Retrofit Connector for Modular E-Cigarette Power Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
E-cigarettes often come with inbuilt functions that users do not utilize, leading to inefficiency in power consumption and manufacturing complexity, making it challenging to provide aerosol provision systems that meet individual user needs and preferences.
Innovation Solution
A connector that can be retrofitted to e-cigarettes, featuring a sensor and control unit to adjust power supply based on user parameters, such as inhalation detection, airflow, and temperature, allowing for customizable functionality and compatibility with incompatible vaporizer and battery components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If inbuilt functions are provided in the e-cigarette, then functionality and user needs coverage are improved, but power consumption increases and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides functionality into modular components: a basic e-cigarette unit and separate retrofit connectors that can be added later. Each connector provides specific functions (heating control, temperature sensing, inhalation detection) that can be independently selected and installed, allowing users to have functions only when needed, thus reducing baseline power consumption and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic configuration where users can start with a simple e-cigarette and progressively add functional modules via retrofit connectors. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to evolve from a basic device to a fully-featured device only when and where the user requires additional functionality, optimizing the balance between functionality and resource consumption.
2Adaptability or versatility
If inbuilt functions are provided in the e-cigarette, then functionality and user needs coverage are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the e-cigarette into a basic unit and separate functional modules delivered via retrofit connectors. This segmentation allows the basic unit to be manufactured simply, while complex functions are added through separately manufactured connectors that interface with standardized connection points, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrofit connectors are designed with universal interfaces that can be applied to multiple e-cigarette models. A single connector design can serve multiple functions (e.g., providing both heating control and temperature sensing) and can be installed on different base units, simplifying the manufacturing process through standardization and reuse of components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a connector is added to provide additional functionality, then versatility and customization are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retrofit connector acts as an intermediary device that bridges the basic e-cigarette unit and additional functional components. It provides standardized interfaces and connection points that simplify the integration of various functions, allowing users to customize their device without directly dealing with the complexity of internal wiring and component integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts complex functional capabilities from the basic e-cigarette design and places them in separate retrofit connectors. This extraction allows the core device to remain simple while offering users the option to add complexity only when needed, through easily attachable modules that contain specialized components like temperature sensors, flow sensors, or alternative heating elements.
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 a more versatile and efficient e-cigarette experience by providing only the required functionalities, reducing power wastage and manufacturing complexity, while allowing users to combine different components according to their needs.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor for sensing a parameter indicative of a change in the electronic aerosol provision system
Implementation Method 2
a heating element or other aerosol generating component coupled to a portion of the aerosol precursor material from the reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a connector configured to be retrofitted to an electronic aerosol provision system including a first connecting interface connectable to a vaporizer for vaporizing liquid for inhalation by a user; a second connecting interface connectable to a power supply for supplying power to the vaporizer; a sensor for sensing a parameter indicative of a change in the electronic aerosol provision system; and a control unit connected to the sensor and configured to output a signal based on the information from the sensor, wherein the connector, when connected to a vaporizer and to a power supply, forms an electronic aerosol provision system.