Electronic Cigarette Cover Stabilization via Elastic Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic cigarette cases suffer from structural wobble and instability due to the cover not being able to maintain a secure position when detached from the case body, leading to potential noise and user dissatisfaction.

Innovation Solution

A case design incorporating an elastic assembly with a pivot and a torsion spring mechanism that stabilizes the cover by using an elastic element and rod to prevent wobbling, ensuring the cover remains securely positioned and rotates smoothly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the cover is detachably mounted to the case body with a pivot, then the cover can be opened and closed, but the cover cannot be retained in a certain position and will wobble easily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecover opening and closingVSAvoidcover position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

An elastic assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the cover and case body. The elastic assembly includes an elastic element (spring) that provides continuous positional control of the cover, preventing wobble while maintaining the detachable pivot connection. The elastic element acts as a mediator that exerts restoring force to keep the cover stable at any angular position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic assembly changes the mechanical parameters of the cover connection by introducing elastic force. The spring constant and pre-compression of the elastic element are adjusted to provide appropriate restoring force, transforming the rigid pivot connection into a controlled elastic connection that maintains stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the cover is held firmly in position, then wobble and noise are prevented, but the opening and closing operation becomes slower

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecover position stabilityVSAvoidcover opening and closing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic assembly provides dynamic control of the cover position rather than static locking. The elastic element continuously adjusts its force based on the cover's position, allowing smooth acceleration during opening/closing while maintaining stability at rest. This dynamic elastic support enables both speed and stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If a simple pivot connection is used, then the structure is simple, but the cover generates noise and wobbles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecover connection structureVSAvoidcover noise and wobble
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic assembly serves as a mediator between the simple pivot connection and the cover, adding minimal structural complexity while effectively eliminating noise and wobble. The elastic element absorbs vibrations and provides continuous positional control without requiring complex locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 effectively prevents cover wobble and noise by providing a stable and rapid opening mechanism, enhancing user experience and case functionality.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic assembly (20) which is fixed on the main body (10) and comprises a housing (21), an elastic element (22) and an elastic rod (23) located into a receiving room (210) formed in the housing (21)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a pivot (30) and a torsion spring mechanism that stabilizes the cover

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3381305B1Case and battery assembly of electronic cigarette, and electronic cigarette
Publication Date: 2022.04.27 SHENZHEN IVPS TECH CO LTD
  • EP3381305B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3381305B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3381305B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a case, a battery assembly and an electronic cigarette having the case. The case includes a main body, a cover, and an elastic assembly. The cover is pivotally mounted to the main body. One end of the cover adjacent to the main body defines a groove. The elastic assembly is located at the main body; the elastic assembly has a top portion being in alignment with the groove. The top portion is configured for supporting on a certain portion of the cover when the cover is rotated.