E-cigarette Pluggable Connection Eliminates Thread Wear

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing electronic cigarette designs with threaded connections are inconvenient, costly, and have a short service life due to metal friction, leading to metal scraps and mechanical wear.

Innovation Solution

A pluggable connection system using elastic snap or detachable clip mechanisms between the atomizer and battery pack, eliminating the need for threaded connections, which includes elastic engaging members and non-rotational joints for secure and reliable electrical contact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If threaded connection is used between atomizer and battery rod, then structural connection and circuit connection are achieved, but operation becomes inconvenient and troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection operationVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection structure is divided into separate functional elements: a connection piece with circuit board, connecting piece with elastic engaging member, and battery rod with corresponding interfaces. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly where the atomizer connects to the battery rod through a straightforward insertion motion rather than complex threading operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional mechanical threaded connection system is replaced with an elastic engaging member system. The connecting piece uses an elastic engaging member that automatically engages with the connection piece through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for manual threading and rotation operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If threaded connection with mechanical processed hardware parts is used, then connection is achieved, but cost becomes relatively high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism changes from rigid threaded parameters to elastic deformation parameters. The elastic engaging member utilizes elastic modulus and deformation characteristics to achieve connection, allowing for simpler manufacturing processes and lower costs while maintaining reliable electrical and mechanical connection through the elastic engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Duration of action of moving object

If connection part is rotated during usage, then connection is maintained, but friction between metals generates metal scraps and shortens service life

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidmetal scraps
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating mechanical threaded connection is replaced with a static elastic engagement system. The elastic engaging member maintains connection through elastic force without requiring rotation, thereby eliminating metal-on-metal friction that generates harmful metal scraps and extends the service life of the connection components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The potential harm of metal friction is converted into benefit by using elastic material engagement instead of metal threading. The elastic engaging member provides the necessary mechanical force without the harmful friction effects, transforming the connection mechanism to avoid the harmful factor entirely.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 pluggable connection system provides a convenient, cost-effective, and durable solution by reducing mechanical wear, enhancing user experience, and extending the service life of the electronic cigarette.

Implementation Method 1

The inner wall of the first accommodating portion is provided with a step, and an elastic engaging member is inserted into the step

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2888964B1Electronic cigarette
Publication Date: 2020.06.03 SHENZHEN FIRST UNION TECH CO LTD
  • EP2888964B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2888964B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2888964B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An electronic cigarette (100) includes an atomizer (10) and a battery pack (20). A pluggable connecting means is provided between the atomizer (10) and the battery pack (20). The pluggable connecting means is designed as an elastic snap connection or a detachable clip means so that the atomizer (10) and the battery pack (20) can be connected together pluggably to prevent the threaded connection.