US20220400774A1 - Power Optimization Electronic Cigarette Device - Google Patents
Power Optimization Electronic Cigarette Device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220400774A1 US20220400774A1 US17/350,178 US202117350178A US2022400774A1 US 20220400774 A1 US20220400774 A1 US 20220400774A1 US 202117350178 A US202117350178 A US 202117350178A US 2022400774 A1 US2022400774 A1 US 2022400774A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- housing
- heating wire
- air passageway
- mouthpiece
- battery
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
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Images
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/60—Devices with integrated user interfaces
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F7/00—Mouthpieces for pipes; Mouthpieces for cigar or cigarette holders
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
- A24F40/42—Cartridges or containers for inhalable precursors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
- A24F40/46—Shape or structure of electric heating means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
- A24F40/48—Fluid transfer means, e.g. pumps
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
- A24F40/53—Monitoring, e.g. fault detection
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
- A24F40/57—Temperature control
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/90—Arrangements or methods specially adapted for charging batteries thereof
Definitions
- the present disclosure generally relates to electronic cigarettes, and more particularly relates to a power optimization electronic cigarette device. More so, the present disclosure relates to an electronic cigarette device that is reusable for a limited number of refills through use of a liquid solution refilling structure, before ultimately becoming disposable. Still more particularly, the electronic cigarette device optimizes battery power consumption through use of multiple heating wires that can be selectively operated to vaporize the liquid solution.
- an electronic cigarette is a smoking apparatus that mimics a traditional tobacco cigarette smoking, by producing smoke replacement that may be similar in its physical sensation, general appearance, and sometimes flavor (i.e., with tobacco fragrance, menthol taste, added nicotine etc.).
- a battery portion of the electronic cigarette includes a controller and battery for powering the device and a cartomizer portion generates vapor and/or an aerosol mist (individually or collectively, “airborne substance”) that is a replacement for cigarette smoke,
- the cartomizer may use heat (e.g.
- a heating element for example including propylene glycol, or glycerin, for example including taste and fragrance ingredients
- e-liquid for example including propylene glycol, or glycerin, for example including taste and fragrance ingredients
- a component in the cartomizer portion that generates the airborne substance is referred to as an aerosol mist generator.
- the electronic cigarette may be powered by a power source, such as a battery which provides current for the heating.
- the power source may be difficult to regulate and result in a shorter lifespan for the electronic cigarette by requiring re-charging.
- the e-liquid may be kept in a small container, and during the puff some of it is heated while being dose to and around a heating coil. The heated e-liquid loses its high viscosity, and then is prone to atomization and some evaporation and/or vaporization, generating the “smoke” to be inhaled by the user. It is known in the art that some electronic cigarettes are of the disposable variety. Disposable electronic cigarettes are not used once the e-liquid is exhausted.
- a power optimization electronic cigarette device that is reusable for a limited number of smokes through use of a liquid solution refilling structure, before ultimately becoming disposable; optimizes battery power consumption through use of multiple heating wires that can be selectively operated to vaporize the liquid solution; and includes a sensor that detects air flow from inhaling the cigarette before triggering operation of the heating wires, a circuit board assembly that detects available battery power through use of a sensor and alerts to an illumination member that variably illuminates to indicate the remaining power for the battery, and a USB charging port is still desired.
- a new type of e-cigarettes that are refillable with e-liquid and become disposable after a small number of refills.
- the new type of e-cigarettes is less costly to consumers and also reduces electronic waste compared to single-use disposable e-cigarettes.
- a new type of e-cigarettes that are reusable and disposable and include switchable heating elements.
- a new type of e-cigarettes that are reusable and disposable and include switchable heating elements and an LED indicator.
- an electronic cigarette device comprises a mouthpiece, a housing, and an electrical system.
- the mouthpiece is disposed at a proximal end of the device and defines a mouthpiece air passageway and an outlet opening, the mouthpiece air passageway and outlet opening being adapted and configured to allow an inhalable stream of air and an airborne substance to pass through the mouthpiece via the mouthpiece air passageway and into a user's mouth via the outlet opening when a user inhales on the mouthpiece through the outlet opening.
- the housing defines a housing air passageway extending therethrough, the housing air passageway being in fluid communication with the mouthpiece air passageway.
- the electrical system comprises a battery, a heating wire, and at least one illumination member.
- the heating wire is adapted and configured to produce heat when an electric current flows through the heating wire.
- the electrical system is adapted and configured to detect a charge level of the battery, and, when the device is in use, to transmit electric current from the battery to the heating wire to cause the heating wire to produce heat to heat a substance that is in fluid communication with the housing air passageway, so as to render airborne at least a portion of the substance, so as to produce said inhalable stream in the housing air passageway.
- the electrical system is adapted and configured to, when the detected charge level is no less than a first threshold charge level, transmit current from the battery to the at least one illumination member so as to cause the at least one illumination member to emit a first color of light.
- the electrical system is adapted and configured to, when the detected charge level is less than the first threshold charge level and no less than a second threshold charge level, transmit current from the battery to the at least one illumination member so as to cause the at least one illumination member to emit a second color of light different from the first color of light.
- an electronic cigarette device comprises a mouthpiece at a proximal end of the device, a housing, a battery, a first heating wire, a second heating wire, a switch, and a manual switch actuator.
- the mouthpiece is disposed at a proximal end of the device and defines a mouthpiece air passageway and an outlet opening, the mouthpiece air passageway and outlet opening being adapted and configured to allow an inhalable stream of air and an airborne substance to pass through the mouthpiece via the mouthpiece air passageway and into a user's oral cavity via the outlet opening when a user inhales on the mouthpiece through the outlet opening.
- the housing defines a housing air passageway extending therethrough, the housing air passageway being in fluid communication with the mouthpiece air passageway.
- the first heating wire is adapted and configured to produce heat when electric current flows through the first heating wire, to heat a substance that is in fluid communication with the housing air passageway, so that at least a portion of the substance so heated becomes airborne to produce said inhalable stream in the housing air passageway.
- the second heating wire is adapted and configured to produce heat when electric current flows through the second heating wire, to heat a substance that is in fluid communication with the housing air passageway, so that at least a portion of the substance so heated becomes airborne to produce said inhalable stream in the housing air passageway.
- the switch has a first switch position and a second switch position, the switch being adapted and configured to, when in the first switch position, complete a first circuit to transmit current from the battery through the first heating wire, and when in the second switch position, complete a second circuit to transmit current from the battery through the second heating wire.
- the manual switch actuator is mounted to the housing so as to be manually movable by a user to and from a first switch actuator position and a second switch actuator position.
- the manual switch actuator is operatively connected to the switch so as to cause the switch to move to the first switch position when the manual switch actuator moves to the first switch actuator position and to cause the switch to move to the second switch position when the manual switch actuator moves to the second switch actuator position.
- an electronic cigarette device comprises a mouthpiece, a housing, a liquid container, a heating wire, a rechargeable battery, and a battery charging port.
- the mouthpiece is disposed at a proximal end of the device and defines a mouthpiece air passageway and an outlet opening, the mouthpiece air passageway and outlet opening adapted and configured to allow an inhalable stream of air and an airborne substance to pass through the mouthpiece via the mouthpiece air passageway and into a user's oral cavity via the outlet opening when a user inhales on the mouthpiece through the outlet opening.
- the housing has a proximal end and a distal end, the housing comprising a proximal housing member connected to a distal housing member, the proximal housing member extending from the proximal end of the housing to the distal housing member, and the distal housing member extending from the proximal housing member to the distal end of the housing, the housing defining a housing air passageway extending therethrough, the housing air passageway being in fluid communication with the mouthpiece air passageway.
- the liquid container defines a fluid chamber adapted and configured to contain an e-liquid, the liquid container defining at least one inlet hole in fluid communication with the fluid chamber and the housing air passageway to permit e-liquid in the fluid chamber to pass from the fluid chamber to the housing air passageway, the liquid container comprising at least a portion of the proximal housing member.
- the heating wire is adapted and configured to produce heat when electric current flows through the heating wire.
- the rechargeable battery is adapted and configured to supply current to the heating wire to heat a substance that is in fluid communication with the housing air passageway, so that at least a portion of the substance so heated becomes airborne to produce said inhalable stream in the housing air passageway.
- the battery charging port is disposed within and exposed to the exterior of the housing, the battery charging port being adapted and configured to receive a charging plug, the battery charging port being electrically connected to the battery to transmit a charging current from the charging plug to the battery to recharge the battery.
- FIG. 1 is a frontal view of an exemplary power optimization electronic cigarette device, in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.
- FIG. 2 A is a sectioned side view of the power optimization electronic cigarette device shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2 B is a sectioned proximal-side view of the power optimization electronic cigarette device shown in FIG. 1 , in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 4 A- 4 C are views of an exemplary housing of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, where FIG. 4 A is a perspective view, FIG. 4 B is a side elevation view, and FIG. 4 C is a side sectioned view, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 5 A- 5 C are views of an exemplary mouthpiece of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, where FIG. 5 A is a perspective view, FIG. 5 B is a side elevation view, and FIG. 5 C is a frontal view, in accordance with the present disclosure,
- FIGS. 6 A- 6 B are views of an exemplary inlet rod of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, where FIG. 6 A is a perspective view and FIG. 6 B is a sectioned side view, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIG. 7 is a perspective views of an exemplary wicking member of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 8 A- 8 B are views of an exemplary proximal connector of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, where FIG. 8 A is a perspective view, and FIG. 8 B is a proximal plan view, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary battery of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 10 A- 10 C are views of an exemplary heating wire subassembly of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, where FIG. 10 A is a perspective view, FIG. 10 B is a side elevation view, and FIG. 10 C is a frontal view, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIG. 10 D is a view of an electrical system of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, shown without device housing or airflow components.
- FIG. 10 E is a view of the heating wire subassemblies of the electrical system shown in FIG. 10 D .
- FIG. 10 F is a schematic diagram of the connectivity of the electrical system shown in FIG. 10 D .
