Aerosol Cartridge Connector With Insulated Contacts and Detent Locking

Solution Overview

Problem

Aerosol delivery devices often have connectors that wear out, are difficult to engage or disengage, and provide unreliable electrical connections, especially in devices with separable cartridges.

Innovation Solution

The connectors include a first and second connector portion with an extension and receptacle, featuring insulated contact sections, a detent and flexible member for secure engagement, and a central disposition to ensure reliable electrical and fluid connections, regardless of rotational position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional connectors are used in separable aerosol delivery devices, then the device can be disassembled for refilling or replacement, but the connectors wear out, are difficult to engage or disengage, and provide unreliable electrical connections

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparability of cartridge and control bodyVSAvoidelectrical connection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two separate portions: a first connector portion integrated with the control body and a second connector portion integrated with the cartridge. This segmentation allows the device to be separable for refilling or replacement while maintaining reliable electrical connections when engaged. Each portion can be independently manufactured and optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extension is positioned within the receptacle when the connector portions are engaged, creating a nested configuration. This nested arrangement ensures secure mechanical coupling and reliable electrical contact between the heating element and power source, while allowing easy separation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional connectors are used in separable aerosol delivery devices, then the device can be disassembled for refilling or replacement, but the connectors wear out from repeated usage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparability of cartridge and control bodyVSAvoidconnector durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two separate portions: a first connector portion integrated with the control body and a second connector portion integrated with the cartridge. This segmentation allows the device to be separable for refilling or replacement while maintaining reliable electrical connections when engaged. Each portion can be independently manufactured and optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design anticipates wear from repeated engagement and disengagement by using robust connector portions with integrated heating elements and insulated contact sections. The extension and receptacle are designed to accommodate wear while maintaining functional integrity, cushioning against the degradation that would otherwise limit the device's lifespan.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional connectors are used in separable aerosol delivery devices, then the device can be disassembled for refilling or replacement, but the connectors are difficult to engage or disengage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparability of cartridge and control bodyVSAvoidease of connector engagement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is divided into two separate portions: a first connector portion integrated with the control body and a second connector portion integrated with the cartridge. This segmentation allows the device to be separable for refilling or replacement while maintaining reliable electrical connections when engaged. Each portion can be independently manufactured and optimized for its specific function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector portions are designed with dynamic engagement characteristics that facilitate easy connection and disconnection. The extension and receptacle geometry allows for straightforward insertion and removal, enabling users to easily replace cartridges or refill the reservoir without difficulty.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution provides a secure, reliable, and durable connection between the control body and cartridge, ensuring consistent electrical and fluid communication, enhancing the usability and performance of aerosol delivery devices.

Implementation Method 1

an atomizer configured to heat the aerosol precursor composition received from the reservoir to produce an aerosol

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

The contact sections may be electrically insulated from one another by at least one spacer and may be configured to form an electrical connection with the receptacle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250366517A1Aerosol delivery device including connector comprising extension and receptacle

Publication Date: 2025.12.04 RAI STRATEGIC HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery device. The aerosol delivery device may include a control body with a first connector portion and a cartridge with a second connector portion. The first connector portion and the second connector portion may be configured to releasably engage each other. One of the first connector portion and the second connector portion may include an extension and the other of the first connector portion and the second connector portion may include a receptacle configured to receive the extension. The extension may include contact sections positioned along a longitudinal length thereof. The contact sections may be electrically insulated from one another by at least one spacer and may be configured to form an electrical connection with the receptacle. A related assembly method is also provided.