Atomizer Airflow Valve Layout for E-Liquid Leak Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic vaporization devices are prone to liquid leakage from the liquid storage tank, which can pollute and damage the airflow sensor or battery due to air pressure changes, leading to potential damage and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
The vaporizer incorporates an airflow channel with an air inlet valve, a leaked liquid storage region, a gulp valve, and a suction nozzle valve, all of which are one-way valves, to manage and contain leaked liquid, prevent vapor reflux, and maintain air pressure in the liquid storage tank.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a vent hole is provided at the bottom of the vaporizer to allow airflow channel connection to the airflow sensor, then airflow sensing function is enabled, but liquid leakage can occur and damage the airflow sensor or battery
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet valve acts as an intermediary component between the airflow channel and the liquid storage tank. It allows air to pass through to reach the airflow sensor while blocking liquid from entering the same path, thus preventing liquid leakage damage to the sensor and battery while maintaining the airflow sensing function
Solution Approach 2:
The air inlet valve is divided into distinct functional parts: an air inlet portion facing the liquid storage tank, a valve body with a passage, and an air outlet portion facing the airflow channel. This segmentation allows selective passage of air while blocking liquid, resolving the contradiction between enabling airflow sensing and preventing liquid damage
2Reliability
If the air inlet valve is positioned close to the vaporization component, then liquid leakage is contained more effectively, but the valve structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet valve combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it serves as both a flow control valve and a liquid barrier. By merging the air inlet function, the liquid blocking function, and the flow direction control into one valve structure, the design achieves effective liquid containment without excessive structural complexity
3Reliability
If one-way valves are added to manage leaked liquid and regulate air pressure, then device reliability is improved, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air inlet valve is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously performs: (1) air inlet function, (2) liquid blocking function, (3) one-way flow control function, and (4) air pressure regulation function. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components while improving device reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The air inlet valve automatically responds to pressure differences between the liquid storage tank and the airflow channel, opening or closing based on the direction of pressure differential. This self-regulating mechanism maintains air pressure balance and prevents liquid leakage without requiring external control systems or additional components
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 solution effectively prevents liquid leakage from damaging internal components, maintains airflow integrity, and ensures smooth vaporization by containing leaked liquid and regulating air pressure, enhancing device reliability and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
an air inlet portion of the air inlet valve being disposed away from the vaporization component; a leaked liquid storage region configured to store leaked liquid, the leaked liquid storage region being formed between the air inlet valve and the vaporization component
Implementation Method 2
at least one gulp valve disposed in the housing, an air outlet portion of the at least one gulp valve being located in the liquid storage tank, and an air inlet portion of the at least one gulp valve being in communication with external air
Implementation Method 3
a suction nozzle valve disposed in the airflow channel and located between the air outlet and the vaporization component, an air outlet portion of the suction nozzle valve facing the air outlet, and an air inlet of the suction nozzle valve facing the vaporization component
Implementation Method 4
a vaporization component disposed in the airflow channel and in fluid communication with the liquid storage tank
Data Source
AI summary
A vaporizer includes: a housing having an air inlet and an air outlet; an airflow channel formed in the housing and running through the air inlet and the air outlet; a liquid storage tank disposed in the housing; a vaporization component disposed in the airflow channel and in fluid communication with the liquid storage tank; an air inlet valve disposed in the airflow channel between the air inlet and the vaporization component, an air outlet portion of the air inlet valve being disposed close to the vaporization component, an air inlet portion of the air inlet valve being disposed away from the vaporization component; a leaked liquid storage region for storing leaked liquid, the leaked liquid storage region being formed between the air inlet valve and the vaporization component; and at least one gulp valve disposed in the housing.