Atomizer Air Inlet Microgrooves for Condensate Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing electronic atomization devices, aerosol condensate forms on the housing due to condensation in the air inlet channel, affecting user experience and aesthetic appearance.

Innovation Solution

The atomizer incorporates a liquid absorption structure with microgrooves on the outer sidewall of the air inlet channel to absorb condensate via capillary tension, preventing it from reaching the outer surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If aerosol is generated and delivered through the air inlet channel, then the atomization function is achieved, but condensate forms on the housing affecting appearance and user experience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveatomization functionVSAvoidcondensate on housing
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a liquid absorption structure as an intermediary component between the air inlet channel and the housing. This structure includes capillary channels that act as a mediator to intercept and absorb condensate before it can reach the housing surface, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining atomization function and preventing condensate formation on the housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful condensate into a beneficial absorbed liquid by utilizing the capillary action of the liquid absorption structure. The condensate that would otherwise damage the housing appearance is redirected through capillary channels to a liquid collection area, where it can be properly managed, thus transforming a harmful byproduct into a controlled element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Productivity

If the air inlet channel is designed for aerosol flow, then atomization is enabled, but condensate flows onto the housing outer surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaerosol deliveryVSAvoidhousing appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the air inlet channel system by introducing a separate liquid absorption structure with its own capillary channels. This segmentation allows the main air inlet channel to focus on aerosol delivery while the separate capillary channel system handles condensate removal, thus maintaining productivity while protecting the housing appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid absorption structure serves as an intermediary layer between the aerosol flow path and the housing. It intercepts condensate within the air inlet channel space and transports it away through capillary channels, preventing direct contact with the housing surface and thus preserving appearance while maintaining aerosol delivery function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If no condensate management structure is provided, then the device structure remains simple, but condensate adheres to the housing

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestructureVSAvoidcondensate adhesion
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a liquid absorption structure with capillary channels that function similarly to porous materials. These channels provide a network of narrow passages that automatically absorb and transport condensate through capillary action without requiring external power or complex mechanical components, thus managing condensate with relatively simple structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The liquid absorption structure operates autonomously using capillary action to absorb and transport condensate without external intervention. The structure serves itself by utilizing the natural physical property of capillary materials to move liquid against gravity, eliminating the need for pumps, fans, or other energy-consuming components to manage condensate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Prevents condensate from flowing onto the housing, thereby enhancing user experience and maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the device.

Implementation Method 1

The liquid absorption structure includes a plurality of first liquid absorption microgrooves provided on an outer sidewall portion of the housing that is located within the first air inlet channel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary tension: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP3850963B1Electronic atomization device and atomizer
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 SHENZHEN SMOORE TECH LTD
  • EP3850963B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3850963B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3850963B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an electronic atomization device and an atomizer thereof. The atomizer includes a housing and an inhalation mouthpiece sleeved on an upper portion of the housing. A first air inlet channel communicating with the outside is provided between the inhalation mouthpiece and the housing. The housing is provided with a second air inlet port communicating with the first air inlet channel. The first air inlet channel is provided with a liquid absorption structure, which includes a plurality of first liquid absorption microgrooves provided on the outer sidewall portion of the housing that is located within the first air inlet channel. By providing the plurality of first liquid absorption microgrooves on the outer sidewall portion of the housing that is located within the first air inlet channel, most of the condensate can be absorbed by capillary tension and thus will not flow to the outside of the housing and the atomizer, thereby improving user experience and aesthetic appearance effect of the atomizer.