Novel three-contact structure of electronic cigarette cartridge
By introducing a three-contact structure and NFC tag chip into the e-cigarette cartridge, combined with an MCU controller, the anti-counterfeiting traceability and communication problems of existing e-cigarette cartridges are solved, enabling e-liquid level monitoring and user interaction prompts, thus improving product safety and user experience.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-03-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing e-cigarette cartridges use a two-contact design, which presents challenges such as difficulty in anti-counterfeiting and traceability, inability to achieve two-way contactless communication, and limited space.
A novel three-contact structure for electronic cigarette cartridges is designed, including the cartridge body and the cigarette holder. A central contact and an NFC tag chip are set, and combined with an MCU controller, it realizes identity recognition, data interaction and e-liquid level monitoring. It is also equipped with components such as heating wire, liquid level sensor, display screen and vibration module.
It enables the identification and traceability of e-cigarette cartridges, monitors the remaining e-liquid level in real time, and provides intuitive operation prompts and information displays, thereby improving product safety and user experience.
Smart Images
Figure CN223958330U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electronic cigarette cartridge technology, and in particular to a novel three-contact structure for electronic cigarette cartridges. Background Technology
[0002] Consumers are increasingly concerned about the quality and safety of e-cigarette products. E-cigarettes have attracted many users due to their advantages over traditional tobacco, such as reducing the intake of harmful components. In the design of e-cigarettes, traditional e-cigarette cartridges generally use a two-contact design, used only to power the heating wire inside the cartridge. These two contacts are not polarity-sensitive and can provide several amperes of current, with the heating wire having an internal resistance of 1-2 ohms.
[0003] However, the simple contact design of existing e-cigarettes has obvious limitations: on the one hand, the problem of anti-counterfeiting and anti-copying of e-cigarette cartridges is prominent, making it difficult for brands to effectively trace and prevent counterfeiting of products, resulting in a flood of counterfeit e-cigarette cartridges in the market, which damages brand reputation and consumer rights; on the other hand, some e-cigarettes have limited structural space and cannot install additional antennas at both ends for bidirectional contactless communication, making it difficult to use existing NFC security tag chips for identity authentication and data interaction. Utility Model Content
[0004] The technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a new three-contact structure for electronic cigarette cartridges, addressing the aforementioned technical defects of the existing two-contact design.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:
[0006] A novel three-contact structure for an electronic cigarette cartridge includes: a cartridge body and a cigarette holder. The cartridge body is installed inside the cigarette holder. The cartridge body has two primary contacts, and a center contact is located between the two primary contacts. An NFC tag chip is also located inside the cartridge body. The RF terminals of the NFC tag chip are connected to one of the primary contacts and the center contact, respectively. The center contact is located on the perpendicular bisector of the line connecting the two primary contacts. The RF terminals of the NFC tag chip are connected to the primary contacts and the center contact by soldering or by bonding with a specific conductive adhesive to ensure the reliability and stability of the connection. An MCU controller is also installed inside the cigarette holder to control the various chips and modules inside the cigarette holder.
[0007] Furthermore, the cartridge body is provided with an air inlet, which is used to allow outside air to enter the cartridge when the electronic cigarette is working. The air inlet is equipped with a filter device to prevent foreign objects such as dust from entering the cartridge and affecting its normal use.
[0008] Furthermore, a miniature liquid level sensor is embedded within the cartridge, connected to an NFC tag chip. This sensor monitors the remaining e-liquid level within the cartridge. The miniature liquid level sensor is a capacitive type, such as one based on the parallel plate capacitor principle. This type of sensor offers high sensitivity and stability, accurately measuring e-liquid level changes within the complex environment of the cartridge, and is unaffected by the color and transparency of the e-liquid.
[0009] Furthermore, the cartridge body also includes a heating wire, with its two ends connected to two contact points. The heating wire generates heat upon energization, converting electrical energy into heat energy using the Joule heating effect. The heating wire is made of nickel-chromium alloy, a material with high resistivity and good oxidation resistance, ensuring stable operation at high temperatures and reliable heating performance over extended periods. The surface of the heating wire is smoothed to reduce e-liquid residue and lower the risk of carbon buildup.
