Atomization Unit Holder Engagement Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The mechanical strength of the holder in existing non-combustion suction devices is compromised due to the formation of grooves for preventing intentional disassembly, leading to potential breakage and reliability issues.

Innovation Solution

An atomization unit with a tank and holder design featuring elastically deformable engagement pieces and an elastic applying member, which secures the engagement pieces inwardly, making it difficult to intentionally disassemble the tank and holder, thereby enhancing mechanical strength without the need for a groove around the entire circumference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a groove portion is formed over the whole circumference in the connection portion of the holder and the tank to prevent disassembly, then the holder becomes difficult to detach, but the mechanical strength at the groove position becomes weak and the holder may break

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedifficulty of intentional disassemblyVSAvoidmechanical strength at groove position
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement piece is divided into multiple protrusions distributed around the circumference, rather than forming a continuous groove. Each protrusion engages with a corresponding engagement portion, distributing the mechanical load across multiple points and avoiding the creation of a single weak plane that would compromise overall strength while still preventing easy disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement structure is localized to specific discrete protrusions and engagement portions rather than being distributed uniformly as a continuous groove. This localized approach maintains the structural integrity of the holder body while providing sufficient engagement to prevent intentional disassembly, as the protrusions are positioned to engage without creating continuous weak points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If a groove portion is formed over the whole circumference to prevent disassembly, then the holder is secured to the tank, but the structure becomes more complex and mechanical strength is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring of holder to tankVSAvoidstructural complexity of connection portion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous groove structure is segmented into discrete protrusions and engagement portions. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the need for a continuous groove while maintaining the securing function through multiple distributed engagement points, reducing both manufacturing complexity and structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating a continuous groove that requires the holder to be detached by breaking or deforming the groove, the invention uses discrete protrusions that can be pressed inward to release. This inverts the traditional groove-based retention mechanism into a positive engagement system that maintains simplicity while improving strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 design effectively prevents intentional disassembly while maintaining efficient mechanical strength, ensuring the device remains secure and reliable.

Implementation Method 1

at least an engagement piece being elastically deformable towards inwardly in a radial direction is disposed in either of the tank or the holder to protrude from one of the tank and the holder positioned inwardly in the radial direction toward the other one of the tank and the holder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

an elastic applying member is formed in an internal surface at an internal side in the radial direction of the engagement piece so as to apply an elastic force outwardly in the radial direction to the engagement piece in response to an elastic deformation of the engagement piece inwardly in the radial direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3871526B1Atomization unit and non-combustion-type inhaler
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 JAPAN TOBACCO INC
  • EP3871526B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3871526B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3871526B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An atomization unit according to an embodiment of the present invention has a tank formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and a holder. Liquid is stored in the tank. The holder is fitted to an opening portion of the tank. In a state in which the tank and the holder are fitted with each other, at least an engagement piece being elastically deformable towards inwardly in a radial direction is disposed in either of the tank or the holder to protrude from one of the tank and the holder positioned inwardly in the radial direction toward the other one of the tank and the holder, and an engagement portion being engageable with the engagement piece is disposed in the other one of the tank and the holder positioned outwardly in the radial direction.