- FIGS. 11 A- 11 B are views of an exemplary insulative wire support tube of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, where FIG. 11 A is a perspective view, and FIG. 11 B is a side elevation view, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary silica gel O-ring of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 13 A- 13 D are views of an exemplary silica gel inlet seal of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, where FIG. 13 A is a perspective view, FIG. 13 B is a distal end view, FIG. 13 C is an elevated side view, and FIG. 13 D is a sectioned side view, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary switch circuit board and USB port of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIG. 15 is a side view of a sensor and light board in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a sensor and light board in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an exemplary switch of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIG. 18 A- 18 D are views of an exemplary stationary cover member of a distal cover of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, where FIG. 18 A is a distal perspective view, FIG. 18 B is a proximal plan view, FIG. 18 C is a distal plan view, and FIG. 18 D is a side elevation view. in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 19 A- 19 D are views of an exemplary rotatable cover member of a distal cover of power optimization electronic cigarette device, where FIG. 19 A is a perspective view, FIG. 19 B is a proximal plan view, FIG. 19 C is a side elevation view, and FIG. 19 D is a bottom view, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an exemplary distal connector of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 21 A- 21 C are views of an exemplary outlet seal of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, where FIG. 21 A is a perspective view, FIG. 21 B is a side elevation view, and FIG. 21 C is a sectioned side view, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- FIGS. 22 A- 223 are views of an exemplary insulative silica gel stationary seal of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, where FIG. 22 A is a perspective view, and FIG. 22 B is a side elevation view, in accordance with the present disclosure.
- the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims.
- a power optimization electronic cigarette device 100 is referenced in FIGS. 1 - 22 B .
- the device 100 includes heating wires 300 a - b , shown in FIGS. 3 and 10 D , which can be selectively operated to vaporize and/or atomize the liquid solution 212 into an inhalable mist.
- the connectivity of an electrical system 150 which is adapted to be housed within a housing 102 of the assembled device 100 , is best seen in FIG. 101 , in which the electrical system is shown without the housing 102 .
- a positive terminal of a battery 222 is electrically connected to a sensor and light circuit board 1504 of a sensor and light board assembly 306 through a system supply wire 220 .
- the sensor and light circuit board 1504 is electrically connected to the battery 222 through the system supply wire 220 , and to a switch circuit board 224 of a switch board assembly 305 through a plurality of transmission wires 230 , which are collectively indicated at 230 in each of FIGS. 2 A, 10 D -F, 15 , and 16 and further identified in FIG. 10 F as a switch board supply wire 232 and heating current supply wires 234 a and 234 b.
- the electronic cigarette device 100 further includes an air pressure sensor/switch 1503 , comprising an air pressure sensor and an electrical switch, the air pressure sensor being operatively connected to the switch so as to cause the switch to close or remain closed when the air pressure sensor detects pressure below a threshold air pressure, and to open or remain open when the air pressure sensor detects pressure at or above the threshold air pressure.
- the air pressure sensor/switch 1503 is operatively connected to the sensor and light circuit board 1504 to alternately connect and disconnect the system supply wire 220 to and from the switch board supply wire 232 .
- the switch board supply wire 232 comprises at least one of a plurality of transmission wires 230 connected between the sensor and light circuit board 1504 and the switch circuit board 224 , shown in FIGS. 2 A, 10 D, and 10 E .
- the switch circuit board 224 is adapted and configured to feed the received current back to the sensor and light circuit board 1504 through a heating current supply wire 234 a or 234 b, comprising two of the transmission wires 230 , specifically identified in the schematic circuit diagram of FIG. 10 F , which respectively correspond to a selected one of the heating wires 300 a - b .
- the sensor and light circuit board 1504 is adapted and configured to further direct the received current through a respective one of two heating lead wires 225 a and 225 b, which is connected to (or in an alternative embodiment not shown, constitutes a portion of) a respective one of heating wires 300 a - b , as shown in FIG. 10 D , to direct current therethrough and thereby generate heat. Allowing a user to switch to the other heating wire after one is worn out is believed to increase the useful lifespan of the device 100 , while also reducing power consumption.
- the device 100 provides a visual indicator of the level of the power capacity of the battery 222 , or other power source used therein. At least one illumination member 1502 illuminates with variable colors, intensities, and patterns to indicate the remaining battery power. Additional functionalities provided by the device 100 may include an integrated USB port 1400 for charging the battery 222 , as shown mounted to the proximal side of the switch circuit board 224 in FIGS. 3 and 14 .
- the device 100 is reusable for a limited number of refills of the liquid solution 212 , before ultimately becoming disposable. This is possible due to the location and accessibility of a liquid solution container 210 .
- the liquid solution container 210 is defined at least in part by at least a portion of a proximal housing member 101 of the housing 102 and at least a portion of an inlet tube 208 .
- the proximal housing member 101 may be permanently connected to a distal housing member 103 , which houses the battery 222 and the switch and sensor and light board assemblies 305 , 306 .
- the proximal housing member 101 is transparent, at least over the portions of the proximal housing member 101 that comprise the outer sidewall 217 and distal end wall 219 of the liquid solution container 210 , so that a level of liquid solution, as well as the color of light from a battery power capacity level indicator light (illumination member 1502 , described further below), are discernible through portions of the proximal housing member 101 to a person of normal, unaided vision.
- at least portions, or the entirety of the proximal housing member 101 may be formed of borosilicate glass.
- the device 100 comprises an elongated housing 102 , having a generally uniformly circular cylindrical outer surface, which serves as the protective cover that contains the components.
- an elongated rectangular, triangular, or irregular outer surface may also be used.
- the outer surface of the housing 102 also serves as a gripping surface, such that the device 100 can be held, manipulated, and smoked.
- the housing 102 includes a distal housing member 103 providing a substantially rigid sidewall 104 that defines a cavity 400 , The sidewall 104 extends between a proximal end 106 c and an opposing distal end at the distal end 106 b of the housing 102 .
- the housing 102 is defined by a tubular shape.
- the tubular shape of the housing 102 is dimensioned approximately like a standard cigarette—between 70-120 mm long.
- the housing 102 may also be constructed from stainless steel, including SUS304 steel. However, in other embodiments, other metal or polymer material may also be used.
- the cavity 400 is sized and dimensioned to enable passage of air flow from the distal end 106 b to the proximal end 106 a.
- the device 100 can also provide an outlet seal 216 disposed between the wide end 500 a of the mouthpiece 108 and the proximal, outlet end of the inlet tube 208 .
- the outlet seal 216 is configured to enable more efficient air flow, and prevent seepage of the liquid solution 212 from the mouthpiece 108 (See FIG. 21 A ).
- the outlet seal 216 has a wide base 2100 , and a narrow tube 2102 that fits into the proximal end of the inlet tube 208 and defines an outlet seal air passageway 2103 in fluid communication with the mouthpiece air passageway 502 and with a heating wire support pipe air passageway 203 , described further below.
- the annular fill opening 226 of the fluid chamber 213 is exposed after the mouthpiece connector 110 is detached from the inlet tube 208 .
- Liquid solution 212 can then be introduced into the fluid chamber 213 through the annular fill opening 226 .
- the proximal portion 602 a of the inlet tube 208 extends along the length of the liquid solution container 210 and comprises its inner sidewall 223 , the fluid chamber 213 thus being formed between the inlet tube 208 and portions of the proximal housing member 101 that comprise the outer sidewall 217 and distal end wall 219 of the container 210 .
- a sectioned view of the inlet tube 208 is shown in FIG.
- the device 100 utilizes a wicking member 204 for regulating the flow of the liquid solution 212 .
- the wicking member 204 is disposed inside the inlet tube 208 and absorbs the liquid solution 212 that has flown into the inlet tube 208 through the inlet holes 214 .
- the wicking member 204 is configured to absorb some amount of the liquid solution 212 , prior to atomization thereof.
- the wicking member 204 is in the form of a sleeve having a longitudinal through hole 702 .
- a proximal connector 110 is provided to detachably connect the mouthpiece 108 and the inlet tube 208 .
- the proximal connector 110 has a threaded inner surface 800 and an outer gripping surface 802 , as shown in FIG. 8 A .
- the outer gripping surface 802 may optionally be ribbed (not shown), to facilitate gripping and turning the proximal connector 110 to attach and detach it from the inlet tube 208 .
- the proximal connector 110 comprises a copper material and an electroplated surface. However, in alternative embodiments, other materials and connecting features are possible.
- the device 100 provides a battery 222 that is operatively disposed in the cavity of the housing 102 .
- the battery 222 is configured to generate electrical power for heating the heating wires 300 a - b , and powering components, such as the sensor and various circuit boards, described below.
- the battery 222 is replaceable and, in some embodiments, rechargeable. In one non-limiting embodiment, the battery 222 is operable for about 850 milliamp hours (mAh). In other embodiments, the battery 222 is a coin battery 222 . However, any internal or external power source may also be used.
- the device 100 includes heating wire subassemblies 206 a - b for atomizing the liquid solution 212 .
- the heating wire subassemblies 206 a - b are supported by an insulative heating wire support pipe 202 , the heating wire support pipe defining a heating wire support pipe air passageway 203 extending longitudinally therethrough, in fluid communication with the outlet seal air passageway 2103 , described previously, and with an inlet seal air outlet passageway 201 , described further below.
- Each heating wire subassembly 206 a - b includes a respective heating wire 300 a - b wound around a respective support pin 207 a - b to form a respective heating coil 301 a - b , as illustrated in FIG. 10 A for heating wire subassembly 206 a.
- the two support pins 207 a - b are supported in respective guide holes 209 a - b formed in an heating wire support pipe 202 , the guide holes 209 a - b being oriented so that the heating coils 301 a - b are disposed perpendicular to each other when the support pins 207 a - b are supported therein, each heating coil 301 a - b being disposed at least substantially within the heating wire support pipe air passageway 203 (see FIG.
- the heating wire support pipe 202 further includes wire guide channels 215 a - b formed on its peripheral surface,
- the heating wire subassemblies 206 a - b are configured to have their respective heating wires 300 a - b alternately energized, so that the heating coils 301 a - b alternately heat the liquid solution 212 for atomization.
- Each heating wire subassembly 206 a - b is operatively connected to the battery 222 , receiving electrical power, or current, which is selectively directed through the heating wires 300 a - b , thereby generating heat in the respective heating coils 301 a - b , due to the electrical resistance of the material of the heating wires 300 a - b.
- each heating wire subassembly 206 a operatively connects to a respective one of two cathode posts 211 a - b of the sensor and light circuit board 1504 , through a permanent connection of the respective heating lead wires 225 a - b to respective cathode posts 211 a - b , and a permanent connection of the respective heating wires 300 a - b to the respective heating lead wires 225 a - b .
- a respective cathode post 211 a - b is energized with current, the current is directed through the respective heating wire 300 a - b to a common ground wire 236 , shown in FIGS.
- the heating wires 300 a - b have electrical resistance, so that heat is generated when electric current flows through the respective heating coils 301 a - b . This heat in turn generates vapor and/or mist from the e-liquid.
- Each heating wire support pin 207 a - b is, at least partially, wrapped with a wicking material 218 , such as cotton, as shown in FIGS. 10 D-E .
