NZ787999A - Vaporization device with seal fixation member - Google Patents
Vaporization device with seal fixation memberInfo
- Publication number
- NZ787999A NZ787999A NZ787999A NZ78799920A NZ787999A NZ 787999 A NZ787999 A NZ 787999A NZ 787999 A NZ787999 A NZ 787999A NZ 78799920 A NZ78799920 A NZ 78799920A NZ 787999 A NZ787999 A NZ 787999A
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- seal
- examples
- battery
- heating coil
- housing
- Prior art date
Links
Abstract
vaporization device includes a housing, an absorbent reservoir, a battery, a heating component, a controller, a seal, and a seal fixation member. The seal is at least partially disposed through an end of the absorbent reservoir. The seal is configured form a seal between the absorbent reservoir and the battery to retard leakage of liquid toward the battery. The seal fixation member is configured engage and retain the seal to substantially constant dimensions. and the battery to retard leakage of liquid toward the battery. The seal fixation member is configured engage and retain the seal to substantially constant dimensions.
Description
VAPORIZATION DEVICE WITH SEAL FIXATION MEMBER
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present disclosure relates to vaporization devices, in particular, to
vaporization devices in the form of simulated cigarettes or e-cigarettes in which a liquid (e.g.,
a nicotine-containing liquid) is ed by a heating coil to produce vaporized aerosol to be
inhaled by a user.
BACKGROUND
Conventional e-cigarettes are constructed of a unitary body, customarily
with the front n providing a power supply and the rear portion providing a heating
component. In such conventional e-cigarettes, the heating ent does not achieve
sufficient contact with the oil storage oir containing the liquid, thereby resulting in
ineffective and inefficient heating and vaporizing of the liquid. Some solutions include
winding a heating wire around a glass fiber core and then guided out of a venting tube.
However, these solutions require a complicated ly process and are thus prone to easy
damaging of the heating wire and lowered resistance of the heating wire, which undesirably
decreases the useful life of the e-cigarette and the heating and vaporizing efficiency.
In addition to the foregoing, in tional e-cigarettes, there are an
unnecessary number of parts, which requires a ul amount of production costs and time.
Moreover, in such conventional e-cigarettes, the vaporized aerosol is onally provided
to the user at an undesirably (and potentially even dangerously) high temperature. In
on, in conventional e-cigarettes, there is insufficient liquid absorption in the nozzle cap
due to inadequate contact surfaces along which the liquid can be absorbed.
Therefore, there is a need for a vaporization device (e.g., a simulated
cigarette or e-cigarette) that is simple to assemble, provides efficient vaporization, and/or
provides reduced temperatures of the vaporized aerosol.
SUMMARY
In one example, a vaporization device is provided. The vaporization device
includes a housing. The housing has a first end and a second end opposite the first end
thereof. The vaporization device further includes a oir. The oir is an absorbent
reservoir. The absorbent reservoir is disposed in the housing. The absorbent reservoir is
disposed in the housing nt the first end thereof. The absorbent reservoir is configured
to store a liquid. The absorbent reservoir has a first end and a second end opposite the first
end thereof. The vaporization device further includes a battery. The battery is disposed in
the housing. The battery is disposed in the g adjacent the second end thereof. The
battery is spaced apart from the absorbent reservoir. The vaporization device further includes
a heating component. The heating component is at least partially ed within the
absorbent reservoir. The heating component is in electrical communication with the battery.
The g component is configured to be energized to e vaporized aerosol from the
liquid. The vaporization device further includes a controller. The controller is configured to
send a signal to energize the heating component. The vaporization device further includes a
seal. The seal is at least partially disposed through the second end of the absorbent oir.
The seal is configured to form a seal between the second end of the absorbent oir and
the battery to retard leakage of the liquid toward the battery. The vaporization device further
includes a seal fixation member. The seal fixation member is configured to engage and retain
the seal to substantially constant dimensions.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following description of the rative examples may be better
understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. It is tood that
potential es of the sed systems and methods are not limited to those depicted.
shows a first side view of a vaporization device according to one
example;
shows a second side view of the vaporization device of ;
shows a cross-sectional view of the vaporization device taken along
line 2-2 of ;
shows an exploded view of the vaporization device of ;
shows a perspective view of a housing of the vaporization device of
according to one example;
shows a perspective view of a heating component of the vaporization
device of ing to one example;
shows a perspective view of a first sleeving of the vaporization
device of according to one example;
shows a perspective view of the first sleeving of in use
with the heating component of
shows a perspective view of an upper seal of the vaporization device
of according to one example;
shows a ctive view of a lower seal of the vaporization device of
according to one example;
shows a ctive view of a oir of the vaporization device of
according to one example;
shows a perspective view of a second sleeving of the vaporization
device of according to one example;
A shows an exploded view of a bottom cap of the vaporization
device of according to one example;
B shows an end view of the bottom cap of A;
A shows a side view of a nozzle cap of the vaporization device of
according to one example;
B shows a bottom end view of the nozzle cap of A;
C shows a perspective view of the nozzle cap of A;
shows a top view of a battery of the vaporization device of
according to one example;
shows a top view of a controller, , and wires of the
vaporization device of according to one e;
shows a perspective view of a holder of the vaporization device of
according to one example;
shows a perspective view of a nozzle cap case according to one
example;
shows a perspective view of a bottom cap case according to one
example;
A shows an exploded view of a vaporization device according to one
example;
B shows a side cross-sectional view of the vaporization device of
A; and
C shows a top cross-sectional view of the vaporization device of
A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying
drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar s identify similar
components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative examples described in the
detailed description and drawings are not meant to be limiting and are for explanatory
purposes. Other examples may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without
departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be y
understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein and
illustrated in the drawings, may be ed, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide
variety of different configurations, each of which are explicitly contemplated and form a part
of this disclosure.
While e-cigarettes have been adequate for their intended purpose, there is a
need for a vaporization device (e.g., a simulated cigarette or e-cigarette) that is simple to
assemble, provides efficient vaporization, and/or provides reduced temperatures of the
vaporized aerosol.
As will be iated by those skilled in the art, the vaporization s of
the present disclosure may be used in a variety of applications. By way of non-limiting
example, it is contemplated that the vaporization devices described herein may be used to
provide a vaporized aerosol or smoke from a nicotine-containing liquid. In certain examples,
the nicotine-containing liquid may be l-grade nicotine (e.g., about 6%) and/or may be
combined with benzoic acid, ene glycol, and/or glycerin (e.g., vegetable glycerin),
which may allow the liquid to vaporize at lower temperatures and/or produce thick clouds
upon exhale.
Referring first to and , an example vaporization device 100
is shown. As ed, the vaporization device 100 may have a generally elongate body,
although other es of the disclosure are not so limited. In some es, the
vaporization device 100 may be able. As described in detail herein, the device 100
may be of any size, shape, and/or material as desired to suit a particular application. By way
of non-limiting example, the device may have a length of about 112.5mm, a width of about
.5mm, a height of about 7.0mm, and/or a weight of about 15.7grams.
The ic components of the vaporization device 100 may be seen with
reference to and . is a cross-sectional view of the vaporization
device 100 taken along long 2-2 in , and is an exploded view of the
vaporization device 100. As rated and explained in detail herein, the vaporization
device 100 may include a battery 105, housing 110, a g component 120, a first ng
130, a second sleeving 140, a reservoir 150, an upper seal 160, a lower seal 170, a bottom cap
180, and/or a nozzle cap 190.
As depicted in and , the vaporization device 100 may
e a battery 105. The battery 105 may be disposed within the housing 110. The battery
105 may generally be in electrical communication with the g coil 124 and may be
configured to energize the heating coil 124. The battery 105 may be of any size, shape,
and/or material as desired to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example,
the battery 105 may have a length of about 47mm, a width of about 14mm, and/or a height of
about 5mm. The battery 105 may, in certain examples, be made a ternary polymer lithium
battery. In some examples, the battery 105 may be a lithium cobalt battery. The battery 105
may have a capacity of about 280 mAh. In examples, the battery capacity may relate to the
capacity of the reservoir 150, as described below. For ce, a battery capacity for battery
105 can be provided that matches the amount of energy required to vaporize the fluid stored
in the oir 150. Such battery ty may also include an energization amount over the
minimum energy required to vaporize all fluid stored in the reservoir 150 to provide
additional battery capacity approximating for inefficiencies in vaporization owing to the need
to repeatedly re-energize the heating coil 124 from ambient or below-vaporization
temperature between uses or periods of zation. In examples, the y 105 may be
capable of being remanufactured or reused. For instance, the battery 105 may be configured
to be removable from the device, remanufactured (e.g., recharged or reenergized), and then
reinstalled into another device (e.g., a remanufactured device). This may advantageously
increase the useful life of the battery and decrease waste. In es, the battery 105 may
be configured to have a maximum output voltage of about 4.25 volts, a resistance of about
2.5 Ohms, and/or a maximum output current of about 1.7 amps. In examples, the device 100
may generally be configured to have a minimum operating voltage of about 3.2 volts, and the
battery 105 may generally be configured to provide the minimum operating voltage.