[0010] Furthermore, the device includes a power output module connected to the two original contacts. This module converts the electrical energy from the device's battery into suitable voltage and current, stably transmitting it to the heating wire of the cartridge. The power output module is connected to an MCU controller and can employ a switching power supply circuit topology, which offers high conversion efficiency and effectively reduces energy loss. Additionally, it is equipped with intelligent voltage and current regulation chips, automatically adjusting the output power according to the cartridge's operating status.
[0011] Furthermore, the cigarette holder is equipped with a heating module, which is connected to the two original contacts. The heating module is used to receive electrical energy provided by the power output module and convert the electrical energy into heat energy, which is then transferred to the heating wire. The heating module needs to be connected to the MCU controller. The heating module can use a ceramic heating element as the heating element, which has the characteristics of rapid heating and uniform heat distribution. Heat dissipation fins are provided on the outer shell of the heating module to help it dissipate heat quickly and avoid overheating from affecting the performance of other components.
[0012] Furthermore, the device contains an NFC reader chip, which is connected to one of the primary contacts and the center contact. The NFC reader chip is used to interact with the NFC tag chip inside the cartridge to identify the cartridge, read cartridge information, and write data to the cartridge. The NFC reader chip needs to be connected to the MCU controller. The NFC reader chip is a model that supports both active and passive communication modes, such as the NFC function module in STMicroelectronics' STM32WB series chips, to adapt to different communication scenarios. At the same time, it is equipped with a dedicated radio frequency matching circuit to enhance the stability and reliability of signal transmission.
[0013] Furthermore, the cigarette holder is also equipped with a vibration module, which is connected to the NFC reader chip. The vibration module is used to generate vibration feedback after receiving instructions from the NFC reader chip. The vibration module is connected to the MCU controller. The vibration module can be an eccentric rotating mass motor (ERM), which has a simple structure, low cost and obvious vibration effect. Rubber shock-absorbing pads are used to fix the vibration module at the installation position to reduce the impact of vibration on other parts of the cigarette holder.
[0014] Furthermore, the e-cigarette device is also equipped with a display screen, which is connected to an NFC reader chip. The display screen is used to display information obtained by the interaction between the NFC reader chip and the NFC tag chip in the e-cigarette cartridge in real time. The display screen is connected to an MCU controller. The display screen can be an OLED display screen, which has the advantages of self-illumination, high contrast and fast response speed, and can clearly display information in various environments. The surface of the display screen is covered with a layer of scratch-resistant and wear-resistant tempered glass to protect the screen from scratches and wear during daily use.
[0015] Furthermore, the device also contains an MCU controller, which is connected to the NFC reader chip, vibration module, and display screen, and is responsible for unified communication and control.
[0016] Furthermore, the cigarette holder is equipped with an MCU controller, which is connected to one of the original contacts and the center contact. The MCU controller is used to interact with the NFC tag chip in the cigarette cartridge.
[0017] Furthermore, the cigarette holder is equipped with contacts that are compatible with the original contacts and center contacts on the cartridge body. The contacts inside the cigarette holder are made of an elastic metal material, such as beryllium bronze, to ensure good elasticity and conductivity during repeated insertion and removal. The shape of the contacts can be designed as a bullet shape, which can provide a larger contact area when in contact with the cartridge contacts and reduce contact resistance.
[0018] The present invention adopts the above technical solution and has the following technical effects compared with the prior art:
[0019] This invention utilizes a unique three-contact structure to enable data interaction between the NFC tag chip inside the e-liquid cartridge and the NFC reader chip inside the e-cigarette device. This allows for accurate identification of the e-liquid cartridge and the reading and writing of cartridge information such as production batch and flavor preferences, laying the foundation for product traceability and personalized customization. Simultaneously, a miniature liquid level sensor inside the cartridge is connected to the NFC tag chip to monitor the remaining e-liquid level in real time and transmit the data to the e-cigarette device via NFC communication. This allows the e-cigarette device to promptly remind the user through vibration or display, avoiding the inconvenience of running out of e-liquid. Attached Figure Description
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the three-contact structure of a novel electronic cigarette cartridge according to this utility model;
[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cartridge body in the three-contact structure of a novel electronic cigarette cartridge according to this utility model;
[0022] Figure 3 This utility model Figure 2 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a novel electronic cigarette cartridge with a three-contact structure.
[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cigarette holder in the three-contact structure of a novel electronic cigarette cartridge according to this utility model;
[0024] Figure 5 This utility model Figure 4 The diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a novel electronic cigarette cartridge with a three-contact structure.
