Electronic Cigarette Separated Vapor and Actuator Airflow Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Electronic cigarettes with pneumatic switches in the airflow channel suffer from damage due to condensate and vape oil backflow, and the airflow volume affects the sensitivity of the actuation switch, leading to suboptimal vaping experience.

Innovation Solution

The electronic cigarette features separate vapor and actuator airflow channels, with the pneumatic switch positioned in the actuator channel, preventing condensate and oil from contacting the switch and allowing independent adjustment of airflow volume and sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the pneumatic switch is placed in the airflow channel to enable automatic atomizer activation, then the vaping experience is improved by eliminating external switches, but the pneumatic switch is damaged by condensate and vape oil backflow, shortening device life

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic atomizer activationVSAvoidpneumatic switch lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The airflow channel is divided into two separate channels: a vapor channel for e-liquid vapor flow and an actuator airflow channel for pneumatic switch actuation. This segmentation prevents condensate and vape oil from the vapor channel from contacting the pneumatic switch in the actuator airflow channel, eliminating the reliability issue while preserving automatic activation functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the diameter of the airflow channel is increased to improve vapor flow rate and prevent suffocation, then vaping comfort is improved, but the sensitivity of the pneumatic switch is reduced, preventing immediate atomizer activation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevapor flow rateVSAvoidpneumatic switch sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the vapor channel from the actuator airflow channel, the patent allows independent optimization of each channel's diameter. The vapor channel can have a larger diameter for high flow rate and comfort, while the actuator airflow channel can have a smaller diameter to maintain pneumatic switch sensitivity for immediate activation response.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design prolongs the lifespan of the pneumatic switch and enhances vaping comfort by preventing damage and decoupling airflow volume adjustments from sensitivity settings.

Implementation Method 1

a pneumatic switch which controls the starting of the atomization component... the pneumatic switch is arranged in the actuator airflow channel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic switch detection: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

Electronic cigarette utilizes battery for power supply to the heating element which process heating and atomization of the e-liquid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Implementation Method 3

the aerosol from atomization of e-liquid is inhaled through the mouthpiece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAtomization:

Data Source

PatentUS10292430B2Electronic cigarette with separated driving passage and vapor passage

Publication Date: 2019.05.21 ALD GRP

AI summary

An electronic cigarette which includes a battery component, an atomization component, a pneumatic switch which controls the atomization component to operate, a mouthpiece and an airflow channel. The airflow channel includes a vapor channel and an actuator airflow channel which are independent to each other. The vapor channel is communicating with an atomization chamber of the atomization component and the mouthpiece while open through to atmospheric environment outside. The actuator airflow channel is communicating with the mouthpiece and open through to atmospheric environment outside. The pneumatic switch is arranged in the actuator airflow channel.