Vaping Reservoir Refill Interface for Leak-Free Formulation Transfer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic vaping devices face challenges in providing a leak-free and spill-free refilling mechanism for pre-vapor formulations, which can lead to undesirable contact and exposure, especially in child-proofing and medical applications.

Innovation Solution

A refill container system with interlocking rings, including a male and female interlocking ring configuration, a ball valve assembly, and a flexible valve mechanism, that securely connects and disconnects to prevent accidental release of the pre-vapor formulation, ensuring easy and safe refilling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a refillable reservoir system is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential leakage and accidental release

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverefilling operationVSAvoidleak prevention

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reservoir opening is pre-equipped with a valve mechanism (ball valve or spring-loaded disk) that is already in a closed position before refilling. The interlocking ring system is pre-configured with alignment features (grooves and protrusions) that automatically engage to seal the opening. This preliminary preparation ensures that the reservoir is leak-free before the refilling operation begins, resolving the contradiction between ease of refilling and reliability of leak prevention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If a simple opening design is used, then ease of operation is improved, but object-generated harmful factors worsen due to accidental exposure

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to formulationVSAvoidaccidental release

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The interlocking ring acts as an intermediary component between the reservoir opening and the refill container. It provides a mechanical interface that must be properly aligned and engaged to allow formulation transfer. This intermediary mechanism prevents direct access to the opening, thereby preventing accidental release while still allowing controlled refilling when the interlocking rings are properly connected.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a secure connection mechanism is used, then reliability is improved, but device complexity worsens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidinterlocking mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism is divided into separate components: the reservoir opening with its valve, the interlocking ring with grooves and protrusions, and the refill container with its own interlocking features. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and assembled in a straightforward sequence, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection security.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having a complex locking mechanism that requires active engagement, the design uses a passive interlocking system where the grooves and protrusions automatically align and engage when the refill container is brought close to the reservoir. The valve opens automatically when the interlocking rings are properly connected, inverting the traditional approach where a separate action is needed to unlock.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 provides a leak-free, spill-free, and child-proof refilling solution by ensuring the pre-vapor formulation is only released when the interlocking rings are properly aligned, reducing exposure risks and facilitating safe use in both consumer and medical contexts.

Implementation Method 1

The ball valve includes a spring loaded ball

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The valve includes a spring loaded disk

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS12133299B2Reservoir filling system for an electronic vaping device

Publication Date: 2024.10.29 ALTRIA CLIENT SERVICES LLC

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.