Handheld Aerosol Generator Trigger Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing nicotine dispensing aerosol devices lack a user-friendly, portable, and efficient mechanism for manually generating aerosol that simulates smoking without burning tobacco.
Innovation Solution
A handheld aerosol generator device with a manually operable trigger mechanism, a bayonet coupling for a pressurized canister, and a tubular nozzle to deliver a metered dose of aerosol to the user's mouth, featuring a camming surface to open the valve and release the aerosol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual trigger mechanism is used to actuate the aerosol valve, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism is nested within the body housing, with the trigger pivotally mounted in a trigger chamber that is part of the body structure. The camming surface is integrated into the trigger itself, eliminating the need for separate actuating components. This nesting approach provides manual control while minimizing additional external complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The trigger serves multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating lever and the camming mechanism through its camming surface portion. The single trigger component performs both the motion transmission and the valve actuation functions, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If a bayonet coupling is used for canister replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bayonet coupling employs asymmetric engagement features including a collar arrangement with specific engagement surfaces and a bayonet mounting with keyed geometry. The asymmetric design provides tactile feedback and visual cues for proper alignment, making replacement easy while ensuring precise mating between the canister and body through the unique engagement geometry.
3Productivity
If a camming surface is used to drive the discharge tube inwardly, then productivity is improved through faster aerosol delivery, but force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The trigger mechanism utilizes a camming surface that converts rotational motion into linear motion dynamically. As the trigger is depressed, the camming surface progressively drives the discharge tube inwardly, creating a dynamic actuation sequence that reduces peak force requirements compared to direct linear actuation. The elastic element also provides dynamic force assistance throughout the actuation stroke.
Solution Approach 2:
The camming surface acts as an intermediary between the trigger and the discharge tube, translating the user's trigger depression into controlled linear motion of the discharge tube. This intermediary mechanism provides mechanical advantage and force distribution, reducing the direct force burden on the user while maintaining fast aerosol delivery.
4Reliability
If an elastic element is used to bias the discharge tube outwardly, then reliability is improved through automatic valve closing, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic element provides self-service functionality by automatically returning the discharge tube to its outward biased position after actuation. This self-resetting mechanism ensures reliable valve closing without requiring additional control systems or manual intervention, while the integration of the elastic element into the existing structure minimizes added complexity.
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
Enables efficient and user-friendly delivery of aerosol, allowing for easy replacement of the canister and providing a realistic smoking experience with adjustable trigger mechanisms for reduced actuation force.
Implementation Method 1
a vessel comprising a pressurised canister containing a liquid propellant
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle to create an aerosol from the liquid propellant
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 4
AI summary
An aerosol generator device has an elongate body (1) with an interior passageway (6) extending longitudinally to its mouth end (4). The device receives an interchangeable, pressurised canister (2) charged with a nicotine containing liquid that is discharged in a metered doses on manual actuation of a trigger (39) that causes a valve in the canister to open and discharge through a discharge tube (13). Inner and outer collar members (18, 19) releasably couple the canister (2) with a controlled angular orientation to the body (1) with a bayonet action. The trigger (39) is rotatably mounted on the body about a trigger axis (40) spaced from and extending transversely of the longitudinal axis X-X' of the device, and has a manually depressible surface portion (42) under a flexible cover (38), and a camming surface portion (43) that drives a slidable nozzle member (44) inwardly of the body to press the discharge tube (13) inwardly of the canister and the valve so as to form an aerosol from the liquid released from the canister.