Temperature-Activated Battery Venting in Sealed E-Cigarette Housings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic cigarette devices are at risk of explosion due to battery overheating, as existing pressure relief mechanisms may not open quickly enough to prevent pressure buildup.
Innovation Solution
An electronic cigarette device with a sealed battery compartment and a temperature-activated safety valve that automatically opens to relieve pressure when the battery exceeds a certain temperature, using a shape memory alloy (SMA) element to ensure rapid and reliable pressure release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a hermetically sealed housing is used to protect the battery from external influences, then protection from dirt, dust and humidity is improved, but pressure buildup from battery malfunction cannot be released
Solution Approach 1:
The safety valve means is pre-configured to automatically open at a predetermined pressure threshold, releasing pressure before it reaches dangerous levels. This preliminary protective action is built into the sealed housing system, allowing it to simultaneously maintain hermetic sealing for protection while providing automatic pressure relief capability.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a pressure-controlled valve is used to relieve pressure, then pressure relief is provided, but the valve opens only after pressure has already built up inside the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The safety valve means incorporates a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors internal pressure conditions and automatically triggers valve opening when the predetermined threshold is reached. This closed-loop feedback system ensures rapid response by immediately detecting pressure buildup and activating the relief mechanism, rather than relying on delayed mechanical pressure release.
3Reliability
If a temperature-activated safety valve is used, then the valve opens before pressure builds up significantly, but the housing must have a vent port that compromises hermetic sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The housing maintains hermetic sealing properties in its normal operational state, but includes a localized vent port with safety valve means that only opens under abnormal temperature or pressure conditions. This local modification allows the housing to exhibit different sealing qualities under different conditions: fully sealed during normal use, and selectively vented during thermal events.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the safety valve opens completely, then pressure relief is maximized, but the user may be exposed to toxic residues remaining in the housing
Solution Approach 1:
The safety valve means is designed to open partially or to a controlled degree rather than fully opening the vent port. This partial opening provides sufficient pressure relief to prevent dangerous buildup while limiting the amount of potentially toxic internal atmosphere that can escape to the user. The valve opening area is carefully calibrated to balance relief needs with user safety.
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 reduces the risk of explosion by allowing pressure to be released before it becomes dangerous, using a SMA element that opens the valve quickly and reliably, ensuring user safety.
Implementation Method 1
a safety valve means arranged on the vent port, wherein the safety valve means is configured to open and/or close the vent port partially and/or completely depending on the temperature within the housing
Data Source
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Figure 4a~7b
Figure 8a~9b
AI summary
The invention refers to an e-cigarette device comprising a housing configured to hold a battery, a vent port arranged in the housing, and a safety valve means arranged on the vent port, wherein the safety valve means is configured to open and/or close the vent port partially and/or completely depending on the temperature within the housing. As the vent port opens automatically when the temperature of the battery exceeds a certain value, the potential danger of an explosion caused by an increase of pressure inside the housing due to a malfunction of the battery can be avoided.