E-Cigarette Capillary Plate Feed for Leak-Free Liquid Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic smoking devices face challenges in efficiently controlling liquid flow to the atomizer, particularly in ensuring consistent liquid supply and preventing leakage, due to the use of traditional wick systems which are difficult to handle and prone to variability in liquid flow rate and temperature changes.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a capillary tube system comprising at least two adjustable plates that form a liquid flow passage between the liquid reservoir and the atomizer, allowing for variable spacing to control the liquid flow rate and prevent leakage by using an electromagnet, magnetic element, thermal expansion elements, or bimetal structures to open or close the liquid reservoir opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional wick system is used to supply liquid from the reservoir to the atomizer, then the device structure is simple, but the liquid flow rate is inconsistent and prone to leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous wick material with controlled pore size and distribution to regulate liquid flow from the reservoir to the atomizer. The porous structure provides capillary forces that maintain consistent liquid flow rate while preventing leakage through optimized pore geometry and material selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the wick material including pore size, porosity, and material composition to control liquid flow characteristics. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves reliable and consistent liquid supply without requiring complex additional components.
2Reliability
If the liquid reservoir opening is kept open to ensure liquid supply, then liquid flow to atomizer is maintained, but leakage occurs during refilling and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a valve mechanism that automatically closes the liquid reservoir opening before refilling or storage operations. This preliminary action prevents liquid leakage while maintaining liquid supply continuity during normal operation through automated valve control based on operational state detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from sensors detecting user puffing, refilling status, or storage conditions to automatically control the valve state. When the device is not in use or during refilling, the feedback signal triggers valve closure to prevent leakage, while during active use, the valve opens to maintain liquid supply.
3Productivity
If the spacing between plates is increased to improve liquid flow, then liquid supply to atomizer increases, but leakage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable plate spacing that can be modified in real-time based on operational requirements. During active vaporization, the plates are spaced to allow adequate liquid flow; during storage or refilling, the plates automatically close to prevent leakage. This dynamic adjustment optimizes both liquid supply and leakage prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the geometric parameter of plate spacing to control liquid flow rate and prevent leakage. By adjusting the spacing between plates, the patent optimizes capillary flow characteristics to maintain sufficient liquid supply to the atomizer while preventing excessive flow that would cause leakage.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed liquid flow passage is used, then device structure is simple, but liquid flow cannot be adjusted to match power delivery and airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamically adjustable liquid flow passage system where plate spacing can be modified in real-time. This allows the liquid flow rate to be adapted to match power delivery levels and airflow conditions, optimizing vaporization efficiency across different operating modes while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable plate mechanism serves multiple functions: it controls liquid flow rate, prevents leakage, and adapts to different power delivery and airflow conditions. This multi-functionality provides adaptability without requiring separate complex control systems for each function.
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 more controlled and efficient liquid supply to the atomizer, allowing for fine-tuning of liquid flow based on user puffing and temperature changes, while preventing leakage by adjusting the spacing between the plates to match the power delivery and airflow, thus enhancing the performance and reliability of electronic smoking devices.
Implementation Method 1
At least two plates are provided with an adjustable spacing therebetween, wherein the at least two plates are adapted to draw liquid stored in the liquid reservoir from the liquid reservoir opening towards the atomizer by capillary force through a liquid flow passage is formed between the at least two plates
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic smoking device (10) is provided comprising a power supply (18), a liquid reservoir (34) storing a liquid therein and having a liquid reservoir opening (35), and an atomizer (26) adapted to atomize the liquid stored in the liquid reservoir (34) when operated by the power supply (18). Further provided are at least two plates (40, 50) provided with an adjustable spacing therebetween, wherein a liquid flow passage (60) is formed between the at least two plates (40, 50) extending from the liquid reservoir opening (35) to the atomizer (26).