- the wicking material 218 is used to wick the liquid solution 212 from the wicking member 204 , through the respective guide holes 209 a - b , and into the heating wire support pipe air passageway 203 , to be heated by the respective heating coil 301 a - b and thus rendered airborne (such as by being vaporized or atomized) to be carried in an inhalation air flow along an air flow path P shown in FIG. 2 B .
- the two heating wires 300 a - b are supported on the insulative wire support heating wire support pipe 202 , with the heating wires 300 a - b being seated in a respective one of wire guide channels 215 a - b .
- the wire guide channels 215 a - b may have such orientations as may be convenient for guiding wires 300 a - b away from respective guide holes 209 a - b .
- the heating wire support pipe 202 is made of white fiberglass, whose conductive thermal resistance serves to insulate the surrounding air, liquid solution, and device components from the heat of the energized heating coil 301 a or 301 b.
- the heat from the heating wires 300 a - b is sufficient to atomize the liquid solution 212 into a mist.
- the heating wires 300 a - b comprise a nickel-chromium alloy material, It is the electrical power from the battery 222 that actuates the heating wires 300 a - b to generate heat,
- only one heating wire 300 a, 300 b is selected to be electronically connected with the battery 222 and be heated until it is worn out and can no longer generate sufficient heat for atomizing the e-liquid.
- the other heating wire 300 a, 300 b is electrically connected to the battery 222 .
- Dual heating elements embodied as heating wires 300 a - b , extend the life span of the device 100 , and thus avoid the immediate disposal of the device 100 when one heating element reaches the end of its life.
- the heating wire support pipe 202 is further illustrated in FIGS. 11 A-B .
- the heating wire support pipe 202 is utilized for carrying and orienting the first and second heating wires 300 a, 300 b.
- the insulative wire support heating wire support pipe 202 is disposed longitudinally inside the channel 702 of the wicking member 204 and makes contact with the surface of the channel 702 .
- the insulative wire support heating wire support pipe 202 is made of white fiberglass material. The fiberglass material is known in the art to withstand and insulate against the high temperatures resulting from the heat generated by the heating coils 301 a - b.
- the device 100 provides various silica gel seals, For example, illustrated in FIG. 12 is an O-ring seal 302 , at least one of which is disposed between the inlet tube 208 and the container 210 , as shown in FIG. 2 A .
- the O-ring seal 302 is configured to help prevent leakage of the liquid solution 212 .
- FIG. 13 Yet another seal structure is an inlet seal 200 , shown in FIG. 13 .
- inlet seal 200 that is disposed adjacently to the first O-ring seal 302 .
- the inlet seal 200 is configured to help prevent leakage of the liquid solution 212 from the wicking member 204 .
- the inlet seal 200 may define at least one air flow passageway.
- the inlet seal 200 defines at least one inlet seal air inlet passageway 1300 that is configured to permit passage of air flow from the cavity 400 into the inlet seal 200 , along a portion of an inhalation air flow path P, illustrated in FIG.
- FIG. 13 D is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of an exemplary inlet seal 200 having a generally cone-shaped distal head 1302 and a proximal stem 1304 , the distal head 1302 having a narrow distal end 1303 and a wide proximal end 1305 , and the proximal stern 1304 being generally coaxial with and extending proximally from the proximal end 1305 of the distal head 1302 .
- the at least one seal passageway 1300 extends generally radially inwardly from an outer periphery of the cone-shaped distal head 1305 to meet an inlet seal air outlet passageway 201 , significantly larger in diameter than the inlet seal air inlet passageway 1300 .
- the inlet seal air outlet passageway 201 is in fluid communication with the heating wire support pipe air passageway 203 . to permit air to flow from the interior of the distal housing member 103 through seal passageway 1300 to the inlet seal air outlet passageway 201 , and from the inlet seal air outlet passageway 201 to the heating wire support pipe air passageway 203 when a user inhales through the mouthpiece 108 .
- the inlet seal 200 comprises wire channels 1301 (four are included, as seen in FIG. allowing for two alternate orientations of the inlet seal 200 ) to permit the respective heating lead wires 225 a - b to extend therethrough from the sensor and light circuit board 1504 to connect to the respective heating wires 300 a - b .
- the O-ring seal 302 and the inlet seal 200 comprise a silica gel material that is configured to withstand high temperatures. However, other materials may also be used in other embodiments.
- the device 100 further includes a sensor and light board seal 304 .
- the sensor and light board seal 304 has a disc-like shape, with flexible ribs 2200 at the periphery to create a seal with the inner surface of the distal housing sidewall 104 , an inner circumferential groove 2202 shaped to retain the sensor and light circuit board 1504 , and a plurality of longitudinal sensor and light board seal air passageways 2204 , spaced radially outwardly and about the circumference of the inner circumferential groove 2202 , to permit an inhalation air flow to pass around the sensor and light circuit board 1504 , through the sensor and light board seal 304 , for example along the air flow path P, shown in FIG. 2 B , which passes through one of the air passageways 2204 .
- Variously shaped and constructed sealing components may also be used between any combination of the discussed components to prevent leakage of liquid solution 212 , and to create a tighter cavity for the air flow.
- the device 100 also includes a USB port 1400 , which is mounted to the proximal side of the switch circuit board 224 and adapted to be connected with a USB cable.
- the USB port 1400 is at least partially exposed to the exterior of the housing 102 , such as through an opening 107 in the distal housing member 103 , as depicted in FIG. 3 , such that docking a cable thereto is facilitated.
- the device 100 also provides the unique feature of an integrated sensor and light board assembly 306 .
- the sensor and light board assembly 306 is a printed circuit board assembly (“PCBA”) that is disposed in the cavity of the housing 102 .
- the sensor and light board assembly 306 includes a sensor and light circuit board 1504 (a printed circuit board or “PCB”), a battery power capacity level indicator illumination member 1502 (such as an LED), and an air pressure sensor/switch 1503 .
- the sensor and light circuit board 1504 is electronically coupled to the battery 222 .
- the pressure sensor/switch 1503 is adapted to respond to a pressure change caused by airflow that enters the housing 102 through a distal cover 111 .
- the color is yellow or amber.
- the illumination member 1502 illuminates in red.
- the sensor and light circuit board 1504 incorporates multiple illumination members 1502 (e.g., separate LEDs), each of which is configured to illuminate in a single color, the circuit board 1504 comprising logic to direct current to a selected LED according to the detected charge level of the battery 222 .
- the color of the light is visible to the user since at least the portion of the proximal housing member 101 that comprises the outer sidewall 217 and the distal end wall 219 of the container 210 is transparent.
- light from the illumination member 1502 may further produce an appealing visual effect by shining through and illuminating liquid solution 212 present in the fluid chamber 213 .
- a perspective view of the sensor and light board assembly 306 is illustrated in FIG. 16 .
- the device 100 includes the switch board assembly 305 , which comprises a switch 1700 mounted on a switch circuit board 224 , as shown in the exploded view of device 100 of FIG. 3 .
- Switch 1700 is also depicted separately in FIG. 17 .
- the switch circuit board 224 is a PCB.
- the switch circuit board 224 is configured to direct current to a selected one of the heating wires 300 a - b.
- the stationary cover member 112 has a generally hollow cylindrical shape and includes a proximal section 1800 , a distal section 1802 , and a midsection 1807 formed between the proximal section 1800 and the distal section 1802 .
- An outer surface of the proximal section 1800 is adapted and configured to fixedly insert into the distal end 106 b of the housing 102
- an inner surface of the proximal section 1800 is adapted and configured to surround the periphery of the switch circuit board 224 so as to prevent the switch circuit board 224 from rotating axially when mounted in the interior of the proximal section 1800 .
- the rotatable switch member 1702 When the rotatable cover member 114 and rotatable switch member 1702 rotate in the second direction until the stop 1903 abuts the other of the stop channel ends 1804 , 1805 , the rotatable switch member 1702 reaches a second switch position that analogously triggers the switch circuit board 224 to return current to the sensor and light circuit board 1504 through a heating current supply wire 234 b that corresponds to the heating wire 300 b, so as to be directed to the heating wire 300 b, so that heat is generated in heating coil 301 b.
- At least one air inlet notch 1806 is formed in a proximal section 1800 of the stationary cover member 112 .
- the air inlet notch 1806 is sized and dimensioned to enable entry of air into the distal end 106 b of the housing 102 , whereby air drawn through the air opening of the mouthpiece 108 and the air inlet notch 1806 of the stationary cover member 112 generates the air flow.
- the amount and speed of air flow permitted into the atomizer is adjustable through the air inlet notch 1806 , which can be size adjusted.
- a metallic ring 308 (shown separately in FIG. 20 ) is disposed adjacent to a distal side of the switch circuit board 224 and retained within and in axial alignment with the distal section 1802 of the stationary cover member 112 , a distal end of the metallic ring 308 abutting a proximal face of a radially inwardly extending lip 1808 at a distal end of the distal section 1802 .
- the metallic ring 308 comprises a copper material and an electroplated surface.
- the housing 102 is oriented with the proximal end 106 a upwards, and the distal end 106 b downward, aligned with the housing 102 in a vertical position, such as shown in FIG. 1 .
- the proximal connector 110 is rotatably removed, such that the mouthpiece 108 detaches from the housing 102 .
- a liquid solution 212 such as a flavored e-liquid, is poured into the fluid chamber 213 to a desired level. Thereafter, the mouthpiece is securely fastened to the inlet tube 208 in preparation for atomizing the liquid solution 212 into an inhalable mist, and/or vaporizing or evaporating the liquid solution into an inhalable vapor.
- the power optimization electronic cigarette device 100 is configured to be reusable for a limited number of refills through use of an easily accessible liquid refilling structure, before ultimately becoming disposable.
- the electronic cigarette device 100 optimizes battery power consumption through use of multiple heating wires that can be selectively operated to vaporize the liquid solution.
- the pressure sensor/switch 1503 is adapted and configured to detect a pressure drop, resulting from air flow generated from a user inhaling through the electronic cigarette device 100 , and to trigger the heating wires 300 a - b to generate heat, only when detecting a pressure drop that indicates that the electronic cigarette device 100 is in use.
- the selective use of one heating wire, selected from two or more heating wires serves to extend the life span thereof.
- the electronic cigarette device comprises a sensor and light board assembly 306 that detects available battery power capacity, and an illumination member 1502 that variably illuminates to indicate the remaining power capacity of the battery.
