Electronic Smoking Article Connector System Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic smoking articles face difficulties with secure and easy connection of their two sections, often requiring threaded connections that can be challenging to align properly, affecting airflow and user experience.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a connector system with a first and second connector piece featuring opposing protrusions and internal grooves or slots, allowing for easy alignment and secure locking with tactile and audible feedback, ensuring reliable connection and disconnection of the electronic smoking article's sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded connections are used to connect the two sections, then the connection can be secure, but the alignment becomes difficult and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate pieces (first connector piece and second connector piece) that fit together. Each piece has specific features (protrusions on one, grooves on the other) that guide proper alignment and secure connection, making the assembly process simpler while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary component between the two sections of the electronic smoking article. It provides a standardized interface with protrusions and grooves that facilitate easy alignment and secure connection, eliminating the need for direct threaded connections between the sections
2Reliability
If threaded connections are used to connect the two sections, then the connection can be secure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into distinct features (protrusions and grooves) on separate connector pieces. This segmentation simplifies the overall design by replacing complex threaded mechanisms with simpler, more intuitive interlocking features that are easier to manufacture and assemble
Solution Approach 2:
The connector features self-aligning characteristics where the protrusions and grooves automatically guide the connector pieces into proper alignment during assembly. This self-service feature eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures or additional fastening mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining secure connection
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 connector system facilitates easy and reliable alignment and connection of the electronic smoking article's sections, enhancing user experience by simplifying assembly and ensuring consistent airflow and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a heater element which vaporizes liquid material to produce an aerosol or 'vapor'. The heater element preferably comprises a resistive heater coil
Implementation Method 2
a wick extending therethrough and into a liquid supply reservoir
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic smoking article includes a first section containing a liquid supply reservoir including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, and a wick in communication with the liquid material and operable to deliver the liquid material to the heater, and a second section containing a power supply. The first section is connected to the second section with a connection including a first connector piece and a second connector piece.