Authenticatable Inhalation System with Bi-Directional Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional inhalation systems face challenges in providing a compact design, authenticating users, preventing unauthorized access, and heating substances to a temperature that releases desirable flavors without toxins, while also addressing the odor issues associated with cannabis use.

Innovation Solution

The inhalation system incorporates a fluid transfer member, a valve member with a locking mechanism, and a flavoring cartridge assembly that heats substances to a temperature lower than combustible levels, using a guillotine-style puncture mechanism to release flavors into an absorbent material, and includes a bi-directional locking mechanism for user authentication via a mobile application and authentication server.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional heating methods are used to vaporize substances, then vapor is generated, but toxins are released due to extreme heat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetoxin releaseVSAvoidheating temperature

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the temperature parameter from extreme heat (800-1200°F) to lower temperatures that vaporize water and release flavors without combustion. This parameter change eliminates toxin release while maintaining vapor generation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful effect of extreme heat into a beneficial low-temperature vaporization process. By using water as a heat transfer medium instead of direct combustion, the system transforms potential harm into a safe inhalation experience.

Inventive Principle:

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

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added for user authentication, then unauthorized access is prevented, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess controlVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a mobile application as an intermediary between the user and the inhalation system. The authentication process occurs through the mobile app communicating with a server, which then provides unlock codes to the device. This intermediary approach maintains security while keeping the physical device relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with an electronic/authentication-based system. Instead of physical keys or complex mechanical locks, the system uses digital authentication through mobile applications and server verification to control access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If complex structures are used for vapor transfer, then vaporization is effective, but system size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevapor generation efficiencyVSAvoidsystem size

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the inhalation system into separate functional components: a vaporization chamber, a fluid transfer member (balloon), and a mouthpiece assembly. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and reduces the overall system size by eliminating complex integrated structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a flexible balloon or bag as the fluid transfer member instead of rigid piping or complex mechanical structures. This flexible membrane approach reduces system size and weight while maintaining effective vapor transfer functionality.

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 system effectively prevents unauthorized access, releases flavored vapors without toxins, and optimizes space, ensuring only authenticated users can access the inhalation system while providing a pleasant aroma that masks cannabis odors.

Implementation Method 1

the vaporizer heats the inhaling substance accommodated in the cartridge to a temperature lower than a combustible temperature of the inhaling substance for vaporizing the inhaling substance and releasing the inhaling fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

the absorbent member is positioned proximal to the substance holder and configured to absorb the inhaling substance released from the substance holder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12138385B2Authenticatable inhalation system

Publication Date: 2024.11.12 BENSON ERIC R

AI summary

An inhalation system including a fluid transfer member, a valve member, a cartridge assembly, and a mouthpiece, and a method of use thereof are provided. The valve member connects to an open end of the fluid transfer member. The cartridge assembly, positioned within the valve member, includes a substance holder and an absorbent member accommodated within a cartridge for containing and absorbing an inhaling substance. When the valve member connects to a vaporizer, the vaporizer heats the absorbent member to vaporize and release an inhaling fluid into the fluid transfer member. When the valve member connects to the mouthpiece, the valve member receives and transfers the inhaling fluid vapor from the fluid transfer member to a user's mouth via the mouthpiece. The locking mouthpiece assembly allows authentication of the user prior to releasing the inhaling fluid to the user's mouth.