Ultrasonic Atomizer Horn-Shaped Groove E-Liquid Flow Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ultrasonic electronic cigarette atomizers face issues with e-liquid flow obstruction, dry burning, and component damage due to uneven e-liquid distribution and high energy release, leading to reduced vapor quality, shortened service life, and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates an atomizing core with an atomizing cotton, installation seat, and ultrasonic atomizing sheet featuring a horn-shaped groove system for smooth e-liquid flow, a resistance plate for energy dissipation, and stable mounting to prevent dry burning and component damage, ensuring uniform e-liquid flow and efficient atomization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the ultrasonic atomizing sheet is used to atomize e-liquid, then vapor generation is achieved, but the atomizing sheet is prone to being soaked in e-liquid or dry burning, resulting in decreased vapor amount and poor taste

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevapor generation efficiencyVSAvoidatomizing sheet stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The atomizing cotton is divided into multiple cotton strands that are arranged in a specific pattern on the atomizing sheet. This segmentation allows for better e-liquid distribution and prevents both soaking and dry burning by ensuring each cotton strand receives appropriate e-liquid supply.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the atomizing sheet have different cotton strand densities and configurations. The cotton strands are arranged with varying spacing and lengths to create local quality variations that optimize e-liquid absorption and vapor generation in different areas of the atomizer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the ultrasonic atomizing sheet operates continuously, then vapor production is maintained, but the service life of the atomizing sheet is shortened, leading to increased use cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous vapor productionVSAvoidatomizing sheet service life
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The atomizing cotton is pre-installed on the atomizing sheet in a specific configuration before use. This preliminary arrangement ensures that e-liquid is distributed evenly from the start of operation, preventing premature degradation and extending the service life of the atomizing sheet during continuous operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If the ultrasonic atomizing sheet is not fixed, then assembly is simple, but the sheet is prone to shaking or moving, resulting in poor electrical connection and uneven e-liquid distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidelectrical connection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cotton fixation structure integrates both mechanical support and electrical connection functions. The cotton strands are fixed to the atomizing sheet in a way that simultaneously provides structural stability and maintains proper electrical contacts, eliminating the need for separate fixation mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If the first air inlet of the first groove is made larger, then air exchange is improved, but excessive air enters the e-liquid tank causing the atomizing sheet to be soaked in e-liquid

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair exchange efficiencyVSAvoide-liquid level control
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The first groove and second groove have asymmetric dimensions and configurations. The first groove has a larger opening for air exchange, while the second groove has a smaller opening that controls air flow into the e-liquid tank. This asymmetric design allows optimized air exchange without causing excessive e-liquid output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

This configuration ensures a smooth and uniform e-liquid flow, prevents dry burning, and prolongs the service life of the atomizing sheet, reducing costs and improving user experience by maintaining vapor quality and extending the atomizer's operational lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

the piezoelectric ceramic substrate is under high frequency oscillation, so that the e-liquid is atomized into vapor on the surface of the piezoelectric ceramic substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

the energy carried by the ultrasonic atomizing sheet cannot be released. After the circuit is closed again, the ultrasonic atomizing sheet instantaneously releases high energy to components on the mainboard

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3981269B1Atomizing core and atomizer of electronic cigarette
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 CHINA TOBACCO HUNAN IND CORP
  • EP3981269B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3981269B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3981269B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An atomizing core and an atomizer of an electronic cigarette. The atomizing core of an electronic cigarette comprises an installation seat (42), an atomizing cotton (41) and an ultrasonic atomizing plate (43). An atomizing cavity is disposed in the middle of the installation seat. A first groove (422) and a second groove (423) are symmetrically disposed on an upper surface of the installation seat communicating with each other. An air outlet opening is disposed at the top of the first groove and is disposed correspondingly to an e-liquid outlet port (321) of an e-liquid cartridge device (3). Air inlet openings are disposed at respective ends of the first groove and the second groove proximate to the atomizing cavity. The first groove is in communication with the second groove by means of the air inlet openings. The air inlet opening of the second groove is in communication with the atomizing cavity, and the air inlet opening of the first groove is smaller than that of the second groove. The air in the atomizing cavity can enter the e-liquid cartridge by means of the first and second grooves through the atomizing cotton, and the e-liquid flows out from the atomizing cotton at the first and second grooves, enabling a smooth flow of e-liquid and controlled flow rate.