Sealed Storage Case for E-Cigarette Cartomizers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerosol/vapor provision systems, such as e-cigarettes, face leakage issues due to unvaporized source liquid entering the air flow path, which can lead to liquid leakage through air inlet or outlet apertures, posing challenges in storage and handling.
Innovation Solution
A storage case with sealing means, such as protrusions or collars, is designed to inhibit liquid egress from air path apertures by engaging with the cartomizer, providing a friction or compression fit, or using screw threads to prevent liquid from entering the storage volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cartomizer is stored in an open state, then easy access and visibility are improved, but liquid leakage into the storage volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage case is divided into two separate compartments: a first volume for storing the cartomizer and a second volume for storing batteries or other accessories. This segmentation prevents liquid from the cartomizer from contaminating other components stored in the case, while both compartments remain accessible when the case is opened.
Solution Approach 2:
A liquid-resistant barrier (liquid-resistant film or coating) is applied to the partition wall between the first and second volumes. This intermediary layer prevents liquid penetration while allowing the partition to maintain its structural function of separating different storage areas.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the storage case is made completely liquid-tight, then liquid leakage is prevented, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of making the entire storage case liquid-tight, liquid resistance is applied locally only to the partition wall that separates the cartomizer storage area from other compartments. This is achieved through applying a liquid-resistant film or coating only to the partition surface that contacts or faces the cartomizer, reducing material and manufacturing costs while providing adequate protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall is modified by changing its surface properties through the application of a liquid-resistant film or coating. This parameter change (surface treatment) provides liquid resistance without fundamentally altering the overall structure or material composition of the storage case, keeping manufacturing simple.
3Volume of stationary object
If the partition wall is made thin for compactness, then case size is reduced, but liquid penetration resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition wall is constructed as a composite structure combining a thin base material (for compactness) with a liquid-resistant film or coating layer (for penetration resistance). This composite approach allows the partition to maintain minimal thickness while the surface treatment provides the necessary liquid barrier properties.
Solution Approach 2:
A liquid-resistant film or coating is applied to the partition wall surface as an intermediary layer. This thin film provides liquid penetration resistance without significantly increasing the overall thickness of the partition wall, maintaining the compact size of the storage case.
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 storage case effectively reduces or inhibits liquid leakage from cartomizers, protecting both the liquid and other components like batteries from exposure, while allowing for potential charging capabilities within the case.
Implementation Method 1
The surface feature may be configured to be elastically deformable to provide a friction or compression fit with or against the component portion
Implementation Method 2
The surface feature may be configured to be elastically deformable to provide a friction or compression fit with or against the component portion
Implementation Method 3
The surface feature may be configured to be elastically deformable to provide a friction or compression fit with or against the component portion
Data Source
AI summary
A storage case for an electronic vapor provision device component having a reservoir for source liquid, the case defining an interior storage volume and including a receiving volume configured to receive at least one such component within the case; and at least one sealing means configured to inhibit liquid held in such a component received in the receiving volume from flowing into the interior storage volume.