Ultrasonic Aerosol Cartridge Coupling Detection Without Extra Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ultrasonic-based aerosol generation devices face high cartridge replacement costs due to the inclusion of expensive vibration components, and existing methods for recognizing cartridge coupling often require additional sensors, complicating the device structure and increasing manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
The vibration member is integrated into the control main body instead of the cartridge, and contact between the vibration member and a vibration transmission member in the cartridge is detected using electrical conduction or piezoelectric phenomena to recognize coupling without additional sensors, simplifying the cartridge structure and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the vibration member is included in the replaceable cartridge, then the cartridge can be easily replaced, but the cartridge replacement cost increases due to the expensive vibration component
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two segments: the expensive vibration member is separated from the replaceable cartridge and placed in the control main body, while the cartridge contains only the liquid reservoir and vibration transmission member. This segmentation allows the cartridge to be replaced without the expensive vibration component, reducing replacement costs while maintaining ease of operation.
2Measurement precision
If an additional sensor is added to recognize cartridge coupling state, then the coupling state can be detected, but the device structure becomes more complex and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration transmission member in the cartridge serves a dual function: it transmits ultrasonic vibrations to generate aerosol and simultaneously acts as a coupling sensor. When the cartridge is properly coupled, the vibration transmission member contacts the vibration member, enabling electrical conduction or piezoelectric signal generation that automatically indicates coupling status without requiring additional sensors.
3Ease of manufacture
If the vibration member is placed in the control main body instead of the cartridge, then the cartridge structure is simplified and cost is reduced, but the coupling state must be detected without additional sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration transmission member is designed to perform multiple functions: it transmits ultrasonic vibrations from the vibration member to the liquid aerosol-forming substrate to generate aerosol, and simultaneously serves as a coupling detection element. Its dual functionality eliminates the need for separate coupling sensors while maintaining simplified cartridge structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling detection mechanism replaces traditional mechanical or optical sensors with electrical conduction or piezoelectric phenomena. When the vibration transmission member contacts the vibration member, it generates an electrical signal or piezoelectric response that automatically detects coupling status, eliminating the need for additional mechanical sensors.
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 design reduces cartridge replacement costs, maintains uniform vapor production, simplifies the cartridge structure, and eliminates the need for additional sensors, ensuring immediate aerosol generation and improved user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration element configured to provide ultrasonic vibrations to the stored liquid aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol
Implementation Method 2
contact between the vibration member and a vibration transmission member in the cartridge is detected using electrical conduction
Implementation Method 3
contact between the vibration member and a vibration transmission member in the cartridge is detected using piezoelectric phenomena
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided herein are an ultrasonic-based aerosol generation device, which is capable of reducing cartridge replacement costs and ensuring immediate aerosol generation, and a cartridge recognition method thereof. The ultrasonic-based aerosol generation device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure may include a liquid reservoir configured to store a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, a vibration element configured to provide ultrasonic vibrations to the stored liquid aerosol-forming substrate to form an aerosol, and a porous member which is disposed to be spaced apart from the vibration element and has a plurality of holes formed therein. Here, the liquid aerosol-forming substrate may be pushed in a direction toward the porous member due to ultrasonic vibrations of the vibration element, and the pushed liquid may be rapidly vaporized by passing through the plurality of holes. Accordingly, an aerosol can be generated immediately upon a puff.