Rotating Multi-Cartridge Vaporiser for Single-Tank Activation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing personal vaporisers face issues with difficulty in filling and leaking, regulatory compliance due to e-liquid capacity, and cumbersome use when multiple flavors run out, as well as risks of simultaneous activation of multiple tanks.
Innovation Solution
A personal vaporiser device with an upper and lower portion, featuring a storage housing for at least two e-liquid cartridges, allowing selective electrical coupling and activation of a single cartridge through predefined rotational positions, and a rotatable mouthpiece for aligned airflow, ensuring only one cartridge is activated at a time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sealed tanks are used in a disposable device, then multiple flavors can be stored, but the device becomes cumbersome to carry when tanks are empty and electrical coupling risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate replaceable cartridges (upper portion) and base (lower portion). Each cartridge contains a single e-liquid reservoir and heating element, allowing users to replace only the cartridge when empty rather than disposing of the entire device. This segmentation reduces waste and simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining multi-flavor capability through multiple cartridge replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
A spring-loaded electrode contact acts as an intermediary between the battery and cartridge heating element. The spring mechanism ensures reliable electrical connection only when a cartridge is properly inserted and aligned, preventing accidental activation of multiple tanks. This intermediary component solves the electrical coupling risk while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If a central rotation axis with magnets is used to hold portions together, then rotational selection is enabled, but the risk of simultaneous electrical activation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the magnetic coupling system with a spring-loaded mechanical contact system. The spring electrode contact provides controlled electrical connection that engages only when the cartridge is properly positioned, eliminating the risk of simultaneous activation inherent in magnetic systems. This mechanical substitution maintains rotational selection capability while improving electrical safety.
3Quantity of substance
If refillable tanks are used, then regulatory compliance can be managed, but filling difficulty and leaking increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable cartridges containing pre-filled e-liquid reservoirs. These cartridges are manufactured sealed with precise e-liquid quantities, eliminating user filling operations and associated leaking risks. The cartridges are designed for single-use or limited use cycles, then replaced, maintaining regulatory compliance through controlled e-liquid quantities while simplifying the user experience.
4Ease of operation
If exposed electrodes are used for electrical coupling, then simple connection is achieved, but simultaneous activation of multiple tanks becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
A spring-loaded electrode contact serves as an intermediary between the battery terminal and cartridge heating element. This mechanism provides simple electrical connection while ensuring that contact is made only when a cartridge is properly inserted and aligned in the correct position. The spring mechanism naturally prevents simultaneous activation of multiple tanks by maintaining contact with only one cartridge at a time.
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 easy filling and storage of multiple cartridges, reduces the risk of leakage, enhances user convenience by allowing selection of flavors without mixing, and ensures regulatory compliance by limiting active e-liquid volume.
Implementation Method 1
The heating element acts to warm the vaporising medium, which causes it to vaporise
Implementation Method 2
the other comprising a spring configured to be engaged with at least one of the first and second portions and bias the other towards the spring
Data Source
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AI summary
A personal vaporiser device is described, the device an upper portion with a mouthpiece having a vapor outlet for inhalation of a vapourised medium and a storage housing. The storage housing comprising a storage divider for retaining at least two e-liquid cartridges in position relative to the mouthpiece. The e-liquid cartridges comprise a vaporiser medium, a heating element for vaporising the vaporiser medium an electrode for providing an electrical pathway to the heating element and an outlet coupled to the mouthpiece through which the vaporised medium can be sucked. A lower portion of the device is rotationally coupled to the upper portion and comprises an electrode contact configured to engage with an electrode of a single retained e-liquid cartridge and a battery electrically coupled to the electrode contact for supplying power to the heating elements. The upper portion is rotatable into a selected predefined rotational position relative to the lower portion to align the electrode contact to an electrode such that activation of the battery vaporises any vaporiser medium in a single retained e-liquid cartridge and the mouthpiece is removable to allow loading and unloading of e-liquid cartridges into the storage divider.