosol, a drive circuit applying an alternating current (AC) voltage to the vibrator, a feedback circuit outputting a voltage proportional to a current supplied to the drive circuit, and a processor controlling a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal applied to the drive circuit, such that a value corresponding to the voltage is in a preset range defined by a first upper limit and a first lower limit.