Vaping System Feature Synchronization via BLE
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic vapor provision systems, such as e-cigarettes, face challenges in establishing reliable wireless data connections for feature synchronization, which is complex and often interferes with the device's primary function of heating and vaporizing liquids.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a feature synchronization system that uses Bluetooth Low Energy communications to synchronize parameters like LED colors and sounds between e-cigarettes and mobile devices, ensuring seamless data exchange while preventing interference with the heating process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless data communication interface is added to e-cigarette, then data exchange capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The existing USB interface, originally designed solely for charging purposes, is enhanced to provide both charging and wireless data communication functions. By integrating Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) functionality into the existing USB architecture, the device achieves multi-functionality without requiring a completely separate communication interface, thus improving data exchange capability while limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A microcontroller unit (MCU) acts as an intermediary between the BLE radio interface and the existing USB charging circuitry. The MCU manages both charging operations and wireless data communication, coordinating between these functions and the host device. This intermediary approach allows the system to handle multiple functions through a single integrated control point, resolving the contradiction between added capability and system complexity.
2Productivity
If wireless communication is implemented during heating operation, then data synchronization is improved, but interference with heating process occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic time-multiplexed operation where the microcontroller alternates between handling BLE communication tasks and controlling the heating element. During designated communication time slots, wireless data synchronization occurs; during other slots, the heating process receives full attention. This periodic scheduling ensures both data synchronization and heating reliability are maintained without mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller is pre-programmed with interrupt handling routines that prioritize heating control critical sections over wireless communication tasks. Before allowing BLE operations to proceed, the system checks whether the heating process requires immediate attention. This preliminary action ensures that heating reliability is preserved while still allowing data synchronization to occur during appropriate time windows.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of synchronising a feature between a first vaping system comprising a first electronic vapour provision system and a second vaping system comprising a second electronic vapour provision system, wherein the first and second vaping systems are members of a synchronisation group, comprises the steps of associating the first vaping system with a group identification, ID, associated with the synchronisation group; detecting a 10 signal from the second vaping system, the signal comprising data indicating that the second vaping system is a member of the group; and modifying a setting associated with an illuminated portion of the first electronic vapour provision system to a setting common to members of the group.