Heater Wick Assembly Dual-Function Electrical Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generating systems face challenges in securely fixing and electrically connecting heating elements to capillary bodies within aerosol generating systems, which affects the reliability and efficiency of aerosol production.
Innovation Solution
A heater and wick assembly design featuring a capillary body with a heating element arranged on its outer surface, secured by a pair of spaced apart electrical contacts that provide both mechanical fixation and electrical connection, allowing for automated and repeatable manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the heating element is simply placed on the capillary body without secure fixation, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the heating element connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts serve dual functions: they provide electrical connection to the heating element and simultaneously act as mechanical fixation elements. By merging the electrical connection function and mechanical fixation function into a single component, the patent achieves reliable heating element connection without adding separate fixation structures, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical contacts are designed as multi-functional elements that perform both electrical conduction and mechanical retention of the heating element. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles, eliminating the need for additional fastening means while ensuring secure connection, thereby addressing the contradiction between connection reliability and structural simplicity
2Reliability
If additional fastening means are used to secure the heating element, then the mechanical fixation reliability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the electrical contact function and mechanical fixation function into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates the need for separate fastening elements. This reduces the number of parts that need to be assembled and handled during manufacturing, thereby improving ease of manufacture on assembly lines while maintaining fixation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical contacts are designed to automatically perform both electrical connection and mechanical fixation functions during the assembly process. The heating element is secured by the same components that provide electrical connectivity, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations and simplifying the manufacturing process while ensuring reliable fixation
3Stability of the object's composition
If the electrical contacts are positioned to secure the heating element, then the heating element stability is improved, but the electrical connection reliability may be compromised due to positioning constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contacts are designed to simultaneously provide mechanical stability and electrical connectivity through their integrated structure. By merging these two functions into a single component system, the patent ensures that the positioning required for mechanical stability also optimizes electrical contact, eliminating the trade-off between stability and electrical connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical contacts serve as multi-functional elements that maintain heating element stability while ensuring reliable electrical connection. The universal design of these contacts allows them to perform both mechanical retention and electrical conduction effectively, resolving the contradiction between stability and electrical connection reliability
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 ensures a secure and reliable electrical connection, enhancing the robustness and repeatability of aerosol generation systems by maintaining the heating element in place without the need for additional fastening means, facilitating efficient aerosol production.
Implementation Method 1
Liquid is transferred from the liquid storage portion towards the heating element by capillary action in the wick
Implementation Method 2
a heating element arranged on an outer surface of the capillary body
Data Source
AI summary
A heater and wick assembly for an aerosol generating system includes a capillary body, a heating element on an outer surface of the capillary body, and a pair of spaced apart electrical contacts fixed around the capillary body and coupled with the heating element. The heater and wick assembly also includes a support member extending along at least part of the length of the capillary body.