Aerosol Cartridge Light Guide for Remaining Liquid Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generating devices do not effectively inform users about the remaining amount of liquid composition, making it difficult for users to determine when the device needs refilling.
Innovation Solution
An aerosol generating device equipped with a light source that emits light based on the remaining amount of liquid composition, allowing users to visually check the level through a window hole, guided by light guide portions and diffusion sheets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a light source is added to indicate remaining liquid amount, then user awareness of liquid level is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A light guide portion is introduced as an intermediary component to transmit light from the light source to the exterior of the device. This mediator allows the information about liquid level to be conveyed externally without requiring the light source to be directly visible or accessible from outside the device housing, thus maintaining a simple overall structure while effectively solving the information display problem.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or visual indicator mechanisms (such as floating indicators or transparent windows requiring direct line of sight) with an optical system comprising a light source and light guide. This substitution enables more flexible and reliable liquid level indication while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of compact optical components.
2Illumination intensity
If a window hole is created in the cover for light transmission, then visibility of light signal is improved, but device sealing and protection are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide portion serves as an intermediary that allows light to pass from the interior to the exterior without creating a direct opening or compromise in the cover structure. The cover remains substantially intact and sealed, while the light guide provides a controlled pathway for light transmission, thus maintaining both visibility and protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide portion can be implemented as a thin, flexible optical element that integrates into the cover structure. This allows the cover to maintain its protective function while incorporating the necessary light transmission capability through a minimal opening or integrated optical path that preserves sealing integrity.
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 users to intuitively and visually assess the remaining liquid level, ensuring timely refills and maintaining device operation.
Implementation Method 1
a light source that emits light toward an inside of the liquid storage, and the cover comprises a window hole through which light emitted from the light source toward the inside of the liquid storage is transmitted to an outside of the cover
Data Source
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AI summary
An aerosol generating device according to an aspect comprises a main body that comprises a battery and a controller, a cartridge which is coupled to the main body and comprises a liquid storage that contains liquid composition and an atomization portion that generates an aerosol by heating the liquid composition contained in the liquid storage, and a cover that forms an inner space by being coupled to the main body such that the cartridge is arranged in the inner space, wherein the main body further comprises a light source that emits light toward an inside of the liquid storage, and the cover comprises a window hole through which light emitted from the light source toward the inside of the liquid storage is transmitted to the outside of the cover.