Electronic Cigarette Ejection Mechanism for Safe Cartridge Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic cigarettes are cumbersome to use, with manual replacement of the atomization assembly causing hand scalding and staining, complex assembly processes, risk of dry burning due to accidental activation, and poor sealing between the suction nozzle and air outlet channel leading to smoke leakage.
Innovation Solution
An electronic cigarette design featuring a fixing mechanism with an unlocking mechanism and elastic mechanism for easy atomization assembly ejection, automatic top cover opening, and a limiting mechanism to prevent accidental activation, along with a tapered seal ring for automatic alignment and sealing between the suction nozzle and air outlet channel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the atomization assembly is manually pulled out for replacement, then the atomization assembly can be replaced, but the hand is scalded and stained, and the operation is time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The atomization assembly automatically ejects itself when the fixing mechanism is released, without requiring manual pulling. The elastic mechanism provides the ejection force, making the system self-serving and eliminating direct hand contact with the hot atomization assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic mechanism acts as an intermediary between the fixing mechanism and the atomization assembly. When the fixing mechanism is released, the elastic mechanism mediates the ejection process, allowing the atomization assembly to be removed without direct manual intervention and thus preventing hand scalding and staining.
2Ease of operation
If the upper cover assembly is disassembled and assembled by plugging or screwing, then the atomization assembly and cartridge can be replaced, but the operation is complicated, misalignment is prone to occur, and the operation is time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The upper cover assembly is segmented into the upper cover and the housing, connected by a simple snap-fit structure rather than complex plugging or screwing mechanisms. This segmentation allows for easy separation and reassembly without alignment issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical connection system (plugging or screwing) is replaced with a simpler snap-fit mechanical system. The upper cover has a snap-fit structure that engages with corresponding features on the housing, eliminating the need for threads or plugs and reducing operational complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the large key is used as a pressing portion for the switch key, then the electronic cigarette can be easily activated, but accidental touching of the large key during cover opening turns on the operating circuit, causing dry burning of the atomization assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing portion function is extracted from the large key and assigned to a dedicated switch key. The large key is now solely for opening the cover, while the switch key is specifically designed for activation. This separation of functions eliminates the risk of accidental activation during cover opening.
Solution Approach 2:
A limiting mechanism acts as an intermediary between the large key and the switch key. When the upper cover is opened, the limiting mechanism prevents the large key from moving inward and touching the switch key, thus mediating to prevent accidental activation while still allowing intentional activation when needed.
4Reliability
If the suction nozzle and air outlet channel are manually aligned during assembly, then proper sealing can be achieved, but the operation is time-consuming and laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle is pre-aligned with the air outlet channel through guide structures during manufacturing. The guide structures preliminarily position the components in the correct alignment, so that when the upper cover is snapped onto the housing, the sealing connection is automatically achieved without requiring manual alignment operations.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic cigarette is disclosed. The electronic cigarette includes a housing (1) and an atomization assembly (2) disposed in the housing (1). The electronic cigarette also includes a fixing mechanism (3) capable of fixing the atomization assembly (2), an unlocking mechanism (4) for controlling the fixing mechanism (3) to be relatively fixed to or separated from the atomization assembly (2), and an elastic mechanism (5) for ejecting the atomization assembly (2) outward when the fixing mechanism (3) is separated from the atomization assembly (2). The atomization assembly (2) can be ejected for replacement without contacting the atomization assembly (2) by hand, thereby preventing scalding and staining the hand. A top cover assembly (23) can be automatically opened only by pressing a sliding assembly (38) to replace a cartridge. The top cover assembly (23) can be reset by pushing to avoid misalignment.