Side-by-Side Cartridge Terminal Layout for Heater Resistance Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for improved information transfer capabilities and precise temperature control in personal vaporizing devices, such as electronic cigarettes, to monitor consumable usage and heating element temperature, which existing technologies have not adequately addressed due to variations in consumable manufacturing processes and lack of accurate resistance measurement.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves enhancing the electrical circuitry of consumables and the connection between the main body and consumables by using a controller on a printed circuit board, with circuit terminals and power terminals arranged on a plane, and a method to measure the heating element's resistance by applying a current and measuring voltage, allowing for precise temperature determination and regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If circuit terminals are arranged on a lateral surface parallel to the insertion direction, then information transfer capability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional terminal arrangements to placing circuit terminals on the lateral surface of the connection portion, which is parallel to the insertion direction. This dimensional repositioning allows multiple terminals to be arranged in a plane, enabling simultaneous electrical connections for power and data transfer while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized PCB techniques.
2Reliability
If multiple circuit terminals are located on the same plane, then connection reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electrical connection functions (power supply, data transfer, authentication) into a single planar arrangement of circuit terminals on the cartridge. This merging of functions into one integrated connection interface improves reliability by ensuring simultaneous contact while managing complexity through unified PCB design rather than separate connection mechanisms.
3Area of stationary object
If distance between neighboring circuit terminals is reduced, then space utilization is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the distance parameter between neighboring circuit terminals within the range of 0.05-2.0 mm, balancing space utilization with manufacturing capabilities. This parameter optimization allows efficient use of the connection portion area while remaining within the precision limits of standard PCB manufacturing processes, achieving compact design without excessive complexity.
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
This approach enables accurate monitoring of consumable usage and precise temperature control of the heating element, improving the efficiency and consistency of vaporization in personal vaporizing devices.
Implementation Method 1
Vaporization occurs when the heating element heats up the vaporizing material for instance a vaporizing liquid in or on a liquid transfer element (such as a wick) to a temperature exceeding the boiling temperature of the material (e.g. liquid), where vaporization occurs.
Implementation Method 2
the controller is configured to measure a resistance of the heating element by applying a current through the heating element, measuring a resulting voltage at ends of the heating element, and determining the resistance from the measured voltage
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A cartridge (16) for releasable connection to an electronic cigarette (2), the cartridge comprises a substance to be vaporized and is provided with an electrical circuitry (42), wherein the electrical circuitry comprises: circuit terminals (48) configured to engage with circuit connectors (19) located on a main body (4) of the electronic cigarette and configured to establish a data connection between the cartridge and the main body, a memory (44) for storing data, and wherein the circuit terminals of the cartridge are located on a housing of the cartridge, and one or more of the plurality of circuit terminals, or at least initial connection portions thereof, are provided at different positions in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge relative to the longitudinal positions of the circuit connectors, or at least initial connection portions thereof.