As shown in the g 110 is generally an elongate member,
although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited. The housing 110 es a first
end 112 and a second end 114. The first end 112 of the housing 110 is generally positioned
opposite the second end 114 of the housing 110 and the housing 110 s therebetween.
As will be described in more detail herein, a viewing panel 116 may be provided proximate
the second end 114 of the housing 110. The housing 110 may be of any size, shape, and/or
material as d to suit a particular application. In general, the housing 110 is sized and
shaped so as to be comfortably and conveniently held in a user’s hand. By way of non-
limiting e, the housing 110 may have a length of about 96mm, a width of about
.5mm, and/or a height of about 7mm. The housing 110 may, in certain examples, be made
of aluminum. In examples, the housing 110 may have beveled outer edges, which may
provide a more ergonomic feel for the user.
g now to s of the heating component 120 can be seen.
As will be tood with reference to and , the heating component 120
may be disposed in the housing 110. The heating component 120 includes a core element
122. The core element 122 may be an absorbent core t. In this way, the core element
122 may be ured to absorb and/or store a liquid therein. The core element 122 may, in
certain examples, serve as a temporary storage reservoir for the liquid to be vaporized. In
some es, the core element 122 may be in the form of an elongate rod or tube, although
other examples of the disclosure are not so limited. As will be appreciated by those skilled in
the art and may be understood with reference to , the core t 122 may interface
with (i.e., be in fluid communication with) the reservoir 150 and draw the liquid therefrom
onto the core element 122. The core element 122 may be of any size, shape, and/or al
as desired to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example, the core element
122 may have a length of about 19mm, a diameter of about 2mm, and/or a mass of about
0.8g. The core element 122 may, in certain examples, be made of cotton (e.g., organic
cotton). In some examples, the core element 122 may be in the form of a cotton rope, oilconducting
wool, or other absorbent al. The core element 122 described herein may
overcome some of the disadvantages of conventional glass fiber cores, which are prone to the
dusting of potentially harmful metals or fibers into the vaporized aerosol, which may
disadvantageously and potentially dangerously be provided to the user (e.g., by the ceramic
coil breaking and releasing silica powder, which is harmful to the user’s health).
With continued nce to the heating component 120 also includes
a heating coil 124. The heating coil 124 may be in the form of a wire. In this way, at least a
portion of the heating coil 124 may be wound around the core element 122. The heating coil
124 may, in certain es, may serve to heat the liquid drawn onto the core element 122.
In examples, the heating coil 124 may be configured to be energized to e a vaporized
aerosol from the liquid. The liquid may, in certain examples, be vaporized through
absorption as the liquid is drawn in by the core element 122. That is, in examples, generally
only the liquid that has been drawn in by the core element 122 is heated by the heating coil
124; the remainder of the liquid stored in the reservoir 150 (e.g., generally around the heating
component 120) remains unheated. This may advantageously obviate the need to
continuously reheat a large amount of liquid (e.g., the remainder of the liquid in the reservoir
150), which may lead to a fresher and more tent experience for the user during each
pull of vaporized aerosol and the prevention of molecular breakdown of the liquid (e.g., a
nicotine-containing liquid). This may also advantageously avoid the user from being
provided with vaporized aerosol having an undesirable burning taste or flavor as is known to
occur in existing e-cigarettes. The liquid may be drawn in by the core element 122 and/or
heated by the g coil 124 in response to a signal from a sensor 182, as bed herein
(e.g., a signal indicating suction or negative pressure). Upon heating the liquid via the
heating coil 124 to produce a vaporized aerosol or smoke, the vaporized aerosol or smoke
may lly travel along the flow path illustrated with arrows in .
In the example illustrated in the heating coil 124 may include a first
end portion 124a and a second end portion 124c. An intermediary portion 124b of the
heating coil 124 may be positioned between the first and second end portions 124a, 124b. In
examples, the intermediary portion 124b of the heating coil 124 may be crimped to the first
and second end portions 124a, 124b of the g coil 124. In other examples, the
intermediary portion 124b of the heating coil 124 may be soldered or otherwise attached to
the first and second end portions 124a, 124b of the heating coil 124. The intermediary
n 124b of the heating coil 124 may extend directly between the first and second end
portions 124a, 124b of the heating coil 124. In es, the intermediary portion 124b and
the first and second end portions 124a, 124b of the heating coil 124 may each be portions of a
, unitary wire that extends between the ve and negative terminals 105a, 105b of
the battery 105a. Although the intermediary n 124b of the heating coil 124 may be
connected to the first and second end portions 124a, 124b of the heating coil 124 as described
above, it is to be understood that the intermediary portion 124b and the first and second end
portions 124a, 124b of the heating coil 124 may each be ns of the same wire, with the
intermediary portion 124b disconnected (e.g., cut) from the first and second end portions
124a, 124b to ease the process of winding the intermediary portion 124b of the heating coil
124 about the core element 122 and reconnected thereafter (e.g., crimped, soldered). The
heating coil 124 may be electrically connected directly to the battery 105, and the heating coil
124 may be defined by a single, continuous wire having a substantially constant resistance
(e.g., about 2.5 Ohms) over its entire length as it extends from the positive terminal 105a of
the battery, winds around the core element 122, and extends to the negative al 105b of
the battery 105. In other related es, the heating coil 124 may include multiple portions
of the same or substantially the same wire (e.g., the same or substantially the same materials
and thermal properties, such as resistance) joined together (e.g., crimped, soldered) to form
the entirety of the heating wire 124. In each of the examples described herein, the heating
coil 124 may generally have a substantially constant resistance over its entire length as it
extends from the positive terminal 105a of the y, winds around the core element 122,
and extends to the negative terminal 105b of the battery 105, as described herein. This may
allow for the user of lower resistance wires as compared to existing e-cigarettes and/or may
provide better heat management and battery draw. The heating coil 124 (e.g., the wires
thereof) may provide ages over the wiring used in existing e-cigarettes, which
conventionally use wires of differing materials or differing resistance between the heating
coil and the connections to the battery. In such existing e-cigarettes, this results in more
expensive, difficult, time-consuming, and lly inefficient manufacturing and assembly
processes.
As can be seen in the intermediary portion 124b may be wound
around the core element 122. In contrast, in this example, the first and second ns 124a,
124b may not be wound around the core element 122. The first end portion 124a may be at
least partially disposed within a first tube 126. rly, the second end portion 124c may
be at least partially disposed within a second tube 128. The heating coil 124 (and
components thereof) may be of any size, shape, and/or material as desired to suit a ular
application. By way of miting example, the heating coil 124 may have a er of
about 0.12mm and/or a resistance of about 2.5 Ohms. In other examples, the heating coil 124
can have a greater or smaller diameter and/or greater or smaller resistance, either or both of
which can be based on the size or capacity of the reservoir 150 and/or the type of fluid in the
reservoir 150. The heating coil 124 may, in certain examples, include a nickel-chromium
alloy. The heating coil 124 may, in certain es, be a nickel-chromium wire. By way of
r miting example, the first and second tubes 126, 128 may each have an outer
diameter of about 0.5mm, an inner diameter of about 0.25mm, and/or a length of about
22mm. The first and second tubes 126, 128 may, in certain examples, each be made of a
polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material (e.g., Teflon). In some examples, the first and
second tubes 126, 128 may serve to insulate a portion of the heating coil 124 (e.g., the nd
first and second end portions 124a, 124c of the heating coil 124). By way of further
non-limiting e, the first and second end portions 124a, 124c of the heating coil 124
may have exposed leads (i.e., uncovered areas on opposing ends of each of the first and
second tubes 126 and 128, respectively) of about 2mm. By way of further non-limiting
example, the intermediary portion 124b of the heating coil 124 may have a length of about
3mm. Put r way, in certain es, about 3mm of the heating coil 124 may be
wound around the core element 122, although other examples of the sure are not so
limited.
