Vaping Reservoir Refill Interface for Leak-Free Child-Proof Filling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic vaping devices face challenges in efficiently and leak-free refilling of pre-vapor formulations, particularly in ensuring that the refilling process is secure and prevents exposure to the formulation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a refill container system with interlocking rings, including a male and female interlocking ring configuration, that securely connects to a reservoir, utilizing a ball valve and chimney support to control the flow of the pre-vapor formulation during refilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a refill container system with interlocking rings is implemented, then the security and leak-free refilling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking ring system employs nested structural elements where the first interlocking ring on the reservoir contains grooves that receive protrusions from the second interlocking ring on the refill container. This nested configuration creates a secure, multi-layered connection that prevents accidental disconnection and ensures leak-free refilling, while the rings themselves integrate multiple functions including sealing, alignment, and child-proof protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The refilling system is divided into distinct functional segments: the reservoir with its first interlocking ring, the refill container with its second interlocking ring, the ball valve mechanism, and the chimney support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for its specific function while maintaining overall system reliability and enabling easy manufacturing and assembly.
2Reliability
If a ball valve and chimney support are used to control formulation flow, then the leak-free refilling is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ball valve mechanism is designed to automatically control the flow of pre-vapor formulation during refilling without requiring manual operation. When the refill container is properly connected via the interlocking rings, the ball valve self-activates to permit controlled flow, and automatically closes when refilling is complete or if disconnected, providing leak-free operation through self-regulating mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The chimney support acts as an intermediary structural element that maintains proper positioning and alignment between the ball valve and the formulation flow path. This intermediary component ensures that the ball valve operates correctly by providing a stable support structure, preventing misalignment that could cause leaks, while adding minimal complexity to the overall system.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a child-proof mechanism is implemented, then the safety is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The child-proof mechanism utilizes asymmetric interlocking ring designs where the protrusions and grooves are positioned and shaped in non-symmetric patterns. This asymmetry prevents incorrect or accidental connection attempts by children, as the rings will not align properly unless deliberately and correctly positioned. For authorized users, the refilling process remains straightforward once the correct alignment is achieved, maintaining ease of operation for the intended purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking ring system incorporates preliminary anti-action by designing the connection interface to inherently resist unintended opening or disconnection. The grooves and protrusions create a mechanical lock that requires deliberate action to disengage, preventing accidental exposure to the formulation. This preliminary protective design ensures that once properly connected, the system maintains its sealed state without requiring additional active protection measures.
Data Source
AI summary
A reservoir refill system for an electronic vaping device includes a refill container and a reservoir. The refill container contains a pre-vapor formulation. The refill container includes a body, an opening in the body, and a first interlocking ring including at least one groove or at least one protrusion therein. The reservoir is configured to contain a pre-vapor formulation and includes a reservoir body, an opening in the reservoir body, and a second interlocking ring including at least one groove or at least one protrusion therein at an opening of the reservoir. The first interlocking ring is configured to mate with the second interlocking ring so as to release the pre-vapor formulation from the refill container to the reservoir.