Battery Connector Notch Layout for Side-Intake E-Vaping Airflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic cigarette designs with tip-intake air flow face issues of sensor clogging and inconsistent airflow due to vapor condensation, making it difficult to transition to side-intake designs without redesigning the entire device and compromising compatibility with existing components.
Innovation Solution
A battery connector design that allows side air intake without modifying the female Cartomizer connector, featuring a modified male Battery connector with strategically cut notches and channels for efficient airflow, blocking air flow through the battery cavity during inhalation and directing vapors away from the sensor during exhalation, ensuring compatibility with both Tip-Intake and Side-Intake types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If tip-intake air flow design is used, then air intake is simple, but sensor clogging occurs due to vapor condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The air intake path is segmented into separate channels: one channel allows air to reach the sensor, while another channel directs vapor away from the sensor. This segmentation prevents vapor condensation from blocking the sensor while maintaining simple air intake design.
Solution Approach 2:
A vapor redirector component is introduced as an intermediary element between the air intake path and the sensor. This redirector channels vapor away from the sensor, preventing clogging while allowing air to flow freely to the sensor.
2Reliability
If transition to side-intake design is made, then sensor clogging is prevented, but device complexity increases due to redesign requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with universal compatibility to work with both traditional tip-intake designs and new side-intake designs. The connector includes integrated air intake channels and vapor redirectors that function with either air intake configuration, eliminating the need for complete redesign when transitioning between intake types.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into a single connector component: electrical connection, air intake channeling, vapor redirection, and sensor protection. This consolidation achieves side-intake benefits without increasing overall device complexity, as one component performs multiple protective and flow-management functions.
3Productivity
If male connector is modified for side air intake, then airflow efficiency improves, but compatibility with existing female connectors is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The male connector is designed with universal compatibility to work with existing female connectors while incorporating integrated air intake channels and vapor redirectors. The external threading and connection interface remain standard, ensuring compatibility, while internal channels provide improved side air intake functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
The connector is configured to couple a first section and a second section of an e-vaping device, and the connector includes a flange with a first end and a second end, a shaft extending from the first end of the flange, an outer shelf being formed by a portion of the first end of the flange, a cylindrical base extending from the second end of the flange, and an inner shelf within the connector, the cylindrical base and the inner shelf at least partially defining a longitudinal opening, the flange defining at least one first notch, the at least one first notch at least partially along the second end of the flange.