Modular Socket for Aerosol Device Cartridge Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generating devices lack versatility to accommodate cartridges of different sizes and shapes, requiring a new device for each variation, limiting modularity and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
The aerosol generating device features a modular design with a socket that can be configured to receive cartridges of varying sizes and shapes, providing a secure mechanical and electrical connection through a socket housing and power connectors, allowing a single device to work with multiple cartridge types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed cavity design is used in the aerosol generating device, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the device cannot accommodate cartridges of different sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a fixed outer casing and a removable socket component. The socket can be detached and replaced to accommodate different cartridge types, while the main device body remains unchanged. This segmentation allows versatility without requiring the entire device to be redesigned for each cartridge variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket is designed as a universal interface that can receive and adapt to multiple cartridge types through its standardized receiving cavity. By making the socket the universal component that interfaces with various cartridges, the device achieves multi-functionality while maintaining a consistent core structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the cavity shape is fixed, then manufacturing is simpler, but modularity and user convenience are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cavity functionality is segmented from the main device body and placed in a separate, replaceable socket. This allows the socket to be manufactured with specific cavity shapes tailored to cartridge requirements, while the main device maintains a simple, standardized structure that is easier to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket acts as an intermediary component between the device body and the cartridge. It provides the customized cavity interface needed for different cartridges without requiring the main device body to be complex or customized for each cartridge type, thus simplifying overall manufacturing.
3Reliability
If a standardized receiving cavity is used, then device structure is simplified, but mechanical and electrical connection reliability varies with different cartridge types
Solution Approach 1:
The connection interface is segmented into the socket component, which can be optimized for reliable mechanical and electrical connections with specific cartridge types. This allows the connection reliability to be improved without complicating the main device body, as the socket serves as a specialized interface layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The socket serves as an intermediary that ensures reliable mechanical engagement and electrical connectivity between the device and various cartridges. It provides the necessary adaptation and connection features without requiring the main device to have complex or variable connection structures for different cartridge types.
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 enhances the modularity of the device, enabling it to accommodate different cartridges without the need for new devices, ensuring a reliable and adaptable aerosol generation system.
Implementation Method 1
A heating system is formed of one or more electrically activated resistive heating elements arranged to heat said precursor to generate the aerosol
Implementation Method 2
a screw-threaded or magnetic connection or any other connection means can for example be used
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns an aerosol generating device (12) comprising: - an outer casing (16); - a receiving cavity (18) ; - a power supply (22); - power connectors (26) arranged in the receiving cavity (18) for connecting a cartridge (14) to the power supply (22), the cartridge comprising a precursor storage portion (31) delimited transversally by a storage portion wall; - a socket (20) delimited transversally by a socket lateral wall. The socket is configured to be in a disengaged configuration in which the socket is away from the receiving cavity and in an engaged configuration in which the socket is inserted at least partially in the receiving cavity. The socket housing is adapted to receive said cartridge so as the storage portion wall faces at least partially the socket inner surface (35). The socket is adapted to guide said cartridge for electrical connection to the power connectors.