Abstract
A power optimization electronic cigarette device is configured to be reusable for a limited number of refills through use of an easily accessible liquid refilling structure, before ultimately becoming disposable. The electronic cigarette device takes advantage of multiple heating wires that can be selectively operated to vaporize the liquid solution. The selective use of one heating wire, from two or more heating wires serves to extend the life span thereof. A sensor detects the air flow generated from inhaling through the electronic cigarette and triggers the heating wires to generate heat while the electronic cigarette is in use. In another power optimization function, the electronic cigarette device comprises a circuit board that detects available power in a battery, and an illumination member that variably illuminates to indicate remaining battery power. The electronic cigarette also provides a USB charging port for recharging the battery.
Description
- NONE.
- The present disclosure generally relates to electronic cigarettes, and more particularly relates to a power optimization electronic cigarette device. More so, the present disclosure relates to an electronic cigarette device that is reusable for a limited number of refills through use of a liquid solution refilling structure, before ultimately becoming disposable. Still more particularly, the electronic cigarette device optimizes battery power consumption through use of multiple heating wires that can be selectively operated to vaporize the liquid solution.
- The following background information may present examples of specific aspects of the prior art (e.g., without limitation, approaches, facts, or common wisdom) that, while expected to be helpful to further educate the reader as to additional aspects of the prior art, is not to be construed as limiting the present disclosure, or any embodiments thereof, to anything stated or implied therein or inferred thereupon.
- Generally, an electronic cigarette (“e-cigarette”) is a smoking apparatus that mimics a traditional tobacco cigarette smoking, by producing smoke replacement that may be similar in its physical sensation, general appearance, and sometimes flavor (i.e., with tobacco fragrance, menthol taste, added nicotine etc.). A battery portion of the electronic cigarette includes a controller and battery for powering the device and a cartomizer portion generates vapor and/or an aerosol mist (individually or collectively, “airborne substance”) that is a replacement for cigarette smoke, In particular, the cartomizer may use heat (e.g. a heating element), ultrasonic energy, or other means to vaporize, evaporate, and/or atomize a liquid solution or e-liquid (for example including propylene glycol, or glycerin, for example including taste and fragrance ingredients) into an airborne substance that mixes with air inhaled through the e-cigarette into a user's mouth.
- Oftentimes, a component in the cartomizer portion that generates the airborne substance is referred to as an aerosol mist generator. The electronic cigarette may be powered by a power source, such as a battery which provides current for the heating. The power source may be difficult to regulate and result in a shorter lifespan for the electronic cigarette by requiring re-charging. The e-liquid may be kept in a small container, and during the puff some of it is heated while being dose to and around a heating coil. The heated e-liquid loses its high viscosity, and then is prone to atomization and some evaporation and/or vaporization, generating the “smoke” to be inhaled by the user. It is known in the art that some electronic cigarettes are of the disposable variety. Disposable electronic cigarettes are not used once the e-liquid is exhausted.
- The problem with these electronic cigarettes is that they are not refillable, and thus not reusable, even a small number of times. Some other electronic cigarettes are designed to be reusable and last for a long time. However, they are much more expensive than disposable e-cigarettes. Furthermore, the prior art electronic cigarettes do not have switchable heating elements and a light-emitting diode (“LED”) illumination that indicates power capacity of the battery. Even though the above cited electronic cigarettes meet some of the needs of the market, a power optimization electronic cigarette device that is reusable for a limited number of smokes through use of a liquid solution refilling structure, before ultimately becoming disposable; optimizes battery power consumption through use of multiple heating wires that can be selectively operated to vaporize the liquid solution; and includes a sensor that detects air flow from inhaling the cigarette before triggering operation of the heating wires, a circuit board assembly that detects available battery power through use of a sensor and alerts to an illumination member that variably illuminates to indicate the remaining power for the battery, and a USB charging port is still desired.
- Accordingly, there is a need for a new type of e-cigarettes that are refillable with e-liquid and become disposable after a small number of refills. The new type of e-cigarettes is less costly to consumers and also reduces electronic waste compared to single-use disposable e-cigarettes. Furthermore, there is a need for a new type of e-cigarettes that are reusable and disposable and include switchable heating elements. In addition, there is a need for a new type of e-cigarettes that are reusable and disposable and include switchable heating elements and an LED indicator.
- According to an aspect of the disclosure, an electronic cigarette device comprises a mouthpiece, a housing, and an electrical system. The mouthpiece is disposed at a proximal end of the device and defines a mouthpiece air passageway and an outlet opening, the mouthpiece air passageway and outlet opening being adapted and configured to allow an inhalable stream of air and an airborne substance to pass through the mouthpiece via the mouthpiece air passageway and into a user's mouth via the outlet opening when a user inhales on the mouthpiece through the outlet opening. The housing defines a housing air passageway extending therethrough, the housing air passageway being in fluid communication with the mouthpiece air passageway. The electrical system comprises a battery, a heating wire, and at least one illumination member. The heating wire is adapted and configured to produce heat when an electric current flows through the heating wire. The electrical system is adapted and configured to detect a charge level of the battery, and, when the device is in use, to transmit electric current from the battery to the heating wire to cause the heating wire to produce heat to heat a substance that is in fluid communication with the housing air passageway, so as to render airborne at least a portion of the substance, so as to produce said inhalable stream in the housing air passageway. The electrical system is adapted and configured to, when the detected charge level is no less than a first threshold charge level, transmit current from the battery to the at least one illumination member so as to cause the at least one illumination member to emit a first color of light. The electrical system is adapted and configured to, when the detected charge level is less than the first threshold charge level and no less than a second threshold charge level, transmit current from the battery to the at least one illumination member so as to cause the at least one illumination member to emit a second color of light different from the first color of light.
- According to another aspect of the disclosure, an electronic cigarette device comprises a mouthpiece at a proximal end of the device, a housing, a battery, a first heating wire, a second heating wire, a switch, and a manual switch actuator. The mouthpiece is disposed at a proximal end of the device and defines a mouthpiece air passageway and an outlet opening, the mouthpiece air passageway and outlet opening being adapted and configured to allow an inhalable stream of air and an airborne substance to pass through the mouthpiece via the mouthpiece air passageway and into a user's oral cavity via the outlet opening when a user inhales on the mouthpiece through the outlet opening. The housing defines a housing air passageway extending therethrough, the housing air passageway being in fluid communication with the mouthpiece air passageway. The first heating wire is adapted and configured to produce heat when electric current flows through the first heating wire, to heat a substance that is in fluid communication with the housing air passageway, so that at least a portion of the substance so heated becomes airborne to produce said inhalable stream in the housing air passageway. The second heating wire is adapted and configured to produce heat when electric current flows through the second heating wire, to heat a substance that is in fluid communication with the housing air passageway, so that at least a portion of the substance so heated becomes airborne to produce said inhalable stream in the housing air passageway. The switch has a first switch position and a second switch position, the switch being adapted and configured to, when in the first switch position, complete a first circuit to transmit current from the battery through the first heating wire, and when in the second switch position, complete a second circuit to transmit current from the battery through the second heating wire. The manual switch actuator is mounted to the housing so as to be manually movable by a user to and from a first switch actuator position and a second switch actuator position. The manual switch actuator is operatively connected to the switch so as to cause the switch to move to the first switch position when the manual switch actuator moves to the first switch actuator position and to cause the switch to move to the second switch position when the manual switch actuator moves to the second switch actuator position.
- According to another aspect of the disclosure, an electronic cigarette device comprises a mouthpiece, a housing, a liquid container, a heating wire, a rechargeable battery, and a battery charging port. The mouthpiece is disposed at a proximal end of the device and defines a mouthpiece air passageway and an outlet opening, the mouthpiece air passageway and outlet opening adapted and configured to allow an inhalable stream of air and an airborne substance to pass through the mouthpiece via the mouthpiece air passageway and into a user's oral cavity via the outlet opening when a user inhales on the mouthpiece through the outlet opening. The housing has a proximal end and a distal end, the housing comprising a proximal housing member connected to a distal housing member, the proximal housing member extending from the proximal end of the housing to the distal housing member, and the distal housing member extending from the proximal housing member to the distal end of the housing, the housing defining a housing air passageway extending therethrough, the housing air passageway being in fluid communication with the mouthpiece air passageway. The liquid container defines a fluid chamber adapted and configured to contain an e-liquid, the liquid container defining at least one inlet hole in fluid communication with the fluid chamber and the housing air passageway to permit e-liquid in the fluid chamber to pass from the fluid chamber to the housing air passageway, the liquid container comprising at least a portion of the proximal housing member. The heating wire is adapted and configured to produce heat when electric current flows through the heating wire. The rechargeable battery is adapted and configured to supply current to the heating wire to heat a substance that is in fluid communication with the housing air passageway, so that at least a portion of the substance so heated becomes airborne to produce said inhalable stream in the housing air passageway. The battery charging port is disposed within and exposed to the exterior of the housing, the battery charging port being adapted and configured to receive a charging plug, the battery charging port being electrically connected to the battery to transmit a charging current from the charging plug to the battery to recharge the battery.
