Coupling Assembly for Smoking-Substitute Device Refilling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for refilling the reservoir of smoking-substitute devices from refill dispensers often result in spillage and leakage due to the need for precise alignment and pressure control, and lack of independent liquid and gas pathways, making the process cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly with moveable engagement elements that securely and sealably connects the dispenser to the device, creating independent liquid and gas pathways to prevent leakage and allow for controlled refilling, maintaining equal pressure and preventing spillage by opening pathways only when securely engaged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a user manually refills the reservoir by dispensing liquid from a dispenser, then the reservoir can be refilled, but spillage and leakage occur due to imprecise alignment and pressure control
Solution Approach 1:
The refilling system is segmented into distinct functional components: a coupling assembly with separate liquid pathway and gas pathway, a dispenser with actuable valve, and a reservoir with inlet valve. This segmentation allows independent control of liquid flow and gas venting, preventing spillage by ensuring that liquid only flows when both pathways are properly established.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling assembly acts as an intermediary component between the dispenser and reservoir. It provides sealed engagement with moveable elements that control the opening/closing of liquid and gas pathways. This intermediary mechanism ensures precise alignment and controlled fluid transfer, eliminating the spillage problems associated with manual direct dispensing.
2Productivity
If the dispenser is manually aligned with the reservoir inlet, then refilling can proceed, but the process is cumbersome and requires precise alignment and pressure control
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is designed with moveable engagement elements that automatically align and seal when the dispenser is brought near the reservoir inlet. The system self-regulates the refilling process through its mechanical design, eliminating the need for user precision in alignment and pressure control. Users simply need to engage the dispenser with the device, and the system handles the rest automatically.
3Device complexity
If liquid is dispensed without independent gas pathways, then the refilling process is simpler, but pressure imbalance causes spillage
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate liquid and gas pathways within the coupling assembly. The liquid pathway includes the dispenser outlet, coupling assembly liquid pathway, and reservoir inlet. The gas pathway includes the reservoir outlet, coupling assembly gas pathway, and dispenser inlet. This segmentation allows independent management of liquid flow and gas pressure, preventing spillage caused by pressure imbalance while maintaining manageable system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention solves some of the problems of the prior art by providing a method, system and apparatus for readily refilling the reservoir of a smoking-substitute device with liquid from a dispenser. The method, system and apparatus of the present invention prevents liquid from being dispensed until the dispenser is securely and sealably engaged to the smoking-substitute device, provides independent liquid and gas pathways between the dispenser and reservoir, and substantially alleviates the problems of spillage and/or leakage when dispensing liquid from the dispenser into the reservoir of the smoking- substitute device.