E-Vaping Heater PWM Communication for Precise Nicotine Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nicotine e-vaping devices lack efficient communication and data transmission methods between components, such as power control circuits and memory modules, which limits their ability to accurately monitor and control the heating of nicotine pre-vapor formulations and provide user feedback.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a power control circuit with an integrated circuit that outputs a pulse width modulated (PWM) power signal to a heater element and a memory module with a fuse array and memory controller, allowing for data transmission through the PWM signal by modifying the voltage across fuses, enabling the recording and output of information about the nicotine pre-vapor formulation level and heater operation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a power control circuit is added to control the heater element, then the precision of heating control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power control circuit and memory module into a single integrated circuit board that couples to the cartridge via the existing power wire. This merging approach enables precise PWM heating control and data transmission without adding separate complex components, thus improving heating control precision while minimizing device complexity increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The power wire serves multiple functions: it provides power to the heater element, transmits PWM control signals for precise heating control, and carries bidirectional data communication between the power control circuit and memory module. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated wires and components.
2Loss of information
If a memory module with fuse array is added to record usage information, then the information storage capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory module with fuse array is integrated onto the same circuit board as the power control circuit, sharing the same physical space and communication infrastructure. This combination enables robust information storage about nicotine levels and heater operation time without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The PWM signal serves as an intermediary carrier for bidirectional communication between the power control circuit and memory module. Data about nicotine pre-vapor formulation levels and heater operation time is transmitted by modifying the PWM signal characteristics, eliminating the need for separate dedicated data wires.
3Productivity
If data transmission through PWM signal modification is implemented, then the communication efficiency is improved, but the measurement precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic PWM signals with specific duty cycles to encode data transmission. By modulating the PWM signal periodically and detecting changes in duty cycle or frequency, the power control circuit can efficiently communicate with the memory module while using standard microcontroller PWM capabilities, balancing communication efficiency with achievable measurement precision.
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 precise control of the heating process, allows for user feedback on nicotine levels, and improves the efficiency of data transmission within the device, enhancing user experience and device performance.
Implementation Method 1
a heater element configured to heat nicotine pre-vapor formulation drawn from the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
The power control circuit is configured to apply a pulse width modulated power signal to the heater element through the wire
Implementation Method 3
The integrated circuit includes an analog to digital converter (ADC) configured to receive a data transmission via the wire by detecting a change in current in one or more pulses of 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.