Elastomeric Support Member Integrating Vibration Motor and Buzzer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing alternative delivery systems for smoking articles, such as heat not burn products, lack effective user feedback mechanisms to indicate device status and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A delivery device incorporating a vibration motor for haptic feedback and a buzzer for audible signals, integrated within an elastomeric support member and housed in a modular structure, which includes a substrate aerosolising module with a heater to generate aerosol in response to control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a vibration motor and buzzer are added to provide user feedback, then user interaction and device status indication are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration motor and buzzer are integrated into a single elastomeric support member structure, with both components received in recesses formed in the same support member. This merging approach allows multiple feedback functions to be provided while using a unified structural platform, thereby improving user interaction without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric support member serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the vibration motor and buzzer, acts as a mounting structure with integrated recesses, and potentially serves as a vibration transmission element. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate structural components, addressing the complexity concern while enabling comprehensive user feedback.
2Device complexity
If a vibration motor and buzzer are integrated within an elastomeric support member, then device structure is simplified, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed with distinct recesses for the vibration motor and buzzer, creating segmented mounting zones within a single integrated component. This segmentation approach simplifies the overall device structure by consolidating multiple mounting functions into one piece, while the predefined recess geometries help manage manufacturing precision requirements through standardized features.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastomeric nature of the support member provides flexibility and tolerance compensation. The elastomeric material can accommodate minor dimensional variations during assembly, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining structural integrity and simplified device architecture.
3Ease of manufacture
If the vibration motor is press-fitted in the recess, then assembly is simplified, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The press-fit arrangement allows the vibration motor to be directly installed into the recess without additional fastening operations or external alignment tools. The interference fit between the motor mounting surface and the recess creates a self-retaining connection, simplifying assembly procedures while the elastomeric support member's flexibility provides tolerance compensation for manufacturing variations.
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
Provides users with tactile and auditory feedback on device status and functionality, enhancing user interaction and experience while maintaining a non-combustible aerosol delivery system.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration motor for generating haptic feedback to a user
Implementation Method 2
a buzzer for generating audible signals to a user
Implementation Method 3
heat an aerosol generating substrate, which may be tobacco or other non-tobacco products which may or may not contain nicotine, to form an aerosol by heating the substrate without burning it
Data Source
AI summary
A delivery device is disclosed and comprises a housing, a vibration motor for generating haptic feedback to a user, and an elastomeric support member received in the housing. The vibration motor is mounted within the support member. An assembly for insertion into a housing of a delivery device is also disclosed.