Rectangular E-Cigarette Cartridge with Parallel Reservoirs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic smoking devices lack an intuitive and efficient method to select and indicate which e-liquids are being vaporized, and they fail to efficiently store multiple e-liquids in a compact form factor.
Innovation Solution
A cartridge design with non-circular, parallel reservoirs for storing two e-liquids and transverse heating elements, allowing for selective vaporization and indication of the vaporized e-liquids through user inputs and indicator lights, maximizing space efficiency within a rectangular form factor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple e-liquids are stored in separate reservoirs, then the ability to selectively vaporize different e-liquids is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is divided into multiple separate reservoirs (first reservoir, second reservoir) that can independently store different e-liquids. Each reservoir is associated with its own heating element, allowing selective activation. This segmentation enables the device to offer multiple e-liquid options while maintaining a compact form factor by efficiently packing the divided components within the cartridge structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoirs are arranged in a parallel configuration within the cartridge housing, utilizing three-dimensional space efficiently. The non-circular cross-sectional shapes of the reservoirs allow for optimized spatial arrangement that maximizes storage capacity while minimizing overall cartridge dimensions, resolving the contradiction between multiple reservoirs and compact size.
2Loss of information
If indicator lights are added to show which e-liquid is being vaporized, then user awareness and selection capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge incorporates indicator lights that change color or illuminate to indicate which e-liquid is currently being vaporized. The first indicator light corresponds to the first e-liquid and the second indicator light corresponds to the second e-liquid, providing clear visual feedback to the user about the active reservoir without requiring complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The indicator lights provide real-time feedback to the user about the operational state of each reservoir. When a heating element is activated, its corresponding indicator light illuminates, creating a simple feedback mechanism that enhances user understanding of device operation while adding minimal structural complexity.
3Volume of stationary object
If non-circular reservoir shapes are used, then space efficiency within the cartridge is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoirs are designed with non-circular cross-sectional shapes that are asymmetric in nature, allowing them to pack more efficiently within the rectangular cartridge housing. The asymmetric geometry maximizes the use of available space while the shapes are designed to be manufacturable using standard molding techniques, balancing space efficiency with manufacturing feasibility.
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
Enables intuitive selection and indication of vaporized e-liquids while maximizing storage volume, providing a compact and efficient solution for multiple e-liquids, enhancing user experience and device performance.
Implementation Method 1
A first heating element is coupled to the housing and operable to vaporize the first liquid vaporizable material to provide a first vapor drawable through the opening of the mouthpiece
Data Source
AI summary
A cartridge for an electronic smoking device. A housing is coupled to a mouthpiece and includes sidewalls partially defining a first reservoir that is non-circular in axial section and configured to store a first liquid vaporizable material, and a second reservoir that is non-circular in axial section and configured to store a second liquid vaporizable material. The first and second reservoirs are in parallel arrangement such that an outer periphery defined by outer surfaces of the sidewalls is rectangular in shape so as to be removably disposed within a rectangular-shaped opening of a capital assembly. The first and second reservoirs may be square or rectangular in axial section. First and second heating elements may be disposed widthwise within the cartridge and oriented transverse to the longitudinal axis. First and second wicks may be disposed widthwise within the cartridge and collinear to one another.