E-Cigarette E-Liquid Inlet Sealing With an Offset Pneumatic Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic cigarettes have a prone-to-failure e-liquid inlet seal and vertically aligned pneumatic switch and e-liquid tank, leading to leakage issues that compromise the pneumatic switch's functionality.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a rotatable cover for the e-liquid inlet, a silicone seal, and a pneumatic switch positioned vertically offset from the e-liquid tank, allowing for reliable sealing and easy refilling while maintaining an oval, compact form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a plug is used to seal the e-liquid inlet, then the inlet can be sealed, but the plug tends to fall out and sealing reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional plug component entirely and replaces it with a rotatable cover integrated into the cartridge structure. The sealing function is achieved through a silicone seal that engages with a groove in the cartridge body, eliminating the need for a separate plug that could fall out.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotatable cover mechanism that can be rotated between a closed position (sealing the inlet) and an open position (exposing the inlet for refilling). This dynamic mechanism replaces the static plug, providing both reliable sealing and easy operation without the plug falling out issue.
2Device complexity
If the pneumatic switch and e-liquid tank are vertically aligned, then the structure is simple, but leakage causes the pneumatic switch to fail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the pneumatic switch from a vertical alignment with the e-liquid tank to a horizontal alignment. The pneumatic switch is now positioned adjacent to the tank rather than directly above or below it, changing the spatial dimension of the arrangement. This prevents liquid from reaching the switch through vertical leakage paths while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Reliability
If the e-liquid inlet is sealed with a traditional mechanism, then sealing is achieved, but refilling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotatable cover that can be easily rotated between closed and open positions. When refilling is needed, the user simply rotates the cover to expose the inlet, fills the e-liquid, then rotates it back to seal. This dynamic mechanism provides both effective sealing and easy refilling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable cover is pre-positioned in a closed sealing state during normal operation. When refilling is required, the cover is rotated open, the inlet is exposed, and refilling proceeds. The preliminary positioning and easy rotation mechanism make refilling a simple, preliminary action rather than a complex operation.
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 ensures a secure e-liquid inlet seal, prevents leakage, and maintains the pneumatic switch's functionality, making the electronic cigarette easy to use and carry.
Implementation Method 1
the rotatable cover is adapted to cover the e-liquid inlet... the silicone seal is disposed on the cartridge... the seal ring is sheathed on the joint pin of the cartridge
Implementation Method 2
The heating wire is disposed in the silicone support; the silicone support comprises a bottom end which is provided with two holes
Implementation Method 3
Electronic cigarettes atomize nicotine-containing e-liquid... the atomizing assembly comprises a limit cover, a heating wire, a silicone support
Implementation Method 4
the pneumatic switch is disposed in the silicone base, and positive and negative electrodes of the pneumatic switch are connected to positive and negative electrodes of the battery cell
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic cigarette, including a mouthpiece assembly, an atomizing assembly, and a battery assembly. The mouthpiece assembly is disposed on the atomizing assembly. The atomizing assembly is disposed in the battery assembly. The mouthpiece assembly includes a mouthpiece and a mouthpiece cap covering the mouthpiece. The atomizing assembly includes a limit cover, a heating wire, a silicone support, and joints. The battery assembly includes a rotatable cover, a silicone seal, a seal ring, a cartridge, a silicone connector, a battery cell, a pneumatic switch, a silicone base, and a base sleeve.