Tool-Actuated Refillable Aerosol Cartridge Closure Against Leakage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerosol provision systems, such as e-cigarettes, face issues with leakage and inadvertent access to the aerosol precursor material, which is typically stored in a refillable tank, necessitating a secure and controlled refilling mechanism.
Innovation Solution
Aerosol provision systems are equipped with a refillable chamber that has a closure mechanism movable between positions requiring a tool for access, with a compartment to store the tool, ensuring secure refilling by preventing unauthorized access and leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a refillable tank is used to store aerosol precursor material, then the system allows controlled refilling, but leakage and inadvertent access occur
Solution Approach 1:
A closure member is introduced as an intermediary component between the refillable tank and the external environment. This closure member includes a valve mechanism that controls the opening and closing of the tank opening, preventing leakage while allowing controlled refilling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member is designed with a valve mechanism that automatically closes the tank opening after refilling is complete. The system self-regulates the refilling process without requiring continuous user intervention, preventing overfilling and leakage while maintaining ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a closure means is added to prevent access, then leakage is inhibited, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it seals the tank opening to prevent leakage, provides a valve mechanism for controlled refilling, and includes a removable feature for user access. This merging reduces overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure member serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a seal, a valve, an access control mechanism, and a structural component of the tank assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while enhancing access prevention.
3Reliability
If a tool is required to move the closure means, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure member is designed with a removable feature that can be easily detached using a simple tool. This disposable-like design allows for easy replacement and access, maintaining user convenience while preventing unauthorized access through the requirement of a specific tool for manipulation.
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 system effectively prevents inadvertent access and leakage of aerosol precursor material, ensuring safe and controlled refilling of the cartridge.
Implementation Method 1
When a user inhales on the device, the aerosol generating component is activated to vaporise an amount of the aerosol precursor material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A system comprising an aerosol provision cartridge (30), a body (20) to which the cartridge (30) is attachable, and a tool (200). The cartridge (30) comprises a refillable chamber (40) for aerosolisable material, the chamber (40) comprising an opening (70) for the insertion of aerosolisable material into the chamber (40), wherein the cartridge (30) further comprises a closure means (100) for preventing access to the opening (70), wherein the closure means (100) is moveable from a first position in which access to the opening (70) is prevented, and a second position in which access to the opening is possible, wherein the cartridge (30) is configured such that movement of the closure means (100) between the first position and the second position requires use of the tool (200). At least one of the body (20) and the cartridge (30) may comprise a compartment (27) for storing the tool (200), wherein the tool (200) is removable from the compartment (27).