Electronic Smoking Article Recharging via External Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic smoking articles require disassembly for recharging, which is inconvenient and may lead to user error or damage.
Innovation Solution
The electronic smoking article features two external electrical contacts at the upstream end, allowing for recharging without disassembly, with a charging button assembly forming one contact and the outer housing forming the second, enabling easy insertion into a charger for power supply recharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the electronic smoking article requires disassembly for recharging, then the power supply can be recharged, but the operation becomes inconvenient and users may make errors or cause damage
Solution Approach 1:
The charging port is merged with the mouthpiece assembly, combining the charging function with an existing structural component. This integration allows the charging port to be accessible without disassembling the device, as the mouthpiece can be removed or opened to expose the charging contacts while maintaining the overall sealed structure when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mouthpiece assembly acts as an intermediary component that provides access to the charging port. By designing the mouthpiece to be removable or openable, it serves as a mediator between the user's charging action and the internal power supply, enabling recharging without requiring disassembly of the main device body.
2Ease of operation
If external electrical contacts are exposed for charging, then recharging is convenient, but the device may be more susceptible to damage or contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are nested within the mouthpiece assembly structure. The contacts are positioned inside the mouthpiece housing, which provides physical protection. When the mouthpiece is closed, the contacts are enclosed and protected from external damage, while still being accessible for charging when the mouthpiece is opened or removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mouthpiece assembly serves as a protective barrier that cushions and protects the electrical contacts from potential damage, contamination, or short circuits. This pre-positioned protective structure is designed to shield the contacts during normal use while allowing intentional access for charging purposes.
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 convenient and safe recharging of the power supply without disassembling the device, enhancing user experience and reducing the risk of damage.
Implementation Method 1
The heater volatilizes a liquid to form an aerosol
Implementation Method 2
a power supply operable to apply voltage across the heater, at least one LED
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic smoking article includes an outer housing extending in a longitudinal direction, a liquid aerosol formulation, a heater operable to at least partially volatilize at least a portion of the liquid aerosol formulation and form an aerosol, a power supply operable to apply voltage across the heater, at least one light emitting diode, a charging button assembly including a conductive post operable to form a first external, electrical contact at an upstream end of the electronic smoking article, and a second external, electrical contact including a portion of an outer surface of the outer housing at the upstream end of the electronic smoking article. The first and second external, electrical contacts charge the power supply.