The airflow control technology of electronic cigarettes is mainly achieved through airflow sensors. Its working principle, types, advantages and specific applications in electronic cigarettes are as follows:
The working principle of the airflow sensor
The airflow sensor serves as a bridge connecting the user and the e-cigarette device. When a smoker inhales, the airflow causes changes in the micro-mechanical structure inside the sensor, which are then converted into electrical signals to control the atomization process of the e-cigarette. For example, the traditional capacitive microphone is achieved by the deformation of the conductive film caused by the airflow, which triggers the equivalent capacitance change. When the change reaches a certain value (trigger threshold), the detection module outputs a smoking signal internally. The MEMS airflow sensor forms a parallel plate capacitor between the plate and the diaphragm. When air is sucked in, the airflow causes the diaphragm to bend and deform, resulting in a change in capacitance. When the capacitance change exceeds the threshold, the Out terminal outputs a high level, functioning as a switch.
Types and advantages of airflow sensors
Traditional capacitive microphones: They are low in cost and have mature technology, but they have shortcomings in consistency, stability and production efficiency. For the assembly of the complete machine, the capacitive microphone head can only be welded manually, which seriously hinders the improvement of production capacity. The main products on the market have poor consistency and unstable performance, which to some extent affects consumers’ usage experience.
MEMS air flow sensors: With their advantages of high precision, high stability and high integration, they have gradually become the new favorite in the market. Through MEMS technology, the airflow sensor can accurately detect and control the airflow. It not only responds quickly but also has high accuracy, bringing users a smoother and more realistic smoking experience. In terms of production, MEMS sensors can be automated through semiconductor manufacturing processes, which not only enhances production efficiency but also reduces production costs. In addition, the high-temperature tolerance of MEMS sensors enables them to adapt to the high-temperature reflow soldering process on the assembly line, further enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of production. Its high-precision detection capability can effectively prevent problems such as oil and liquid leakage during the use of electronic cigarettes, enhancing the safety and reliability of the products. Meanwhile, some MEMS sensors also integrate safety functions such as overheat protection and short-circuit protection, further ensuring the safety of users’ usage.
The influence of airflow control on user experience
Adjustment of vent size: The size of the vent determines the amount of air inhaled, which in turn affects the overall experience. The greater the airflow, the colder the steam produced. When the vent is adjusted to the maximum, the e-cigarette will produce smoother and cooler smoke, and the inhaled fog will be looser and more abundant. However, the increase in air will reduce the impact of the smoke on the throat and weaken the overall taste. When the vent of an e-cigarette is reduced, the airflow will decrease accordingly, and the same goes for the smoke. As a result, the flavor will be more concentrated, full-bodied and rich. When less air flows into the e-cigarette device, the evaporated smoke will flow out more quickly, and users will experience a stronger impact and warmer fog.
Different scene requirements: Electronic cigarettes with adjustable airflow function not only provide users with a rich taste experience, but also can control the amount of smoke inhaled/exhaled in different occasions. Users can enjoy the pleasure of being shrouded in a large amount of smoke, or they can inhale a small amount of air to savor the rich flavor and the strong impact.