With reference to , the first and second end portions 124a, 124c of
the heating coil 124 may extend to the controller 181 and/or the sensor 182. In this way, the
heating coil 124 may be electrically connected directly to the battery 105. In examples, a
wire 105c may electrically connect the controller 181 and/or the sensor 182 to the positive
terminal 105a of the battery 105 (e.g., proximate connection point 125b). The first end
portion 124a of the heating coil 124 may ically connect the controller 181 and/or the
sensor 182 to the intermediary portion 124b of the heating coil 124 wound around the core
element 122 (e.g., proximate connection point 125a). As will be appreciated by those skilled
in the art, the first end portion 124a of the heating coil 124 may send and/or receive s
between the controller 181 and/or the sensor 182 and the heating coil 124. The second end
portion 124c of the heating coil 124 may electrically connect the controller 181 and/or the
sensor 182 to the negative terminal 105b of the battery 105 (e.g., proximate connection point
125d) and may further electrically connect the negative terminal 105b of the battery 105 to
the intermediary n 124b of the heating coil 124 wound around the core element 122
(e.g., proximate connection point 125c). As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the
second end portion 124c of the heating coil 124 may send and/or e signals between the
controller 181 and/or the sensor 182 and the heating coil 124. The connection points 125a-d
may be a d joint, a solder joint, or the like. As described herein, the connection points
125a-d may, in some examples, be connections along a single, continuous wire of
substantially nt resistance. In other examples, the connection points 125a-d may serve
to interconnect ns of substantially identical wire of substantially constant resistance
(i.e., with the connection points joining ns of the same or substantially the same wire
having the same or substantially same materials and thermal properties, such as resistance).
As described herein, the heating coil 124 may generally be energized by the battery 105. In
examples, the maximum voltage to the g coil 124 may be about 3.6 volts, the maximum
current flow to the heating coil 124 may be about 1.5 amps, and/or the maximum power
output to the heating coil 124 may be about 5.4 watts. In further examples, the g coil
124 may be configured to heat the liquid when the voltage to the heating coil 124 is about 3.2
volts or greater.
Turning now to and , aspects of the first sleeving 130 may
be seen. As will be understood with reference to and and as explained in
detail herein, the first ng 130 may be configured to receive and fixedly secure the
heating element 120 (e.g., the core element 122 f) within the housing 110. As depicted,
the first sleeving 130 may be in the form of an te rod or tube, although other examples
of the sure are not so limited. The first sleeving 130 may, in some examples, serve as a
venting tube. The first sleeving 130 may include an outer wall 132. The outer wall 132 may
generally define and/or bound an interior 138 of the first sleeving 130. The interior 138 of
the first sleeving 130 may, in some examples, be a hollow interior designed to receive and
accommodate at least a portion of the heating component 120 therein and/or therethrough.
The outer wall 132 of the first sleeving 130 may define a notch 134.
Generally, the notch 134 may extend entirely h the outer wall 132 of the first sleeving
130 into the interior 138 of the first ng 130. The notch 134 may lead to and
communicate with a through hole 136. As may be best understood with reference to ,
the through hole 136 may pass tely through the outer wall 132 of the first sleeving
130. In this way, as will be understood, the through hole 136 may generally define two
openings through the outer wall 132 of the first sleeving 130. As will be further understood,
the notch 134 generally extends between and interconnects the two openings defined by the
through hole 136. As such, as may be understood from , a first portion 132a of the
outer wall 132 of the first sleeving 130 may be bent, pulled, pressed, deflected, or otherwise
moved ve to a second portion 132b of the outer wall 132 of the first sleeving 130 so as
to permit insertion of the heating component 120 into the first sleeving 130. In examples,
such as is shown in , the core element 122 of the heating component 120 may
generally extend h the through hole 136 in the outer wall 132 of the first ng 130.
Once the core element 122 is received in the through hole 136, the first portion 132a of the
outer wall 132 may be bent, pulled, pressed, deflected, or otherwise moved relative to the
second portion 132b (e.g., to the initial, closed position shown in ). In this way, the
h hole 136 may receive and fixedly secure the core element 122 in place within the
housing 110. This process of assembling the g component 120 and first sleeving 130
provides a stable and efficient assembly process that is r and better than is done in
conventional e-cigarettes. Although the first portion 132a of the outer wall 132 is described
as being moved relative to the second portion 132b of the outer wall 132, it is to be readily
understood that the second portion 132b of the outer wall 132 could instead be moved
relative to the first portion 132a of the outer wall 132 and/or each of the first and second
portions 132a, 132b of the outer wall 132 could each be moved relative to one another to
open the outer wall 132 and accommodate ing the core element 122 heating component
120 in the through hole 136.
The first sleeving 130 may be of any size, shape, and/or material as desired
to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting e, the first sleeving 130 may
have a length of about 28.5mm, an outer diameter of about 4mm, and/or an inner diameter of
about 3.3mm. By way of further non-limiting example, the notch 134 may have a length of
about 7.5mm. By way of further non-limiting example, the h hole 136 may have a
diameter of about 1.6mm. lly, the notch 134 may have a width that is less than a
diameter of the through hole 136. In examples, the cross-sectional shape of the notch 134
axially along the first sleeving 130 may be two lines or surfaces oriented at an obtuse angle
relative to one another (refer to ), although other examples of the disclosure are not
so limited. The first sleeving 130 may, in certain examples, be made of fiberglass.
With reference now to FIGS.6-9, other components of the vaporization
device 100 may be seen. depicts a first seal 160. The first seal 160 may also be
referred to as an upper seal or nozzle cap seal. With reference to and as
well, the first seal 160 may be positioned proximate the first end 112 of the housing 110. In
examples, the first seal 160 may be positioned between the nozzle cap 190 and the reservoir
150. In this way, the first seal 160 may prevent or retard the leakage of liquid into the nozzle
cap 190. The first seal 160 may e a base 162 and a nipple 164 extending dly
away the base 162. The nipple 164 may be tapered at its distal end 164a. The nipple 164
may e an opening or channel extending therethrough to permit the passage of vaporized
aerosol therethrough to the nozzle cap 190. In this regard, as may be understood from and , the first seal 160 may interface ly with the first sleeving 130 to receive
the vaporized aerosol therethrough (refer to the vaporized aerosol or smoke flow path
illustrated with arrows in ). The nipple 164 may assist in keeping the first seal 160
aligned within the g 110, thereby preventing motion of the first seal 160 and
maintaining a strong seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal). The first seal 160 may be of any size,
shape, and/or material as desired to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting
example, the first seal 160 may have a length of about 16.5mm. By way of further nonlimiting
example, the nipple 164 may have a er of about 3.6mm, a length of about
12mm, and/or a width of about 3.6mm. By way of further non-limiting example, the base
162 may have a length of about 15mm, a width of about 6.5mm, and/or a height of about
3mm. By way of further non-limiting example, the opening or channel ing through the
nipple 164 may have a diameter of about 2mm. The first seal 160 may, in certain examples,
be made of a silica gel (e.g., 60° silica gel). The first seal 160 may, in certain examples, be
resistant (e.g., avoid substantial changes to material properties or performance) at elevated
temperatures (e.g.,250 °C). In examples, the first seal 160 may be dimensioned for an
interference fit within the housing 110 (i.e., by being fit into the housing 110 after slight
compression).
depicts a second seal 170. The first seal 170 may also be referred to
as a lower seal or bottom cap seal. With reference to and as well, the
second seal 170 may be positioned proximate the second end 114 of the housing 110. In
examples, the second seal 170 may be positioned between the heating component 120 and the
bottom cap 180 and/or battery 105. In this way, the second seal 170 may prevent or retard
the leakage of liquid into the bottom cap 180 and/or to the battery 105. In some examples,
the second seal 170 may support and/or accommodate the wires of the heating coil 124. For
instance, the second seal 170 may include a pair of openings 176 sized and shaped to permit
the wires of the heating coil 124 to pass therethrough. The second seal 170 may include a
base 172 and a nipple 174 extending outwardly away the base 172. The nipple 174 may
assist in keeping the second seal 170 aligned within the housing 110, thereby preventing
motion of the second seal 170 and ining a strong seal (e.g., a fluid-tight seal). The
second seal 170 may be of any size, shape, and/or material as desired to suit a particular
ation. By way of non-limiting example, the second seal 170 may have a length of
about 7.9mm. By way of r non-limiting example, the nipple 174 may have a diameter
of about 1.8mm, a length of about 12mm, and/or a width of about 3.6mm. By way of further
non-limiting example, the base 172 may have a length of about 15mm, a width of about
6.5mm, and/or a height of about 3.8mm. By way of further non-limiting e, each
g 176 may have a diameter of about 1.8mm. The second seal 170 may, in certain
examples, be made of a silicon rubber (e.g., 60° silicon rubber). In examples, the second seal
170 may be made of a first material (e.g., 60° n rubber) and the first seal 160 may be
made of a second al (e.g., 60° silical gel) different from the first material. In other
examples, the first and second seals 160, 170 may be made of the same material and have the
same or different hardnesses. The second seal 170 may, in certain examples, be resistant
(e.g., avoid substantial changes to material ties or performance) at elevated
temperatures (e.g.,250 °C). In examples, the second seal 170 may be dimensioned for an
interference fit within the housing 110 (i.e., by being fit into the housing 110 after slight
compression).
s a reservoir 150. The reservoir 150 may be an absorbent
reservoir. In this way, the reservoir 150 may be configured to absorb and/or store a liquid
therein. Put another way, the reservoir 150 may be configured to have sponge-like qualities
(i.e., e of being squeezed to release the liquid and reabsorbing the liquid). This may
solve known problems with standing liquid that are present in existing e-cigarettes. This may
also assist in preventing or retarding the ability for the liquid to leak from the reservoir 150.
