E-Cigarette Protective Member With Connector-Based Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol generating systems, such as electronic cigarettes, lack effective retention mechanisms for protective members, leading to potential safety issues due to thermal hazards and dust infiltration, and do not ensure proper positioning or authenticity of protective components.
Innovation Solution
The integration of complementary electrical connectors between the electronic cigarette and the protective member for both mechanical and electrical coupling, along with unique coding and a communication module, ensures secure retention, authenticity verification, and enhanced functionality, eliminating the need for additional retention methods like magnets and preventing dust clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnets are used to hold the protective member on the electronic cigarette, then the protective member is retained in position, but additional components are added increasing device complexity and weight
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is designed to serve dual functions: electrical connection for charging/data transfer and mechanical retention for securing the protective member. This eliminates the need for separate magnets or retention mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the electrical connection function and mechanical retention function into a single integrated electrical connector assembly. The connector body and retention structure are merged into one component, simplifying the overall device architecture
2Ease of operation
If the first electrical connector is exposed without protection, then ease of connection is maintained, but dust infiltration and clogging occur
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is housed within the protective member's housing structure, which acts as a protective shell. This enclosure prevents dust and contaminants from infiltrating the connector while maintaining accessibility through the detachable design
Solution Approach 2:
The first electrical connector is nested within the protective member's housing structure, with the connector positioned inside the protective barrier. This nesting arrangement protects the connector from environmental contaminants while preserving its functional accessibility
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the protective member is made detachable for safety, then user safety during handling is improved, but retention reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector assembly provides a dynamic retention mechanism that maintains secure attachment during normal use but allows easy detachment when needed. The mechanical engagement features enable reliable holding force during handling while preserving user ability to remove the protective member
4Force
If additional retention members like magnets are added, then retention strength is improved, but weight and device simplicity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connector is designed to provide both electrical connection and mechanical retention functions. The connector's structural design inherently provides sufficient retention force through its mechanical engagement features without requiring additional magnetic or adhesive components, thereby avoiding extra weight
Data Source
AI summary
An aerosol generating system includes an electronic cigarette with a vaping function and a protective member detachably mounted on the electronic cigarette. The electronic cigarette includes a first electrical connector.The protective member includes a second electrical connector complementary to the first electrical connector and adapted to be coupled to the first electrical connector when the protective element is mounted on the electronic cigarette.