Vaporizer Heating Control Using Resistance Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic vaporizing devices lack precise temperature control, leading to overheating of heating elements, which can char the wick and reduce vapor output, and result in a burnt taste.
Innovation Solution
A vaporizing device with a heating element, power source, sensor, and processor that measures resistance to determine temperature and adjusts power supply accordingly, using a closed-loop control system to maintain optimal heating element temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If open loop control is used to power the heating element during inhalation, then the device is cost effective and simple to operate, but the heating element can be overheated causing burnt taste and reduced vapor output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop control system that continuously monitors the heating element temperature via a thermocouple and adjusts power delivery accordingly. The controller receives temperature feedback and modulates the power source to maintain temperature within a target range, preventing overheating while ensuring consistent vaporization performance.
2Productivity
If higher power is supplied to the heating element, then vapor output increases, but the heating element overheats and chars the wick reducing its liquid transport ability
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature monitoring system provides real-time feedback to the controller, which adjusts power delivery to maintain optimal heating conditions. This prevents excessive power that would char the wick while ensuring sufficient power for adequate vapor output.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the power parameter based on temperature feedback, modifying the electrical parameters (voltage/current) supplied to the heating element to maintain optimal operating conditions for both vapor production and wick integrity.
3Device complexity
If the heating element temperature is not monitored, then the device structure is simpler, but the temperature control precision deteriorates leading to burnt taste
Solution Approach 1:
A thermocouple is integrated into the heating assembly to provide real-time temperature feedback to the controller. This enables precise temperature monitoring and control, preventing burnt taste while adding minimal structural complexity to the device.
4Productivity
If continuous power is supplied to the heating element, then vapor production is maintained, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature feedback system enables the controller to supply power only when needed to maintain optimal temperature, reducing unnecessary power consumption during periods when the heating element would otherwise require minimal power, thus extending battery life while maintaining consistent vapor production.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements periodic or pulsed power delivery based on temperature feedback, rather than continuous power supply. This maintains vapor production consistency while reducing overall energy consumption and extending battery operation duration.
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
Enhances vapor output and user satisfaction by preventing overheating, extending battery life, and ensuring consistent vapor quality.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a resistance measurement of the heating element from the at least one sensor; determining a temperature of the heating element based on the resistance measurement
Implementation Method 2
A typical e-cigarette includes a thin nichrome or kanthal wire as a heating element. Nichrome and kanthal have a relatively high resistance such that passing current through them results in heating.
Data Source
AI summary
The temperature of a vaporizing device, e.g., the temperature of a heating element of the vaporizing device, may be controlled according to various aspects of the present disclosure. The vaporizing device may comprise a heating element, a power source, at least one sensor in electronic communication with the heating element and the power source, and a processor configured to control the temperature of the heating element. The method of controlling the temperature may comprise receiving a resistance measurement of the heating element from the at least one sensor, determining the temperature of the heating element based on the resistance measurement, and adjusting the amount of power supplied to the heating element based on the determined temperature of the heating element.