Further yet, this may prevent the heating of more liquid than what is drawn into the ty
of the heating coil 124 (e.g., by the core element 122), which may thereby prevent
undesirable chemical changes in the liquid (e.g., due to constant g and cooling) and/or
undesirable burning tastes during inhalation. In addition, this may be more energy efficient
to the extent that less liquid and/or conductive material is drawn into l ication
with the heating coil 124 (e.g., by the core element 122), which may, in certain examples,
require less energy to e vaporized aerosol therefrom. In examples, the reservoir 150
may be a single, unitary absorbent component. In examples, the reservoir 150 may be a
carton or similar device. The reservoir 150 may, in certain examples, serve as a primary
storage reservoir for the liquid to be vaporized. With reference to and as
well, the reservoir 150 may be positioned proximate the first seal 160. In es, at least a
n of the first seal 160 (e.g., the nipple 164 thereof) may be received within the reservoir
150. In examples, the oir 150 may include an g 156. The g 156 may
extend entirely through the reservoir 150 (e.g., from a first end 152 to an opposite, second
end 154 of the reservoir 150). The opening 156 of the reservoir 150 may receive a portion of
the first seal 160 (e.g., the nipple 164 thereof) along one end thereof. With reference again to
and , the reservoir 150 may be positioned proximate the second seal 170. In
examples, the first sleeving 130, the second sleeving 140, the heating ent 120, and/or
a portion of the second seal 170 (e.g., the nipple 174 f) may be received within the
reservoir. For instance, the opening 156 of the reservoir 150 may receive the first sleeving
130, the second sleeving 140, the g component 120, and/or a portion of the second seal
170 (e.g., the nipple 174 thereof) along one end thereof (i.e., opposite the first seal 160). The
reservoir 150 may be of any size, shape, and/or material as desired to suit a particular
application. By way of non-limiting example, the reservoir 150 may have a length of about
26.7mm, a width of about 14.5mm, and a height of about 6mm. By way of further nonlimiting
example, the opening 156 may have a diameter of about 4mm. By way of further
non-limiting example, the reservoir 150 may have a volume of about 1.4mL and/or a
resistance of about 2.5 Ohms. In examples, the reservoir 150 may include a combination of
organic and synthetic materials. The reservoir 150 may, in certain examples, include cotton,
a polypropylene material, and/or a polyethylene al, or combinations thereof.
In examples, the capacity of the reservoir 150 can relate to the capacity of
the battery 105 such that the reservoir 150 is configured to contain an amount of liquid that is
vaporized approximately when the stored energy of the battery 105 is exhausted or nearly
exhausted. In this way, the useful life of the battery 105 may substantially coincide with
exhaustion of the amount of liquid in the reservoir 150 based upon its consumption during
use of the device 100. In such examples, the user may readily tand that the useful life
of the zation device 100 is ted when vaporized aerosol is no longer provided to
the user, which, in this example, should coincide with the exhaustion of the battery 105 or the
exhaustion of the liquid in the oir 150, whichever occurs first. In other examples, the
capacity of the reservoir 150 can relate to the capacity of the battery 105 such that the
reservoir 150 is configured to contain an amount of liquid that is vaporized before the stored
energy of the battery 105 is exhausted or nearly exhausted. In this way, the useful life of the
battery 105 may generally be greater than the amount of liquid in the reservoir 150. In such
examples, the user may readily understand that the useful life of the vaporization device 100
is exhausted when vaporized aerosol is no longer provided to the user, which, in this
example, should coincide with the exhaustion of the liquid in the reservoir 150. Such
examples may ensure that all of the liquid in the oir 150 is vaporized (e.g., via
energization of the heating coil 124 by the battery 105). In further examples, the capacity of
the reservoir 150 can relate to the capacity of the battery 105 such that the reservoir 150 is
configured to contain an amount of liquid that remains after the stored energy of the battery
105 is ted or nearly exhausted. In this way, the useful life of the y 105 may
generally be less than the amount of liquid in the reservoir 150. In such examples, the user
may readily understand that the useful life of the zation device 100 is ted when
vaporized aerosol is no longer ed to the user, which, in this example, should coincide
with the exhaustion of the battery 105. Such examples may prevent the risk of vaporless
actuation (e.g., when the battery 105 zes the g coil 124 despite no liquid
remaining in the reservoir 150). In addition or alternatively to the foregoing, the capacity of
the battery 150 may relate to the resistance of the g coil 124 (i.e., the capacity of the
battery 105 may be tuned to the resistance of the heating coil).
depicts a second sleeving 140. As will be understood with reference
to and , at least a portion of the first sleeving 130 may be disposed within
the second sleeving 140. In this way, the second sleeving 140 may be configured to tighten
the wires of the heating coil 124 (e.g., to n an exposed end portion of the heating coil
124 against the outer wall 132 of the first sleeving 130). The provision of the second
sleeving 140 may prevent the possibility of damage to the g component 120, namely
the loosening of the heating coil 124. As depicted, the second sleeving 140 may be in the
form of an elongate rod or tube, although other examples of the disclosure are not so limited.
The second sleeving 140 may include an outer wall 142. The outer wall 142 may generally
define and/or bound an interior 148 of the second sleeving 140. The interior 148 of the
second sleeving 140 may, in some examples, be a hollow or designed to receive and
accommodate at least a portion of the first sleeving 130 therein and/or therethrough. In
certain examples, the first sleeving 130 may be disposed within the second sleeving 140 such
that the second sleeving 140 covers the through hole 136 of the first sleeving 130. The
second sleeving 140 may assist in preventing or retarding the leakage of liquid through the
notch 134 and/or the through hole 136 of the first sleeving 130. The second sleeving 140
may be of any size, shape, and/or material as desired to suit a particular application. By way
of non-limiting example, the second sleeving 140 may have a length of about 10mm, an outer
diameter of about 4.5mm, and/or an inner er of about 4mm. The second sleeving 140
may, in certain examples, be made of lass.
Turning now to A and B, certain aspects of the bottom cap
180 may be seen. With reference to FIGS. 1A-2B as well, the bottom cap 180 may be
oned proximate the second end 114 of the housing 110. As ned in detail herein,
the bottom cap 180 may be operatively secured to the second end 114 of the housing 110. In
certain examples, the bottom cap 180 may be removably connected to the second end 114 of
the housing 110. With reference to and as well, a substantial portion of the
bottom cap 180 may, in some examples, be received within the second end 114 of the
housing 110.
With continued reference to A, the bottom cap 180 es a
controller 181. In examples, the bottom cap 180 further includes a sensor 182. The sensor
182 may, in certain examples, be part of the controller 181. The controller 181 and/or the
sensor 182 may, in certain examples, be supported within a holder 183 that is ed in the
bottom cap 180, although other es of the disclosure are not so limited. The holder 183
may define a cavity 183a (refer to ) within which the controller 181 and/or the sensor
182 may be supported or otherwise disposed. The holder 183 may, in certain examples, be
made of a silicon rubber (e.g., 40° silicon ). The sensor 182 may be configured to
detect air flow and/or air pressure. For instance, the sensor 182 may, in some examples, be a
microphone. In more specific es, the sensor 182 may be a condenser microphone. In
examples in which the sensor 182 is a microphone, the sensor 182 may include a diaphragm
ured to move under suction. The diaphragm may be ured to move as air passes
through one or more pores 182b d in the sensor 182. Movement of the agm of
the sensor 182 may change the measured capacity between the diaphragm (e.g., an exposed
trace configured to make contact with the diaphragm) and a front plate separated from the
diaphragm (e.g., by an ing plastic ring and/or a tive ring). In this way, the sensor
182 may be in the form of a microphone configured to operate as an w sensor (i.e., to
detect air flow, air pressure, or both). The sensor 182 (e.g., microphone) may, in certain
examples, be configured to drive normally under a load of greater than 1.2 Ohms and/or a
constant output voltage of about 3.6V. As will be iated by those skilled in the art the
sensor 182 may take other forms as well, such as a valve (or other sensors that displace
mechanically as a result of flow such as turbines) or . In embodiments, two or more
sensors can be used. In embodiments where a quantity of flow can be measured (e.g., the
sensor provides more than a binary output), an amount of airflow or suction can be compared
to a threshold to ine whether to energize the heating coil 124, or to energize the
heating coil 124 to different levels thereby controlling the amount of vapor produced. The
sensor 182 may detect air flow or air pressure (e.g., negative pressure) indicative of r a
user is providing a sucking force on the nozzle cap 190. In this way, the controller 181
and/or the sensor 182 may provide a signal indicative of such suction, which may be used as
a control by the user to cause the device to provide vaporized aerosol. In examples, the
controller 181 and/or the sensor 182 may be ured to provide such a signal to the
heating coil 124 when a predetermined ve pressure is reached (e.g., about 400 pascals).