- Although the characteristic features of this disclosure will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself, and the manner in which it may be made and used, may be better understood by referring to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings forming a part hereof, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views and in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a frontal view of an exemplary power optimization electronic cigarette device, in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. -
FIG. 2A is a sectioned side view of the power optimization electronic cigarette device shown inFIG. 1 , in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2B is a sectioned proximal-side view of the power optimization electronic cigarette device shown inFIG. 1 , in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIGS. 4A-4C are views of an exemplary housing of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, whereFIG. 4A is a perspective view,FIG. 4B is a side elevation view, andFIG. 4C is a side sectioned view, in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIGS. 5A-5C are views of an exemplary mouthpiece of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, whereFIG. 5A is a perspective view,FIG. 5B is a side elevation view, andFIG. 5C is a frontal view, in accordance with the present disclosure, -
FIGS. 6A-6B are views of an exemplary inlet rod of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, whereFIG. 6A is a perspective view andFIG. 6B is a sectioned side view, in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIG. 7 is a perspective views of an exemplary wicking member of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIGS. 8A-8B are views of an exemplary proximal connector of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, whereFIG. 8A is a perspective view, andFIG. 8B is a proximal plan view, in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an exemplary battery of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIGS. 10A-10C are views of an exemplary heating wire subassembly of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, whereFIG. 10A is a perspective view,FIG. 10B is a side elevation view, andFIG. 10C is a frontal view, in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIG. 10D is a view of an electrical system of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, shown without device housing or airflow components. -
FIG. 10E is a view of the heating wire subassemblies of the electrical system shown inFIG. 10D . -
FIG. 10F is a schematic diagram of the connectivity of the electrical system shown inFIG. 10D . -
FIGS. 11A-11B are views of an exemplary insulative wire support tube of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, whereFIG. 11A is a perspective view, andFIG. 11B is a side elevation view, in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an exemplary silica gel O-ring of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIGS. 13A-13D are views of an exemplary silica gel inlet seal of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, whereFIG. 13A is a perspective view,FIG. 13B is a distal end view,FIG. 13C is an elevated side view, andFIG. 13D is a sectioned side view, in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIG. 14 is a perspective view of an exemplary switch circuit board and USB port of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIG. 15 is a side view of a sensor and light board in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a sensor and light board in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an exemplary switch of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIG. 18A-18D are views of an exemplary stationary cover member of a distal cover of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, whereFIG. 18A is a distal perspective view,FIG. 18B is a proximal plan view,FIG. 18C is a distal plan view, andFIG. 18D is a side elevation view. in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIGS. 19A-19D are views of an exemplary rotatable cover member of a distal cover of power optimization electronic cigarette device, whereFIG. 19A is a perspective view,FIG. 19B is a proximal plan view,FIG. 19C is a side elevation view, andFIG. 19D is a bottom view, in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an exemplary distal connector of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIGS. 21A-21C are views of an exemplary outlet seal of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, whereFIG. 21A is a perspective view,FIG. 21B is a side elevation view, andFIG. 21C is a sectioned side view, in accordance with the present disclosure. -
FIGS. 22A-223 are views of an exemplary insulative silica gel stationary seal of a power optimization electronic cigarette device, whereFIG. 22A is a perspective view, andFIG. 22B is a side elevation view, in accordance with the present disclosure. - A person of ordinary skills in the art will appreciate that elements of the figures above are illustrated for simplicity and clarity, and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The dimensions of some elements in the figures may have been exaggerated relative to other elements to help understanding of the present teachings. Furthermore, a particular order in which certain elements, parts, components, modules, steps, actions, events and/or processes are described or illustrated may not be actually required. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, for the purpose of simplicity and clarity of illustration, some commonly known and well-understood elements that are useful and/or necessary in a commercially feasible embodiment may not be depicted in order to provide a clear view of various embodiments in accordance with the present teachings.
- The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, unless otherwise clearly stated, the terms “upper” “lower,” “left,” “rear,” “right,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in
FIG. 1 . Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are therefore not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise. - A power optimization
electronic cigarette device 100 is referenced inFIGS. 1-22B . Thedevice 100 includes heating wires 300 a-b, shown inFIGS. 3 and 10D , which can be selectively operated to vaporize and/or atomize theliquid solution 212 into an inhalable mist. The connectivity of an electrical system 150 which is adapted to be housed within ahousing 102 of the assembleddevice 100, is best seen inFIG. 101 , in which the electrical system is shown without thehousing 102. In particular, a positive terminal of abattery 222 is electrically connected to a sensor andlight circuit board 1504 of a sensor andlight board assembly 306 through asystem supply wire 220. The sensor andlight circuit board 1504, in turn, is electrically connected to thebattery 222 through thesystem supply wire 220, and to aswitch circuit board 224 of aswitch board assembly 305 through a plurality oftransmission wires 230, which are collectively indicated at 230 in each ofFIGS. 2A, 10D -F, 15, and 16 and further identified inFIG. 10F as a switchboard supply wire 232 and heatingcurrent supply wires - The
electronic cigarette device 100 further includes an air pressure sensor/switch 1503, comprising an air pressure sensor and an electrical switch, the air pressure sensor being operatively connected to the switch so as to cause the switch to close or remain closed when the air pressure sensor detects pressure below a threshold air pressure, and to open or remain open when the air pressure sensor detects pressure at or above the threshold air pressure. The air pressure sensor/switch 1503 is operatively connected to the sensor andlight circuit board 1504 to alternately connect and disconnect thesystem supply wire 220 to and from the switchboard supply wire 232. Thus, only when the air pressure sensor/switch 1503 detects a pressure drop associated with a user drawing air throughdevice 100, the air pressure sensor/switch 1503 will dose, thus completing a circuit and allowing current to be transmitted from the sensor andlight circuit board 1504 to theswitch circuit board 224 through the switchboard supply wire 232. The switchboard supply wire 232, depicted schematically in FIG, 10F, comprises at least one of a plurality oftransmission wires 230 connected between the sensor andlight circuit board 1504 and theswitch circuit board 224, shown inFIGS. 2A, 10D, and 10E . Theswitch circuit board 224 is adapted and configured to feed the received current back to the sensor andlight circuit board 1504 through a heatingcurrent supply wire transmission wires 230, specifically identified in the schematic circuit diagram ofFIG. 10F , which respectively correspond to a selected one of the heating wires 300 a-b. The sensor andlight circuit board 1504 is adapted and configured to further direct the received current through a respective one of twoheating lead wires FIG. 10D , to direct current therethrough and thereby generate heat. Allowing a user to switch to the other heating wire after one is worn out is believed to increase the useful lifespan of thedevice 100, while also reducing power consumption. - The
device 100 also includes amouthpiece 108, shown inFIG. 5A . As seen inFIG. 2A , themouthpiece 108 detachably attaches to acontainer 210 via amouthpiece connector 110, which may, for example, be a threaded connector. Themouthpiece 108 is the portion of the device that a user can insert into her/his mouth during the inhalation of the atomizedliquid solution 212. Themouthpiece 108 defines amouthpiece air passageway 502 running therethrough from a proximal mouthpiece opening 503 to adistal mouthpiece opening 504, which serves to enable passage of air through thehousing 102 as air is drawn in by the smoker. In one alternative embodiment, the amount and speed of air flow permitted into the atomizer is adjustable through a size adjustable mouthpiece air passageway. - Additionally, the
device 100 provides a visual indicator of the level of the power capacity of thebattery 222, or other power source used therein. At least oneillumination member 1502 illuminates with variable colors, intensities, and patterns to indicate the remaining battery power. Additional functionalities provided by thedevice 100 may include anintegrated USB port 1400 for charging thebattery 222, as shown mounted to the proximal side of theswitch circuit board 224 inFIGS. 3 and 14 . - The
device 100 is reusable for a limited number of refills of theliquid solution 212, before ultimately becoming disposable. This is possible due to the location and accessibility of aliquid solution container 210. Theliquid solution container 210 is defined at least in part by at least a portion of aproximal housing member 101 of thehousing 102 and at least a portion of aninlet tube 208. Theproximal housing member 101 may be permanently connected to adistal housing member 103, which houses thebattery 222 and the switch and sensor andlight board assemblies liquid solution container 210 has a cylindricalouter sidewall 217 and an annulardistal end wall 219 formed by portions of theproximal housing member 101 the annulardistal end wall 219 being connected to and extending radially inwardly from the cylindricalouter sidewall 217 and circumscribing a hole 221. Preferably, theproximal housing member 101 is transparent, at least over the portions of theproximal housing member 101 that comprise theouter sidewall 217 anddistal end wall 219 of theliquid solution container 210, so that a level of liquid solution, as well as the color of light from a battery power capacity level indicator light (illumination member 1502, described further below), are discernible through portions of theproximal housing member 101 to a person of normal, unaided vision. For example, at least portions, or the entirety of theproximal housing member 101 may be formed of borosilicate glass. In this manner, a user can readily see when theliquid solution 212 is low and ready to be replenished, thereby creating a more consistent and optimal atomization, promoting a mist that offers a full flavor. In one embodiment, theliquid solution 212 may include an e-liquid having a mixture of propylene glycol, glycerin, nicotine, and flavorings. - The hole 221 in the
proximal housing member 101 is adapted to receive theinlet tube 208. In the assembleddevice 100, aproximal portion 602 a of theinlet tube 208 is inserted through the hole 221 so that adistal portion 602 b of theinlet tube 208 abuts a distal side of thedistal end wall 219. A portion of theinlet tube 208 thus comprises a cylindricalinner sidewall 223 of thecontainer 210 that is generally coaxial with and spaced radially inwardly of theouter sidewall 217 of thecontainer 210. Anannular fluid chamber 213 is thus defined bycontainer 210, thefluid chamber 213 extending radially from theouter sidewall 217 to theinner sidewall 223 and longitudinally fromdistal end wall 219 to anannular container opening 226, shown inFIG. 2A , that extends radially from a proximal end of at least one of theouter sidewall 217 and theinner sidewall 223 to the other wall. When themouthpiece 108 is attached to thecontainer 210, themouthpiece connector 110 covers thecontainer opening 226, such that thefluid chamber 213 can be exposed by detaching themouthpiece connector 110 from thecontainer 210 and removing themouthpiece 108 andmouthpiece connector 110 from thecontainer 210. Thereafter, theliquid solution 212, such as an e-liquid, can be introduced into thefluid chamber 213 of theliquid solution container 210. - As shown in
