Vaporizer Assembly Dual Dispensing Interface Leakage Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

E-vaping devices face inefficiencies in vapor generation and fluid management, leading to inconsistent performance and potential for pre-vapor formulation leakage or incomplete vaporization, due to limitations in the design of vaporizer assemblies and fluid flow control.

Innovation Solution

The vaporizer assembly incorporates a dual dispensing interface system where the first dispensing interface is in direct contact with the heating element, while the second dispensing interface is isolated from direct fluid communication with the conduit, allowing for controlled pre-vapor formulation flow and buffering to prevent complete depletion of the reservoir, thereby ensuring consistent vapor generation and preventing leakage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single dispensing interface is used in direct contact with the heating element, then vapor generation is simplified, but fluid flow control is insufficient leading to leakage or incomplete vaporization

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevapor generation consistencyVSAvoiddispensing interface structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The dispensing interface is divided into two separate interfaces: a first dispensing interface in direct contact with the heating element for vaporization, and a second dispensing interface isolated from the conduit that provides fluid flow control and buffering. This segmentation allows each interface to perform its specific function optimally, preventing leakage while ensuring consistent vapor generation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the second dispensing interface is in direct fluid communication with the conduit, then fluid flow is maximized, but pre-vapor formulation leakage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid flow rateVSAvoidpre-vapor formulation leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The first dispensing interface acts as an intermediary between the second dispensing interface and the heating element. It receives pre-vapor formulation from the second interface and delivers it to the heating element for vaporization, preventing direct communication that would cause leakage while maintaining controlled fluid flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of moving object

If the reservoir is allowed to deplete completely, then device usage time is maximized, but inconsistent vapor production occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice usage timeVSAvoidvapor production consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The second dispensing interface is positioned and configured to provide preliminary buffering of pre-vapor formulation before the reservoir depletes. It maintains a controlled flow of formulation to the first dispensing interface, ensuring consistent vapor production until the reservoir is nearly depleted, at which point the device can be safely discontinued.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This design enhances the operational performance and efficiency of e-vaping devices by maintaining consistent vapor production, reducing the risk of leakage, and extending the device's usage time by utilizing the second dispensing interface as a buffer against reservoir depletion.

Implementation Method 1

a heating element configured to heat the pre-vapor formulation drawn into the conduit via the dispensing interface assembly to form a generated vapor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

An aerosol forming substrate may be conveyed to the heating element via a capillary material in contact with or adjacent to the heating element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP3883403B1Vaporizer assembly and components thereof
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 PHILIP MORRIS PRODUCTS SA
  • EP3883403B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3883403B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3883403B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

There is provided a vaporizer assembly (130), which includes a heating element (136) and a conduit assembly (133) configured to direct air to flow through a conduit (193) in fluid communication with the heating element (136), further includes a dispensing interface assembly (150) configured to be in fluid communication with both the conduit (193) and the vaporizer assembly exterior. The dispensing interface assembly (150) includes a first dispensing interface (150-1) and a second dispensing interface (150-2). The first dispensing interface (150-1) is in direct fluid communication with the conduit (193) and the heating element (136). A portion of the second dispensing interface (150-2) is exposed to the vaporizer assembly exterior. The second dispensing interface (150-2) is isolated from direct fluid communication with the heating element (136) by the first dispensing interface (150-1), and the first dispensing interface (150-1) is isolated from direct fluid communication with a reservoir (112) by the second dispensing interface (150- 2). The second dispensing interface (150-2) is configured to restrict a flow of pre-vapor formulation to the first dispensing interface (150-1).