In response to the suction, the heating coil 124 may be energized as described herein. Upon
heating the liquid via the heating coil 124, the vaporized aerosol or smoke produced thereby
may be delivered to the user via the nozzle cap 190 (refer to the vaporized aerosol or smoke
flow path illustrated with arrows in ). The controller 181 and/or the sensor 182 may
be configured to have a shutoff delay such that the heating coil 124 is energized (and
vaporized aerosol is provided to the user) for as long as suction occurs or until a
predetermined maximum amount of suction time has elapsed, whichever occurs first. For
users with a smaller lung capacity or that prefer smaller draws, this may provide consistent
draws according to their preferences. Conversely, for users with a larger lung capacity or that
prefer larger draws, this may provide consistent draws for a specific time period (e.g., about
seconds). Put another way, the shutoff delay may operate such that in response to
continued suction by the user, the heating coil 124 is only energized for a predetermined
m amount of time (e.g., about 10 seconds). After the predetermined maximum
amount of time has been reached, energizing of the heating coil 124 may be ceased, such as
by sending a signal to the heating coil 124 to cease energization (e.g., from the controller
181). This may increase safety of the vaporization device 100 by preventing the heating coil
124 from being continuously energized for an extended period of time. In addition, this may
ensure the user is provided with an expected and/or tent amount of vaporized aerosol
during each period of suction, including toward the end of the useful life of the vaporization
device 100 (e.g., when the battery 105 is nearly exhausted and/or the liquid in the reservoir
105 is nearly exhausted). Advantageously, this may provide the user with a more consistent
and pleasing ence and reduce the chances of overheating or burning. Further yet, this
may reduce variability of use for calibration of the y 105, oir 150, and/or heating
ent 120 to exhaust the battery capacity and the liquid in the reservoir 150 at
substantially the same time, as described herein.
In examples, an additional or alternative safety shutoff may be ed. In
such examples, the ller 181 and/or the sensor 182 may be configured to break the
circuit to the heating coil 124 based upon a triggered safety condition (e.g., temperature,
voltage, risk of failure). For instance, the controller 181 and/or the sensor 182 may trigger a
shutdown condition upon detection of a short, power surge, or overheating. This may t
problems otherwise arising from accidental actuation or accidentally prolonged actuation, the
failure of the controller 181 or the sensor 182, and/or a short circuit (e.g., due to dropping the
device or another mechanical or electrical compromise). As described above, in certain
examples the battery 105 may be configured to have an output e of about 3.5 volts. In
examples, if the actual output voltage of the y 105 is greater than 3.5 volts, the
controller 181 and/or the sensor 182 may be configured to cause the battery 105 to output
only 3.5 volts. Conversely, in examples, if the actual output e of the y 105 is less
than 3.5 volts, the controller 181 and/or the sensor 182 may be configured to cause the battery
105 to output the actual output voltage. In this way, the battery 105 may generally output an
actual output voltage of 3.5 volts or less, which may assist in efficient and safe energization
of the heating coil 124.
In response to a signal from the controller 181 and/or the sensor 182, the
heating coil 124 may be energized to produce vaporized aerosol from the liquid. In certain
examples, the heating coil 124 may automatically be energized in response to the signal from
the controller 181 and/or the sensor 182 (e.g., a signal ting negative pressure) without
further action. In alternative or mentary examples, a button or similar structure can be
used alone or in combination with suction to ze the heating coil 124 and/or to produce
vaporized aerosol. In alternative examples, a button or other control can be used
independently without the detection of suction to the g coil 124. In examples, the
controller 181 and/or the sensor 182 may assist in ensuring that the user is provided with a
consistent amount of vaporized aerosol (e.g., and nicotine) in each draw. Further, the
ller 181 and/or the sensor 182 may ensure an optimal amount of vaporized aerosol is
provided with respect to the user's lung capacity.
The bottom cap 180 may r include a light source 184. In examples, the
light source 184 may be embedded in or otherwise disposed on the controller 181 and/or the
sensor 182 (refer to ). The light source 184 may be configured to illuminate in
response to a signal received from the sensor 182 (e.g., a sensor indicating that the user is
providing a sucking force on the nozzle cap 190 and thus desires to be provided with
vaporized l). For ce, the light source 184 may, in some examples, be one or
more light emitting diodes. The light source 184 may be configured to illuminate whenever
the heating coil 124 is energized and/or the user is providing a sucking force and/or when
vaporized aerosol is being provided to the user. The light source 184 may be configured to
illuminate in different colors (e.g., white) and/or intensities (e.g., g) to represent
different states of the vaporization device 100 (e.g., providing vaporized aerosol, low
y). Generally, when suction is present, the sensor 182 (e.g., microphone) may be
activated and may send a signal to the light source 184 causing the light source 184 to
illuminate in response thereto.
The bottom cap 180 may further include a light guide element 186. The
light guide element 186 may, in certain examples, serve dual ons. For instance, the
light guide element 186 may be configured to operatively secure the bottom cap 180 to the
second end 114 of the housing 110. The light guide element 186 may further be ured
to permit illuminated light from the light source 184 to pass therethrough.
In examples, the light guide element 186 may interface directly with the
second end 114 of the housing 110 to operatively secure the bottom cap 180 o. In
certain examples, the light guide element 186 may interface with the viewing panel 116
oned at the second end 114 of the housing 110. When the bottom cap 180 is inserted
into the second end 114 of the housing 110, the light guide element 186 and the viewing
panel 116 may align with one another (refer to ). In examples, the light guide
element 186 and the viewing panel 116 may be shaped complementary to each other. In
certain examples, the light guide element 186 may be in the form of a raised detent having a
bore therethrough or translucent or semi-transparent portion to permit the passage of light,
and the viewing panel 116 may be in the form of a slot configured to at least partially receive
the light guide element 186 therein. As will be readily appreciated, these structures could be
reversed or modified as desired. The interface between the light guide element 186 and the
viewing panel 116 may operatively secure the bottom cap 180 to the second end 114 of the
housing 110. In this way, illuminated light from the light source 184 may pass through each
of the light guide element 186 and the viewing panel 116. In examples, the bottom cap 180
may include one or more reflective elements or tive materials designed to amplify the
illuminated light from the light source 184 through the light guide element 186 and/or the
viewing panel 116. In examples, the light guide element 186 and/or the g panel 116
are at least partially transparent to illuminated light from the light source 184 such that the
illuminated light may pass therethrough. By way of non-limiting example, the light guide
t 186 and/or the viewing panel 116 may be at least 50% transparent to illuminated
light from the light source 184, such as at least 75% transparent.
The bottom cap 180 described herein achieves l advantages. For
instance, the number of parts is reduced, y decreasing production costs and time.
Similarly, the assembly process is simplified. Further, as described above, the light guide
element 186 serves the dual functions of ively securing the bottom cap 180 to the
housing 110 and guiding illuminated light from the light source 184 therethrough. With
respect to operatively securing the bottom cap 180 to the g 110, a drop test was
performed on one of the examples disclosed herein to test the iveness and reliability of
the interface between the light guide element 186 and the viewing panel 116. For testing, the
vaporization device 100 was d from a height of 1 meter onto a marble floor with the
nozzle cap 190 facing upwards, with the nozzle cap 190 facing downwards, and with the
vaporization device 100 oriented sideways. In each test, the interface between the light guide
element 186 and the viewing panel 116 remained intact and there was no visible liquid
leakage.
The bottom cap 180 may also include a light guide panel 188. The light
guide panel 188 may be configured to permit illuminated light from the light source 184 to
pass therethrough. In examples, the light guide panel 188 is at least partially transparent to
nated light from the light source 184 such that the nated light may pass
therethrough. By way of non-limiting e, the light guide panel 188 may be at least
50% transparent to illuminated light from the light source 184, such as at least 75%
transparent. The light guide panel 188 may, in certain examples, be positioned on a surface
of the bottom cap 180 (e.g., a bottom e of the bottom cap 180), and the light guide
element 186 may be positioned on a different surface of the bottom cap 180 (e.g., a side
surface of the bottom cap 180). In examples, the bottom surface of the bottom cap 180 (e.g.,
the e on which the light guide panel 188 is positioned) may be substantially planar.