FIG. 1 , thedevice 100 comprises anelongated housing 102, having a generally uniformly circular cylindrical outer surface, which serves as the protective cover that contains the components. In alternative embodiments, an elongated rectangular, triangular, or irregular outer surface may also be used. The outer surface of thehousing 102 also serves as a gripping surface, such that thedevice 100 can be held, manipulated, and smoked. Turning now toFIG. 4A , thehousing 102 includes adistal housing member 103 providing a substantiallyrigid sidewall 104 that defines acavity 400, Thesidewall 104 extends between aproximal end 106 c and an opposing distal end at thedistal end 106 b of thehousing 102.FIGS. 4B-4C are side views and sectional views, respectively of thedistal housing member 103. Thedistal housing member 103 is operatively coupled to theproximal housing member 101 via, for example, a permanent interference fit connection. Thus, as illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 2B , adistal skirt 105 of theproximal housing member 101 is inserted into a proximal end of thedistal housing member 103 to form a permanent interference fit when thedevice 100 is assembled. Alternatively, thedistal housing member 103 may be detachably connected to theproximal housing member 101, such as by a threaded or otherwise detachable connection. - In one non-limiting embodiment, the
housing 102 is defined by a tubular shape. The tubular shape of thehousing 102 is dimensioned approximately like a standard cigarette—between 70-120 mm long. Thehousing 102 may also be constructed from stainless steel, including SUS304 steel. However, in other embodiments, other metal or polymer material may also be used. Thecavity 400 is sized and dimensioned to enable passage of air flow from thedistal end 106 b to theproximal end 106 a. - In one implementation, the
mouthpiece 108 includes a pair of concave sidewalls joined at awide end 500 a to form anopening 504, and joined at anarrow end 500 b to form themouthpiece air passageway 502. Air flow and mist from the atomized liquid solution freely pass through theopening 504 and themouthpiece air passageway 502. Specifically, the structure of themouthpiece 108 is configured to enable the lips to purse while sucking/inhaling through themouthpiece air passageway 502. This configuration is sized to fit comfortably into the mouth of the smoker, and allow for sucking and inhaling motions by the lips, i.e. smoking articulations by the mouth. - Turning to
FIG. 21A , thedevice 100 can also provide anoutlet seal 216 disposed between thewide end 500 a of themouthpiece 108 and the proximal, outlet end of theinlet tube 208. Theoutlet seal 216 is configured to enable more efficient air flow, and prevent seepage of theliquid solution 212 from the mouthpiece 108 (SeeFIG. 21A ). AsFIGS. 21B-21C show, theoutlet seal 216 has awide base 2100, and anarrow tube 2102 that fits into the proximal end of theinlet tube 208 and defines an outletseal air passageway 2103 in fluid communication with themouthpiece air passageway 502 and with a heating wire supportpipe air passageway 203, described further below. - However, variously shaped and constructed sealing components may also be used between any combination of the discussed components to prevent leakage of
liquid solution 212, and to create a tighter cavity for the air flow. Furthermore, in order to assist the user in a comfortable smoking experience, themouthpiece 108 may be fabricated from a plastic resin material configured to help inhibit high temperatures. In one non-limiting embodiment, the plastic resin material comprises a cyclohexylene dimethylene terephthalate glycol. - As mentioned above, the
annular fill opening 226 of thefluid chamber 213 is exposed after themouthpiece connector 110 is detached from theinlet tube 208.Liquid solution 212 can then be introduced into thefluid chamber 213 through theannular fill opening 226. As illustrated inFIGS. 2A and 2B , theproximal portion 602 a of theinlet tube 208 extends along the length of theliquid solution container 210 and comprises itsinner sidewall 223, thefluid chamber 213 thus being formed between theinlet tube 208 and portions of theproximal housing member 101 that comprise theouter sidewall 217 anddistal end wall 219 of thecontainer 210. A sectioned view of theinlet tube 208 is shown inFIG. 6B , with the narrowproximal portion 602 a and the widedistal portion 602 b together defining a continuousinlet tube volume 600 that extends longitudinally through both portions. As illustrated inFIG. 2A , thedistal portion 602 b comprises a flange that abuts a distal side of thedistal end wall 219 of thecontainer 210 when thedevice 100 is assembled. Theinlet tube 208 further incorporates a set of inlet holes 214. The inlet holes 214 allow theliquid solution 212 to flow into theinlet tube volume 600. In one implementation, theinlet tube 208 is made of copper. In other embodiments, other materials may be used for fabrication of theinlet tube 208. - As shown in
FIG. 7 , thedevice 100 utilizes a wickingmember 204 for regulating the flow of theliquid solution 212. The wickingmember 204 is disposed inside theinlet tube 208 and absorbs theliquid solution 212 that has flown into theinlet tube 208 through the inlet holes 214. The wickingmember 204 is configured to absorb some amount of theliquid solution 212, prior to atomization thereof. The wickingmember 204 is in the form of a sleeve having a longitudinal throughhole 702. - For enhanced connectivity of the structure, as shown in
FIG. 8A , aproximal connector 110 is provided to detachably connect themouthpiece 108 and theinlet tube 208. Theproximal connector 110 has a threadedinner surface 800 and an outergripping surface 802, as shown inFIG. 8A . The outergripping surface 802 may optionally be ribbed (not shown), to facilitate gripping and turning theproximal connector 110 to attach and detach it from theinlet tube 208. In one non-limiting embodiment, theproximal connector 110 comprises a copper material and an electroplated surface. However, in alternative embodiments, other materials and connecting features are possible. - As illustrated in HG. 9, the
device 100 provides abattery 222 that is operatively disposed in the cavity of thehousing 102. Thebattery 222 is configured to generate electrical power for heating the heating wires 300 a-b, and powering components, such as the sensor and various circuit boards, described below. Thebattery 222 is replaceable and, in some embodiments, rechargeable. In one non-limiting embodiment, thebattery 222 is operable for about 850 milliamp hours (mAh). In other embodiments, thebattery 222 is acoin battery 222. However, any internal or external power source may also be used. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , thedevice 100 includesheating wire subassemblies 206 a-b for atomizing theliquid solution 212. As described here, theheating wire subassemblies 206 a-b are supported by an insulative heatingwire support pipe 202, the heating wire support pipe defining a heating wire supportpipe air passageway 203 extending longitudinally therethrough, in fluid communication with the outletseal air passageway 2103, described previously, and with an inlet sealair outlet passageway 201, described further below. Eachheating wire subassembly 206 a-b includes a respective heating wire 300 a-b wound around a respective support pin 207 a-b to form a respective heating coil 301 a-b, as illustrated inFIG. 10A forheating wire subassembly 206 a. The two support pins 207 a-b are supported in respective guide holes 209 a-b formed in an heatingwire support pipe 202, the guide holes 209 a-b being oriented so that the heating coils 301 a-b are disposed perpendicular to each other when the support pins 207 a-b are supported therein, each heating coil 301 a-b being disposed at least substantially within the heating wire support pipe air passageway 203 (seeFIG. 11A ), to allow heat from the heating coil 301 a-b to render airborne, such as by vaporization or atomization, an inhalable substance to produce an inhalable stream of air and the airborne substance within the heating wire supportpipe air passageway 203 The heatingwire support pipe 202 further includeswire guide channels 215 a-b formed on its peripheral surface, Theheating wire subassemblies 206 a-b are configured to have their respective heating wires 300 a-b alternately energized, so that the heating coils 301 a-b alternately heat theliquid solution 212 for atomization. Eachheating wire subassembly 206 a-b is operatively connected to thebattery 222, receiving electrical power, or current, which is selectively directed through the heating wires 300 a-b, thereby generating heat in the respective heating coils 301 a-b, due to the electrical resistance of the material of the heating wires 300 a-b. - In one embodiment, shown in HG. 10E, each
heating wire subassembly 206 a operatively connects to a respective one of two cathode posts 211 a-b of the sensor andlight circuit board 1504, through a permanent connection of the respective heating lead wires 225 a-b to respective cathode posts 211 a-b, and a permanent connection of the respective heating wires 300 a-b to the respective heating lead wires 225 a-b. When a respective cathode post 211 a-b is energized with current, the current is directed through the respective heating wire 300 a-b to acommon ground wire 236, shown inFIGS. 10D-E and depicted schematically inFIG. 10F . The heating wires 300 a-b have electrical resistance, so that heat is generated when electric current flows through the respective heating coils 301 a-b. This heat in turn generates vapor and/or mist from the e-liquid. - Each heating wire support pin 207 a-b is, at least partially, wrapped with a
wicking material 218, such as cotton, as shown inFIGS. 10D-E . Thewicking material 218 is used to wick theliquid solution 212 from the wickingmember 204, through the respective guide holes 209 a-b, and into the heating wire supportpipe air passageway 203, to be heated by the respective heating coil 301 a-b and thus rendered airborne (such as by being vaporized or atomized) to be carried in an inhalation air flow along an air flow path P shown inFIG. 2B . In one embodiment, the two heating wires 300 a-b are supported on the insulative wire support heatingwire support pipe 202, with the heating wires 300 a-b being seated in a respective one ofwire guide channels 215 a-b. Thewire guide channels 215 a-b may have such orientations as may be convenient for guiding wires 300 a-b away from respective guide holes 209 a-b. In one implementation, the heatingwire support pipe 202 is made of white fiberglass, whose conductive thermal resistance serves to insulate the surrounding air, liquid solution, and device components from the heat of the energizedheating coil - The heat from the heating wires 300 a-b is sufficient to atomize the
liquid solution 212 into a mist. In one non-limiting embodiment, the heating wires 300 a-b comprise a nickel-chromium alloy material, It is the electrical power from thebattery 222 that actuates the heating wires 300 a-b to generate heat, In one embodiment, only oneheating wire battery 222 and be heated until it is worn out and can no longer generate sufficient heat for atomizing the e-liquid. Then, theother heating wire battery 222. Dual heating elements, embodied as heating wires 300 a-b, extend the life span of thedevice 100, and thus avoid the immediate disposal of thedevice 100 when one heating element reaches the end of its life. - The heating
wire support pipe 202 is further illustrated inFIGS. 11A-B . The heatingwire support pipe 202 is utilized for carrying and orienting the first andsecond heating wires wire support pipe 202 is disposed longitudinally inside thechannel 702 of the wickingmember 204 and makes contact with the surface of thechannel 702. The insulative wire support heatingwire support pipe 202 is made of white fiberglass material. The fiberglass material is known in the art to withstand and insulate against the high temperatures resulting from the heat generated by the heating coils 301 a-b. - To prevent leakage of the
liquid solution 212 between the components, thedevice 100 provides various silica gel seals, For example, illustrated inFIG. 12 is an O-ring seal 302, at least one of which is disposed between theinlet tube 208 and thecontainer 210, as shown inFIG. 2A . The O-ring seal 302 is configured to help prevent leakage of theliquid solution 212. - Yet another seal structure is an
inlet seal 200, shown inFIG. 13 . As illustrated inFIG. 2 ,inlet seal 200 that is disposed adjacently to the first O-ring seal 302. Theinlet seal 200 is configured to help prevent leakage of theliquid solution 212 from the wickingmember 204. Theinlet seal 200 may define at least one air flow passageway. In one embodiment, as shown inFIG. 13C , theinlet seal 200 defines at least one inlet sealair inlet passageway 1300 that is configured to permit passage of air flow from thecavity 400 into theinlet seal 200, along a portion of an inhalation air flow path P, illustrated inFIG. 2B , which extends from thedistal end 106 b of thehousing 102 to theproximal end 106 a of thehousing 102. The size of the inlet sealair inlet passageways 1300 helps regulate the amount of air flow through thedevice 100.FIG. 13D is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of anexemplary inlet seal 200 having a generally cone-shapeddistal head 1302 and aproximal stem 1304, thedistal head 1302 having a narrowdistal end 1303 and a wideproximal end 1305, and the proximal stern 1304 being generally coaxial with and extending proximally from theproximal end 1305 of thedistal head 1302. The at least oneseal passageway 1300 extends generally radially inwardly from an outer periphery of the cone-shapeddistal head 1305 to meet an inlet sealair outlet passageway 201, significantly larger in diameter than the inlet sealair inlet passageway 1300. The inlet sealair outlet passageway 201, in turn, is in fluid communication with the heating wire supportpipe air passageway 203. to permit air to flow from the interior of thedistal housing member 103 throughseal passageway 1300 to the inlet sealair outlet passageway 201, and from the inlet sealair outlet passageway 201 to the heating wire supportpipe air passageway 203 when a user inhales through themouthpiece 108. In addition, theinlet seal 200 comprises wire channels 1301 (four are included, as seen in FIG. allowing for two alternate orientations of the inlet seal 200) to permit the respective heating lead wires 225 a-b to extend therethrough from the sensor andlight circuit board 1504 to connect to the respective heating wires 300 a-b. In one embodiment, the O-ring seal 302 and theinlet seal 200 comprise a silica gel material that is configured to withstand high temperatures. However, other materials may also be used in other embodiments. - Turning now to
