Removable Aerosol Cover With Undercut Locking Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol provision systems lack customization options and protection against impact forces, with removable members often relying on adhesives that are difficult to remove and may leave residue.
Innovation Solution
Aerosol provision systems with a removable member featuring attachment elements that fit into undercuts on the device, providing protection and customization through interchangeable designs without adhesives, using materials like metal or polymers for durability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If removable members are attached using adhesives, then the removable member is securely fixed to the device, but removal becomes difficult and adhesive residue is left on the device surface
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism is segmented into discrete mechanical elements: the undercut feature in the device body and the corresponding attachment element on the removable member. This segmentation allows the attachment function to be divided into insertion and retention phases, enabling secure fixation during use while maintaining ease of removal by simply disengaging the mechanical elements without adhesive residue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesives) with a mechanical interlocking system consisting of undercuts and attachment elements. This substitution eliminates the harmful effects of adhesives (difficult removal, residue) while maintaining secure attachment through the mechanical geometry of the undercut feature that engages with the attachment element.
2Strength
If removable members are made rigid for durability, then protection against impact forces is improved, but the attachment and detachment process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The removable member exhibits local quality differentiation: the main body is made rigid (metal or rigid polymer) to provide impact protection and structural durability, while the attachment element incorporates resilient properties allowing it to deform during attachment and detachment. This local differentiation enables the member to be both durable and easy to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment element is designed with dynamic characteristics, being resilient and capable of deformation. This allows the element to flex during the attachment process to engage with the undercut, and to deform during detachment to release from the undercut, making the operation easier while the main body remains rigid for protection.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the removable member covers a large portion of the outer face for protection, then impact protection is improved, but the underlying device features may be obscured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the recessed second portion to create a dimensional solution: the removable member is positioned in a recessed area of the device, allowing it to extend laterally for protection while the recessed configuration prevents it from obscuring features on the main outer face. This dimensional arrangement enables both protection and visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The outer face is segmented into a first portion (main visible surface) and a second portion (recessed area). The removable member is specifically positioned to cover the recessed second portion, allowing protection in that specific zone while leaving the first portion visible and accessible for device features and user interaction.
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an aerosol provision system (1) comprising an aerosol provision device (2) comprising an outer face (3), wherein the outer face (3) comprises a first portion (5) and a second portion (6), the second portion 6 being recessed in a first direction with respect to the first portion (5), wherein the aerosol provision device (2) comprises a connecting portion (7) that connects the first portion (5) to the second portion (6) and defines an undercut (8) in a direction non-parallel to the first direction; and a removable member (4) configured to be removably attachable to the aerosol provision device (2) so as to cover at least a portion of the outer face (3), wherein the removable member (4) comprises at least one attachment element (9) configured to be removably receivable at least partially within the undercut (8) to restrict movement of the removable member (4) in a direction opposite to the first direction when the removable member is attached to the aerosol provision device (2).