Piezoelectric Valve Control for E-Cigarette Liquid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic cigarettes face issues with precise control of cigarette liquid transfer, leading to uneven absorption, unpleasant taste, and liquid leakage due to poor atomization efficiency and non-uniform vapor droplets, which detract from the user experience.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a fluid transportation device with a controllable switch element, allowing precise control of cigarette liquid transfer to the atomizer, enhancing vapor taste and preventing leakage by using a ring-shaped liquid guiding structure with perforations and a piezoelectric actuated valve mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cigarette liquid is transferred through a simple communication part without control mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the liquid transfer amount cannot be precisely controlled leading to uneven absorption and liquid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a piezoelectric element that changes its physical state (expansion/contraction) in response to voltage changes, thereby controlling the valve opening degree and liquid flow rate. This allows precise control of liquid transfer amount by changing electrical parameters rather than mechanical dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control mechanisms with a piezoelectric actuation system. The piezoelectric element converts electrical signals directly into mechanical displacement to control the valve, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, motors, or manual adjustment mechanisms while achieving precise liquid flow control.
2Stability of the object's composition
If liquid absorption part directly contacts liquid container through communication part, then the structure is simple, but liquid is not uniformly absorbed leading to poor atomization and unpleasant taste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the liquid delivery path by introducing a liquid guiding structure with multiple liquid guiding holes between the liquid container and liquid absorption part. This segmentation distributes the liquid flow into multiple streams, ensuring uniform contact between the liquid and absorption material, thereby improving atomization uniformity and vapor taste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific flow channels through the liquid guiding structure with controlled hole distributions. Different regions of the liquid guiding structure can have different hole patterns to optimize liquid distribution to specific areas of the liquid absorption part, ensuring uniform saturation and consistent atomization across the entire heating surface.
3Reliability
If no fluid transportation control device is used, then the device complexity is low, but liquid leakage occurs and user experience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing a valve mechanism where the piezoelectric element directly responds to electrical signals from the control unit to open or close the liquid flow path. The system automatically controls liquid delivery based on detected user inhalation or operational state, eliminating the need for manual intervention and preventing liquid leakage through automated shut-off when not in use.
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 solution ensures uniform droplet generation, improved vapor taste, and prevents liquid leakage, enhancing the overall user experience by precisely controlling the amount of cigarette liquid transferred to the atomizer.
Implementation Method 1
a valve mechanism (600) including a valve body (630), a valve membrane (640), and a piezoelectric element (662). The piezoelectric element (662) is attached to the vibration plate (661) and expands or contracts according to an applied voltage to thereby control an opening degree of the valve
Implementation Method 2
the atomizer (4) includes an electric heater (41), a liquid absorption part (42) and a liquid guiding seat (44)... the electric heater (41) is enabled to heat the cigarette liquid. Meanwhile, the cigarette liquid in the liquid absorption part (42) is heated and atomized by the electric heater (41)
Implementation Method 3
the cigarette liquid in the liquid container (52) could be absorbed by the liquid absorption part (42) through the communication part (431) of the liquid transfer part (43)
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
An electronic cigarette includes a power supply device (2), a sensing unit (3), an atomizer (4), a liquid storage structure (5) and a fluid transportation device (6). The atomizer (4) includes an electric heater (41), a liquid absorption part (42) and a liquid guiding seat (44). The liquid guiding seat (44) includes a ring-shaped liquid guiding structure (441). Moreover, plural perforations (442) are formed in an inner side of the ring-shaped liquid guiding structure (441). The ring-shaped liquid guiding structure (441) is in communication with the liquid absorption part (42) through the plural perforations (442). The liquid storage structure (5) includes a passageway (51) and a liquid container (52). A cigarette liquid is stored in the liquid container (52). The fluid transportation device (6) includes an input channel (6a) and an output channel (6b). The input channel (6a) is in communication with the liquid container (52). The output channel (6b) is in communication with the atomizer (4). The cigarette liquid is transferred to the atomizer (4) at a certain amount. Consequently, an atomized vapor is generated.