FIG. 22A , thedevice 100 further includes a sensor andlight board seal 304. The sensor andlight board seal 304 has a disc-like shape, withflexible ribs 2200 at the periphery to create a seal with the inner surface of thedistal housing sidewall 104, aninner circumferential groove 2202 shaped to retain the sensor andlight circuit board 1504, and a plurality of longitudinal sensor and light boardseal air passageways 2204, spaced radially outwardly and about the circumference of the innercircumferential groove 2202, to permit an inhalation air flow to pass around the sensor andlight circuit board 1504, through the sensor andlight board seal 304, for example along the air flow path P, shown inFIG. 2B , which passes through one of theair passageways 2204. Variously shaped and constructed sealing components may also be used between any combination of the discussed components to prevent leakage ofliquid solution 212, and to create a tighter cavity for the air flow. - The
device 100 also includes aUSB port 1400, which is mounted to the proximal side of theswitch circuit board 224 and adapted to be connected with a USB cable. TheUSB port 1400 is at least partially exposed to the exterior of thehousing 102, such as through anopening 107 in thedistal housing member 103, as depicted inFIG. 3 , such that docking a cable thereto is facilitated. - Referring to
FIG. 15 , thedevice 100 also provides the unique feature of an integrated sensor andlight board assembly 306. The sensor andlight board assembly 306 is a printed circuit board assembly (“PCBA”) that is disposed in the cavity of thehousing 102. The sensor andlight board assembly 306 includes a sensor and light circuit board 1504 (a printed circuit board or “PCB”), a battery power capacity level indicator illumination member 1502 (such as an LED), and an air pressure sensor/switch 1503. The sensor andlight circuit board 1504 is electronically coupled to thebattery 222. The pressure sensor/switch 1503 is adapted to respond to a pressure change caused by airflow that enters thehousing 102 through adistal cover 111. The sensor andlight circuit board 1504 being configured to sense or otherwise detect (such as by tracking battery output over time to calculate used power capacity) a level of remaining power capacity of thebattery 222. Based on the remaining power capacity level of the battery (i.e., the remaining electrical energy that the battery has the capacity to provide, as may be expressed as a percentage of its fully charged capacity, which may also be referred to herein as “charge level”), theillumination member 1502 is turned on in different colors, to direct differently colored light toward thedistal end wall 219 of thecontainer 210, In one implementation, when the charge level of thebattery 222 is over, for example, 50%, theillumination member 1502 illuminates in green color. When the charge level of thebattery 222 is between, for example, 25% and 50%, the color is yellow or amber. When the charge level of thebattery 222 is below, for example, 25%, theillumination member 1502 illuminates in red. Alternatively, the sensor andlight circuit board 1504 incorporates multiple illumination members 1502 (e.g., separate LEDs), each of which is configured to illuminate in a single color, thecircuit board 1504 comprising logic to direct current to a selected LED according to the detected charge level of thebattery 222. The color of the light is visible to the user since at least the portion of theproximal housing member 101 that comprises theouter sidewall 217 and thedistal end wall 219 of thecontainer 210 is transparent. Thus, light from theillumination member 1502 may further produce an appealing visual effect by shining through and illuminatingliquid solution 212 present in thefluid chamber 213. A perspective view of the sensor andlight board assembly 306 is illustrated inFIG. 16 . - To switch between the heating wires 300 a-b for heating the
liquid solution 212, thedevice 100 includes theswitch board assembly 305, which comprises aswitch 1700 mounted on aswitch circuit board 224, as shown in the exploded view ofdevice 100 ofFIG. 3 .Switch 1700 is also depicted separately inFIG. 17 . In an embodiment, theswitch circuit board 224 is a PCB. As previously explained, theswitch circuit board 224 is configured to direct current to a selected one of the heating wires 300 a-b. - The previously introduced
distal cover 111 attaches to thedistal end 106 b of the housing 102 (SeeFIGS. 1-3, 17-18C ). Thedistal cover 111 is operative to allow a user to control the selective engagement of the heating wires 300 a-b with the power supply. Thedistal cover 111 comprises astationary cover member 112 and arotatable cover member 114 that rotatably attaches to a distal side of thestationary cover member 112. Therotatable cover member 114 further comprises atextured panel 1904, which forms a distal end of the assembleddevice 100 and may look and feel similar to the terminus of a standard tobacco cigarette (FIG. 19D ). Thetextured panel 1904 thus provides a realistic look and feel to the distal end of theelectronic cigarette device 100. In one embodiment, therotatable cover member 114 comprises a plastic resin material configured to resist high temperatures. - The
stationary cover member 112 has a generally hollow cylindrical shape and includes aproximal section 1800, adistal section 1802, and a midsection 1807 formed between theproximal section 1800 and thedistal section 1802. An outer surface of theproximal section 1800 is adapted and configured to fixedly insert into thedistal end 106 b of thehousing 102, and an inner surface of theproximal section 1800 is adapted and configured to surround the periphery of theswitch circuit board 224 so as to prevent theswitch circuit board 224 from rotating axially when mounted in the interior of theproximal section 1800. - while the
rotatable cover member 114 is adapted and configured to connect rotate in a first direction and a second direction relative to thestationary cover member 112. In addition, therotatable cover member 114 is operatively connected to arotatable switch member 1702 of theswitch 1700 by aprotrusion 116 that engages aslot 1704 of therotatable switch member 1702. Thus, manual rotation of therotatable cover member 114 rotates the switch 1700 (or a rotatable component thereof) relative to the switch circuit board, so as to actuate theswitch 1700 to trigger theswitch circuit board 224. - The
rotatable cover member 114 and thestationary cover member 112 include certain complementary features to facilitate their connection and limited relative rotation. In particular, the rotatable cover includes a cylindricalinner wall 1902 that extends proximally from a proximal side of thetextured panel 1904, and thestationary cover member 112 includes a generally annulardistal section 1802 into which theinner wall 1902 inserts axially to axially align the stationary androtatable cover members rotatable cover member 114 includes astop 1903 that engages acircumferential stop channel 1803 formed in adistal section 1802 of thestationary cover member 112, so as to permit thestop 1903 to move circumferentially along thestop channel 1803, from a first switch actuator position abutting afirst end 1804 to a second switch actuator position abutting asecond end 1805 of the stop channel, as therotatable cover member 114 rotates. The abutment of thestop 1903 against the first and second stop channel ends 1804, 1805 prevents thestop 1903 from moving beyond the circumferential span of the stop channel, thus preventing therotatable cover member 114 from rotating beyond the extremes of an angular range of rotation, - In particular, when the
rotatable cover member 114 rotates in the first direction until thestop 1903 abuts one of the stop channel ends 1804, 1805, therotatable switch member 1702 reaches a first switch position that triggers theswitch circuit board 224 to return current to the sensor andlight circuit board 1504 through a heatingcurrent supply wire 234 a corresponding to theheating wire 300 a, thereby causing electric current to flow throughheating wire 300 a to generate heat inheating coil 301 a. When therotatable cover member 114 androtatable switch member 1702 rotate in the second direction until thestop 1903 abuts the other of the stop channel ends 1804, 1805, therotatable switch member 1702 reaches a second switch position that analogously triggers theswitch circuit board 224 to return current to the sensor andlight circuit board 1504 through a heatingcurrent supply wire 234 b that corresponds to theheating wire 300 b, so as to be directed to theheating wire 300 b, so that heat is generated inheating coil 301 b. Abutment of thestop 1903 against the first or secondstop channel end switch 1700 is in the corresponding first or second switch position, as the user can feel that therotatable cover member 114 cannot rotate any farther. It will be understood that it is possible to achieve the same or equivalent switching functionality by way of other switch and circuit designs, and such other switch and circuit designs are within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. - In addition, at least one
air inlet notch 1806 is formed in aproximal section 1800 of thestationary cover member 112. Theair inlet notch 1806 is sized and dimensioned to enable entry of air into thedistal end 106 b of thehousing 102, whereby air drawn through the air opening of themouthpiece 108 and theair inlet notch 1806 of thestationary cover member 112 generates the air flow. In one alternative embodiment, the amount and speed of air flow permitted into the atomizer is adjustable through theair inlet notch 1806, which can be size adjusted. - In the assembled
device 100, a metallic ring 308 (shown separately inFIG. 20 ) is disposed adjacent to a distal side of theswitch circuit board 224 and retained within and in axial alignment with thedistal section 1802 of thestationary cover member 112, a distal end of themetallic ring 308 abutting a proximal face of a radially inwardly extendinglip 1808 at a distal end of thedistal section 1802. In one non-limiting embodiment, themetallic ring 308 comprises a copper material and an electroplated surface. - In operation, the
housing 102 is oriented with theproximal end 106 a upwards, and thedistal end 106 b downward, aligned with thehousing 102 in a vertical position, such as shown inFIG. 1 . Theproximal connector 110 is rotatably removed, such that themouthpiece 108 detaches from thehousing 102. Aliquid solution 212, such as a flavored e-liquid, is poured into thefluid chamber 213 to a desired level. Thereafter, the mouthpiece is securely fastened to theinlet tube 208 in preparation for atomizing theliquid solution 212 into an inhalable mist, and/or vaporizing or evaporating the liquid solution into an inhalable vapor. - The
housing 102 is held between the fingers, such as between the index and middle fingers, with theproximal end 106 a of thehousing 102 oriented towards the user's mouth. The user wraps the lips around themouthpiece 108 and commences to draw in air. The unique resin plastic configuration of themouthpiece 108, along with the heatingelement support pipe 202 which insulates theheating wire subassemblies 206 a-b, help prevent the lips from burning. The air is drawn through theair inlet notch 1806 in thestationary cover member 112 of thedistal cover 111 into a distal region of thedistal housing cavity 400, through the sensor and light boardseal air passageways 2204 and into a proximal region of thecavity 400, through the inlet sealair inlet passageways 1300 and inletseal outlet passageway 201 and into the wire supportpipe air passageway 203, and finally through the outletseal air passageway 2103 and into themouthpiece air passageway 502. Collectively, thedistal housing cavity 400 and theair passageways device air passageway 109, indicated inFIG. 2B , that extends throughout the interior of thedevice 100 from theair inlet notch 1806 to theproximal mouthpiece opening 503. - This creates air flow from the
distal end 106 b to theproximal end 106 a—and thereby an air pressure drop—in the interior volume of thehousing 102. When a pressure sensor/switch 1503 detects the air pressure drop, consequently actuating thebattery 222 to generate electrical power upon detection of the air flow. The activatedbattery 222, which is connected to eachheating wire subassembly 206 a-b, results in at least one of the heating wires 300 a-b heating up sufficiently to atomize and/or vaporize or evaporate theliquid solution 212 into an inhalable mist and/or vapor. - The power optimization
electronic cigarette device 100 is configured to be reusable for a limited number of refills through use of an easily accessible liquid refilling structure, before ultimately becoming disposable. Theelectronic cigarette device 100 optimizes battery power consumption through use of multiple heating wires that can be selectively operated to vaporize the liquid solution. The pressure sensor/switch 1503 is adapted and configured to detect a pressure drop, resulting from air flow generated from a user inhaling through theelectronic cigarette device 100, and to trigger the heating wires 300 a-b to generate heat, only when detecting a pressure drop that indicates that theelectronic cigarette device 100 is in use. The selective use of one heating wire, selected from two or more heating wires, serves to extend the life span thereof. In another power optimization function, the electronic cigarette device comprises a sensor andlight board assembly 306 that detects available battery power capacity, and anillumination member 1502 that variably illuminates to indicate the remaining power capacity of the battery. - These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification, claims and appended drawings. Because many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence.
