Pivoting Aerosol Case Holder for Easy Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol-generating systems face difficulties in efficiently and easily inserting and removing aerosol-generating devices into cases, especially in low light conditions or when the user is moving, due to the requirement for precise alignment of narrow openings.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a case with a pivotally coupled device holder that allows for a variable-sized opening and an electrical connector at the distal end of the device, enabling easier alignment and insertion, along with magnetic retention for secure engagement, and a gap at the second end of the device holder for wider angle insertion and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a narrow opening is used in the case for receiving the aerosol-generating device, then the device is protected when stored in the case, but the user has difficulty inserting and removing the device due to alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The case is divided into a housing and a pivotally coupled device holder, allowing the opening to be dynamically adjusted between open and closed positions, providing both access and protection
Solution Approach 2:
The device holder is made movable through pivotal coupling, enabling the opening size to vary between fully open (for easy insertion) and closed (for protection), resolving the contradiction between accessibility and protection
2Ease of operation
If the electrical connector part is placed at the proximal end of the device, then it is easily accessible, but it is prone to fouling or damaging during normal use
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the connector at the proximal end (conventional location), the first connector part is placed at the distal end of the device, inverting the expected location to avoid fouling while maintaining functionality
3Ease of operation
If a lifting mechanism is added to the case for removing the device, then device removal is facilitated, but the case design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The device holder is designed to pivot open, allowing the device to be self-removed from the case without requiring a lifting mechanism, maintaining simplicity while facilitating removal
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 enhances the speed and ease of device insertion and removal, reduces the risk of connector damage, and eliminates the need for a lifting mechanism, thereby simplifying the case design and improving user experience.
Implementation Method 1
A first magnetically attractible material is provided in the device holder and a second magnetically attractible material is provided in the housing. The first and second magnetically attractible materials are arranged to provide magnetic attraction between the device holder and the housing when the device holder is in the closed position.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrically operated aerosol-generating system comprises an aerosol-generating device (120) and a case (101) configured to receive the aerosol-generating device (120). The case (101) comprises a housing (102) having an opening (105) and a device holder (106) pivotally coupled to the housing (102) and pivotable relative to the housing (102) between an open position and a closed position. The device holder comprises an external wall (107) and one or more internal walls (108) arranged to releasably hold the aerosol-generating device (120). The device holder (106) has a first end and a second end, opposite the first end, and the device holder is pivotally coupled to the housing at or around the first end.