Patent Application
20250212964
The present invention relates to the field of locking control technology, and more specifically, to a control method for an aerosol generating device.
A disposable aerosol generating device refers to an aerosol generating device that does not require charging and does not require replacement of the cartridge, and is designed for single use and disposal. It has the advantages of being more convenient to carry, more stable in performance, having more e-liquid, and having a stronger battery. In existing technologies, when setting a child-lock for aerosol generating devices, it is common to install a child-lock device on the aerosol generating device, or to keep the aerosol generating device in standby mode so that it can always sense the user's suction action. Currently, aerosol generating devices with child-locks available on the market are mostly cartridge-based devices, which set the child-lock through cartridge insertion/removal, button presses, Bluetooth APPs, and other methods. However, disposable aerosol generating devices cannot meet the requirements for setting a child-lock using the cartridge-based method due to their price and structural limitations. This makes disposable aerosol generating devices more susceptible to accidental suction by children.
To address at least one of the technical problems in the existing technologies, in the first aspect, the present invention provides a control method for an aerosol generating device. The method includes: detecting whether the aerosol generating device is in a suction state; in response to the aerosol generating device is in the suction state, detecting a child-lock state of the aerosol generating device; in response to the aerosol generating device is in a child-lock activated state, determining whether a number of suctions of the aerosol generating device within a first preset time is great than a first threshold; in response to the number of the suctions of the aerosol generating device exceeding the first threshold within the first preset time, placing the aerosol generating device in a child-lock deactivated state; in response to the aerosol generating device is in a child-lock deactivated state, determining whether a single atomization time of the aerosol generating device is great than a second time threshold; in response to the single atomization time exceeding the second time threshold, controlling the aerosol generating device stopping atomizing.
Optionally, the aerosol generating device includes a sensor assembly, which is configured to monitor whether the aerosol generating device is sucked and to count the number of the suctions and a duration when a suction action is detected.
Optionally, after placing the aerosol generating device in the child-lock deactivated state in response to the number of suctions exceeding the first threshold within the first preset time, the method further includes: in response to the aerosol generating device is in the child-lock deactivated state, controlling the aerosol generating device provide a child-lock deactivated notification.
Optionally, before in response to the aerosol generating device is in the child-lock deactivated state, determining whether the single atomization time is great than the second time threshold, the method further includes: in response to the aerosol generating device is in the child-lock deactivated state, detecting an under-voltage state of the aerosol generating device's battery and a short-circuit state of the aerosol generating device's load; when the battery and the load are in a normal working state, the aerosol generating device atomizes normally; when the battery and the load are in an abnormal working state, the aerosol generating device provides a fault indication.
Optionally, after controlling the aerosol generating device stopping atomizing, in response to the single atomization time exceeding the second time threshold, the method further includes: starting timing when the aerosol generating device stops atomization; determining whether an elapsed time after stopping atomization is great than a third time threshold; when the elapsed time is great than the third time threshold, placing the aerosol generating device in the child-lock activated state; when the elapsed time is less than the third time threshold, stopping the timing.
Optionally, placing the aerosol generating device in the child-lock activated state when the elapsed time is great than the third time threshold includes: placing the aerosol generating device in a standby mode when the elapsed time is great than the third time threshold.
Optionally, when the elapsed time is less than the third time threshold, stopping the timing includes: terminating the timing, when detecting the aerosol generating device in the suction state within the third time threshold period; restarting the timing when detecting the aerosol generating device in a non-suction state.
Optionally, after in response to the single atomization time exceeding the second time threshold, controlling the aerosol generating device stopping atomizing, the method further includes: starting timing when the aerosol generating device stops atomization; determining whether the number of the suctions within a predetermined time period is great than a preset threshold; when the number of suctions within the predetermined time period is great than the preset threshold, placing the aerosol generating device in the child-lock activated state.
In the second aspect, the present invention provides a control device for an aerosol generating device, which includes:
a detection unit, configured to detect a suction state and a child-lock state of the aerosol generating device;
a judgment unit, configured to determine whether a number of suctions and an atomization time of the aerosol generating device exceed a threshold;
a control unit, configured to control the child-lock and an atomization state of the aerosol generating device.