This may provide the vaporization device 100 to be stood upright on a flat surface.
The bottom cap 180 may be of any size, shape, and/or material as desired to
suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example, the bottom cap 180 may have
a length of about 14.5mm, a width of about 6.4mm, and/or a height of about 8.7mm. By way
of further non-limiting example, the light guide element 186 may have a length of about
3.3mm, a width of about 1.3mm, and/or a height of about 0.4mm. By way of further nonlimiting
example, the light guide panel 188 may have a length of about 2mm and/or a width
of about 0.8mm. The bottom cap 180 may, in certain examples, be made of a polycarbonate
material.
Turning now to FIGS. 11A-C, n aspects of the nozzle cap 190 may be
seen. With reference to FIGS. 1A-2B as well, the nozzle cap 190 may be positioned
proximate the first end 112 of the housing 110. As explained in detail herein, the nozzle cap
190 may be operatively d to the first end 112 of the housing 110. In certain examples,
the nozzle cap 190 may be removably secured to the first end 112 of the housing 110. With
reference to and as well, a substantial n of the nozzle cap 190 may
extend beyond the first end 112 of the housing 110 (in contrast to a substantial portion of the
bottom cap 180 being received within the second end 114 of the housing 110). The nozzle
cap 190 being separable from the housing 110 and/or being formed from a different al
than the g may advantageously allow the nozzle cap 190 to expand when heated vapor
is g hrough and/or time to cool before inhalation. The nozzle cap 190 may be
configured to facilitate vapor cooling between vaporization and inhalation.
As shown in A, the nozzle cap 190 may include a first lip 190b
proximate a distal end thereof (i.e., the end spaced apart from the g 110 to which the
nozzle cap 190 is secured). The first lip 190b may be defined by a raised portion of the
nozzle cap 190 (i.e., such that the nozzle cap 190 is tapered downward toward the distal end).
The first lip 190b may be configured to provide a strong seal (e.g., an airtight seal) with a
user’s lips, particularly for a user who prefers to place only a small portion of the nozzle cap
190 into the user’s mouth when providing suction. As also shown in A, the nozzle
cap 190 may also include a second lip 190c proximate a proximate end thereof (i.e., the end
of the nozzle cap 190 that is secured to the housing 110). The second lip 190c may be
defined by a raised portion of the nozzle cap 190 (i.e., such that the nozzle cap 190 is tapered
upward toward the ate end). The second lip 190c may be configured to e a
strong seal (e.g., an airtight seal) with a user’s lips, particularly for a user who prefers to
place a substantial portion of the nozzle cap 190 into the user’s mouth when providing
n. ing a strong seal with the user’s lips may ion suction noise, prevent
external air from being inhaled (which may lead to a more consistent draw), and/or increased
comfort.
With reference now to B and C, the nozzle cap 190 defines
an air inlet 192. With reference to and as well, the air inlet 192 may be
positioned proximate the first end 112 of the housing 110. In this way, the air inlet 192 may
be configured to receive the vaporized aerosol (e.g., from the heating component 120). The
nozzle cap 190 may further define at least one air outlet. In certain es, first and
second air outlets 194 may be provided (refer to B and C). The air outlet(s)
194 may generally be spaced apart from the air inlet 192 along the nozzle cap 190 (e.g., away
from the first end 112 of the housing 110). The air outlet(s) 194 may configured to expel the
vaporized aerosol (e.g., from the nozzle cap 190 to the user). The nozzle cap 190 may further
define an air channel 193. The air l 193 may extend between the air inlet 192 and the
air outlet(s) 194.
With ued nce to B and C, the nozzle cap 190 may
include at least one baffle 196. In certain examples, first and second baffles 196 may be
provided (refer to B and C). The baffle(s) 196 may at least partially define a
cavity 196a within the air channel 193. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 11A-C, the cavity
196a is defined between first and second baffles 196. The first and second baffles 196 are
spaced apart from one another. An oil-absorbing element 198 may be at least partially
disposed within the cavity 196a. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 11A-C, two oilabsorbing
elements 198 are disposed, side-by-side, within the cavity 196a. The first and
second baffles 196 are spaced apart from one another on opposing sides of the oil-absorbing
element(s) 198. The baffle(s) 196 may generally extend from the air inlet 192 to the air
outlet(s) 194.
As described herein, the oil-absorbing element(s) 198 may be designed so as
to have a high surface area for contact with the vaporized aerosol g through the air
channel 193. As suction is selectively applied and removed from the vaporization device
100, the energization of the heating coil 124 (i.e., g) and cessation thereof (i.e., cooling)
may cause vaporized condensation of nicotine or other liquid in the nozzle cap 190, which
may undesirably lead to the user being provided with condensation or droplets of undesirably
strong or tasting liquid rather than the intended zed aerosol. The oil-absorbing
element(s) 198 may, in some examples, be configured to prevent or retard such condensation
or water vapor from passing through the air channel 193 to the air outlet(s) 194.
ageously, this may prevent or retard water vapor from being carried into the user’s
lungs when the user inhales the zed aerosol. As the user es suction to receive
vaporized aerosol, the vaporized aerosol may be provided such that a substantial portion of
the vaporized aerosol travels from the air inlet 192 to the air outlet(s) 194 generally along the
center of the air channel 193. In examples, the oil-absorbing element(s) 198 may be arranged
proximate a center of the nozzle cap 190 and/or a center of the air channel 193. Put another
way, the sorbing element(s) 198 may be positioned in-line within the air channel 193.
In examples, the number of oil-absorbing elements 198 may coincide with the number of air
outlets 194, although other examples are not so limited. For instance, in one example, the
nozzle cap 190 may include a single air outlet 194 and one oil-absorbing element 198
positioned in the air channel 193 in-line with the air outlet 194. In another example, the
nozzle cap 190 may include a pair of air outlets 194 and a pair of oil-absorbing elements 198
each positioned in the air l 193 in-line with one of the air outlets 194. In examples in
which multiple air outlets 194 are provided, the air s 194 may generally be connected to
one another by a central g (refer to B), and one or more sorbing ts
198 may be provided (e.g., in-line with the central opening). As described herein, the use of
one or more oil-absorbing elements 198 may assist in preventing or retarding condensate or
water vapors from reaching the user’s lips. In certain examples as described herein, the
nozzle cap 190 may be designed to be sufficiently long (e.g., greater than about 20mm) to
assist in preventing or retarding condensate or water vapors from ng the user’s lips
without the use of one or more oil-absorbing elements 198 (or in addition thereto). In
examples in which the nozzle cap 190 is designed to be r (e.g., less than about 10mm),
one or more oil-absorbing elements 198 may be provided to assist in preventing or retarding
condensate or water vapors from reaching the user’s lips as described herein.
In examples, the baffle(s) 196 may at least partially occlude the oil-
absorbing t(s) 198 from direct exposure to the air channel 193. The portion(s) of the
baffle(s) 196 that es the oil-absorbing element(s) 198 from direct exposure to the air
channel 193 may further provide support for the oil-absorbing element(s) 198 and/or serve to
define the cavity 196a within which the oil-absorbing element(s) 198 may be disposed. In
certain es, the baffle(s) 196 may define one or more notches 197. The notch(es) 197
may be configured to expose the oil-absorbing element(s) 198 to the air channel 193. The
n(s) of the sorbing element(s) 198 exposed to the air channel 193 (e.g., by the one
or more notches 197) may absorb condensate so as to prevent or retard such condensate from
being provided to the user with the vaporized aerosol.
The nozzle cap 190 described herein achieves l advantages. For
instance, the delivery distance from the air inlet 192 to the air outlet(s) 194 is effectively
lengthened, thereby reducing the temperature of the vaporized aerosol to a suitable
temperature (e.g., less than about 48 °C). With respect to reducing the temperature of the
vaporized aerosol to a suitable temperature, a nozzle temperature test was performed on one
of the examples disclosed herein to test the effectiveness and reliability of the of the nozzle
cap 190. The zation device 100 was attached to a suction machine and suction was
applied for about 2 seconds and then suction was ceased for about 8 seconds. The initial
surface temperature and the surface ature of the nozzle cap 190 after suction were
detected at the beginning of each suction. In each test, the surface temperature of the nozzle
cap 190 did not exceed 48 °C. Table 1 below shows the e temperature of the nozzle
cap 190 for each listed parameter.
