Snap-in Locking Connection for Electronic Smoking Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic smoking devices face issues with incorrect fitting and damage due to coaxial screw mechanisms, and the complexity of bayonet-type attachments, which lack clear indicators for proper connection.
Innovation Solution
A detachable electronic smoking device with a snap-in locking connection using connector arms and recesses for secure electrical and mechanical attachment between the battery and atomizer, providing easy assembly and intuitive feedback on correct fitting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coaxial screw mechanism is used to connect the atomizer to the battery, then mechanical and electrical connection is achieved, but the device can be incorrectly fitted or cross-threaded resulting in damage and lacks indication of correct fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric connector design where the male connector has protrusions that must align with corresponding recesses in the female connector. This asymmetric geometry prevents incorrect or cross-threaded fitting by allowing connection only in the correct orientation, thereby eliminating the reliability issues associated with coaxial screw mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation through simple push-to-connect action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates visual feedback indicators (such as colored rings or markings) that become visible or align when the connectors are properly engaged. This feedback mechanism provides immediate indication to the user that correct fitting has been achieved, resolving the issue of lacking connection status indication in traditional screw mechanisms.
2Reliability
If a bayonet type attachment is used, then connection is achieved, but the fitting is complicated to handle due to push and twist movement requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotational locking mechanism from the connection process, retaining only the essential push-to-connect action. The connector design allows the male and female connectors to engage through simple linear insertion, eliminating the complicated push-and-twist movement of bayonet attachments while maintaining adequate connection security through the snap-fit engagement of protrusions and recesses.
3Reliability
If connector arms with contact portions are used, then electrical connection is established, but the contact portions must be precisely spaced to ensure proper engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical connection into multiple discrete contact portions on the connector arms. Each contact portion is independently positioned to engage with corresponding contacts in the other connector. This segmentation allows for tolerance accumulation to be distributed across multiple contact points rather than requiring precise spacing of a single continuous contact, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining electrical connection reliability.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electronic smoking device (10) comprises a main body (12) including a battery (18); a mouthpiece portion (14) including an atomizer (26), wherein the main body (12) and the mouthpiece portion (14) are detachable. A first electrical connection element (42) is provided arranged at the main body (12) and electrically connected to the battery (18) and a second electrical connection element (44) is provided arranged at the mouthpiece portion (14) and electrically connected to the atomizer (26); wherein the first electrical connection element (42) comprises two connector arms (46, 48) extending in the direction of the main axis (A) and each having a contact portion (50) projecting inwards towards the main axis (A) and wherein the second electrical connection element (44) comprises at least one recess (54, 60) orientated outwards and adapted to receive a contact portion (50) such that a snap-in locking connection (40) is provided.