E-vaping Power Supply Section Airflow Isolation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional e-vaping devices mix battery outgassing with inhaled vapor due to airflow over the power source, leading to potential health risks and reduced device lifespan from vent hole clogging.
Innovation Solution
A power supply section with a sensor holder that separates airflow from the power source, preventing inhaled air from reaching the battery and directing outgassing through separate vent holes, thus isolating the power source from the vapor path.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sensor is positioned at the distal end of the power supply section with airflow passing over the power source, then the device structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the battery outgassing mixes with the inhaled vapor causing health risks and vent hole clogging
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply section is divided into two separate compartments: a first portion containing the sensor and a second portion containing the power source. The sensor holder acts as a partition wall between these compartments, preventing airflow from carrying battery outgassing to the sensor while maintaining independent access to each component for manufacturing purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful factor (battery outgassing) is extracted from the vapor path by isolating the power source in a separate compartment. The sensor holder serves as a barrier that removes the mixing of outgassed substances with the inhaled vapor, eliminating the health risk while preserving the overall device structure.
2Ease of operation
If the vent hole is positioned at the tip for easy access, then maintenance is easier, but dust and environmental contaminants clog the vent hole increasing resistance to draw and reducing battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The venting function is segmented into two separate vent holes: one in the sensor section and one in the power supply section. This separation allows each vent hole to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining accessibility. The power supply section vent hole remains accessible for maintenance while the separation prevents contaminant ingress into the battery compartment.
3Length of moving object
If air flows over the power source to reach the cartomizer, then the airflow path is shorter and device length is reduced, but the inhaled air mixes with battery outgassing creating harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow path is segmented into separate zones by the sensor holder partition. Air enters the sensor section, flows through the cartomizer, and is inhaled without contacting the power source compartment. This segmentation maintains a compact device length while preventing harmful mixing through the physical barrier of the partition wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor holder acts as an intermediary barrier between the airflow path and the power source. It mediates the separation of functions, allowing air to flow freely in the sensor section while blocking access to the power source compartment, thus preventing outgassing contamination without extending device length.
Data Source
AI summary
A power supply section for an e-vaping device includes a sensor housed in a housing, a sensor holder holding the sensor, the sensor holder disposed in the housing to divide the housing into a first portion and a second portion, and the sensor and the sensor holder configured to substantially prevent air flow from the first portion into the second portion, and a power source disposed in the second portion. The construction of this unit insures that gases that may be produced by outgassing of the battery cell will be vented to the environment and that those gases will be isolated from the air that is mixed with the vaporized e-liquid and inhaled by the user.