Atomizer Actuator Locking to Prevent Accidental Triggering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing atomizers suffer from unstable triggering mechanisms, leading to accidental activation during use, which results in ineffective liquid waste, leakage, and potential damage due to undesired movement or vibration.
Innovation Solution
The atomizer incorporates locking structures on the mouthpiece and actuating member to secure the actuating member in a locked position, preventing accidental triggering, and allows manual operation only when in the unlocked state, ensuring stable atomization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple triggering mechanism is used in the atomizer, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing cost is lowered, but the triggering stability deteriorates leading to accidental activation
Solution Approach 1:
The triggering mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a locking structure with locking and unlocking positions, a driving structure with driving and driven portions, and a blocking structure. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while maintaining overall system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking structure is designed to be engaged in a locked position by default before use, preventing accidental triggering. The blocking structure proactively blocks the driving portion from moving, ensuring that atomization can only occur when intentionally unlocked and activated by the user.
2Ease of operation
If the actuating member is allowed to pivot freely for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but accidental triggering occurs due to vibration or shaking
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating member transitions between two dynamic states: locked and unlocked. The locking structure enables the actuating member to be securely held in the locked position during transport or storage, then easily switched to the unlocked position for intentional operation, providing both stability and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking structure acts as an intermediary between the actuating member and the driving structure. It mediates the transition between locked and unlocked states, ensuring that the driving structure remains blocked unless the locking structure is intentionally disengaged, thus preventing accidental activation while maintaining ease of intentional operation.
3Reliability
If locking structures are added to prevent accidental triggering, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking structure, blocking structure, and driving structure are merged into an integrated assembly where components work together synergistically. The locking structure combines locking and unlocking functions, the blocking structure integrates with the driving portion, and all elements are coordinated through the actuating member, reducing overall complexity despite adding reliability features.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and blocking structures are designed to automatically engage and disengage through the natural movement of the actuating member. The elastic member provides self-locking functionality, and the blocking structure automatically engages when the actuating member is in the locked position, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
An atomizer is provided. The atomizer includes: a delivery tube holder; a mouthpiece, which has a first end configured to be placed at a user's mouth, and includes a mouthpiece body and a first locking structure arranged on the mouthpiece body; an actuating member, which is located at a second end of the mouthpiece opposite to the first end, and includes an actuating member body and a second locking structure arranged on the actuating member body, the actuating member can pivot relative to the mouthpiece to drive the delivery tube holder to pivot; the actuating member has a locked position, where the first locking structure engages with the second locking structure to block the actuating member from pivoting relative to the mouthpiece, and an unlocked position, where the first locking structure does not engage with the second locking structure such that the actuating member can pivot relative to the mouthpiece.