Consumable Retaining Mechanism for Secure, Easy Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic cigarettes lack a secure yet easy-to-use mechanism for retaining consumables, which can lead to accidental detachment during use.
Innovation Solution
A retaining mechanism for electronic cigarettes that includes a housing sleeve with a cavity and a retaining element that moves between first and second positions, compressing radially to securely hold the consumable in the second position and release it in the first position, using a combination of slits, protrusions, and grooves to facilitate easy insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the consumable is securely held to prevent accidental detachment, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is designed to move dynamically between a first position (releasing the consumable) and a second position (securing the consumable). This dynamic positioning allows the system to switch between secure retention and easy removal states, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element changes its compression parameter radially. When compressed, it secures the consumable firmly; when decompressed, it releases the consumable for easy removal. This parameter change enables the system to provide both secure retention and ease of operation as needed.
2Reliability
If the retaining element compresses radially to secure the consumable, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining element is segmented with slits that allow it to be compressed radially. These slits divide the retaining element into sections that can flex independently, enabling the compression function while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining element functions as a flexible component that can be compressed radially. This flexibility allows it to adapt to the consumable and provide secure retention without requiring complex mechanical structures, thus improving reliability while limiting complexity increase.
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 mechanism provides a secure hold for consumables, preventing accidental detachment while allowing easy removal when needed, enhancing user convenience and device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The retaining element is compressed in the radial direction against the consumable... the side wall of the cavity compress the retaining element, such that the retaining element has a smaller diameter, locking the consumable in the mouthpiece portion
Data Source
AI summary
A mouthpiece portion for an electronic cigarette includes a housing sleeve including an opening and a cavity having an internal side wall, the housing sleeve being connectable to a main body of an electronic cigarette; a retaining element located within the cavity, wherein the retaining element defines a receiving space for receiving a portion of a consumable and is configured to move within the housing sleeve in the axial direction of the mouthpiece portion between a first position and a second position; wherein the retaining element is compressed in the radial direction against the consumable by the side wall of the housing sleeve when the retaining element is in the second position and wherein the consumable is released or partially released from the retaining element when the retaining element is in the first position.