E-Vaping Device Receiving Chamber with Movable Structure Selector

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing e-vaping devices lack the ability to efficiently and selectively use different types of consumables, such as liquid and solid substrates, due to limitations in their design and functionality, which restricts user flexibility and optimal performance.

Innovation Solution

The e-vaping device features a receiving chamber with interchangeable structures and a structure selector that allows for the use of various consumables, including cylindrical and rectangular shapes, with a detection system to recognize the type of consumable and adjust the heating process accordingly, preventing simultaneous insertion of multiple consumables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the receiving chamber is designed with multiple structures for different consumables, then the adaptability of the device is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different consumablesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving chamber incorporates a movable structure selector that can dynamically change the configuration of the receiving chamber between a first configuration (for first-type consumables) and a second configuration (for second-type consumables). This dynamic reconfiguration allows the device to adapt to different consumable types without requiring multiple fixed structures, thereby improving adaptability while managing device complexity through a single movable component rather than multiple static components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the receiving chamber prevents insertion of multiple consumables, then the reliability of consumable recognition is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of consumable recognitionVSAvoidease of consumable insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device includes a detection system that provides feedback about the presence and type of consumable in the receiving chamber. The controller receives this feedback and automatically adjusts the structure selector configuration and heating parameters accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable consumable recognition while maintaining ease of operation, as users simply need to insert one consumable without worrying about configuration settings - the system automatically adapts based on detection feedback.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Adaptability or versatility

If the structure selector is made movable to switch between configurations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveselectability of receiving chamber structureVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The structure selector serves multiple functions: it acts as both a mechanical component for reconfiguring the receiving chamber and as a detection target for the detection system. By making the structure selector movable between discrete positions (first position for first-type consumables, second position for second-type consumables), the device achieves multi-functionality - a single component performs both mechanical reconfiguration and provides detectable states for automated control, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enables the device to adapt to different consumables, ensuring optimal aerosol generation and user flexibility by allowing the use of various substrates, including liquid and solid forms, while maintaining efficient operation.

Implementation Method 1

The receiving chamber includes at least one of a heating element and electrical contacts connectable to an external heating element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20240123165A1Method of making e-vaping device with first-shaped cavity and second-shaped cavity
Publication Date: 2024.04.18 ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC
  • US20240123165A1 patent drawing
  • US20240123165A1 patent drawing
  • US20240123165A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The method includes defining a chamber withing a first housing, the chamber including a first-shaped cavity and a second-shaped cavity configured to receive a first-type consumable and a second-type consumable, respectively.