Cartridge Terminal Compression for Stable Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for an improved manufacturing process for the terminal of a cartridge that receives power from an external battery, requiring a stable electrical connection to ensure efficient power transfer and prevent disconnection due to aerosol generating material leakage.
Innovation Solution
The cartridge features a conductive structure surrounding a wire connected to the heater, formed by compression to enhance contact area and stability, with multiple terminals of the same polarity located on different sides to maintain electrical connection and prevent leakage-induced disconnection, and a notification signal is generated when terminals are not connected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the terminal is attached to the heater or wire by soldering, then the electrical connection is established, but the manufacturing process is complex and power transmission efficiency is limited by contact area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional soldering process with a compression-based mechanical attachment system. The terminal structure includes a compression member that applies continuous mechanical pressure to secure the wire or heater, eliminating the need for thermal soldering processes while maintaining reliable electrical connection through increased contact area and sustained force.
2Power
If the contact area between terminal and heater is increased, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but the terminal structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the terminal structure into three dimensions by incorporating a compression member with multiple contact surfaces. Instead of simply enlarging a flat contact area, the compression member wraps around or clamps onto the wire/heater, providing contact across multiple dimensional planes and significantly increasing the effective contact area for power transmission.
3Productivity
If traditional terminal connection methods are used, then power transfer is enabled, but disconnection may occur due to aerosol generating material leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The compression member is designed with inherent elastic or resilient properties that allow it to maintain constant contact pressure on the wire or heater. This pre-applied compressive force acts as a cushioning mechanism that compensates for any movement, expansion, or leakage-induced separation, ensuring the electrical connection remains stable throughout the device's operational life.
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 improves manufacturing efficiency, enhances power transmission efficiency, maintains stable electrical connections, and prevents disconnection due to aerosol leakage, allowing users to easily recognize poor contact issues.
Implementation Method 1
the conductive structure is formed by compression such that the wire is in contact with the conductive structure
Implementation Method 2
a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating material to generate aerosol
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge includes a storage configured to store an aerosol generating material; a heater configured to heat the aerosol generating material to generate aerosol; and at least one terminal configured to transfer power from an external battery to the heater and comprising a conductive structure surrounding a wire connected to the heater, wherein the conductive structure takes a compressed form in which the wire is in contact with the conductive structure.