Interference-Fit Electrode Assembly to Prevent Lead Detachment and Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol provision systems, such as electronic cigarettes, face issues with lead detachment causing short-circuits and liquid leakage due to the fluid transport path from the liquid reservoir into the air channel, leading to undesirable leakage and faulty operation.
Innovation Solution
An assembly is provided with a body defining an aperture and an electrode, secured by a first interference fit, where a lead section is inserted into the aperture, and the electrode portion is inserted to secure the lead inside, reducing the need for crimping and minimizing fluid leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lead is used to transfer power from the electrode to the heating element, then electrical power transfer is enabled, but the lead may become detached during use causing short-circuits and faulty operation
Solution Approach 1:
The lead and electrode are merged into a single integrated component where the lead is formed as an integral part of the electrode structure. This eliminates the separate attachment interface that could fail, ensuring reliable power transfer from the heating element through the lead to the electrical contacts on the cartridge and control unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead is nested within the electrode structure, with the lead extending from the heating element through the electrode body to the electrical contacts. This nested configuration protects the lead from external forces and prevents detachment while maintaining electrical connectivity throughout the cartridge assembly.
2Productivity
If a fluid transport path is provided from the liquid reservoir into the air channel, then aerosol generation is enabled, but liquid leakage occurs from the cartridge
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode assembly acts as an intermediary structure between the liquid reservoir and air channel. The lead and electrode components create a sealed barrier that interrupts the direct fluid transport path, preventing liquid from leaking into the air channel while still allowing electrical power to pass through to the heating element for controlled aerosol generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful fluid transport function is extracted from the electrode assembly by creating a sealed barrier within the lead-electrode structure. This separates the liquid containment function from the power transfer function, allowing the electrode to serve its electrical purpose while preventing liquid leakage into areas where it would cause harm.
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
The assembly securely attaches the lead to the electrode without crimping, reducing mechanical weaknesses and fluid leakage, ensuring stable electrical connections and preventing unwanted leakage.
Implementation Method 1
a first interference fit between the body and the portion of the electrode
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly comprising a body (50) defining an aperture (52), and an electrode (10) comprising a portion (54) within the aperture (52), the assembly further comprising a lead (12) comprising a section (56) which is secured inside the aperture (52) by a first interference fit between the body (50) and the portion (54) of the electrode (10). The aperture (52) may comprise a first open end (58) and a second open end (60), wherein the electrode (10) extends through the first open end (58), and the lead (12) extends through the second open end (60). In which case, the electrode (10) may plug the first end (58) by a second interference fit between the body (50) and the (portion (54) of the electrode (10). The portion (54) of the electrode (12) may comprise a tapered section (62) against which the section (56) of the lead (12) is secured.