E-Liquid Tasting Device with Multi-Atomizer Self-Service Selection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for testing e-liquids at points of sale, such as in e-cigarette retail, require operators to manually insert e-liquids into devices, limiting independent smell and taste testing and compromising hygiene, especially with numerous flavors and nicotine levels available.

Innovation Solution

A device with an atomizer, vacuum pumps, battery, and control panel allows for independent smell and taste testing of e-liquids without changing the e-cigarette or atomizer, using multiple vacuum pumps or a single pump with pressure switches, ensuring hygiene through a single-use test tube and automated selection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple e-cigarettes and atomizers are provided for testing different e-liquids, then the variety of flavors and nicotine levels that can be tested increases, but the device complexity and hygiene management become more complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariety of flavors and nicotine levels that can be testedVSAvoiddevice complexity and hygiene management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses a single atomizer that can be configured to test multiple different e-liquids through automated control. The system provides multi-functionality by allowing one atomizer to test various flavors and nicotine levels by changing the e-liquid supply, eliminating the need for multiple atomizers while maintaining versatility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device incorporates automatic control systems that enable self-service operation. The automated mechanisms handle e-liquid selection, atomizer activation, and testing sequences without requiring operator assistance, thereby simplifying hygiene management and reducing the complexity of manual device handling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If manual insertion of e-liquids into e-cigarettes is used for testing, then the operation is simple, but the independence of smell and taste testing is limited and hygiene is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of operationVSAvoidindependence of smell and taste testing
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates automatic control systems that enable self-service operation. The automated mechanisms handle e-liquid selection, atomizer activation, and testing sequences without requiring operator assistance, thereby simplifying hygiene management and reducing the complexity of manual device handling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The device introduces an automated control system as an intermediary between the user and the e-liquid testing process. This intermediary manages the complex operations of e-liquid selection, atomizer control, and testing sequences, providing independence for smell and taste testing while maintaining ease of user interaction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single atomizer is used for testing multiple e-liquids, then the device complexity is reduced, but the time required to change e-liquids and ensure hygiene increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidtime required to change e-liquids and ensure hygiene
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates automatic control systems that enable self-service operation. The automated mechanisms handle e-liquid selection, atomizer activation, and testing sequences without requiring operator assistance, thereby simplifying hygiene management and reducing the complexity of manual device handling

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system pre-configures multiple e-liquid options and automatically selects and switches between them based on testing requirements. This preliminary preparation of e-liquid configurations eliminates the time-consuming manual process of changing e-liquids and ensures hygiene protocols are automatically maintained

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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, and independent testing of various e-liquids by allowing users to select and vaporize different flavors without assistance, simplifying the tasting process and reducing the need for multiple devices.

Implementation Method 1

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

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVaporization: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

a vacuum pump for each of the atomizers to draw air from each atomizer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVacuum suction: Suction

Data Source

PatentEP3108918B1Device for trying electronic cigarette liquids
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 MEDINA RIVERO ARMANDO
  • EP3108918B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3108918B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3108918B1 patent drawingFigure 3

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.