Wire Antenna PCB Layout for Connected Smoking Substitute Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Most smoking substitute devices operate in isolation, limiting their functions and not being able to integrate seamlessly with other devices, which limits their functionalities and functionalities.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a smoking substitute device with a wire antenna that allows for wireless connectivity with a reduced footprint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a wire antenna is added to enable wireless connectivity, then adaptability and functionality are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless connectivity capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wire antenna is integrated with the existing housing structure of the smoking substitute device. The antenna is formed as an integral part of the housing or embedded within it, combining the structural function of the housing with the wireless communication function of the antenna, thereby enabling wireless connectivity without significantly increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection, structural support, and simultaneously acts as the antenna for wireless communication. This multi-functionality approach allows the same component to fulfill both structural and communication roles, improving adaptability while maintaining simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wireless connectivity components are integrated, then functionality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The antenna is manufactured as an integral part of the housing using the same molding or fabrication process. This integration eliminates the need for separate antenna assembly steps, reducing manufacturing complexity while enabling wireless connectivity functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure itself serves as the antenna, eliminating the need for separate antenna components and their associated assembly processes. The housing automatically provides both structural and wireless communication functions, simplifying the manufacturing process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3927200B1A smoking substitute device
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 IMPERIAL TOBACCO LTD
  • EP3927200B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3927200B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(c)
  • EP3927200B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

A smoking substitute device (10), comprising: a printed circuit board assembly (400) including a processor; a wire antenna (402), configured to allow the processor to wirelessly communicate with a remote device (2, 4); and a battery (128), for powering the smoking substitute device. The wire antenna (402) is positioned to solely overlap with a surface area of the printed circuit board assembly.