Elastic Retainer Holder for One-Hand Aerosol Device Docking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating device holders require precise alignment and user action to secure the device, making it difficult to insert and retrieve, especially in low light conditions or when moving.
Innovation Solution
A holder with a docking arrangement featuring a retainer made of resiliently deformable elastic or elastomeric material, such as nitrile rubber, that deflects upon contact with the device to securely retain it without needing user-actuated mechanisms, allowing easy insertion and retrieval with one hand.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latching mechanism with spring element and sliding button is used to secure the device, then the device can be retained in the holder, but the holder requires two-handed operation and complex user action to engage and disengage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex latching mechanism with spring element and sliding button from the holder. Instead, it uses a simple retainer that passively engages with the aerosol-generating device through perpendicular insertion, eliminating the need for manual actuation and reducing the operation to a single-handed motion.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than using an active latching mechanism that requires user initiation (pushing a button to engage), the patent employs a passive retainer that automatically engages when the device is inserted perpendicularly. The retention is achieved through the geometry and elasticity of the retainer rather than through active mechanical latching.
2Reliability
If narrow openings are used in the holder housing, then the device can be held securely, but precise alignment is required for insertion which is difficult in low light or when moving
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the insertion dimension from longitudinal (parallel to the holder's long axis) to perpendicular (at a right angle to the holder's long axis). This perpendicular insertion through a broader opening eliminates the need for precise alignment while maintaining secure retention through the retainer's engagement geometry.
3Ease of operation
If a retainer made of resiliently deformable material is used, then the device can be easily inserted and retrieved with one hand, but the retainer structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of the retainer material, allowing it to deform under the insertion force and then return to its original shape to provide retention. This material parameter change enables simple one-handed operation without requiring complex mechanical structures, as the elasticity itself provides the necessary engagement and release mechanisms.
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
The holder securely holds the aerosol-generating device with one-hand operation, reducing alignment difficulties and preventing dust/debris entry, while facilitating easy engagement and disengagement through perpendicular movement.
Implementation Method 1
the second surface being deflectable relative to the first end on engagement with the end of the aerosol-generating device. The second surface of the retainer comprises, or is formed from, a resiliently deformable elastic or elastomeric material, in which the resiliently deformable elastic or elastomeric material comprises, or is, a nitrile, and resilient deformation of the resiliently deformable elastic or elastomeric material allows the second surface of the retainer to be deflectable relative to the first end
Data Source
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AI summary
A holder (201) for an aerosol-generating device. The holder has a docking arrangement configured to engage with the aerosol-generating device (220). The docking arrangement comprises a docking space (205) defined between a first end (206) and an opposing second end (207) spaced from and fixed relative to the first end. The docking space accommodates a longitudinal dimension of the aerosol-generating device. The holder comprises a retainer (280) for engagement with an end of the aerosol-generating device to releasably retain the aerosol-generating device in the docking space. The retainer has a first surface (282) fixed relative to the first end, and a second surface (284) projecting away from the first end into the docking space. The second surface is deflectable relative to the first end on engagement with the end of the aerosol-generating device, wherein the second surface of the retainer comprises, or is formed from, a resiliently deformable elastic or elastomeric material, and resilient deformation of the resiliently deformable elastic or elastomeric material allows the second surface of the retainer to be deflectable relative to the first end.