Optionally, the detection unit includes: a suction state detection module, configured to detect whether the aerosol generating device is in a suction state; a child-lock detection module, configured to detect the child-lock state of the aerosol generating device, in response to the aerosol generating device is in the suction state; the judgment unit includes: a first judgment module, configured to determine whether a number of suctions of the aerosol generating device within a first preset time is great than a first threshold, in response to the aerosol generating device is in the child-lock activated state; a second judgment module, configured to determine whether a single atomization time is great than a second time threshold in response to the aerosol generating device is in a child-lock deactivated state; the control unit includes: a first control module, configured to control the aerosol generating device in the child-lock deactivated state, in response to the number of the suctions exceeding the first threshold within the first preset time; a second control module, configured to control aerosol generating device stop atomization, in response to the single atomization time exceeding the second time threshold.
In the third aspect, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more instructions. These instructions enable a computer to execute the above-mentioned control method for an aerosol generating device.
In the fourth aspect, the present invention provides an electronic device, which includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores at least one program instruction, and the processor executes these instructions to implement the above-mentioned control method for an aerosol generating device.
The beneficial effects of the technical solutions provided by the present invention are as follows: the control method for the aerosol generating device includes detecting whether the aerosol generating device is in a suction state; in response to the aerosol generating device is in the suction state, detecting whether the aerosol generating device is in a child-lock activated state; in response to the aerosol generating device is in the child-lock activated state, determining whether a number of suctions of the aerosol generating device within a first preset time is great than a first threshold; in response to the number of the suctions of the aerosol generating device exceeding the first threshold within the first preset time, placing the aerosol generating device in a child-lock deactivated state; in response to the aerosol generating device is in a child-lock deactivated state, determining whether a single atomization time of the aerosol generating device is great than a second time threshold; in response to the single atomization time exceeding the second time threshold, controlling the aerosol generating device stopping atomizing. This maintains the original technical design while enhancing safety. The method also can incorporate a timeout protection feature to assist users in healthier suction practices.
To provide a clearer explanation of the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following is a brief introduction to the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments. It is evident that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings without making inventive efforts.
To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the present invention clearer, the following will provide a more detailed description of the implementation methods of the present invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this document have the same meanings as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention belongs. The terms used in the description of the present invention are merely for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention. For example, terms such as “length,” “width,” “up,” “down,” “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “inside,” “outside,” etc., indicate directions or positions based on the orientation shown in the drawings. These terms are used for convenience of description and should not be construed as limiting the technical solutions of the present invention.
The terms “comprising” and “having” and any of their variations used in the description and claims of the present invention are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. The terms “first,” “second,” etc., used in the description and claims of the present invention or in the accompanying drawings are for distinguishing different objects and are not intended to describe a specific order. The term “multiple” means two or more, unless otherwise specifically limited.
Furthermore, the mention of “embodiment” in this document indicates that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. The appearance of this phrase at various places in the description does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it mutually exclusive or alternative to other embodiments. It is understood explicitly and implicitly by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described in this document can be combined with other embodiments.
Refer to
S110: detecting whether the aerosol generating device is in a suction state.
For example, detecting whether the aerosol generating device is in the suction state includes: the aerosol generating device includes a sensor assembly (also referred to as a “mike head”), which is configured to monitor whether the aerosol generating device is sucked and to count the number of suctions and a duration when a suction action is detected.
Optionally, an airflow sensor/pneumatic switch can be integrated into the mike head of the aerosol generating device to detect the user's suction and/or exhalation actions and output different electrical signals based on these actions.
It should be noted that sensors converting exhalation and/or suction actions into electrical signals can also be implemented using other types of sensors. In this embodiment, only an airflow sensor/pneumatic switch is exemplified, and relevant technical personnel can modify the hardware based on actual needs during the design process.
Optionally, a counting function can be integrated into the mike head of the aerosol generating device to count the number of user suctions. The counting function can be implemented using a counter, which increments the base count by a unit value (e.g., 1) each time it receives a high-level signal, with the base count set to 0. When a suction action is detected, a high-level signal is sent to the counter. It should be noted that the counting function can also be implemented by writing a counting program into the mike head or by other means. The present invention does not limit the implementation of the counting function, and technical personnel can modify the design based on actual conditions. Similarly, the unit value and base count are not restricted here and can be adjusted by technical personnel according to actual needs.
Optionally, a timing function can be integrated into the mike head of the aerosol generating device to start timing when the first high-level signal is received (e.g., when a suction action is detected), or to start timing when the aerosol generating device begins atomization, or to start timing when the aerosol generating device stops working. The timing function can be implemented using a timer or by writing a timing program into the mike head. The present invention does not limit the implementation of the timing function, and technical personnel can modify the design based on actual conditions.
