Charging Case Ramp and Air-Gap Structure for Aerosol Device Removal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for improved charging solutions for aerosol delivery systems that facilitate easy connection and disconnection while minimizing friction and preventing damage, particularly for non-combustible aerosol provision systems like tobacco heating devices.

Innovation Solution

A charging case with a ramp and recess design that allows the aerosol delivery system to move along a ramp for easy removal and features formations that create an air gap to reduce heat transfer and friction, including protrusions that support the system during connection and disconnection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the aerosol delivery system is held in a storage area with direct contact to the charging case, then the device is stable and easy to store, but friction and heat transfer increase causing potential damage and overheating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoidfriction and heat transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an air gap as an intermediary space between the aerosol delivery system and the charging case walls. This air gap acts as a mediator that reduces direct contact, thereby minimizing friction during insertion/removal operations and reducing heat transfer from the charging case to the device, while still allowing the device to be stably positioned in the storage area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the aerosol delivery system is held in a storage area with direct contact to the charging case, then the device is stable and easy to store, but damage during connection and disconnection may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage convenienceVSAvoiddamage prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements formations (such as ribs or protrusions) on the charging case that extend into the storage area to contact the aerosol delivery system before full insertion occurs. These formations act as cushions that guide the device into place and absorb impact forces during connection and disconnection operations, preventing damage while maintaining storage convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the aerosol delivery system is held in a storage area with direct contact to the charging case, then the device is stable, but heat transfer causes overheating

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice positioningVSAvoidheat transfer

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The air gap serves as a thermal insulator between the charging case and the aerosol delivery system. While the device remains positioned stably in the storage area, the air gap reduces conductive heat transfer from the charging case to the device, preventing overheating during charging operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If a ramp is added to facilitate easy removal, then connection and disconnection become easier, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection and disconnectionVSAvoidcharging case structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a ramp with a curved or inclined surface at the opening of the storage area. This curved geometry provides a smooth transition path that guides the aerosol delivery system during insertion and extraction operations, reducing friction and making connection/disconnection easier while adding minimal structural complexity compared to sharp edges or complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 enhances the ease of use by reducing friction and preventing damage during connection and disconnection, while also providing thermal insulation to cool the aerosol delivery system and reduce heat transfer, making it more portable and user-friendly.

Implementation Method 1

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Implementation Method 2

The solution enhances the ease of use by reducing friction and preventing damage during connection and disconnection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction reduction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20240180262A1A Charging Case

Publication Date: 2024.06.06 NICOVENTURES TRADING LTD

AI summary

A charging case for an aerosol provision system includes a charging connector and a ramp. The charging connector is configured to removably connect to a component of the aerosol provision system. The ramp is arranged such that when the component is moved in a direction away from the charging connector a part of the aerosol provision system moves along the ramp. A charging case for an aerosol provision system including a charging connector and a recess. The charging connector is configured to removably connect to a component of the aerosol provision system and the recess is arranged such that when the component has been disconnected from the charging connector a portion of the component can enter the recess to allow the component to rotate relative to the charging case. A kit of parts can include a charging case and an aerosol delivery system.