Charging Case Holder Switching Between Storage and Docking Charge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating systems require users to carry both a case and a docking station for recharging, increasing cost and inconvenience, and existing docking stations do not efficiently manage power distribution to the device.
Innovation Solution
A case with a rotatable holder that moves between a closed and docking position, allowing direct charging of the device power supply when in the docking position and recharging the case power supply when closed, using sensors and controllers to manage power distribution from an external source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the aerosol-generating device is placed in a pocket or bag, then portability is improved, but the device can become lost or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the aerosol-generating device with a protective case into a single integrated unit. The device fits within the case with a holder that secures it in place, creating a combined portable system that protects the device while maintaining ease of carrying in pockets or bags.
Solution Approach 2:
The case acts as an intermediary protective element between the aerosol-generating device and the external environment. It provides physical protection against damage and prevents the device from becoming lost, while still allowing portable carrying.
2Ease of operation
If the aerosol-generating device is removed from the case, then access is improved, but the holder remains empty and the device is vulnerable
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to easily transition between holding and releasing the device. The spring mechanism enables the holder to dynamically adapt between securing the device during storage and releasing it for use, providing both protection and easy access.
3Ease of operation
If a spring is used to bias the holder, then the device can be securely held and easily released, but the spring may disengage from the detent
Solution Approach 1:
The detent feature is designed to engage with the spring mechanism in advance, creating a pre-positioned engagement point that prevents the spring from disengaging during normal operation. This prior engagement arrangement ensures reliable spring-detent interaction throughout the holder's operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is provided a case (10) for an aerosol-generating device (100). The case (10) comprises a case housing (12) and a holder (14) for receiving an aerosol-generating device (100). The holder (14) is arranged to move with respect to the case housing (12) between a closed position in which removal of an aerosol-generating device (100) from the holder (14) is prevented and a docking position in which an aerosol-generating device (100) may be removed from the holder (14). The case (10) also comprises a case power supply (22) positioned within the case housing (12) and a case electrical connector (26) arranged to supply power from the case power supply (22) to an aerosol-generating device (100) when the aerosol-generating device (100) is received within the holder (14). The case (10) also comprises a charging connector (28) for receiving power from an external power supply and a sensor (32) arranged to sense the position of the holder (14) and generate a signal indicative of the position of the holder (14). The case (10) also comprises a controller (24) arranged to receive the signal from the sensor (32). The controller (24) is configured to supply power received by the charging connector (28) from an external power supply to the case power supply (22) when the signal is indicative of the holder (14) being in the closed position. The controller (24) is configured to supply power received by the charging connector (28) from an external power supply to the case electrical connector (26) when the signal is indicative of the holder (14) being in the docking position.