Automated Vaporizer Testing Apparatus with Movable Holding Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
The electronic cigarette manufacturing industry requires an automated testing method for vaporizers to ensure proper functioning without manual intervention, as malfunctioning vaporizers need to be identified and removed from the production line efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A testing apparatus comprising a holding construction part, contact construction part, and measuring part to electrically power and measure the resistance and inductance of the heating element in vaporizers, allowing for continuous, reliable testing of vaporizers in various stages of assembly, including those integrated into electronic cigarettes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated testing is implemented to eliminate manual intervention, then productivity and testing speed are improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for automated holding, contacting, and measuring systems
Solution Approach 1:
The testing apparatus is divided into distinct functional modules: a holding construction part with multiple holding units for securing vaporizers, a contact construction part with electrical contact members for establishing electrical connections, and a measuring part for measuring electrical quantities. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding construction part is designed to be movable, enabling the holding units to be positioned along a trajectory to accommodate vaporizers in various stages of assembly. The electrical contact members are configured to contact electric terminals of vaporizers universally, regardless of their specific configuration, allowing the same apparatus to test different types of vaporizers without requiring manual intervention or reconfiguration.
2Productivity
If multiple holding units are used to test multiple vaporizers simultaneously, then productivity is improved, but the area occupied by the testing apparatus increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of arranging multiple holding units in a linear sequence that would occupy significant linear space, the holding units are arranged in a multi-dimensional configuration where they can be positioned along a trajectory in space. The movable holding construction part allows units to be distributed in three-dimensional space rather than confined to a single plane, reducing the apparatus footprint while maintaining batch testing capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical contact members are configured to contact electric terminals of vaporizers in various stages of assembly, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision may be affected by variability in contact quality
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical contact members are designed with dynamic positioning capabilities, allowing them to adjust their position to ensure reliable contact with the electric terminals of vaporizers regardless of the vaporizer's assembly stage. This dynamic adjustment mechanism maintains consistent contact quality and measurement precision across different vaporizer configurations by adapting the contact position rather than requiring fixed positioning.
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 apparatus enables high-speed, automated testing of vaporizers, ensuring proper configuration and functioning, thereby ensuring the production of vapor when electrically powered, and effectively identifying defective units for removal from the production process.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element, electric terminals connected to the heating element for electrically powering the heating element... when a current flows through the electric terminals in the heating element
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus for testing vaporizers of electronic cigarettes is disclosed. Each vaporizer comprises a heating element, and electric terminals for electrically powering the heating element. The testing apparatus comprises a holding construction part with multiple movable vaporizer holding units. A contact construction part is provided with multiple electric contact members each associated with a respective holding unit, and electrically contacting at least one electric terminal of a vaporizer in the associated holding unit. A supply construction part conducts electric power to each contact member. A measuring part measures at least one electric quantity representative of an electric resistance and/or inductance of the heating element, compares the measured quantity with a predetermined range and, if the measured quantity is outside the range, outputs a rejection signal.