E-cigarette Elastic Buckle Snap-Fit Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic cigarettes face issues with the connection between the power supply device and the atomizing device, as magnetic attraction is costly and interference fit is difficult to control, leading to unreliable attachment.
Innovation Solution
The electronic cigarette features an installation groove with a protruded elastic buckle that can slide perpendicularly, engaging with a matching buckle slot to form a disassemble connection, enhancing the reliability and ease of use between the power supply and atomizing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnetic attraction is used to fasten the atomizing device, then the connection reliability is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic attraction system with a mechanical snap-fit system consisting of an elastic buckle and buckle slot. The elastic buckle engages with the buckle slot through mechanical interference fit, eliminating the need for magnetic components while achieving reliable connection and reducing manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection mechanism from magnetic field interaction to mechanical elastic deformation. The elastic buckle utilizes material elasticity to provide engagement force, transforming the physical principle from electromagnetic to mechanical, thereby reducing cost while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If interference fit is used to fasten the atomizing device, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the connection reliability deteriorates due to uncontrolled force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an elastic buckle that can dynamically adjust its engagement state. The buckle can be inserted easily (loose state for assembly) and then locked firmly (tight state for operation), providing controlled force variation that ensures reliable connection while maintaining ease of manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional components: the elastic buckle body, the buckle slot, and the limiting structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the buckle providing engagement force and the limiting structure preventing over-compression, thereby ensuring reliable connection at controlled manufacturing cost.
3Reliability
If a fixed tight connection is used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in removal
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic buckle provides dynamic connection characteristics: during normal operation, the limiting structure prevents the buckle from disengaging (reliable connection), but when external force is applied, the buckle can be easily pushed to disengage from the buckle slot (easy removal). This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between reliable connection and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic buckle acts as an intermediary element between the atomizing device and power supply device. It provides the connection force while allowing controlled disengagement, mediating between the need for stable connection during use and easy removal when needed.
4Ease of operation
If a loose connection is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the connection reliability deteriorates causing accidental detachment
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static loose or tight fit to a dynamic system where the elastic buckle can be easily inserted (loose state) but automatically locks into a secure position (tight state) through the limiting structure, ensuring reliability while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The limiting structure on the elastic buckle preemptively prevents the buckle from being pushed too far into the buckle slot, automatically stopping the insertion at the correct engagement position. This preliminary anti-action ensures reliable connection without requiring precise manual control, maintaining both ease of operation and connection reliability.
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 solution provides a reliable and convenient disassemble connection between the power supply and atomizing devices, preventing accidental detachment while allowing easy removal and reinstallation, thus improving user experience and device stability.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element connecting to one side of the body, and the elastic element completely locates inside the receiving groove and elastically abuts against the body and the bottom wall of receiving groove, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses an electronic cigarette, including a power supply device with an installation groove and an atomizing device; either the installation groove or the atomizing device is provided with a protruded elastic buckle, and the elastic buckle can be slid perpendicularly along the installation direction of the atomizing device; the other one is provided with a buckle slot matching the elastic buckle. When the atomizing device is installed into the installation groove, the elastic buckle will be engaged in the buckle slot to form a disassemble connection between the atomizing device and the power supply device. When the elastic buckle is slid, the elastic buckle will come out of the buckle slot, so that the atomizing device can be taken out from the installation groove.