Aerosol Device Rotation Connection Elastic Locking Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol generation devices face reliability issues with the connection strength of units due to the rotation connection mechanism, leading to potential misalignment and damage during assembly and use.

Innovation Solution

A main body unit with a rotation connection mechanism that includes engagement convex and groove portions, where one portion is elastically deformed to engage with the other, ensuring secure alignment and locking of units in both axial and circumferential directions, enhancing the connection strength and usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a rotation connection mechanism is used to connect units, then the device allows for attachable and detachable operation, but the connection strength and reliability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachable and detachable operationVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is divided into multiple functional components: engagement convex portions for initial connection, groove portions for receiving, and elastic convex portions for locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together to achieve both ease of operation and reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic convex portion is designed to dynamically adapt during connection - it elastically deforms to allow the connection components to pass through each other, then locks into place to secure the connection. This dynamic behavior enables the mechanism to transition from a loose state during assembly to a locked state during use, providing both ease of operation and connection strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a simple rotation connection mechanism is used, then the device structure remains simple, but misalignment and damage may occur during assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection mechanism structureVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement convex portions and groove portions are designed with asymmetric geometries that guide proper alignment during assembly. The convex portions have specific shapes that fit into corresponding groove portions only in the correct orientation, preventing misalignment and damage while maintaining relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If elastic deformation is used for engagement, then the connection strength is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidconnection mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic convex portion utilizes elastic deformation as a key parameter change to achieve locking engagement. By selecting appropriate elastic materials and designing the geometry to utilize elastic recovery, the mechanism achieves strong connections without requiring complex additional components. The elastic property itself becomes the mechanism for securing the connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 significantly improves the reliability and strength of the connection between units, reducing the risk of misalignment and damage, while also simplifying the assembly process and ensuring secure locking, thus enhancing the device's overall performance.

Implementation Method 1

either of the first convex portion or the second convex portion is elastically deformed in the radial direction while climbing over the other one of the first convex portion or the second convex portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3871536B1Main body unit of an aerosol generation device, aerosol generation device, and non-combustion suction device
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 JAPAN TOBACCO INC
  • EP3871536B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3871536B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3871536B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A main body unit of an aerosol generation device that is at least dividable into a first unit and a second unit according to an aspect of the present invention has a rotation connection mechanism configured to connect the first unit and the second unit by inserting an engagement convex portion disposed in either of the first unit or the second unit into an engagement groove portion disposed in the other one of the first unit or the second unit and rotating in a first rotation direction around a central axis of the main body unit; a first convex portion disposed in either of the first unit or the second unit, the first convex portion protruding outwardly in a radial direction orthogonal to the central axis; and a second convex portion disposed in the other of the first unit or the second unit, the second convex portion protruding inwardly in the radial direction, wherein when a connection is performed in the rotation connection mechanism, either of the first convex portion or the second convex portion is elastically deformed in the radial direction while climbing over the other one of the first convex portion or the second convex portion and engaged with the other one of the first convex portion or the second convex portion in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction.