Compressed Wick Structure for E-Cigarette Leak Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic vapor provision systems, such as e-cigarettes, are prone to liquid leaks due to excess liquid absorption by the wicking element, which can lead to dripping and contamination of the device and user.
Innovation Solution
A wick structure with a planar design and compression regions orthogonal to the liquid flow direction is used, where a portion of the wick is compressed against the reservoir wall to create a sealing effect, directing liquid flow towards the vaporizing element and reducing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the wicking element absorbs more liquid, then the liquid supply to the heater is improved, but liquid leakage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wicking element is designed with different porosity regions: a first region with higher porosity for effective liquid absorption from the reservoir, and a second region with lower porosity to control liquid flow and prevent leakage. This local variation in material properties allows the wick to perform both functions of liquid uptake and leakage prevention simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The porosity parameter of the wicking element is varied along its length to resolve the contradiction. By reducing porosity in the second region compared to the first region, the system controls the liquid flow rate to match the heater's consumption capacity, preventing overflow and leakage while maintaining adequate supply.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the wicking element is compressed against the reservoir wall, then liquid leakage is prevented, but liquid flow to the heater may be restricted
Solution Approach 1:
Compression is applied selectively to specific regions of the wicking element rather than uniformly across the entire structure. The first region maintains higher porosity and is compressed to create a seal against the reservoir wall, while the second region retains lower porosity and appropriate compression to allow controlled liquid flow to the heater.
Solution Approach 2:
The wicking element is divided into functionally distinct regions with different compression levels and porosity characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to apply compression for sealing in the first region while maintaining adequate flow pathways in the second region, resolving the contradiction between leakage prevention and flow maintenance.
3Ease of manufacture
If the wicking element structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but leakage control capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than creating complex multi-component structures, the invention achieves leakage control by varying the porosity parameter within a single wicking element. This can be accomplished through straightforward manufacturing techniques such as controlled compression during assembly or using materials with naturally varying porosity, maintaining ease of manufacture while effectively preventing leakage.
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 proposed wick design effectively minimizes liquid leaks by impeding flow in unintended directions, ensuring consistent vapor production and preventing contamination.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid transport element made from a porous material and comprising a first portion arranged to receive liquid from the reservoir via the opening
Implementation Method 2
an atomiser for vaporising the liquid... the heater, which heats up to vaporise a small amount of liquid delivered by the wicking element from the reservoir
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~9
AI summary
An aerosol source for a vapour provision system comprises a vapour-generating element; a reservoir for holding source liquid, the reservoir being bounded by a wall having an opening therein; and a liquid transport element comprising a first portion arranged to receive liquid from the reservoir via the opening, a second portion peripheral to the first portion, and a third portion arranged to deliver liquid from the first portion to the vapour-generating element; wherein at least part of the second portion is compressed against a section of the wall around the opening, in use, to provide a sealing effect around at least part of the first portion to promote movement of liquid towards the vapour-generating element.