Variable-Power Vaporiser Control During User Inhalation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic vapor provision systems, such as e-cigarettes, lack user control over power levels during inhalation, requiring pre-setting and resetting for changes, which results in an unsatisfactory user experience.
Innovation Solution
An electronic vapor provision system with a user input unit that allows real-time adjustment of power levels during inhalation, enabling continuous control over vapor generation based on manual actuation, such as pressure-sensitive buttons or touch-sensitive interfaces, to instantly modify power levels according to user input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single power level is supplied to the heating element, then the device operation is simple, but the user has no control over the power level
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the power level adjustable and variable during operation. The control unit dynamically changes the power supplied to the heating element based on user input detected by the sensor, allowing the system to adapt from a static single power level to a dynamic multi-level power supply during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power level parameter based on user input. The control unit modifies the electrical power parameter supplied to the heating element in response to sensor detection, enabling continuous adjustment of vapor generation intensity without requiring device reset or reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If pre-defined heating profiles are used, then power levels can be changed over time, but external software or extensive user interface facilities are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using a simple sensor to detect user inhalation and automatically adjusting the power level accordingly. The system serves itself by responding directly to user input without requiring external software, complex displays, or extensive user interface facilities - the sensor detection and power adjustment happen autonomously within the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using a sensor to detect user input (inhalation) and feeding this information back to the control unit, which then adjusts the power level in real-time. This closed-loop feedback system enables dynamic power adjustment during inhalation using minimal interface components.
3Ease of operation
If airflow detection is used to modify power levels, then automatic power adjustment is achieved, but only a single power level is supplied when airflow is detected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling continuous power level adjustment during inhalation based on the degree or characteristics of detected airflow. Rather than switching between discrete power levels, the system dynamically varies the power supply in response to sensor detection, allowing smooth transitions and continuous control throughout the inhalation process.
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
Provides users with instant and continuous control over vapor production, eliminating the need for pre-setting power levels and allowing for dynamic adjustment during use, enhancing user experience by allowing precise vapor generation according to their preferences.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element or other vapour generating component coupled to a portion of the source liquid from the reservoir... the heating element, which vaporises a small amount of the source liquid, which is thus converted to an aerosol
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic vapour provision system comprises a vaporiser for generating vapour for inhalation by a user of the electronic vapour provision system; an electrical power supply for supplying power to the vaporiser; a user input unit for detecting a manual user actuation; and a control unit configured to control, from an available power level range, a level of power supplied from the electrical power supply to the vaporiser in proportion to a level of manual user actuation detected by the user input unit during vapour generation.