E-Vapor Pod Assembly With Secure Connectors and Leak Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing e-vapor devices face challenges in securely and efficiently connecting replaceable cartridges to reusable fixtures, often resulting in loose connections and potential leaks, while also lacking advanced features like smart calibration and authentication.
Innovation Solution
The e-vapor apparatus incorporates a pod assembly with a pre-vapor formulation compartment, a vapor channel, and a vaporizer, featuring spring-loaded electrical connectors and magnetic or snap-fit attachments, along with a dispensing body that ensures secure alignment and communication, and includes smart capabilities for authentication and usage tracking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cartridge assembly with integrated battery and control circuitry is used, then portability and ease of use are improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vaping system is divided into two main segments: a disposable cartridge assembly containing the pre-vapor formulation, heating element, and electrical connector; and a reusable dispensing body containing the battery and control circuitry. This segmentation allows the cartridge to be manufactured independently with simplified requirements, improving ease of use while managing overall device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge assembly is designed as a disposable component that is discarded after use, eliminating the need for users to perform maintenance, charging, or cleaning operations. This disposable approach improves ease of use significantly while allowing the complex battery and control systems to be contained in a single reusable unit, balancing the trade-off between usability and complexity.
2Weight of moving object
If a cartridge assembly with integrated battery and control circuitry is used, then portability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into disposable cartridge and reusable body components, each can be manufactured using optimized processes for their specific requirements. The cartridge can be produced in high volumes with simple assembly, while the body is manufactured separately with its battery and electronics, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost despite the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable dispensing body is designed to be universal, capable of accepting different cartridge assemblies through a standardized electrical and mechanical connection interface. This universality allows the expensive battery and control circuitry to be reused across multiple cartridges, amortizing the manufacturing cost over multiple units while maintaining portability.
3Ease of operation
If the cartridge is discarded after use, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge assembly is pre-filled with a sufficient amount of pre-vapor formulation to last through its intended lifespan. This preliminary action ensures that users do not need to refill or maintain the cartridge during normal use, improving ease of operation. The formulation is contained in a sealed reservoir that prevents leakage and waste, minimizing substance loss despite the disposable nature of the cartridge.
Solution Approach 2:
The pre-vapor formulation in the cartridge is designed to be a stable, concentrated version of the active substance that can be efficiently vaporized. This concentrated formulation reduces the total volume of material needed compared to liquid formulations, minimizing waste and substance loss while maintaining the ease of operation provided by the disposable 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 design provides a secure, leak-proof connection and smart functionality, ensuring optimal vaping experience with easy replacement and authentication, enhancing user convenience and device efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element configured to vaporize a portion of the pre-vapor formulation
Implementation Method 2
a fan configured to move the vapor across a face of the pre-vapor formulation compartment and through the vapor channel
Data Source
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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.