S120: in response to the aerosol generating device is in the suction state, detecting a child-lock state of the aerosol generating device.
For example, when the aerosol generating device is in the suction state, detecting a child-lock state of the aerosol generating device includes: when an user sucks the aerosol generating device, a first step is to check whether the aerosol generating device is in a child-lock activated state.
Optionally, the child-lock activated state of the aerosol generating device can be directly obtained by reading the control status of the aerosol generating device's controller.
Optionally, the child-lock activated state can also be determined by checking whether the suction action of the user triggers the atomization operation of the aerosol generating device. When the aerosol generating device is in the child-lock activated state, normal suction actions by the user cannot initiate the atomization operation.
S130: in response to the aerosol generating device is in a child-lock activated states, determine whether a number of suctions of the aerosol generating device within a first preset time is great than a first threshold.
As an example, the response to the aerosol generating device is in the child-lock activated state, determining whether the number of suctions on the aerosol generating device within the first preset time is great than the first threshold includes: when the aerosol generating device is in the child-lock activated state, counting whether the number of the suctions on the aerosol generating device by the user within a certain time period meets the preset condition.
Optionally, the first preset time can be set to 2 seconds, and the first threshold can be set to 3. That is to say, when the aerosol generating device is in the child-lock activated state, after detecting the user's suction action on the device, a high-level signal is sent to the timer integrated in the microphone to start timing, and a high level signal is sent to the counter integrated in the milk head to start counting. The number of suctions by the user within 2 seconds is judged based on the values counted by the timer and the counter to see if it reaches 3 times.
It should be noted that the specific values of the first preset time and the first threshold are not limited here. Relevant technical personnel can freely choose different first preset times and first thresholds during the design process.
S140: in response to the number of the suctions exceeding the first threshold within the first preset time, placing the aerosol generating device in a child-lock deactivated state.
For example, in response to the number of the suctions exceeding the first threshold within the first preset time, placing the aerosol generating device in a child-lock deactivated state includes: when the number of the suctions is great than the first threshold within the first preset time, automatically unlocking the aerosol generating device, that is placing the aerosol generating device in the child-lock deactivated state. When the aerosol generating device is in a child-lock deactivated state, a suction action by the user of the aerosol generating can cause the aerosol generating device to atomize normally.
Optionally, taking the first preset time as 2 seconds and the first threshold as 3 times as an example, when the aerosol generating device is in the child-lock deactivated state, after detecting the user's suction action on the device, it counts whether the user's suction actions meet the condition of continuous suction three times within a 2-second time period. If the condition is met, the aerosol generating device is unlocked, the child-lock is turned off, and the device is allowed to atomize normally.
Optionally, when the aerosol generating device changes from the child-lock activated state to the child-lock deactivated state, the current child-lock state of the device can be indicated to the user. Specifically, this can be done through methods such as LED lights, motor vibrations, voice announcements, text, or images. This allows the user to promptly confirm the current working state of the aerosol generating device.
S150: in response to the aerosol generating device is in the child-lock deactivated state, determining whether the single atomization time of the aerosol generating device is great than a second time threshold.
For example, the response to the aerosol generating device is in the child-lock deactivated state, determining whether the single atomization time of the aerosol generating device is great than the second time threshold includes: when the aerosol generating device is in the child-lock deactivated state, the user's suction action can cause the device to atomize normally. Timing begins when normal atomization starts, and it is determined whether the single atomization time of the aerosol generating device is great than the second time threshold.
Optionally, the single atomization time can be understood as the duration of a single output from the aerosol generating device. For instance, when a user sucks on the aerosol generating device, an excessively long single suction duration may result in an overly large amount of suction, which is not conducive to the user's health. Therefore, controlling the duration of a single output from the aerosol generating device can help users to suck reasonably. The second time threshold can be set between 3 to 30 seconds, with 10 seconds being the preferred option here.
S160: in response to the single atomization time exceeding the second time threshold, controlling the aerosol generating device stopping atomizing.
For example, in response to the single atomization time exceeding the second time threshold, controlling the aerosol generating device stopping atomizing includes: when the single atomization time is great than the second time threshold, controlling the aerosol generating device shut off.
