Oscillating Diaphragm Pump for E-Cigarette Fluid Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic cigarettes face challenges in consistently delivering eCig juice from a tank to an atomizer for vaporization, particularly in maintaining performance across varying conditions like temperature and liquid levels, while minimizing user perception of pump operation and costs.
Innovation Solution
An electronic cigarette design incorporating an oscillating diaphragm pump with a diaphragm and permanent magnet, driven by an oscillating magnetic field, ensures consistent eCig juice delivery to the atomizer's heating element, using an electro-magnet to interact with the permanent magnet and facilitate linear oscillation for fluid flow, with one-way valves to prevent reverse flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an active delivery system with pump is used to transport liquid solution from tank to atomizer, then delivery consistency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical pump components with magnetic field-based actuation. An oscillating magnet mounted on the diaphragm interacts with a stationary magnet in the housing to drive diaphragm oscillation, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages, cam mechanisms, or traditional motor assemblies. This magnetic coupling approach maintains reliable liquid delivery while reducing mechanical complexity and moving parts.
2Productivity
If pump oscillation amplitude is increased to improve liquid delivery rate, then productivity increases, but user perceivable vibration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric magnet positioning where the oscillating magnet is offset from the diaphragm centerline. This asymmetric arrangement creates an optimized oscillation pattern that achieves sufficient delivery rate while minimizing the amplitude of vibrations transmitted to the device housing and ultimately to the user's hand. The offset positioning allows the diaphragm to oscillate effectively without requiring excessive motion amplitude.
3Loss of energy
If heating element saturation is reduced to extend battery life, then energy efficiency is improved, but liquid delivery rate must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes periodic oscillation of the diaphragm driven by alternating magnetic field interaction. The oscillating pump delivers liquid in controlled periodic cycles rather than continuous flow, allowing precise control of the average delivery rate. This periodic action enables the system to maintain optimal liquid supply to the heating element without saturation, extending battery life while achieving the required delivery precision through frequency and amplitude modulation of the oscillation.
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 solution achieves consistent eCig juice delivery at rates up to 5 mg/sec with minimal user perceivable vibration and cost-effective design, maintaining performance across different conditions and extending battery life by reducing heating element saturation and energy loss.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-magnet that transmits an oscillating magnetic field in proximity to the permanent magnet. The permanent magnet produces a non-oscillating magnetic field that interacts with the oscillating magnetic field of the electro-magnet to linearly oscillate the diaphragm
Implementation Method 2
The atomizer includes a heating element, and vaporizes eCig juice into an airflow
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Aspects of the instant disclosure relate to electronic cigarettes with an active delivery system for transporting a liquid solution from a tank to an atomizer; and more particularly to oscillating diaphragm pumps that facilitate flow of the liquid solution from the tank and onto a heating coil of an atomizer for vaporization.