Elastic Coupling Cartridge for Reliable Aerosol Device Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for an effective coupling structure between a cartridge and an aerosol generating device, particularly for detachable cartridges that accommodate a liquid composition and generate aerosol through heating, addressing the growing demand for alternative methods to combustive-type cigarettes.

Innovation Solution

A cartridge design featuring a liquid storage with a heater and a coupling protrusion made of elastic material for secure attachment to the device, utilizing a coupling hole in the main body, with features like stepped surfaces and tapered portions for stable fitting and color-coded identification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a coupling structure is designed for detachable cartridges, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of connection may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of cartridge replacementVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling protrusion is designed with elastic material that can dynamically adapt during coupling and decoupling operations. The elastic property allows the protrusion to deform during insertion into the coupling hole, ensuring reliable connection while maintaining ease of detachment when force is applied.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The material parameter of the coupling protrusion is changed from rigid to elastic. This parameter change allows the protrusion to exhibit both compliance during coupling (improving ease of operation) and secure holding force when coupled (maintaining connection reliability).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If elastic material is used for coupling protrusion, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of couplingVSAvoidcoupling protrusion dimensional precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The material parameter is changed from rigid to elastic, which compensates for dimensional variations. The elastic deformation capability allows the protrusion to accommodate minor dimensional deviations during manufacturing while still achieving reliable coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling protrusion uses elastic material that combines structural integrity with deformation capability. This material selection allows tolerance for manufacturing variations while maintaining functional performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

Facilitates easy replacement and secure coupling of cartridges, reduces manufacturing costs, and allows intuitive identification of cartridge contents, enhancing user experience and device functionality.

Implementation Method 1

a coupling protrusion comprising an elastic material, protruding from an outer surface of the liquid storage, and configured to couple the main body to the cartridge by being inserted into a coupling hole formed on the main body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a heater configured to heat the liquid composition accommodated in the liquid storage to generate aerosol

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3817584B1Cartridge and aerosol generating device including the same
Publication Date: 2025.09.03 KT&G CO LTD
  • EP3817584B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3817584B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3817584B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A cartridge for mounting on a main body of an aerosol generating device includes: a liquid storage extending in a longitudinal direction of the cartridge to form an outer wall of the cartridge, the liquid storage including a space accommodating a liquid composition therein; a heater that heats the liquid composition accommodated in the liquid storage to generate an aerosol; and a coupling protrusion including an elastic material, the coupling protrusion protruding from an outer surface of the liquid storage and coupling the main body to the cartridge.