Suction for
Suction Point Test l
Test No. Pressure Temperature Temperature Temperature
Stopping
4kPa Line 6# 25.7 °C 26.7 °C
for 8s
Test 1 31.4 °C 33.2 °C 34.4 °C 35.6 °C 36.3 °C
Test 2 36.6 °C 36.9 °C 37.0 °C 37.0 °C 37.1 °C
Test 3 36.9 °C 36.9 °C 36.9 °C 36.7 °C 36.5 °C
Table 1
With respect to condensate absorption by the oil-absorbing element(s) 198, a
test was performed to test the effectiveness and reliability of the of the oil-absorbing
element(s) 198. To perform the test, the output of the battery 105 was maximized, the
smoking rate was set to about 17.5 mL/s, and suction was applied for about 2-3 seconds and
then ceased for about 8-10 seconds. In each test, there was effective oil absorption by the oilabsorbing
t(s) 198 and no condensate was detected.
The nozzle cap 190 may be of any size, shape, and/or material as desired to
suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example, the nozzle cap 190 may have a
length of about 15.5mm, a width of about 7mm, and/or a height of about 20mm. By way of
further non-limiting example, the baffle(s) 196 may have a width of about 0.8mm. By way of
further non-limiting e, the oil-absorbing element may have a length of about 15mm, a
width of about 4mm, and/or a height of about 1.8mm. The nozzle cap 190 may, in certain
es, be made of an acrylonitrile butadiene e (ABS) material. The oil-absorbing
element may, in certain examples, include cotton and/or a plant fiber (e.g., organic or
synthetic cotton). In certain examples, the oil-absorbing element may be made of a surgicalgrade
cotton. The length of the nozzle cap 190 may be selected or optimized to reduce the
temperature of the vaporized l to an acceptable level. By way of non-limiting example,
the nozzle cap 190 may have a length (i.e., measured between the air inlet 192 and the air
outlet 194 along the air channel 193) of from about 10mm to about 20mm. In addition or
alternative to reducing the temperature of the vaporized aerosol to an acceptable level, the
length of the nozzle cap 190 may further prevent condensate or water vapors from passing to
the user and/or may further prevent the user from undesirable or potentially harmful electrical
shocks that have been known to occur in existing e-cigarettes.
During transportation, the orientation of the zation device may be
changed frequently or rapidly, which often makes conventional vaporization devices
susceptible to leakage. Thus, during transportation of the zation device 100 described
, it is important to prevent or retard the leakage of the liquid (e.g., the nicotinecontaining
liquid) therefrom. The vaporization device 100 described herein may include a
nozzle cap case 190a, such as is illustrated in . Generally, the nozzle cap case 190a
may be configured to fit over the nozzle cap 190 so as to at least partially encompass the
nozzle cap 190. In es, the nozzle cap case 190a may be configured to fit snugly over
the nozzle cap 190 so as to assist in preventing or retarding the leakage of liquid from the
vaporization device 100 via the nozzle cap 190. The nozzle cap case 190a is generally sized
and shaped so as to be complementary to the nozzle cap 190 so as to fit over the nozzle cap
190 as bed above. By way of non-limiting e, the nozzle cap case 190a may have
a length of about 15.7mm, a width of about 7.2mm, and/or a height of about 19.9mm. In the
same or alternative examples, the vaporization device 100 described herein may include a
bottom cap case 180a, such as is rated in . Generally, the bottom cap case 180a
may be ured to fit over the bottom cap 180 so as to at least partially encompass the
bottom cap 180. In examples, the bottom cap case 180a may be configured to fit snugly over
the bottom cap 180 so as to assist in preventing or retarding the leakage of liquid from the
zation device 100 via the bottom cap 180. The bottom cap case 180a is generally sized
and shaped so as to be complementary to the bottom cap 180 so as to fit over the bottom cap
180 as described above. By way of non-limiting example, the bottom cap case 180a may
have a length of about , a width of about 7.4mm, and/or a height of about 8.7mm.
Turning now to A-C, another example vaporization device 101 is
shown. Vaporization device 101 may generally be understood as having similar features and
functionality to vaporization 100, expect as expressly distinguished below.
As depicted, the vaporization device 101 may generally include a seal
fixation member 175. The seal fixation member 175 is generally ured to engage the
second seal 170. The seal fixation member 175 is also generally configured to retain the
second seal 170 to substantially nt ions. Put another way, the seal on
member 175 is generally configured to retain the second seal 170 within place within the
housing 110, such as by retaining the size and/or shape of the second seal 170. In certain
designs, when the second seal 170 is sized to the dimensions of the housing 110 (e.g.,
dimensioned for an erence fit within the g), heat within the housing 110 (e.g.,
from the heating component 120 and/or battery 105) may cause the second seal 170 to
expand and/or contract over time. Such expansion or contraction of the second seal 170
under heat may disadvantageously cause temporary or permanent displacement and/or
degradation of the second seal 170. As a consequence, fluid may be capable of leaking
through or past the second seal 170, y possibly degrading the function or lessening the
useful life of the vaporization device. The use of a fixation seal member 175 such as is
described herein is aimed at overcoming this disadvantageous possibility.
In this way, the seal fixation member 175 may engage and retain the second
seal 170 to retard expansion or contraction of the second seal 170. As may be best
understood with reference to B and C, at least a portion of the seal fixation
member 175 may be at least partially received within the second seal 170. As such, at least a
n of the second seal 170 may at least partially surround the seal fixation member 175.
For example, the second seal 170 may include a base 172 (refer to . The base 172
may define a recess. The recess may be sized and/or shaped such that the seal fixation
member 175 is at least partially received therein. In this way, in certain examples, the base
172 of the second seal 170 may at least partially surround the seal fixation member 175. In
such examples, the seal fixation member 175 may be received within the recess defined by
the base 172 of the second seal 170, such that the seal fixation member 175 may engage and
retain the base 172 of the second seal 170 to substantially constant dimensions and/or such
that the second seal 170 is generally incapable of expansion or contraction.
The seal fixation member 175 may be of any size, shape, and/or material as
desired to suit a particular application. By way of non-limiting example, the seal fixation
member 175 may be designed to be substantially inflexible and/or rigid, such as by being
made of a ntially inflexible and/or rigid material (e.g., plastic). In examples, the seal
fixation member 175 may be dimensioned for an interference fit within the housing 110 (i.e.,
by being fit into the housing 110 after slight compression). Additional or mentary
means of engaging the second seal 170 and seal fixation member 175 to use the rigid or semirigid
seal fixation member to retain at least the second seal 170 in a substantially fixed
orientation will be understood by those of skill in the art on review of the disclosures
herewith.
It should be noted that the illustrations and descriptions of the examples
shown in the figures are for ary purposes only and should not be construed as limiting
the disclosure. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure plates
various examples. Additionally, it should be understood that the concepts described above
with the above-described examples may be employed alone or in combination with any of the
other examples described above. It should further be appreciated that the various alternative
examples described above with respect to one illustrated e can apply to all examples
as described herein, unless otherwise indicated.
Unless explicitly stated otherwise, each cal value and range should be
interpreted as being approximate as if the word “about,” “approximately,” or antially”
preceded the value or range. The terms “about” and “approximately” can be understood as
describing a range that is within 15 percent of a specified value unless otherwise stated.
Conditional language used herein, such as, among others, “can,” “could,”
,” “may,” “e.g.,” and the like, unless specifically stated otherwise, or otherwise
understood within the t as used, is generally intended to convey that n examples
include, while other examples do not include, certain features, elements, and/or steps. Thus,
such conditional language is not generally intended to imply that features, ts, and/or
steps are in any way required for one or more examples or that one or more examples
necessarily include these es, elements and/or steps. The terms ising,”
“including,” “having,” and the like are synonymous and are used inclusively, in an open-
ended fashion, and do not exclude additional ts, features, acts, operations, and so
forth.
While certain es have been described, these examples have been
presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the inventions
disclosed herein. Thus, nothing in the foregoing description is intended to imply that any
particular e, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or indispensable.
, the novel methods and articles described herein may be embodied in a variety of
other forms; furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, and changes in the form of the
methods and articles described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the
inventions disclosed herein. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to
cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of certain of the
inventions disclosed herein.
It will be tood that reference herein to “a” or “one” to describe a
feature such as a component or step does not foreclose additional features or multiples of the
feature. For instance, nce to a device having or defining “one” of a feature does not
preclude the device from having or ng more than one of the feature, as long as the
device has or defines at least one of the feature. Similarly, reference herein to “one of” a
plurality of features does not foreclose the invention from ing two or more, up to all, of
the features. For instance, reference to a device having or defining “one of a X and Y” does
not foreclose the device from having both the X and Y.
