E-vaping Cartridge Vent Design for RTD Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
E-vaping devices experience increased Resistance to Draw (RTD) due to clogged vents, leading to decreased user satisfaction and premature replacement of the power supply, even when the power supply and electronics are still operational.
Innovation Solution
The e-vaping device design includes strategically sized and positioned vent holes in both the cartridge and power sections, with the cartridge section acting as a 'bottle neck' to filter debris and maintain a desired RTD value, while the power section has larger vent holes to ensure longevity, ensuring proper airflow and preventing clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vents are included in the power supply section to permit air intake, then the e-vaping device can function properly, but the vents may become clogged with dust and debris causing increased Resistance to Draw (RTD)
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two sections: a disposable cartridge section containing small vent holes for air intake, and a reusable power supply section containing larger vent holes. This segmentation allows the cartridge to be replaced when its vents become clogged, while the power supply section with larger, less prone-to-clog vents can be reused, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining functionality and preventing clogging.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge section is designed as a disposable component with smaller vent holes that are more susceptible to clogging. When this section becomes clogged, the entire cartridge is replaced rather than cleaned, while the more expensive power supply section with larger vents is preserved for reuse. This approach resolves the contradiction by sacrificing a cheap component to protect the valuable one.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the cartridge section acts as a bottleneck to filter debris, then vent clogging is reduced, but the Resistance to Draw (RTD) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow path is segmented into two stages: first through the cartridge section with smaller vent holes that provide filtration, and then through the power supply section with larger vent holes that provide low-resistance airflow. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both debris filtration and acceptable RTD by distributing the functions across different sections.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the device have different vent hole sizes optimized for their specific functions: the cartridge section has smaller holes for filtration, while the power supply section has larger holes for low-resistance airflow. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between filtration and RTD by applying different properties to different locations.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the power supply section has larger vent holes to prevent clogging, then longevity is extended, but airflow balance may be disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The airflow system is segmented into two sections with different vent hole sizes: the cartridge section provides resistance and filtration, while the power supply section provides low-resistance airflow and longevity. The combined airflow path through both sections achieves balance, resolving the contradiction between longevity and airflow balance by distributing functions across segments.
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 design maintains a balanced airflow, filters debris effectively, and extends the operational life of the power supply by preventing premature wear due to clogging, while ensuring a consistent vaping experience.
Implementation Method 1
a heater to vaporize the pre-vapor formulation
Implementation Method 2
Vents may be included in the e-vaping device that permit the draw of air into (and through) the e-vaping device
Implementation Method 3
The e-vaping cartridge also includes a female threaded connector with first threads on an end of the e-vaping cartridge
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An e-vaping cartridge (70) includes an outer housing (22), a supply reservoir (314), an inner tube (362), and a heater (319) capable of vaporizing a pre-vapor formulation. The e-vaping cartridge (70) includes a female threaded connector (74) on an end of the e-vaping cartridge (70) that defines an air inlet positioned adjacent to threads (74a) of the connector (74). A power section (72) includes an outer housing and a power supply (12), with a male threaded connector (76) defining a vent hole. An assembled e-vaping device (60) connects two e-vaping sections via the male and female threaded connectors (76, 74) causing the air inlet and vent hole to be in fluid communication with each other. A method of manufacturing an e-vaping device (60) includes adjusting a cross-sectional area of the air inlets defined by the female threaded connector (74) to adjust a resistance-to-draw (RTD) value for the device (60).