Removable Member for Aerosol System Impact Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aerosol provision systems for tobacco and non-tobacco products that heat instead of burn lack effective protection for components and user customization options, particularly in terms of impact resistance and ergonomic design.

Innovation Solution

An aerosol provision system with a removable member that can be securely attached to the assembly without obstructing the opening, providing protection and customization through various attachment methods, including magnets and snap-fit connections, and featuring a design that allows for easy attachment and removal, along with ergonomic enhancements like gripping surfaces and curved surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a removable member is added to protect the assembly from impact forces, then the protection and durability are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection from impactVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly is divided into a main body and a separate removable member that can be attached or detached independently. This segmentation allows the removable member to provide impact protection without permanently increasing the complexity of the core assembly structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The protective capability of the assembly is changed by adding or removing the removable member, allowing the protection parameter to be adjusted based on usage requirements without permanently modifying the base assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a removable member is added to allow customization options, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization optionsVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The removable member serves multiple functions: it provides impact protection, enables customization of textures and ergonomics, and allows user-specific adaptations. This multi-functionality achieves versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The removable member enables dynamic reconfiguration of the assembly, allowing users to adapt the device to different needs by attaching or removing the member, thereby achieving adaptability through flexible rather than fixed design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the removable member covers part of the outer surface, then the protection is improved, but the accessibility of control elements may be worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveprotectionVSAvoidaccessibility of control element
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The removable member is designed to cover only specific portions of the outer surface while leaving control elements and essential interfaces accessible. This localized approach provides protection where needed without compromising operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 system effectively protects components from impact and allows user customization, enhancing usability and comfort by providing a secure and ergonomic interface that reduces the likelihood of damage and improves handling.

Implementation Method 1

using attachment elements such as magnets or snap-fit connections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11533949B2Aerosol provision system and removable member
Publication Date: 2022.12.27 BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO (INVESTMENTS) LTD
  • US11533949B2 patent drawing
  • US11533949B2 patent drawing
  • US11533949B2 patent drawing

AI summary

In one aspect, an aerosol provision system is provided. The system includes an assembly defining an opening configured to receive a replaceable consumable and a removable member releasably engaged with the assembly. The removable member is configured to form part of an outer surface of the system, and is positioned so as not to obstruct the opening.