[0025] Figure 6 This invention relates to a circuit connection for a novel three-contact structure of an electronic cigarette cartridge. Figure 1 ;
[0026] Figure 7 This invention relates to a circuit connection for a novel three-contact structure of an electronic cigarette cartridge. Figure 2 ;
[0027] The attached figures are labeled as follows: 1. Cartridge body; 101. NFC tag chip; 102. Miniature liquid level sensor; 2. Original contact; 3. Air inlet; 4. Center contact; 5. Cartridge rod; 501. Power output module; 502. Heating module; 503. NFC reader chip; 504. Vibration module; 505. MCU controller; 6. Display screen. Detailed Implementation
[0028] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments.
[0029] Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0030] Reference Figure 1-6A novel three-contact structure for an electronic cigarette cartridge includes: a cartridge body 1 and a cigarette rod 5. The cartridge is installed inside the cigarette rod 5. The cartridge body 1 has two primary contacts 2, and a center contact 4 is provided on the cartridge body 1 between the two primary contacts 2. The cartridge body 1 also has an NFC tag chip 101. The RF ends of the NFC tag chip 101 are respectively connected to one of the primary contacts 2 and the center contact 4.
[0031] The assembly of the cartridge body 1 and the e-cigarette device 5, along with the unique three-contact and NFC tag chip 101 connection design, enables a stable electrical connection and data interaction between the cartridge and the e-cigarette device 5, laying the foundation for identity recognition, information transmission, and allowing the cartridge to work collaboratively with the e-cigarette device 5 as an independent entity.
[0032] The cartridge body 1 is provided with an air inlet 3, which is used to allow outside air to enter the cartridge when the electronic cigarette is working.
[0033] The air inlet 3 on the cartridge body 1 allows outside air to enter the cartridge in an orderly manner when the e-cigarette is working, providing the necessary oxygen for the e-liquid atomization process, ensuring that the e-liquid is fully atomized, adjusting the smoke concentration and taste, and optimizing the user's smoking experience.
[0034] The cartridge body 1 is equipped with a miniature liquid level sensor 102, which is connected to the NFC tag chip 101. The miniature liquid level sensor 102 is used to monitor the remaining e-liquid in the cartridge.
[0035] The miniature liquid level sensor 102 inside the cartridge body 1 is connected to the NFC tag chip 101, which enables real-time and accurate monitoring of the remaining e-liquid in the cartridge. The information is transmitted through data interaction, so that users can know the e-liquid usage in a timely manner and avoid the use being affected by insufficient e-liquid.
[0036] The cartridge body 1 is also provided with a heating wire. The two ends of the heating wire are respectively connected to two original contacts 2. The heating wire is used to generate heat after being powered on, and to convert electrical energy into heat energy by utilizing the Joule heating effect.
[0037] The heating wire inside the cartridge 1 is connected to two original contacts 2. When powered on, it uses the Joule heating effect to convert electrical energy into heat energy, thereby heating and atomizing the e-liquid to produce vapor that the user can inhale. This is a key component for electronic cigarettes to achieve their core function.
[0038] The cigarette holder 5 is equipped with a power output module 501, which is connected to the two original contacts 2. The power output module 501 is used to convert the electrical energy of the battery of the cigarette holder 5 into a suitable voltage and current, and stably transmit it to the heating wire of the cigarette cartridge.
[0039] The power output module 501 inside the e-cigarette 5 is connected to two original contacts 2, which realizes the conversion of the battery power of the e-cigarette 5 into appropriate voltage and current, and stably transmits it to the heating wire of the e-liquid cartridge, ensuring the stable operation of the heating wire and providing a continuous and stable energy source for e-liquid atomization.
[0040] The cigarette rod 5 is equipped with a heating module 502, which is connected to the two original contacts 2. The heating module 502 is used to receive electrical energy provided by the power output module 501 and convert the electrical energy into heat energy to be transferred to the heating wire.
[0041] The heating module 502 inside the e-cigarette rod 5 is connected to two original contacts 2, receives electrical energy provided by the power output module 501, and efficiently converts it into heat energy to transfer to the heating wire. This achieves precise control of the heating process, improves heating efficiency and uniformity, and enhances the quality of e-liquid atomization.
