E-vapor Pod Assembly Spring-Loaded Electrical Connector Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing e-vapor devices face challenges in efficiently and securely integrating a pre-vapor formulation compartment with a vaporizer, lacking a robust and user-friendly electrical connector system that ensures reliable power supply and data communication.
Innovation Solution
The e-vapor apparatus incorporates a pod assembly with a pre-vapor formulation compartment, a vapor channel, and a vaporizer, featuring a first electrical connector with spring-loaded contact portions and a dispensing body with a corresponding electrical connector, ensuring secure fluidic and electrical communication, and including a memory device and air flow sensor for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a threaded connection is used to couple the first section to the second section, then the connection is secure and replaceable, but the alignment precision and connection reliability may be insufficient for robust electrical and fluidic communication
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is divided into multiple independent contact portions (first contact portion, second contact portion, third contact portion, fourth contact portion) that can be separately positioned and engaged. This segmentation allows each contact to be independently aligned with its corresponding electrode, improving overall alignment precision while maintaining secure connection through the threaded coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact portions are pre-configured with specific geometries and positions before assembly. The first and second contact portions are positioned to contact the anode and cathode electrodes respectively, while the third and fourth contact portions are positioned to contact the vaporizer body. This preliminary positioning ensures precise alignment is achieved automatically during the threading operation, eliminating the need for separate alignment steps.
2Reliability
If spring force is applied by the contact portions, then the electrical connection is secure and reliable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is integrated directly into the contact portions themselves, combining the electrical contact function with the spring loading function in a single component. The first contact portion includes a first spring, the second contact portion includes a second spring, the third contact portion includes a third spring, and the fourth contact portion includes a fourth spring. This merging eliminates the need for separate spring assemblies or complex mechanical linkages, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact portions are designed to automatically apply spring force to maintain electrical contact without requiring external actuation or complex control mechanisms. The springs are pre-loaded to provide consistent contact pressure, and the threaded coupling mechanism automatically compresses the springs during assembly to ensure reliable electrical connection. This self-service approach eliminates the need for additional actuators or control systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple contact portions are used for power and data communication, then the functionality is enhanced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is divided into multiple independent contact portions (first contact portion, second contact portion, third contact portion, fourth contact portion) that can be separately positioned and engaged. This segmentation allows each contact to be independently aligned with its corresponding electrode, improving overall alignment precision while maintaining secure connection through the threaded coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact portions are pre-configured with specific geometries and positions before assembly. The first and second contact portions are positioned to contact the anode and cathode electrodes respectively, while the third and fourth contact portions are positioned to contact the vaporizer body. This preliminary positioning ensures precise alignment is achieved automatically during the threading operation, eliminating the need for separate alignment steps.
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 configuration enables efficient vapor production, secure power supply, and reliable data communication, enhancing user experience and device performance by ensuring proper alignment and secure engagement of the pod assembly within the dispensing body.
Implementation Method 1
the first contact portion and the second contact portion are configured to apply a spring force on the second electrical connector
Implementation Method 2
a vaporizer configured to be in fluidic communication with the pre-vapor formulation compartment
Implementation Method 3
the first extended portion and the second extended portion are configured to apply a spring force on the vaporizer
Data Source
AI summary
An e-vapor apparatus may include a pod assembly including a pre-vapor formulation compartment, a first electrical connector, a vapor channel traversing the pre-vapor formulation compartment, and a vaporizer, the pre-vapor formulation compartment configured to hold a pre-vapor formulation therein and in fluidic communication with the vaporizer during an operation of the e-vapor apparatus, the first electrical connector including first and second power electrodes, the first power electrode including a first contact portion on an exterior of the first electrical connector and a first extended portion configured to contact an anode portion of the vaporizer, the second power electrode including a second contact portion on the exterior of the first electrical connector and a second extended portion configured to contact a cathode portion of the vaporizer. The e-vapor apparatus may further include a dispensing body including a second electrical connector configured to connect to the first electrical connector.