Electronic Cigarette Light Cap with Opaque Coating for Soft Glow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic cigarettes with red light caps at the tip can irritate non-smokers and provide an unpleasant experience due to their harsh glow, which is often perceived negatively in public.
Innovation Solution
An electronic cigarette with a light cap that allows light transmission, featuring a transparent plastic circular lid with an opaque metal coating, emitting a narrow annular glow through a peripheral annular region, accompanied by an air sensor and circuit board for indicating the smoking status.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the light cap emits a vivid red glow to simulate burning tobacco, then the indication function is achieved, but it irritates non-smokers and provides an unpleasant experience in public
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a peripheral annular region with different optical properties from the rest of the light cap. The transparent peripheral region allows light to pass through and emit a soft glow, while the opaque central region blocks light. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing indication functionality through the transparent region's soft glow without the harshness of a fully illuminated red cap, thereby reducing public discomfort while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color changes by transitioning from a traditional solid red light cap to a structure with transparent and opaque regions that create a different visual effect. The transparent peripheral annular region allows light to pass through, producing a soft, diffused glow rather than a concentrated red light. This color and light intensity modification resolves the contradiction by maintaining indication functionality while reducing the harsh visual impact that causes public discomfort.
2Shape
If the light cap is made opaque to block light, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but users cannot check the device's functionality visually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by dividing the light cap into regions with different optical properties. The peripheral annular region is made transparent to allow light transmission, enabling users to visually check device functionality through the soft glow. The central region remains opaque to maintain aesthetic appearance. This localized differentiation resolves the contradiction by providing both aesthetic appeal and functionality visibility simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the light cap into distinct functional zones: a transparent peripheral annular region for light transmission and functionality checking, and an opaque central region for aesthetic purposes. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing different parts of the same component to serve different functions - the transparent segment provides functionality visibility while the opaque segment maintains aesthetic appearance.
3Loss of information
If the light cap transmits light fully to allow functionality checking, then visibility is improved, but the harsh light creates an unpleasant user experience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a peripheral annular region with specific optical properties that allow controlled light transmission. This transparent region enables users to check device functionality through the emitted soft glow, while the limited width and peripheral positioning of the transparent region diffuse the light to avoid harshness. This resolves the contradiction by providing functionality visibility without creating unpleasant user experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by allowing light transmission only through the peripheral annular region rather than the entire light cap. This partial light transmission is sufficient for users to check device functionality while limiting the overall light intensity and distribution to avoid creating harsh conditions that would cause user discomfort. The peripheral positioning and limited width of the transparent region control the light output to be just enough for visibility without excess.
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 design provides a visually appealing and pleasant vaping experience while allowing users to easily check the device's functionality, reducing public discomfort and enhancing aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
The circular lid is made of a transparent plastic material. A top exterior surface of the circular lid is coated with an opaque layer. Light is allowed to transmit through the peripheral annular region and emit out of the electronic cigarette when users are vaping.
Implementation Method 2
A top exterior surface of the circular lid is coated with an opaque layer. Light is allowed to transmit through the peripheral annular region and emit out of the electronic cigarette when users are vaping.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an electronic cigarette having a light cap (2) permitting light transmission, the light cap (2) has a circular lid (22) having a top exterior surface (223) coated with an opaque layer (226). Narrow annular light is allowed to transmit through a peripheral annular region (222) of the circular lid (22) and emit out of the electronic cigarette when users are smoking.