E-liquid Flow Control Mechanism for Electronic Cigarette
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic cigarettes face issues with E-liquid vaporization and contamination when stored, leading to bad smell and taste, and there is a need for a mechanism to control E-liquid flow both when the device is not in use and during usage.
Innovation Solution
An E-liquid flow control mechanism is integrated into the electronic cigarette, featuring a handle that blocks or allows E-liquid flow to the vaporizer based on its position, with marked points for user control, and includes a separation wall and 'L' shaped exterior wall to prevent spilling, using materials like cotton fibers and porous ceramic for the E-liquid storage medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If E-liquid is kept in contact with the E-liquid storage medium during storage, then the E-liquid storage medium can continuously supply E-liquid to the vaporizer, but the E-liquid will be exposed to air causing vaporization and oxidation leading to bad smell and taste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the E-liquid storage tank from the main body structure, creating a separable component that can be isolated from the storage medium. This allows the E-liquid to be stored separately and only come into contact with the storage medium when needed, preventing oxidation during storage while maintaining supply continuity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-filling the E-liquid storage tank with E-liquid before use. The tank is sealed and stored separately, preventing oxidation in advance. When needed, the tank is connected to the storage medium, and the pre-positioned E-liquid flows down through gravity to the vaporizer, ensuring both protection during storage and readiness for use.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an E-liquid flow control mechanism is added to separate E-liquid from the storage medium when not in use, then E-liquid quality is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the flow control mechanism adjustable rather than fixed. The flow control component can be moved between different positions (open and closed states), allowing the system to adapt between storage mode (separated, preventing contamination) and usage mode (connected, enabling flow). This dynamic adjustment simplifies the overall structure compared to having separate mechanisms for each state.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as both a separation device during storage and a flow regulation device during usage. By integrating these functions into a single adjustable component, the patent reduces device complexity while achieving contamination prevention and controlled E-liquid delivery.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the E-liquid storage tank is separated from the vaporizer, then E-liquid oxidation is prevented, but the E-liquid flow control and delivery becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes gravity-driven hydraulic flow. The E-liquid storage tank is positioned above the vaporizer, and E-liquid flows down through the connection channel purely by gravity when the flow control is opened. This eliminates the need for complex pumping or pressurization systems, simplifying the flow delivery mechanism while maintaining effective separation during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the E-liquid delivery path into distinct sections: the storage tank, the connection channel, and the vaporizer. This segmentation allows the storage tank to be isolated from air during storage while providing a controlled flow path when connected. The modular segmentation simplifies each component's function and reduces overall system complexity.
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 mechanism effectively prevents E-liquid contamination, allows user-controlled flow for optimal usage, and maintains the quality of the E-liquid by isolating it from the storage medium when not in use, enhancing the overall smoking experience.
Implementation Method 1
uses a heating element that vaporizes a liquid solution (e-liquid)
Implementation Method 2
When the E-liquid flow control handle is lifted all the way up to a first point, the E-liquid in the E-liquid storage tank is blocked by the E-liquid flow control mechanism
Implementation Method 3
When the E-liquid flow control handle is pushed all the way down to a second point, the E-liquid in the E-liquid storage tank flows into the vaporizer
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an E-liquid flow control mechanism and electronic cigarettes having the E-liquid flow control mechanism. The electronic cigarette may include: an electronic cigarette body, a vaporizer, and an E-liquid flow control mechanism. Electronic cigarette body includes an E-liquid storage tank, a mouthpiece, and an electronic cigarette base. The vaporizer having a heating element, and an E-liquid storage medium, is positioned on a vaporizer base. The E-liquid flow control mechanism defines an E-liquid flow control opening, and has an E-liquid flow control handle. When the E-liquid flow control handle is lifted all the way up, the E-liquid flow is blocked. When the E-liquid flow control handle is pushed all the way down, the E-liquid flow reaches maximum. When the E-liquid flow may be controlled by a user by pushing down or pulling up the E-liquid flow control handle between the highest point and the lowest point.