Vaping Cartridge Memory Circuit Using PWM Power-Line Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nicotine e-vaping devices lack efficient communication and data storage mechanisms, which limits their ability to accurately monitor and control nicotine vapor production and user feedback.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a power control circuit, a memory module with an array of fuses, and a memory controller that uses pulse width modulated power signals to communicate and store data, allowing for precise control of the heating element and monitoring of nicotine levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a memory module with an array of fuses and memory controller is integrated into the nicotine cartridge, then data storage and communication capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the memory module (containing array of fuses and memory controller) within the nicotine cartridge assembly. The memory controller is integrated into the same cartridge housing that contains the reservoir and heater element, creating a nested structure where the communication and storage functions are housed within the existing cartridge architecture rather than as separate external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire that provides electrical connection for power delivery to the heater element is also utilized as a communication channel. The memory controller modulates the electrical characteristics of this existing power wire to encode and transmit data back to the power control circuit, making the power delivery infrastructure serve dual purposes of both energy transfer and information communication.
2Measurement precision
If pulse width modulated power signals are used for communication between memory module and power control circuit, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power control circuit generates pulse width modulated (PWM) signals for controlling the heater element, and the same PWM communication protocol is used for bidirectional data transmission between the memory module and power control circuit. The memory controller modulates the electrical characteristics (such as pulse width or frequency) of the power wire to encode data, allowing the existing power control infrastructure to handle both heating control and information communication functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The PWM signal serves as an intermediary carrier that transports both power control instructions and data information through the same wire. The memory controller encodes information by modulating parameters of the PWM signal, and the power control circuit decodes these modulations to retrieve data from the memory module, using the PWM protocol as a mediating communication language between the two components.
3Manufacturing precision
If an array of fuses is used for memory storage, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an array of fuses as the memory storage mechanism. Each fuse represents a binary storage element that can be in one of two states (intact or blown). The fuse array provides non-volatile, write-once read-many-times (WORM) memory storage, where data is recorded by selectively opening fuses through controlled electrical breakdown. This approach uses simple, inexpensive passive components rather than complex active memory cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory storage state is encoded through parameter changes in the fuse elements. Each fuse transitions from a conductive state (low resistance) to a non-conductive state (high resistance) when blown, representing a binary 0 or 1. The memory controller applies precise voltage pulses to specific fuse locations to change their electrical resistance parameter, thereby encoding data in the physical state of the fuse array without requiring complex memory cell structures.
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 solution enables accurate monitoring of nicotine levels, efficient data storage, and precise control of the heating element, enhancing the overall performance and user experience of nicotine e-vaping devices.
Implementation Method 1
a heater element configured to heat nicotine pre-vapor formulation drawn from the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
heats a nicotine pre-vapor formulation to produce a nicotine vapor
Implementation Method 3
The power control circuit is configured to apply a pulse width modulated power signal to the heater element through the wire
Implementation Method 4
The memory module is configured to detect a plurality of pulses in the pulse width modulated power signal
Data Source
AI summary
A nicotine e-vaping device includes a heater, a power control circuit, and a memory module. The heater element is configured to heat nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The power control circuit is coupled to the heater element through a wire. The power control circuit is configured to apply a pulse width modulated power signal to the heater element through the wire, and to receive information over the wire. The memory module is configured to detect a plurality of pulses in the pulse width modulated power signal, record information based on the detected plurality of pulses, and output the recorded information to the power control circuit via the wire.