E-liquid Container With Segmented Insert and Pivoting Lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for electronic nicotine delivery systems lack efficient designs for supporting and protecting the devices, particularly in terms of upright positioning and easy access for use and maintenance, while also failing to accommodate ancillary articles effectively.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a rigid elongate body with a chamber and an insert that includes a dividing wall to separate openings, allowing for upright positioning of an electronic nicotine delivery system and ancillary articles, along with a pivotally attached lid that covers the openings in a closed position, and an over-center biasing mechanism to facilitate easy opening and closing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple container design is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to support and protect the electronic nicotine delivery system in an upright position is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into a body portion and a lid portion that can be separately manufactured and assembled. The insert is a separate component that can be molded independently and then inserted into the body, allowing each part to be optimized for its specific function while simplifying manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The insert is nested within the body of the container, with the insert forming upright support surfaces that protrude into the chamber. This nested structure allows the support functionality to be integrated within the container without adding external complexity, maintaining compactness while providing reliable upright positioning.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a container with multiple openings and dividers is used, then the ability to accommodate ancillary articles is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The container end is segmented into multiple openings (first opening for the electronic nicotine delivery system, second opening for ancillary articles) separated by a partition wall. This segmentation allows different types of articles to be stored in dedicated spaces while maintaining a relatively simple overall container structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed with multi-functionality to accommodate both the electronic nicotine delivery system and various ancillary articles (such as replacement cartridges, cleaning supplies, or instructional materials) through the second opening. This universal design allows a single container to serve multiple storage purposes without requiring multiple separate containers.
3Ease of operation
If a pivotally attached lid is used, then ease of access for use and maintenance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is pivotally attached to the body at a hinge, merging the closing and opening functions into a single component. This allows the lid to be easily opened for access to the electronic nicotine delivery system and ancillary articles, and then securely closed to protect the contents, all without requiring multiple separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal attachment is pre-configured during manufacturing, so that the lid is already positioned and oriented correctly for easy opening and closing. The hinge is installed in advance to provide the proper axis of rotation, eliminating the need for user assembly or adjustment and ensuring consistent ease of operation.
4Ease of operation
If an over-center biasing mechanism is used, then ease of opening and closing is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The over-center biasing mechanism uses a spring-loaded cam or lever system that automatically provides the necessary force to initiate lid opening or closing motion. Once the lid is moved past the over-center position, the biasing mechanism self-engages to complete the motion, reducing the effort required by the user without requiring a complex motorized or electronically controlled system.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments relate to a container for an elongate electronic nicotine delivery system or other flavored vapor delivery system. The container has a rigid elongate body which defines a chamber including an end and an insert received in the end having first and ancillary openings that lead into the chamber. The insert includes a dividing wall to separate the first and ancillary openings in the insert so that an elongate electronic nicotine delivery system inserted into the chamber through the first opening protrudes therefrom and is supported in an upright position within the chamber by the insert. A lid is pivotally attached to the body so that it covers the first and ancillary openings in the insert in a closed position.