Electronic Vapour Provision System with Cumulative Airflow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic vapor provision systems, such as e-cigarettes, lack flexibility, responsiveness, and ease of use in controlling the user experience, particularly in terms of vaporized liquid delivery during inhalation.
Innovation Solution
An electronic vapor provision system that includes a vaporizer, a power supply, a sensor to measure airflow rate, and a control unit that adjusts power based on cumulative airflow measurements, allowing users to control the amount of vaporized liquid during inhalation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If power to the heater is controlled based on fixed operating modes or simple intervals, then device complexity is reduced, but user control flexibility and responsiveness are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors airflow rate through a sensor and feeds this information back to the control unit, which adjusts heater power in real-time based on the cumulative airflow measurement. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables dynamic user control without requiring complex pre-programmed operating modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically adjusts heater power based on user inhalation characteristics detected by the airflow sensor. The control unit independently manages power delivery without requiring user intervention to select modes or adjust settings, making the device self-regulating based on actual usage patterns.
2Ease of operation
If heater power is reduced towards the end of inhalation to prevent condensation, then condensation is reduced, but user control over vapor production is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit continuously monitors cumulative airflow and dynamically adjusts heater power accordingly. This real-time feedback allows the system to maintain optimal power levels throughout the inhalation process, preventing condensation while preserving user control over vapor production based on inhalation strength and duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static, pre-programmed power reduction schedules to dynamic, real-time power adjustment based on actual airflow conditions. The heater power is continuously modulated according to the measured cumulative airflow, enabling adaptive control that responds to user inhalation patterns while preventing condensation.
3Speed
If fixed operating modes are used based on time intervals between puffs, then device complexity is reduced, but responsiveness to user inhalation characteristics is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time airflow sensor data to immediately adjust heater power in response to user inhalation characteristics. The control unit calculates cumulative airflow during each inhalation and modulates power delivery accordingly, providing rapid responsiveness without relying on fixed time intervals or pre-programmed modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical or electronic dial controls with an electronic sensor-based control system that automatically detects and responds to inhalation characteristics. The airflow sensor and control unit work together to provide responsive, adaptive power adjustment without requiring mechanical user interaction.
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 system provides users with intuitive control over vapor production, enabling real-time adjustment of vapor output based on inhalation effort, enhancing user experience with improved responsiveness and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for measuring the rate of airflow through the electronic vapour provision system
Implementation Method 2
a vaporiser for vaporising liquid for inhalation by a user
Implementation Method 3
liquid, typically nicotine, which is to be vaporised or otherwise converted into an aerosol
Implementation Method 4
a heater is activated to vaporise a small amount of liquid
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
An electronic vapour provision system includes a vaporiser for vaporising liquid for inhalation by a user of the electronic vapour provision system; a power supply comprising a cell or battery for supplying power to the vaporiser; a sensor for measuring the rate of airflow through the electronic vapour provision system as a result of the inhalation by the user; and a control unit for controlling the power supplied to the vaporiser based on a cumulative airflow for this inhalation by the user, wherein the cumulative airflow is determined based on the measurements of airflow rate by the sensor. Such a system allows the user control over the amount of vapourised liquid obtained in a given inhalation based on the cumulative airflow for the given inhalation.