Charging Case Layout for Easier Aerosol Consumable Exchange

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Solution Overview

Problem

Aerosol generating devices face challenges with consumable replacement being an awkward process due to component size and orientation requirements, and the inconvenience of carrying and charging the device with a bulky power cable.

Innovation Solution

An aerosol generating system with a charging case that includes a larger battery, allowing for wireless or contact charging, and a receiving means that supports the device in a specific orientation for easy consumable exchange and simultaneous battery charging.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If the device includes a battery for power supply, then the device can operate autonomously, but the battery depletes after limited use requiring frequent charging or replacement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice operation durationVSAvoidcharging convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two battery components: a device battery within the aerosol generating device and a case battery within the charging case. The case battery serves as an external power reservoir that can recharge the device battery multiple times, effectively extending the operational duration without requiring the user to carry charging cables or frequently connect to mains power.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The charging case acts as an intermediary power source between the mains power supply and the device battery. Instead of directly charging the device from mains (which requires cables and outlets), the case battery stores energy and provides portable recharging capability, simplifying the charging process to merely placing the device in the case.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Duration of action of moving object

If a power cable is provided for charging the battery, then the device can be recharged from mains, but the cable is bulky and inconvenient to carry

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice operation durationVSAvoidcharging cable weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The charging cable and mains power connection requirements are extracted from the device itself and transferred to the charging case. The case contains the power storage battery and charging circuitry, allowing the device to be recharged wirelessly or via simple contact connection without requiring the user to carry or manipulate charging cables.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical charging cable connection system is replaced with a wireless or contact-based charging interface. The device communicates power transfer requirements electronically, and the case automatically provides power through electromagnetic induction or direct contact, eliminating the need for physical cable manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If the consumable replacement process requires specific device orientation and manual manipulation, then precise control is achieved, but the process becomes awkward and difficult for users

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsumable installation precisionVSAvoidconsumable replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The charging case merges multiple functions: it charges the device battery, stores replacement consumables, and provides a controlled environment for consumable exchange. The case's receiving means holds the device in the correct orientation automatically, eliminating the need for users to manually manipulate the device into precise positions for both charging and consumable replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The receiving means in the charging case automatically orients and positions the device correctly for charging and consumable exchange. The system self-adjusts to provide the necessary precision, removing the burden of manual positioning from the user while maintaining accurate consumable installation and proper charging alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Simplifies consumable replacement and reduces the need for frequent charging, enabling longer device usage and eliminating the inconvenience of carrying a charging cable while allowing easy consumable exchange and charging on the go.

Implementation Method 1

the battery (123) is arranged to charge the device battery (143) when the aerosol generating device (110) is received in the charging position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBattery (electricity): Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 2

heat a consumable without burning it to provide an aerosol (also referred to as a vapour) to a user for inhalation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3866623B1An aerosol generating system
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 JT INTERNATIONAL SA
  • EP3866623B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3866623B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2D
  • EP3866623B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

An aerosol generating system includes an aerosol generating device (110) and a charging case (120) for charging the aerosol generating device when it is received in the case. The aerosol generating device comprises a device battery, a heating chamber (111) comprising a lid (112) arranged to move between an open and closed position to allow a consumable (130) to be received in the heating chamber. The charging case comprises a case battery, a receiving means (122) for receiving the aerosol generating device in a charging position within the case. When the aerosol generating device is received in the charging position, the device battery is connectable to the case battery to charge the device battery and the lid of the heating chamber is moveable to allow a consumable to be inserted or removed from the heating chamber by a user.