Optionally, taking the second time threshold as 10 seconds, the aerosol generating device is controlled to shut off when the user's single suction duration is great than 10 seconds.
By controlling the aerosol generating device to shut off based on the user's single suction duration, this method can effectively promote reasonable suction by users.
The above method integrates the child-lock function into the mike head of the aerosol generating device to prevent accidental use by children. It maintains the original technical design without adding costs or complex structural components, significantly reducing manufacturing costs. Additionally, the timeout protection feature effectively assists users in reasonable suction.
Refer to
S270: in response to the aerosol generating device is in a child-lock deactivated state, detecting an under-voltage state of the aerosol generating device's battery and a short-circuit state of the aerosol generating device's load.
As an example, when the user sucks on the aerosol generating device, if the device is currently in the child-lock deactivated state, the user can use the device normally. Meanwhile, the device will continue to monitor the battery under-voltage state and the load short-circuit state of the aerosol generating device.
Optionally, battery under-voltage refers to a situation where the battery voltage is too low to function properly. This may be caused by prolonged battery use, which leads to significant power consumption and a drop in voltage. The short-circuit of the load refers to a situation where internal components of the load fail, causing most parts to malfunction and ultimately resulting in a complete short-circuit of the load. Therefore, during the normal use of the aerosol generating device, by detecting the under-voltage state of the battery and the short-circuit state of the load on one hand, the normal operation of the device can be effectively ensured. On the other hand, accidents that may occur during the use of the device can be prevented, thereby further ensuring the safety of the user.
S280: when the battery and load are in a normal working state, controlling the aerosol generating device atomize normally.
S290: when the battery and load are in an abnormal working state, controlling the aerosol generating device provide a fault indication and fail to atomize normally.
For example, when the battery and load are in a normal working state, the aerosol generating device atomizes normally. When they are in an abnormal working state, the aerosol generating device provides a fault indication. The indication can be in the form of LED lights, motor vibrations, voice announcements, text, images, or other means. This allows users to promptly understand the operating status of the aerosol generating device and take actions such as replacement or repair, thereby enhancing user experience.
Refer to
S3100: starting timing when the aerosol generating device stops atomization.
For example, starting timing when the aerosol generating device stops atomization includes: controlling the device stop atomizing when the user stops sucking during the process of the aerosol generating device outputting mist, or when the duration of a single suction by the user is great than the second time threshold, controlling the aerosol generating device stop atomizing. when the aerosol generating device stops atomizing, starting count through the timing function integrated in the milk head.
S3110: determining whether an elapsed time after stopping atomization is great than a third time threshold.
For example, determining whether an elapsed time after stopping atomization is great than a third time threshold includes: determine whether the elapsed time is great than the third time threshold, through the timing function integrated in the mike head, wherein the third time threshold can be set to 20 seconds.
Optionally, after the aerosol generating device stops atomizing due to the user stopping suction or after a 10-second suction duration, the aerosol generating device starts timing based on the preset time (the third time threshold of 20 seconds) to determine whether to re-activate the child-lock.
It should be noted that the third time threshold is not restricted here, and technical personnel can configure different times based on actual needs during the design process.
S3120: when the elapsed time is great than the third time threshold, placing the aerosol generating device in the child-lock activated state.
For example, when the elapsed time is great than the third time threshold, the aerosol generating device is placed in standby mode with the child-lock activated.
Optionally, when the cumulative timing after the aerosol generating device stops atomization is great than the third time threshold, the aerosol generating device enters standby mode and activates the child-lock function.
Optionally, the child-lock function can also be activated based on the counter integrated in the mike head. The counter increments the base count by a unit value (e.g., 1) each time it receives a high-level signal, with the base count set to 0. It should be noted that the unit value and base count are not restricted here and can be adjusted by technical personnel according to actual needs. The timer integrated in the mike head is used for timing, and the aerosol generating device activates the child-lock function when the number of suctions within a predetermined time period reaches a preset threshold. For example, five suctions within 3 seconds. It should be noted that the preset time and threshold are not restricted here.
S3130: when the elapsed time is less than the third time threshold, stopping timing.
For example, when the elapsed time is less than the third time threshold, stopping timing includes: terminating the timing, when detecting the aerosol generating device in the suction state within the third time threshold period; restarting the timing when detecting the aerosol generating device in a non-suction state.
