Magnetic Hatch Sleeve for Compact E-Cigarette Pod Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic aerosol provision systems, such as e-cigarettes, face challenges in secure attachment and exposed profile of the aerosol provision component, which can lead to issues like accidental damage and leakage of source liquid.

Innovation Solution

A device with a housing formed of a chassis section and a hatch section, where the hatch section is moveable between positions to enclose the aerosol forming component, providing a sleeve for receipt and retention, thus enhancing security and reducing the device's profile.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the aerosol provision component is made separable from the device section, then ease of manufacture and reusability are improved, but secure attachment and reliability are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveseparabilityVSAvoidsecure attachment

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism transitions from static (screw-threads) to dynamic (push-fit with spring-loaded retention), allowing easy insertion and removal while maintaining secure attachment during use. The spring mechanism provides automatic engagement and disengagement based on user action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into separable components (aerosol provision component and device section) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The bayonet-fitting connection enables these segmented parts to be reliably joined while maintaining ease of separation for refilling or replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the aerosol provision component extends from the device section in a longitudinal format, then ease of operation and user familiarity are improved, but device profile and compactness are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser familiarityVSAvoiddevice profile

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The aerosol provision component is nested within the device housing rather than extending externally. The component fits into a recess or cavity in the device body, creating a compact integrated structure that reduces overall device volume while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of longitudinal extension, the aerosol provision component is arranged in a transverse or integrated configuration within the device housing. This dimensional repositioning reduces the device's length and creates a more compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If conventional connection mechanisms like screw-threads are used, then secure attachment is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidconnection mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex threading mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simplified bayonet-fitting system. The connection relies on simple geometric engagement (flat surfaces and grooves) rather than threaded intersections, reducing manufacturing complexity and ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded retention mechanism provides automatic engagement and locking when components are pushed together, eliminating the need for manual threading or tightening operations. The system self-secures through the spring force upon insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If the aerosol provision component is exposed and extends from the device, then ease of access for replacement is improved, but risk of damage and leakage is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess for replacementVSAvoidrisk of damage and leakage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The aerosol provision component is nested within the protective housing, which shields it from external damage, contamination, and leakage. The housing acts as a protective enclosure that maintains component security while allowing controlled access for replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing provides a protective shell or enclosure around the aerosol provision component. This outer shell protects the internal components from physical damage, prevents leakage, and maintains a sealed environment while allowing user access when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS12075843B2Device with a hatch selection and a chassis section for an electronic aerosol provision device

Publication Date: 2024.09.03 NICOVENTURES TRADING LTD

AI summary

A device having a hatch section and a chassis section for an electronic aerosol provision device. The hatch section can be moveable between a first position and a second position relative to the chassis section. The hatch section can include a sleeve for receipt of an aerosol forming component. The hatch section can include a retention section configured to resist removal of the aerosol forming component following insertion of the aerosol forming component into the sleeve. The retention section can include a magnet that interacts with the aerosol forming component to resist removal of the aerosol forming component as the hatch section is moved between the first position and the second position.