Atomizer Sensor Chamber Segmentation for Sensitivity

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electronic cigarettes face issues with sensor sensitivity due to the placement of the heating member in the airflow passage, which hinders suction force and can lead to smoke liquid leakage, blocking the air inlet and potentially short-circuiting the sensor, while also creating a humid environment that reduces sensor lifespan.

Innovation Solution

The atomizer design separates the chamber and airflow passage, positioning the sensor in the chamber to improve sensitivity, and includes a cap that can be locked or unlocked to control airflow, along with a smoke outlet tube and liquid injecting holes with sealing members to prevent leakage and facilitate liquid refilling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the sensor is placed in the airflow passage adjacent to the air inlet, then the sensor can detect suction action, but the heating member hinders the suction force and greater suction force is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor detection sensitivityVSAvoidsuction force
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the internal space into separate functional zones: the airflow passage for smoke generation and the chamber for sensor detection. This segmentation allows the sensor to detect suction without the heating member interfering with the airflow, thus improving detection sensitivity while reducing the required suction force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces air inlet holes as intermediary pathways that allow air to reach the sensor chamber without passing through the heating member. This intermediary structure enables the sensor to detect suction actions effectively while avoiding the hindrance caused by the heating member.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Temperature

If the heating member is in liquid communication with the smoke liquid storage member, then the heating member can heat the smoke liquid, but the smoke liquid may leak into the airflow passage and block the air inlet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidair inlet blockage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent separates the smoke liquid storage function from the airflow passage through distinct structural zones. The storage member is positioned and configured to prevent liquid from entering the airflow passage, while the heating member maintains thermal communication with the liquid without compromising the air inlet's reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the air inlet function from the airflow passage by creating a separate chamber with dedicated air inlet holes. This extraction ensures that the air inlet is not vulnerable to liquid blockage from the storage member, while the heating capability is preserved through controlled liquid communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Measurement precision

If the sensor is exposed to residual smoke and humid environment in the airflow passage, then the sensor can detect airflow, but the sensor service life is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow detectionVSAvoidsensor service life
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sensor environment from the harsh airflow passage conditions by placing the sensor in a separate chamber. This chamber receives fresh air through dedicated air inlet holes, creating a benign environment for the sensor that maintains detection precision while extending service life through reduced exposure to smoke and humidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design enhances sensor sensitivity, reduces gas bypass, allows for easier maintenance, and extends the service life of the electronic cigarette by preventing smoke liquid from entering the sensor and maintaining a dry environment.

Implementation Method 1

by a sensor arranged in an airflow passage adjacent to an air inlet... the suction of the user is hindered by the heating member, and thus a greater suction force is needed to allow the airflow in the airflow passage cause the change of air pressure for the detection by the sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 2

the heating member is also located in the airflow passage... the heating member is in liquid communication with a smoke liquid storage member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3574777B1Atomizer and electronic cigarette
Publication Date: 2023.03.08 JOYETECH EUROPE HOLDING GMBH
  • EP3574777B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3574777B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3574777B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An atomizer comprises a storage member and a cigarette holder detachably connected with the storage member. An inductive chamber and an airflow passage are positioned in the storage member and isolated from each other. An air suction port is defined on the cigarette holder. The air suction port communicates with the inductive chamber and the airflow passage. The inductive chamber is spaced from the airflow passage, which reduces the gas bypass in the inductive chamber and improves the sensitive performance of a sensor. The cigarette holder is separately positioned from the inductive chamber and the airflow passage to facilitate the replacement of the cigarette holder and maintain sanitation. The present disclosure further provides an electronic cigarette having the atomizer.