Optionally, after the aerosol generating device stops atomizing due to the user stopping suction or after a 10-second suction duration, the aerosol generating device starts timing based on the preset time to determine whether to activate the child-lock. If no suction action is detected within the timing period, the child-lock is automatically activated. If a suction action is detected before timing is complete, timing stops and restarts after the suction is completed. Specifically, if no suction action is detected within 20 seconds after the aerosol generating device stops atomizing, the child-lock function is automatically activated. If a suction action is detected within 20 seconds, timing stops and restarts after the suction is completed.
The above method, which starts timing after stopping suction and timeout protection, and automatically enters standby mode and activates the child-lock function upon timing completion, can significantly improve battery utilization.
Refer to
For example, the mike head circuit is relatively simple and is implemented using an SOT23-6 packaged IC. The pins include: one pin connected to an LED indicator light, one pin connected to the load heating element, one pin connected to the pressure-sensitive mike head, one pin connected to the positive terminal of the battery cell, one pin as the positive terminal for charging, and the remaining pin serving as the common ground (GND) for the first five functions.
Refer to
a detection unit 510: configured to detect the suction state and child-lock activated state of the aerosol generating device.
a judgment unit 520: configured to determine whether the number of the suctions and atomization time of the aerosol generating device exceed a threshold.
a control Unit 530: configured to control the child-lock and atomization state of the aerosol generating device.
For example, the detection unit 510 includes:
a suction detection module 5101, configured to detect whether the aerosol generating device is in the suction state;
a child-lock detection module 5102, configured to detect the child-lock state of the aerosol generating device is in response to the aerosol generating device is in the suction state.
As an example, the judgment unit 520 includes:
a first judgment module 5201, configured to determine whether a number of suctions of the aerosol generating device within a first preset time is great than a first threshold, in response to the aerosol generating device is in the child-lock activated state;
a second judgment module 5202, configured to determine whether a single atomization time is great than a second time threshold in response to the aerosol generating device is in a child-lock deactivated state.
As an example, the control unit 530 includes:
a first control module 5301, configured to control the aerosol generating device in the child-lock deactivated state, in response to the number of the suctions exceeding the first threshold within the first preset time;
a second control module 5302, configured to control aerosol generating device stop atomization, in response to the single atomization time exceeding the second time threshold.
The present invention also proposes a storage medium that stores a control method for an aerosol generating device. When the program for controlling the aerosol generating device is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the control method for the aerosol generating device as described above. Since this storage medium incorporates all the technical solutions of the above embodiments, it therefore possesses all the beneficial effects brought by the technical solutions of the aforementioned embodiments, which will not be reiterated here.
Refer to
A memory and a processor;
The memory stores at least one program instruction. The processor loads and executes these instructions to implement the control method for the aerosol generating device as described in Embodiment 1.
The memory 602 and the processor 601 are connected via a bus. The bus can include any number of interconnected buses and bridges, connecting various circuits of one or more processors 601 and the memory 602. The bus can also connect various other circuits, such as peripheral devices, voltage regulators, and power management circuits, which are well-known in the field and therefore not further described here. The bus interface provides an interface between the bus and the transceiver. The transceiver can be a single component or multiple components, such as multiple receivers and transmitters, providing a unit for communication with other devices over a transmission medium. Data processed by the processor 601 is transmitted over a wireless medium via an antenna, and the antenna also receives data and passes it to the processor 601.
The processor 601 is responsible for managing the bus and general processing and can provide various functions, including timing, peripheral interfaces, voltage regulation, power management, and other control functions. The memory 602 can be configured to store data used by the processor 601 during operation.
The above description only includes embodiments of the present invention. Specific structures and characteristics that are common knowledge in the field are not described in detail here. Ordinary technical personnel in the field are aware of all ordinary technical knowledge in the field of the invention before the application date or priority date, can obtain all existing technologies in the field, and have the ability to apply conventional experimental means before that date. Ordinary technical personnel in the field can improve and implement this solution based on the inspiration provided by this application, combined with their own abilities. Some typical common structures or common.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 202211161259.5 | Sep 2022 | CN | national |
This application is a continuation in part of International Patent Application No. PCT/CN2023/100753, filed on Jun. 16, 2023, entitled “control method for aerosol generating device”, which claims priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 202211161259.5, filed on Sep. 22, 2022. All of the aforementioned patent applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/CN2023/100753 | Jun 2023 | WO |
| Child | 19086184 | US |