[0042] The cigarette holder 5 is equipped with an NFC reader chip 503. The NFC reader chip 503 is connected to one of the original contacts 2 and the center contact 4. The NFC reader chip 503 is used to interact with the NFC tag chip 101 in the cigarette cartridge to realize the identification of the cigarette cartridge, read the cigarette cartridge information and write data to the cigarette cartridge.
[0043] The NFC reader chip 503 inside the e-cigarette device 5 is connected to the NFC tag chip 101 inside the e-cigarette cartridge through specific contacts, which enables the identification of the e-cigarette cartridge, reading of the e-cigarette cartridge information, and writing of data to the e-cigarette cartridge. It can be used for anti-counterfeiting, product traceability, and personalized settings, thereby increasing product security and enriching the user experience.
[0044] The cigarette holder 5 is also equipped with a vibration module 504, which is connected to the NFC reader chip 503. The vibration module 504 is used to generate vibration feedback after receiving the instruction from the NFC reader chip 503.
[0045] The vibration module 504 inside the e-cigarette 5 is connected to the NFC reader chip 503. After receiving an instruction, it generates vibration feedback, which provides users with intuitive operation prompts, such as when the e-cigarette cartridge is inserted or when the e-liquid is low, thus enhancing the user's interactive experience with the product.
[0046] The cigarette holder 5 is also equipped with a display screen 6, which is connected to the NFC reader chip 503. The display screen 6 is used to display in real time the information obtained by the interaction between the NFC reader chip 503 and the NFC tag chip 101 in the cigarette cartridge.
[0047] The display screen 6 on the e-cigarette device 5 is connected to the NFC reader chip 503, which displays the information obtained by the interaction between the NFC reader chip 503 and the NFC tag chip 101 in the e-cigarette cartridge in real time. This enables users to intuitively understand the status of the e-cigarette cartridge, the identity authentication result and other key information, thereby improving the convenience and transparency of product use.
[0048] In addition, an MCU controller 505 is also provided inside the cigarette holder 5. The MCU controller 505 is connected to the NFC reader chip 503, the vibration module 504 and the display screen 6, and is used for unified communication and control.
[0049] It is worth noting that the device 5 is equipped with contacts that are compatible with the original contacts 2 and the center contact 4 on the cartridge body 1. Specifically, the presence of contacts within the device 5 that are compatible with the original contacts 2 and the center contact 4 on the cartridge body 1 ensures a reliable physical connection between the cartridge and the device 5, guaranteeing stable electrical connections and data transmission. This is the fundamental support for the stable operation of the entire electronic cigarette system.
[0050] As an alternative technology solution, such as Figure 7 As shown, to reduce costs, an MCU controller 505 is directly connected to the NFC tag chip 101, thus eliminating the need for the NFC reader chip 503. All communication encoding and decoding is performed by the MCU controller 505. This reduces costs, but it increases the performance requirements of the MCU, making it a feasible implementation method.
[0051] Specifically, an MCU controller 505 is provided inside the cigarette holder 5. The MCU controller 505 is connected to one of the original contacts 2 and the center contact 4. The MCU controller 505 is used to interact with the NFC tag chip 101 inside the cigarette cartridge.
[0052] like Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the working principle of the three-contact structure of this new type of electronic cigarette cartridge is as follows:
[0053] First, the cartridge is installed into the device 5. The contacts inside the device 5 precisely align with the original contact 2 and center contact 4 on the cartridge body 1 to ensure stable electrical connections and data transmission. Next, the MCU controller 505 starts the initialization program, performing self-checks on itself and all connected functional modules to ensure normal system status. After the self-check is completed, the MCU controller 505 sends a command to the power output module 501, and the power output module 501 inside the device 5 starts working. It converts the electrical energy from the battery of the device 5 into appropriate voltage and current, which is stably transmitted to the heating wire of the cartridge through the original contact 2. At the same time, the heating module 502 receives the electrical energy provided by the power output module 501 and efficiently converts it into heat energy, which is then transferred to the heating wire. After the heating wire is energized, it uses the Joule heating effect to convert electrical energy into heat energy, heating and atomizing the e-liquid in the cartridge.
[0054] During this process, the air inlet 3 on the cartridge body 1 allows outside air to enter the cartridge in an orderly manner, providing the necessary oxygen for e-liquid atomization and ensuring that the e-liquid is fully atomized. Meanwhile, the miniature liquid level sensor 102 inside the cartridge body 1 monitors the remaining e-liquid level in real time and transmits the data to the MCU controller 505 through connection with the NFC tag chip 101. The MCU controller 505 then forwards the data to the NFC reader chip.
