Atomizing Device Non-Linear Airflow Channel Vapor Condensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic cigarette atomizing devices face issues with e-liquid leakage and condensation of vapor, leading to a poor user experience due to high airflow velocity and narrow vapor transportation pipes.

Innovation Solution

The atomizing device features a non-linear airflow channel, a ladder-like liquid flow channel, and a separate vapor transportation pipe to prevent e-liquid leakage and condensation, with a microporous ceramic rod and heating coil for efficient e-liquid absorption and vapor generation, and a funnel-shaped vapor pipe mounting part to slow down vapor flow and prevent condensed e-liquid from entering the mouth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the vapor transportation pipe has a small inner diameter, then the device structure is compact, but the airflow velocity becomes too high causing vapor condensation and poor user experience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevapor transportation pipe inner diameterVSAvoidairflow velocity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The vapor transportation path is divided into multiple sections with different diameters. The pipe has a first section with a first inner diameter and a second section with a second inner diameter that is larger than the first. This segmentation allows the vapor to be transported through a narrower initial section for compactness while expanding to a larger diameter section to reduce airflow velocity and prevent condensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a dimensional change in the vapor transportation pipe by varying the inner diameter along the flow path. Instead of using a uniformly small diameter, the pipe transitions from a smaller first inner diameter to a larger second inner diameter, effectively using spatial dimensionality to resolve the contradiction between compact structure and acceptable airflow velocity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If the holder is made of metal hardware component, then the structure is strong and durable, but the e-liquid leaks from the gap between the holder and the liquid absorbing unit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholder structure strengthVSAvoide-liquid leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An intermediary component (sealing ring or sealing structure) is introduced between the metal holder and the liquid absorbing unit to prevent e-liquid leakage. This intermediary element fills the gap between the rigid metal holder and the liquid absorbing unit, maintaining the structural strength of the metal holder while eliminating the harmful leakage effect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs flexible sealing elements (such as sealing rings or elastic sealing structures) between the rigid metal holder and the liquid absorbing unit. These flexible components can deform to fill gaps and prevent e-liquid leakage while maintaining the overall structural integrity provided by the metal holder.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Productivity

If the liquid absorbing unit extends out of the holder, then the e-liquid absorption is efficient, but the e-liquid leaks from the gap between the holder and the liquid absorbing unit

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvee-liquid absorption efficiencyVSAvoide-liquid leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A sealing intermediary is introduced between the holder and the liquid absorbing unit to prevent leakage while maintaining the extended configuration of the liquid absorbing unit. This allows the liquid absorbing unit to remain positioned for efficient e-liquid absorption from the liquid storage chamber while the sealing intermediary prevents e-liquid from leaking through the gap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

Flexible sealing structures are used to accommodate the extended liquid absorbing unit while preventing e-liquid leakage. These flexible sealing elements can adapt to the position of the liquid absorbing unit, ensuring both efficient absorption and leak prevention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 e-liquid leakage and reduces the amount of condensed e-liquid inhaled by users, enhancing the user experience through controlled e-liquid absorption and vapor flow management.

Implementation Method 1

a liquid absorbing unit... absorbs the e-liquid from the liquid storage chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

the atomizing core heats and atomizes the e-liquid to generate vapor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

heats and atomizes the e-liquid to generate vapor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 4

a funnel-shaped vapor pipe mounting part to slow down vapor flow and prevent condensed e-liquid from entering the mouth

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFlow velocity reduction:

Data Source

PatentEP3292775B1Atomizing device for electronic cigarette
Publication Date: 2020.11.04 SHENZHEN FIRST UNION TECH CO LTD
  • EP3292775B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3292775B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3292775B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An atomizing device (10) for an electronic cigarette includes: an atomizing sleeve (101) defining a liquid storage chamber (102) for containing e-liquid; a heating element (104) positioned in the atomizing sleeve and configured to heat the e-liquid to generate vapor; a liquid absorbing unit (103) configured to absorb the e-liquid in the liquid storage chamber and transfer the e-liquid to the heating element; and a holder (100) defining a hollow cavity (1001). The holder fixes the liquid absorbing unit and the heating element, and the heating element is positioned in the hollow cavity. A temporary storage cavity (120) is positioned under the holder. The holder defines at least one airflow through hole (124) which is configured to communicate with the temporary storage cavity with the hollow cavity, the temporary storage cavity is configured to communicate with an air inlet (115), and the air inlet is positioned in a higher position than a bottom (121) of the temporary storage cavity.