E-Cigarette Liquid Tasting Device for Independent Multi-Flavor Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

In the retail trade of e-cigarettes and e-liquids, customers face difficulties in performing independent smell and taste tests of various flavors and nicotine levels without an operator, as existing methods require inserting the e-liquid into the device, complicating the tasting process due to the need for multiple e-cigarettes and hygiene concerns.

Innovation Solution

A device that allows independent smell and taste testing of e-cigarette e-liquids without requiring an operator, featuring an atomizer, vacuum pump, battery, and control panel for selecting and testing different liquids, with options for single-pump aspiration or manual operation using pressure or flow switches to ensure hygiene.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If customers use multiple e-cigarettes with extra nozzles to test different e-liquids, then they can perform taste tests independently, but hygiene is compromised due to contact with multiple customers

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent testing capabilityVSAvoidHygiene contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable single-use nozzles that are discarded after one use, eliminating cross-contamination between customers while maintaining independent testing capability. Each customer receives a fresh nozzle that never contacts another customer's mouth, solving the hygiene problem without requiring complex sterilization systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The device segments the testing function by providing individual nozzles for each customer rather than sharing a common nozzle. This segmentation isolates the contamination risk to a single-use component, allowing the main device to remain clean and reusable while maintaining independent testing for multiple customers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If customers are provided with multiple e-cigarettes and flavours to try, then they can test different e-liquids, but the device complexity and hygiene management become complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAbility to test multiple flavoursVSAvoidNumber of devices and nozzles required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device integrates multiple e-liquid storage chambers and dispensing mechanisms into a single unit, allowing customers to test multiple flavours without needing multiple separate e-cigarettes. The unified design provides versatility in flavour selection while reducing the complexity of managing multiple devices and their associated nozzles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If e-liquid is introduced directly into the e-cigarette for testing, then the taste test can be performed, but the process becomes complicated and requires operator assistance

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveTaste testing capabilityVSAvoidProcedure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device pre-fills disposable nozzles with e-liquid or pre-charges the atomizer with e-liquid before the customer arrives, eliminating the need for customers or operators to manually introduce e-liquid during the testing process. This preliminary preparation simplifies the customer interaction to merely activating the device and using the pre-prepared nozzle.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed to automatically manage e-liquid delivery to the atomizer and nozzle, requiring no manual intervention from operators. The system self-regulates the e-liquid flow and atomization process, allowing customers to independently perform taste tests without assistance while reducing procedural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables straightforward, hygienic testing of e-liquids by allowing users to select and test different e-liquids independently, reducing the need for multiple devices and ensuring hygiene through a single-use nozzle, simplifying the tasting process at the point of sale.

Implementation Method 1

Vacuum pump for each of the atomizers in order to draw air from each atomizer and expel it through the conduits for this purpose

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

Atomiser or component designed to contain the e-liquid in question and produce vapour

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS10524507B2Device for trying electronic cigarette liquids

Publication Date: 2020.01.07 MEDINA RIVERO ARMANDO

AI summary

The invention relates to a device that can be used to try electronic cigarette liquids, intended for the retail sale of electronic cigarettes, providing a system that allows the end client to try different electronic cigarettes without having to put together a complete assembly for each type of liquid, said device taking the form of a block provided internally with a set of clearomizers and vacuum pumps that convey the aroma into a single tube to the exterior. Alternatively, it can be assembled with a single vacuum pump or without any vacuum pump, using instead direction aspiration, or manual selection prior to the selected test or aspiration.