[0055] Under the coordination of the MCU controller 505, the NFC reader chip 503 inside the e-cigarette device 5 connects with the NFC tag chip 101 inside the e-cigarette cartridge through specific contacts to realize the identification of the e-cigarette cartridge, read the e-cigarette cartridge information, and can also write data to the e-cigarette cartridge as needed for anti-counterfeiting, product traceability and personalized settings, etc. If the e-cigarette cartridge is successfully inserted, the identification is correct, or there is insufficient e-liquid, the MCU controller 505 sends corresponding instructions to the vibration module 504 and the display screen 6.
[0056] The vibration module 504 inside the e-cigarette device 5 generates vibration feedback after receiving the instruction from the NFC reader chip 503 forwarded by the MCU controller 505, providing users with intuitive operation prompts. At the same time, the display screen 6 on the e-cigarette device 5, which is connected to the NFC reader chip 503, displays in real time the information obtained by the interaction between the NFC reader chip 503 and the NFC tag chip 101 inside the e-cigarette cartridge under the control of the MCU controller 505. This allows users to intuitively understand key information such as the status of the e-cigarette cartridge and the identity authentication result, improving the convenience and transparency of product use until the user ends the use.
[0057] The figures shown in the accompanying drawings are illustrative and are intended only to more intuitively demonstrate the key structure and connection relationship of the three-contact structure of the novel electronic cigarette cartridge of this utility model. In practical applications, the appearance and size of the device can be adjusted and optimized according to specific needs.
[0058] Finally, the following points should be noted: First, in the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise specified and limited, the terms "installation", "connection", and "linkage" should be interpreted broadly, and can be mechanical or electrical connections, or internal connections between two components, or direct connections. "Up", "down", "left", "right", etc. are only used to indicate relative positional relationships. When the absolute position of the described object changes, the relative positional relationship may change.
[0059] Secondly, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments disclosed in this utility model only involve the structures involved in the embodiments disclosed in this utility model. Other structures can refer to the general design. In the absence of conflict, the same embodiment and different embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.
[0060] Finally, the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A novel three-contact structure for an electronic cigarette cartridge, comprising a cartridge body (1) and a cigarette holder (5), characterized in that: The cartridge body (1) is installed inside the cigarette rod (5). The cartridge body (1) has two primary contacts (2) and a center contact (4) between the two primary contacts (2). The cartridge body (1) also has an NFC tag chip (101). The RF ends of the NFC tag chip (101) are connected to one of the primary contacts (2) and the center contact (4) respectively.
2. The three-contact structure of the novel electronic cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cartridge body (1) is equipped with a miniature liquid level sensor (102), which is connected to the NFC tag chip (101).
3. The three-contact structure of the novel electronic cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cartridge body (1) is also provided with a heating wire, and the two ends of the heating wire are respectively connected to two original contacts (2).
4. The three-contact structure of the novel electronic cigarette cartridge according to claim 3, characterized in that: The cigarette rod (5) is equipped with a power output module (501), which is connected to the two original contacts (2).
5. The three-contact structure of the novel electronic cigarette cartridge according to claim 4, characterized in that: The cigarette rod (5) is equipped with a heating module (502), which is connected to the two original contacts (2).
6. The three-contact structure of the novel electronic cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cigarette holder (5) is equipped with an NFC reader chip (503), which is connected to one of the original contacts (2) and the center contact (4).
7. The three-contact structure of the novel electronic cigarette cartridge according to claim 6, characterized in that: The cigarette holder (5) is also equipped with a vibration module (504), which is connected to the NFC reader chip (503).
8. The three-contact structure of the novel electronic cigarette cartridge according to claim 7, characterized in that: The cigarette holder (5) is also equipped with an MCU controller (505), which is connected to the NFC reader chip (503), the vibration module (504) and the display screen (6).
9. The three-contact structure of the novel electronic cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cigarette holder (5) is equipped with an MCU controller (505), which is connected to one of the original contacts (2) and the center contact (4).
10. The three-contact structure of the novel electronic cigarette cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cigarette holder (5) has a contact point inside, which is adapted to the original contact point (2) and the center contact point (4) on the cigarette cartridge body (1).