Triangular Capsule Design for Electronic Smoking Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic smoking devices and capsules often have a bulky or complicated design that obstructs the aerosol flow and lacks a user-friendly, smooth shape, leading to issues with capsule mounting and stability.
Innovation Solution
The system features an electronic smoking device with a rechargeable battery and an atomizer, paired with a capsule having a triangular-like cross-sectional shape that allows for a snug fit with a circular interface, ensuring unobstructed aerosol flow and preventing unintentional rolling, while maintaining a smooth appearance and cost-effective manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the capsule has a circular cross-sectional shape, then it provides a smooth appearance and pleasant shape, but it cannot be tightly mounted in a circular interface leaving sufficient free space for aerosol flow
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule shell is given a triangular-like cross-sectional shape instead of a circular shape. This asymmetric polygonal shape allows the capsule to be tightly mounted in a circular interface while leaving maximum free space between the capsule and the interface, enabling unobstructed aerosol flow from the atomizer to the mouth end.
2Area of stationary object
If the capsule has a triangular-like cross-sectional shape, then it allows tight mounting with maximum free space for aerosol flow, but it may complicate the manufacturing process
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-sectional shape of the capsule shell is changed from circular to triangular-like (polygonal). This parameter change in geometry allows the capsule to be tightly mounted in a circular interface while leaving sufficient free space for aerosol flow, and can be manufactured cost-effectively using appropriate molding techniques.
3Ease of manufacture
If the capsule has a circular cross-sectional shape, then it is easy to manufacture, but it may roll away unintentionally when placed on a surface
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule shell is given a triangular-like cross-sectional shape instead of a circular shape. This asymmetric polygonal shape prevents the capsule from rolling away unintentionally when placed on a surface, while still allowing cost-effective manufacturing using appropriate molding techniques.
4Reliability
If the capsule design includes ribs and ducts on the exterior surface to allow aerosol flow, then it enables aerosol passage, but it creates a bulky and complicated appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The triangular-like cross-sectional shape of the capsule shell inherently creates channels and pathways for aerosol flow between the capsule surface and the circular interface, eliminating the need for additional ribs and ducts on the exterior surface. This maintains a smooth, simple appearance while ensuring reliable aerosol passage.
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 triangular-like capsule design ensures a secure, smooth, and aesthetically pleasing fit with the electronic smoking device, enhancing aerosol flow and user experience while preventing accidental rolling and allowing for adjustable draw resistance.
Implementation Method 1
a first end side of the shell being sealed by a puncturable membrane
Implementation Method 2
an electrically heatable atomizer adapted to atomize a liquid supplied from a capsule
Data Source
AI summary
In a system comprising an electronic smoking device and a capsule (6), the electronic smoking device includes a housing, an electric power source, an electrically heatable atomizer adapted to atomize a liquid supplied from the capsule (6), an interface adapted to mount the capsule (6) at the electronic smoking device, and control electronics. The capsule (6) comprises a shell (30) having a longitudinal axis and containing a liquid. A first end side (32) of the shell (30) is sealed by a puncturable membrane. The capsule (6) is adapted to be mounted at the electronic smoking device via the interface. The shell (30) has a triangular-like cross-sectional shape (50) transversely to its longitudinal axis, in an area which extends over at least part of the shell (30) in a direction along its longitudinal axis.