Aerosol Charging Case for Simultaneous Recharging and Consumable Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aerosol generating devices, such as electronic cigarettes, face challenges in consumable replacement and battery recharging, with consumable exchange being awkward and battery charging inconvenient due to the need for a bulky power cable.

Innovation Solution

An aerosol generating system that includes a charging case with a larger battery, allowing the device battery to be charged within the case, and a movable heating chamber lid for easy consumable exchange, eliminating the need for a separate power cable and reducing the frequency of charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a power cable is used for charging the device battery, then the device can be recharged, but the cable is bulky and inconvenient to carry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveusage time between rechargesVSAvoidconvenience of carrying charging component

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The charging case integrates both the charging function and the carrying function into a single unit. The case contains a battery that can charge the device battery, and the case itself is designed to be portable, eliminating the need for a separate power cable. This merging of functions resolves the contradiction by providing charging capability without requiring a bulky cable to be carried separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The charging case acts as an intermediary between the device and the power source. Instead of directly connecting the device to a wall outlet via a cable, the case battery serves as an intermediate energy source that can be charged separately and then used to charge the device battery anywhere, eliminating the need to carry a power cable during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the consumable is replaced manually by removing the device from the charging position, then the consumable can be exchanged, but the process is awkward and requires repeated manipulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsumable exchange capabilityVSAvoidease of consumable replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The charging case is designed with a receiving means that automatically positions the device in the correct orientation for consumable replacement. The device is pre-positioned in the case such that when the case lid is opened, the heating chamber lid is already in a position accessible to the user, eliminating the need for manual manipulation and repeated repositioning of the device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The charging case serves multiple functions simultaneously: it charges the device battery, stores the device in the correct orientation for consumable replacement, and provides a stable platform for the replacement process. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the consumable exchange process straightforward while maintaining charging capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of moving object

If the device battery has small volume to fit in the device, then the device is compact, but the charging frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidusage time between recharges

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is segmented into two parts: a small device battery that fits within the compact device for portability, and a larger case battery that provides extended charging capacity. The case battery can charge the device battery multiple times, effectively increasing the total usage time between recharges while maintaining the compact size of the device itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The system extends device usage time between recharges, simplifies consumable replacement, and reduces user dexterity required for exchange, allowing simultaneous charging and consumable exchange, making the process more convenient and efficient.

Implementation Method 1

the device battery is connectable to the case battery to charge the device battery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy transfer: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS12075847B2Aerosol generating system including an aerosol generating device and a charging storage case

Publication Date: 2024.09.03 JT INTERNATIONAL SA

AI summary

An aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating device and a charging case for charging the aerosol generating device when it is received in the case. The aerosol generating device includes a device battery; a heating chamber including a lid arranged to move between an open and closed position to allow a consumable to be received in the heating chamber. The charging case includes a case battery; a receiving means for receiving the aerosol generating device in a charging position within the case. When the aerosol generating device is received in the charging position: the device battery is connectable to the case battery to charge the device battery; and the lid of the heating chamber is moveable to allow a consumable to be inserted or removed from the heating chamber by a user.