Vaping Cartridge Memory Module Using PWM Data Over One Wire
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-nicotine electronic vaping devices lack efficient mechanisms for power control and data transmission, which limits their ability to accurately monitor and manage the heating of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulations and record operational data.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a power control circuit and a memory module that utilize pulse width modulation (PWM) signals to control the heater element and record information, allowing for precise power management and data transmission through a single wire, enabling efficient heating and monitoring of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a memory module is added to the vaping device to record operational data, then data recording capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the memory module with the existing power control circuit by sharing the same communication wire. The memory module integrates into the cartridge assembly, utilizing the PWM signal line for both power delivery and data communication, thereby reducing additional wiring and structural complexity while enabling operational data recording.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing PWM communication wire is made multi-functional by the memory module, which uses the same wire for both receiving power/control signals and transmitting recorded operational data back to the host device. This universal use of the communication channel avoids adding separate dedicated data transmission lines.
2Loss of information
If a separate data transmission line is added for memory communication, then data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The PWM wire serves dual purposes: delivering power/control signals from the host to the cartridge and transmitting operational data from the memory module back to the host. This bidirectional communication over a single wire eliminates the need for separate dedicated data lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory module utilizes the existing PWM signal infrastructure for its communication needs, rather than requiring a separate communication channel. The system leverages the already-present wiring for data transmission purposes.
3Measurement precision
If pulse width modulation signals are used for both power control and data transmission, then power control precision is improved, but signal detection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The memory module monitors the PWM signal characteristics (pulse width, frequency) and uses this information to encode operational data. The host device receives this modulated signal and decodes the embedded data, creating a feedback loop where the same signal pathway carries both control and communication functions.
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 over the heating process, efficient use of non-nicotine pre-vapor formulations, and effective data recording, enhancing the performance and usability of non-nicotine electronic vaping devices.
Implementation Method 1
a heater element configured to heat non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation drawn from the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
the power control circuit configured to apply a pulse width modulated power signal to the heater element
Data Source
AI summary
A non-nicotine e-vaping device includes a heater, a power control circuit, and a memory module. The heater element is configured to heat a non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation, the non-nicotine pre-vapor formulation being devoid of nicotine and including at least one non-nicotine compound. 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.