Collapsible-Wall Aerosol Refilling for Leak-Free Reservoir Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic aerosol provision systems face challenges in implementing a convenient, energy-efficient, and leak-proof refilling process for refillable reservoirs without exposing aerosol-generating material to the user's skin.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a recharging and refilling device with a transfer mechanism featuring a collapsible wall that allows aerosol-generating material to be transferred to the aerosol provision device, coupled with recharging circuitry to recharge the device's power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If a refilling process is implemented for refillable reservoirs, then material wastage and disposal are reduced, but leakage and exposure of aerosol-generating material to user's skin may occur
Solution Approach 1:
A sealed transfer mechanism acts as an intermediary between the refilling device and the reservoir. This sealed connection prevents direct exposure of aerosol-generating material to the user during refilling, while still enabling efficient material transfer. The seal serves as a mediator that maintains safety while achieving the refilling function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical refilling mechanisms with a simpler sealed transfer approach. Instead of using intricate valve systems or manual pouring mechanisms that are prone to leakage, the invention uses a sealed connection that automatically transfers material, eliminating the need for complex mechanical controls that could expose material to the user.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If a refilling process is implemented, then reservoirs can be used multiple times, but the refilling process may be complex and inconvenient for users
Solution Approach 1:
The refilling device automatically transfers aerosol-generating material to the reservoir through the sealed connection without requiring manual intervention or complex user actions. The system performs the refilling function autonomously, making it simple and convenient for users while enabling multiple usage cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed transfer mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides a leak-proof connection, enables automatic material transfer, and maintains sealing throughout the refilling process. This multi-functional design simplifies the refilling operation while supporting repeated reservoir usage.
3Loss of substance
If a refilling process is implemented, then material can be reused, but energy efficiency during refilling may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed transfer mechanism acts as an efficient intermediary that enables direct material transfer from the refilling device to the reservoir without energy-intensive intermediate steps. The seal maintains continuous contact and facilitates efficient transfer, reducing energy losses that would occur with open or multi-step refilling processes.
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
Facilitates a simple, low-cost, and user-friendly refilling and recharging process that minimizes material exposure and ensures efficient energy transfer.
Implementation Method 1
Collapsing of the collapsible wall causes aerosol-generating material to exit the volume bounded by the one or more walls via the outlet
Implementation Method 2
the transfer mechanism is operably controlled to apply a force directly or indirectly to the collapsible wall through the engagement member causing the volume bounded by the one or more walls to decrease
Implementation Method 3
electrical power is supplied to the heating element to vaporise source liquid in the vicinity of the heating element to generate an aerosol for inhalation by the user
Implementation Method 4
heater having a heating element arranged to receive source liquid from the reservoir, for example through wicking / capillary action
Implementation Method 5
heater having a heating element arranged to receive source liquid from the reservoir
Implementation Method 6
heater having a heating element arranged to receive source liquid from the reservoir, for example through wicking / capillary action
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Described is a system including: an aerosol provision device comprising an aerosol-generating material storage portion for storing an aerosol-generating material, the aerosol provision device arranged to aerosolise aerosol-generating material stored in the aerosol-generating material storage portion; and a recharging and refilling device configured to couple to the aerosol provision device, the recharging and refilling device comprising a transfer mechanism for transferring aerosol-generating material from the recharging and refilling device to the aerosol-generating material storage portion when the aerosol provision device is coupled to the recharging and refilling device, and recharging circuitry configured to recharge a power source of the aerosol provision device from a power supply of the recharging and refilling device when the aerosol provision device is coupled to the recharging and refilling device. The transfer mechanism comprises a volume bounded by one or more walls, and in which aerosol-generating material is capable of being stored, wherein at least one of the one or more walls comprises a collapsible wall, and wherein the volume is in fluid communication with the aerosol-generating material storage portion of the aerosol provision device via an outlet. Collapsing of the collapsible wall causes aerosol-generating material to exit the volume bounded by the one or more walls via the outlet and to the aerosol-generating material storage portion of the aerosol provision device. Also described is a recharging and refilling device and a method for refilling and recharging.