Adjustable Capillary Plates for E-Cigarette Liquid Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic smoking devices face challenges with liquid flow control, as existing wick systems using cotton or silica materials are difficult to handle, prone to variability, and lack the ability to adjust liquid flow rate with temperature or air suction, leading to thermal degradation and inconsistent performance.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a capillary tube system comprising two adjustable plates with a variable spacing between them, forming a liquid flow passage from the liquid reservoir to the atomizer, which allows for controlled liquid supply by adjusting the plate separation using electromagnets, thermal expansion elements, or bimetal structures, enabling precise liquid delivery based on user puffing and temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional wick systems (cotton or silica) are used to draw liquid from the reservoir, then liquid supply to the atomizer is achieved, but the system suffers from difficulty in handling, variability in performance, and inability to adjust liquid flow rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical wick system with an adjustable plate structure that uses capillary forces between parallel plates. This substitution eliminates the handling difficulties and variability of cotton/silica wicks while providing precise control over liquid flow rate through adjustable plate spacing, thereby improving both ease of operation and performance reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The plate spacing is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic control of the liquid flow passage cross-section. This enables real-time adjustment of liquid flow rate to match user needs and environmental conditions, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and performance consistency
2Reliability
If fixed wick systems are used, then liquid delivery is maintained, but thermal degradation occurs and performance becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable plate spacing allows the system to dynamically adapt liquid flow rate to temperature conditions. When thermal degradation is detected or anticipated, the plates can be moved closer together to reduce liquid flow, preventing overheating and maintaining consistent performance without the harmful effects of thermal degradation
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical parameter of plate spacing to control liquid flow characteristics. By adjusting this parameter, the system optimizes liquid delivery under varying thermal conditions, preventing thermal degradation while maintaining reliable performance
3Quantity of substance
If the liquid flow passage is opened wide, then liquid supply to the atomizer is sufficient, but liquid leakage occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The plate spacing is dynamically adjustable, allowing the system to open the passage wide enough for sufficient liquid supply while maintaining the ability to close it to prevent leakage. The parallel plate configuration provides precise control over the passage opening, enabling the system to optimize liquid delivery without generating harmful leakage effects
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
This solution provides a more controlled and efficient liquid flow system, preventing leakage, reducing thermal degradation, and allowing for real-time adjustment of liquid supply to the atomizer, enhancing the performance and reliability of electronic smoking devices.
Implementation Method 1
The at least two metal places with the liquid flow passage in between form a capillary tube which draws the liquid stored in the reservoir towards the atomizer by capillary force
Implementation Method 2
The adjustment of the spacing between the at least two plates allows a variation of the size of the liquid flow passage and consequently of the amount of liquid supplied to the atomizer
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic smoking device is provided comprising a power supply, a liquid reservoir storing a liquid therein and having a liquid reservoir opening, and an atomizer adapted to atomize the liquid stored in the liquid reservoir when operated by the power supply. Further provided are at least two plates provided with an adjustable spacing therebetween, wherein a liquid flow passage is formed between the at least two plates extending from the liquid reservoir opening to the atomizer.