Vapour Provision System With Segmented Activation Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic vapor provision systems, such as e-cigarettes, lack flexibility and convenience in allowing users to adjust power levels for vapor generation, often requiring manual programming or fixed power settings.
Innovation Solution
A vapor provision system with first and second activation sensors and user-programmable power settings, allowing users to configure different power levels for each sensor, enabling easy selection of vapor generation modes without needing to enter a menu or change settings manually.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power settings are provided through menu systems or multiple buttons, then user flexibility and customization are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The activation sensor is segmented into multiple independently controllable regions (e.g., first region and second region). Each region can be activated separately to trigger different power settings, eliminating the need for a menu system while maintaining multiple power level options. This spatial segmentation allows users to select power levels by pressing different physical regions of the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation sensor acts as an intermediary that translates different pressing patterns (different regions, durations, or combinations) into corresponding power setting selections. This mediator approach allows the system to provide multiple power settings through a single unified interface rather than requiring multiple separate buttons or complex menu navigation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple power settings are provided through menu systems, then user flexibility is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to manual programming requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically determines the desired power setting based on which region of the activation sensor is pressed or how the sensor is activated. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to manually program or navigate menus to select power settings. The device serves itself by interpreting the activation pattern and automatically configuring the appropriate power level.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple power settings are pre-configured and associated with different activation sensor regions or activation patterns before use. When the user presses a specific region, the corresponding power setting is immediately activated without requiring any additional programming or menu navigation. This preliminary configuration enables instant power level selection.
3Device complexity
If a single activation sensor is used, then device simplicity is improved, but adaptability for multiple power settings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the single activation sensor are assigned different functions or properties. For example, pressing the first region may trigger low power mode while pressing the second region triggers high power mode. This local quality differentiation allows a single sensor to provide multiple power setting options through spatial or functional differentiation within the sensor itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation sensor is enhanced with additional dimensions of control beyond simple on/off activation. This could include different pressing regions, varying pressure levels, or different activation patterns (e.g., short press vs. long press). By adding these dimensional variations, a single sensor can control multiple power settings without requiring multiple separate sensors.
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 improved flexibility and convenience by allowing users to select multiple user-defined power levels directly through button presses, enhancing the user experience by tailoring vapor generation to their preferences.
Implementation Method 1
a vaporiser, e.g. a heating element, arranged to vaporise a portion of precursor material to generate a vapour
Implementation Method 2
a vaporiser, e.g. a heating element
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
A vapour provision system comprising: a first activation sensor; a second activation sensor; user programming circuitry configured, in response to user input, to store a first user-defined setting for use in association with the first activation sensor and a second user-defined setting for use in association with the second activation sensor; and power supply control circuitry configured to control a supply of power to a vaporiser to generate vapour from a vapour precursor material for user inhalation, wherein the power supply control circuitry is configured to control the supply of power to the vaporiser in accordance with the first user-defined setting in response to detecting user activation of the first activation sensor and to control the supply of power to the vaporiser in accordance with the second user-defined setting in response to detecting user activation of the second activation sensor.