What is Claimed:
1. A zation device, comprising:
a housing having a first end and a second end te the first end thereof;
an absorbent reservoir disposed in the housing adjacent the first end thereof and
configured to store a liquid, the ent reservoir having a first end and a second end
opposite the first end thereof;
a battery disposed in the housing adjacent the second end thereof and spaced apart
from the absorbent reservoir;
a heating component at least partially ed within the absorbent reservoir, in
electrical communication with the battery, and ured to be energized by the battery to
produce vaporized aerosol from the ;
a controller configured to send a signal to energize the heating component;
a seal at least partially disposed through the second end of the absorbent reservoir and
configured form a seal between the second end of the ent reservoir and the battery to
retard leakage of the liquid toward the y; and
a seal fixation member configured to engage and retain the seal to substantially
constant dimensions.
2. The vaporization device of claim 1, n the seal fixation member is plastic.
3. The vaporization device of claim 1, wherein the seal fixation member is substantially
inflexible.
4. The vaporization device of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the seal is
dimensioned for an interference fit within the housing.
. The vaporization device of claim 4, wherein at least a portion of the seal fixation
member is dimensioned for an interference fit within the housing.
6. The vaporization device of claim 1, wherein the seal fixation member is configured to
engage and retain the seal to retard expansion or contraction of the seal.
7. The vaporization device of claim 1, wherein the seal fixation member is at least
partially received within the seal such that the seal at least partially surrounds the seal
fixation member.
8. The vaporization device of claim 1, wherein the seal includes a base, the base defining
a recess within which the seal fixation member is at least lly received such that the base
at least partially surrounds the seal fixation member.
9. The vaporization device of claim 8, n the seal fixation member is configured to
engage and retain the base of the seal to substantially constant ions.
. The vaporization device of claim 8, wherein the seal includes a nipple extending
outwardly away the base, the nipple at least partially disposed through the second end of the
absorbent reservoir.
11. The zation device of claim 1, further sing:
a bottom cap operatively secured to the second end of the housing, the bottom cap
comprising:
a sensor configured to detect air flow or air pressure or both;
a light source configured to illuminate in response to a signal received from
the sensor;
a light guide element configured to ively secure the bottom cap to the
second end of the housing and to permit illuminated light from the light source to pass
therethrough; and
a g panel defined by a slot in the housing proximate the second end
f and configured to permit illuminated light from the light source to pass
therethrough and to interface directly with the light guide element by at least partially
receiving the light guide element therein so as to operatively secure the bottom cap to
the second end of the housing.
12. The vaporization device of claim 1, wherein the housing extends from the first end to
the second end thereof along an axis, the vaporization device further comprising:
a bottom cap operatively secured to the second end of the housing, the bottom cap
comprising:
a sensor configured to detect air flow or air pressure or both;
a light source ured to illuminate in response to a signal ed from
the sensor;
a light guide element positioned on a side surface of the bottom cap and
configured to operatively secure the bottom cap to the second end of the housing and
to permit illuminated light from the light source to pass therethrough, the side surface
of the bottom cap extending substantially parallel to the axis; and
a light guide panel positioned on a bottom surface of the bottom cap and
configured to permit illuminated light from the light source to pass therethrough, the
bottom surface of the bottom cap extending substantially dicular to the axis.
13. The zation device of claim 1, further comprising:
a nozzle cap operatively secured to the first end of the housing, the nozzle cap
defining an air inlet, at least one air outlet, and an air channel extending between the air inlet
and the at least one air outlet, the nozzle cap comprising:
at least one baffle at least partially defining a cavity within the air channel; and
an oil-absorbing element at least partially disposed within the cavity, the at
least one baffle at least partially occluding the oil-absorbing element from direct
exposure to the air channel.
14. The vaporization device of claim 1, further comprising:
a nozzle cap operatively secured to the first end of the housing and defining an air
inlet, at least one outlet, and at least one an air channel axially ing between the air inlet
and the at least one air outlet, the nozzle cap including a first baffle and a second baffle at
least partially defining a cavity therebetween with each of the first and second baffles axially
offset from the at least one air outlet such that the cavity defined between the first and second
baffles is axially offset from the at least one air channel.
. The vaporization device of claim 1, further comprising:
a nozzle cap operatively secured to the first end of the housing and defining an outlet;
a controller configured to send a signal to the battery to uously energize the
heating component for the lesser (a) a predetermined maximum amount of time as n is
d to the nozzle cap, and (b) uously as suction is applied to the nozzle cap.
16. The vaporization device of claim 1, further comprising:
a nozzle cap operatively secured to the first end of the g and including a first
baffle and a second baffle at least partially defining a cavity therebetween, the nozzle cap
defining:
an air inlet;
a first air outlet positioned on a first side of the cavity and a second air outlet
positioned on an opposite, second side of the cavity; and
a first air channel axially extending between the air inlet and the first air outlet
and a second air channel axially extending n the air inlet and the second air
outlet,
wherein each of the first and second baffles are axially offset from each of the
first and second outlets such that the cavity defined between the first and second
baffles is axially offset from each of the first air channel and the second air channel.
17. The vaporization device of claim 1, further comprising:
a nozzle cap operatively secured to the first end of the housing, the nozzle cap
defining an air inlet, at least one air , and an air channel extending between the air inlet
and the at least one air outlet, the nozzle cap comprising:
at least one baffle at least partially defining a cavity within the air channel; and
an sorbing element at least partially disposed within the cavity, the at
least one baffle at least partially occluding the oil-absorbing element from direct
exposure to the air channel;
a bottom cap operatively secured to the second end of the g, the bottom
cap comprising:
a sensor configured to detect air flow or air pressure or both;
a light source configured to illuminate in response to a signal ed
from the sensor; and
a light guide t configured to operatively secure the bottom cap
to the second end of the housing and to permit illuminated light from the light
source to pass therethrough; and
a second seal at least partially disposed through the first end of the
absorbent reservoir and configured to form a seal between the first end of the
absorbent oir and the battery to retard leakage of the liquid toward the
nozzle cap,
wherein the heating component comprises:
an absorbent core element ured to absorb the liquid; and
a heating coil at least partially wound around the core t
and configured to be zed to produce zed aerosol from the liquid;
a first sleeving including an outer wall defining a notch leading
to a through hole, the through hole configured to receive and fixedly secure
the core t; and
a second sleeving within which the first sleeving is ed,
the second sleeving configured to tighten a portion of the heating coil against
the outer wall of the first sleeving.
18. The vaporization device of claim 1, wherein the heating component comprises:
an absorbent core element configured to absorb the liquid; and
a heating coil configured to be energized to e vaporized aerosol from the
liquid, the heating coil including first and second end ns that are not wound around the
absorbent core element and an intermediary portion positioned between the first and second
end portions and that is would around the absorbent core element, the intermediary portion
and the first and second end portions of the heating coil each being part of a single,
continuous wire having a substantially constant resistance along its entire length,
wherein the first end portion continuously extends between the controller and the
intermediary portion and the second end portion continuously extends between the battery
and the intermediary portion.
19. The vaporization device of claim 18, further comprising:
a first sleeving including an outer wall ng a notch leading to a through hole, the
through hole configured to receive and fixedly secure the absorbent core element.
. A vaporization device, comprising:
a housing having a first end and a second end opposite the first end thereof;
an absorbent oir disposed in the housing adjacent the first end thereof and
configured to store a liquid, the absorbent oir having a first end and a second end
opposite the first end f;
a battery disposed in the housing adjacent the second end thereof and spaced apart
from the absorbent reservoir;
a heating component at least partially disposed within the absorbent reservoir, in
electrical communication with the battery, and configured to be energized by the battery to
produce vaporized aerosol from the liquid;
a controller configured to send a signal to energize the heating component;
a seal at least partially disposed through the second end of the ent oir and
configured form a seal between the second end of the absorbent reservoir and the battery to
retard leakage of the liquid toward the battery, the seal ing:
a base defining a recess, the base dimensioned for an interference fit within the
housing; and
a nipple extending outwardly away the base, the nipple at least partially
disposed through the second end of the absorbent reservoir; and
a substantially inflexible and plastic seal fixation member configured to
engage and retain the base of the seal to substantially constant dimensions by being at
least partially received within the recess defined by the base of the seal such that the
base at least partially nds the seal fixation member, at least a portion of the seal
on member being dimensioned for an interference fit within the housing.
1A 1B
FIG. FIG.
OOH .\ 00H
................ ............... u
wmfi mNH
,.__-
---- «‘anHm_
NNH / ax) mVNH \\\oNH
112 FIG.
mmmfiGal
mmmfi umNH
nmofi mmofi EH\A /gwmfi
moH 3 9.
m: U:
.05 05“ .05
mmH ONH
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/987,190 | 2020-08-06 | ||
US17/666,131 | 2022-02-07 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ787999A true NZ787999A (en) | 2022-05-27 |
Family
ID=
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