Electronic Smoking Device Assembly Using a Lateral Access Insert
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of electronic smoking device components, such as a battery, puff sensor, and control electronics, in an elongate housing sleeve is challenging due to limited access through a small aperture, leading to potential damage and increased time consumption.
Innovation Solution
An elongate insert is designed to facilitate component assembly by allowing lateral access, with components like the battery, puff detector, and control electronics mounted on it, ensuring stable positioning and alignment, and enabling easy insertion into the housing sleeve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If components are assembled through a small aperture in the housing sleeve, then the device structure remains compact, but assembly becomes time-consuming and components may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lateral access dimension by providing an opening in the housing sleeve that allows components to be inserted from the side rather than through the small aperture. This dimensional change transforms the assembly approach from one-dimensional (through aperture) to two-dimensional (lateral access), enabling easier component placement without compromising device compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an assembly tool or intermediary device that facilitates component insertion through the lateral opening. This intermediary mechanism enables precise positioning and stable placement of components during assembly, reducing the risk of damage while maintaining productivity.
2Manufacturing precision
If components are accessed through a small aperture, then the housing remains sealed and compact, but component stability and alignment during assembly are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By adding lateral access to the housing structure, the patent creates an additional dimension for component placement. This allows for better alignment and positioning of components during assembly, as operators can approach components from the side rather than maneuvering them through a constrained aperture, thereby improving manufacturing precision without significantly increasing device complexity.
3Productivity
If lateral access is provided for component assembly, then assembly efficiency improves, but the housing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the housing structure by providing a dedicated lateral opening or access point that is separate from the main sealed housing. This segmentation allows for efficient component assembly through the opening while maintaining the integrity and compactness of the overall housing structure. The access feature can be designed as a separate element that minimizes impact on the main housing design.
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 approach enhances manufacturing efficiency, reduces failure rates, and allows for modular assembly and testing of components before final assembly, resulting in a more reliable and cost-effective production process.
Implementation Method 1
This aluminum film is pierced by a spike extending from the atomizer 76, when the reservoir 78 is mounted on the atomizer 76
Implementation Method 2
When the user sucks on the housing cap 74, a vacuum inside the housing sleeve 60 is created, which is sensed by the inhaling sensor 48
Implementation Method 3
If a puff is detected, the electric heater in the atomizer 76 is switched on. The liquid from the reservoir 78 is fed by a metallic wick 73 to the area of the heater 75 so that it can be atomized, forming an aerosol
Implementation Method 4
The liquid from the reservoir 78 is fed by a metallic wick 73 to the area of the heater 75 so that it can be atomized, forming an aerosol
Implementation Method 5
The liquid from the reservoir 78 is fed by a metallic wick 73 to the area of the heater 75
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic smoking device includes an elongate housing sleeve accommodating at least part of the following components: a battery as an electric power source powering an electrically activatable atomizer including an electric heater adapted to atomize a liquid supplied from a reservoir to provide an aerosol exiting from the atomizer; a puff detector adapted to indicate an aerosol inhaling puff; and control electronics connected to the puff detector and adapted to control the heater of the atomizer. At least part of the battery, the puff detector, the control electronics and/or the atomizer is mounted on an elongate insert permitting lateral access and fitting into the housing sleeve via one of the ends of the housing sleeve.