- The foregoing description of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the precise form disclosed. The description was selected to best explain the principles of the present teachings and practical application of these principles to enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the disclosure in various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It should be recognized that the words “a” or “an” are intended to include both the singular and the plural. Conversely, any reference to plural elements shall, where appropriate, include the singular.
- It is intended that the scope of the disclosure not be limited by the specification, but be defined by the claims set forth below. In addition, although narrow claims may be presented below, it should be recognized that the scope of this invention is much broader than presented by the claim(s). It is intended that broader claims will be submitted in one or more applications that claim the benefit of priority from this application. Insofar as the description above and the accompanying drawings disclose additional subject matter that is not within the scope of the claim or claims below, the additional inventions are not dedicated to the public and the right to file one or more applications to claim such additional inventions is reserved.
Claims (14)
1. An electronic cigarette device comprising
a mouthpiece at a proximal end of the device, the mouthpiece defining a mouthpiece air passageway and an outlet opening, the mouthpiece air passageway and outlet opening adapted and configured to allow an inhalable stream of air and an airborne substance to pass through the mouthpiece via the mouthpiece air passageway and into a user's mouth via the outlet opening when a user inhales on the mouthpiece through the outlet opening;
a housing, the housing defining a housing air passageway extending therethrough, the housing air passageway being in fluid communication with the mouthpiece air passageway;
an electrical system, the electrical system comprising a battery, a heating wire, and at least one illumination member;
the heating wire being adapted and configured to produce heat when an electric current flows through the heating wire;
the electrical system being adapted and configured to detect a charge level of he battery, and, when the device is in use, to:
transmit electric current from the battery to the heating wire to cause the heating wire to produce heat to heat a substance that is in fluid communication with the housing air passageway, so as to render airborne at least a portion of the substance, so as to produce said inhalable stream in the housing air passageway;
when the detected charge level is no less than a first threshold charge level, transmit current from the battery to the at least one illumination member so as to cause the at least one illumination member to emit a first color of light;
when the detected charge level is less than the first threshold charge level and no less than a second threshold charge level, transmit current from the battery to the at least one illumination member so as to cause the at least one illumination member to emit a second color of light different from the first color of light.
2. The electronic cigarette device of claim 1 , further comprising a liquid container, the liquid container defining a fluid chamber adapted and configured to contain an e-liquid, the liquid container defining at least one inlet hole in fluid communication with the fluid chamber and the housing air passageway to permit e-liquid in the fluid chamber to pass from the fluid chamber to the housing air passageway, the heating wire being adapted and configured to atomize or vaporize at least a portion of the e-liquid in the housing air passageway when the electric current transmitted to the heating wire by the electrical system flows through the heating wire.
3. The electronic cigarette device of claim 2 , wherein the housing comprises a proximal housing member connected to a distal housing member, the liquid container comprising at least a portion of the proximal housing member.
4. The electronic cigarette device of claim 3 , wherein the illumination member is housed within a cavity defined by the distal housing member, at least a portion of the proximal housing member being transparent to allow light from the illumination member to be visibly transmitted through the transparent portion when the illumination member emits the first color of light and when the illumination member emits the second color of light, so that a person of ordinary unaided vision can discern that the second color of light transmitted through the transparent portion is a different color of light from the first color of light transmitted through the transparent portion.
5. The electronic cigarette device of claim 3 , wherein the proximal housing member is permanently connected to the distal housing member, the distal housing member permanently housing the battery.
6. The electronic cigarette device of claim 1 , wherein the electrical system further comprises a circuit board, the circuit board being permanently electrically wired to at least one terminal of the battery, and the circuit board being permanently electrically wired to the heating wire.
7. An electronic cigarette device comprising
a mouthpiece at a proximal end of the device, the mouthpiece defining a mouthpiece air passageway and an outlet opening, the mouthpiece air passageway and outlet opening adapted and configured to allow an inhalable stream of air and an airborne substance to pass through the mouthpiece via the mouthpiece air passageway and into a user's oral cavity via the outlet opening when a user inhales on the mouthpiece through the outlet opening;
a housing, the housing defining a housing air passageway extending therethrough, the housing air passageway being in fluid communication with the mouthpiece air passageway;
a battery;
a first heating wire, the first heating wire being adapted and configured to produce heat when electric current flows through the first heating wire, to heat a substance that is in fluid communication with the housing air passageway, so that at least a portion of the substance so heated becomes airborne to produce said inhalable stream in the housing air passageway;
a second heating wire, the second heating wire being adapted and configured to produce heat when electric current flows through the second heating wire, to heat a substance that is in fluid communication with the housing air passageway, so that at least a portion of the substance so heated becomes airborne to produce said inhalable stream in the housing air passageway;
a switch, the switch having a first switch position and a second switch position, the switch being adapted and configured to, when in the first switch position, complete a first circuit to transmit current from the battery through the first heating wire, and when in the second switch position, complete a second circuit to transmit current from the battery through the second heating wire;
a manual switch actuator, the manual switch actuator being mounted to the housing so as to be manually movable by a user to and from a first switch actuator position and a second switch actuator position, the manual switch actuator being operatively connected to the switch so as to cause the switch to move to the first switch position when the manual switch actuator moves to the first switch actuator position and to cause the switch to move to the second switch position when the manual switch actuator moves to the second switch actuator position.
8. The electronic cigarette device of claim further comprising a liquid container, the liquid container defining a fluid chamber adapted and configured to contain an e-liquid, the liquid container defining at least one inlet hole in fluid communication with the fluid chamber and the housing air passageway to permit e-liquid in the fluid chamber to pass from the fluid chamber to the housing air passageway, each of the first heating wire and the second heating wire being adapted and configured to atomize or vaporize at least a portion of the e-liquid in the housing air passageway when the electric current transmitted to the heating wire by the electrical system flows through the respective one of the first heating wire and the second heating wire.
9. The electronic cigarette device of claim 8 , wherein the housing comprises a proximal housing member connected to a distal housing member, the liquid container comprising at least a portion of the proximal housing member.
10. The electronic cigarette device of claim 9 , wherein the proximal housing member is permanently connected to the distal housing member, the distal housing member permanently housing the battery.
11. The electronic cigarette device of claim 7 , further comprising a circuit board, the circuit board being permanently electrically wired to at least one terminal of the battery, and the circuit board being permanently electrically wired to the first heating wire and to the second heating wire,
12. An electronic cigarette device comprising
a mouthpiece at a proximal end of the device, the mouthpiece defining a mouthpiece air passageway and an outlet opening, the mouthpiece air passageway and outlet opening adapted and configured to allow an inhalable stream of air and an airborne substance to pass through the mouthpiece via the mouthpiece air passageway and into a user's oral cavity via the outlet opening when a user inhales on the mouthpiece through the outlet opening;
a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the housing comprising a proximal housing member connected to a distal housing member, the proximal housing member extending from the proximal end of the housing to the distal housing member, and the distal housing member extending from the proximal housing member to the distal end of the housing, the housing defining a housing air passageway extending therethrough, the housing air passageway being in fluid communication with the mouthpiece air passageway;
a liquid container, the liquid container defining a fluid chamber adapted and configured to contain an e-liquid, the liquid container defining at least one inlet hole in fluid communication with the fluid chamber and the housing air passageway to permit e-liquid in the fluid chamber to pass from the fluid chamber to the housing air passageway, the liquid container comprising at least a portion of the proximal housing member;
a heating wire, the heating wire being adapted and configured to produce heat when electric current flows through the heating wire;
a rechargeable battery adapted and configured to supply current to the heating wire to heat a substance that is in fluid communication with the housing air passageway, so that at least a portion of the substance so heated becomes airborne to produce said inhalable stream in the housing air passageway;
a battery charging port disposed within and exposed to the exterior of the housing, the battery charging port being adapted and configured to receive a charging plug, the battery charging port being electrically connected to the battery to transmit a charging current from the charging plug to the battery to recharge the battery.
13. The electronic cigarette device of claim 12 , wherein the proximal housing member is permanently connected to the distal housing member, the distal housing member permanently housing the battery.
14. The electronic cigarette device of claim 12 , further comprising a circuit board, the circuit board being permanently electrically wired to at least one terminal of the battery, and the circuit board being permanently electrically wired to the heating wire.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/350,178 US20220400774A1 (en) | 2021-06-17 | 2021-06-17 | Power Optimization Electronic Cigarette Device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/350,178 US20220400774A1 (en) | 2021-06-17 | 2021-06-17 | Power Optimization Electronic Cigarette Device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20220400774A1 true US20220400774A1 (en) | 2022-12-22 |
Family
ID=84489904
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US17/350,178 Abandoned US20220400774A1 (en) | 2021-06-17 | 2021-06-17 | Power Optimization Electronic Cigarette Device |
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US (1) | US20220400774A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD1005573S1 (en) * | 2022-02-03 | 2023-11-21 | Breeze Smoke, LLC | Disposable e-cigarette |
USD1024414S1 (en) * | 2021-11-02 | 2024-04-23 | Tuanfang Liu | Electronic cigarette |
-
2021
- 2021-06-17 US US17/350,178 patent/US20220400774A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD1024414S1 (en) * | 2021-11-02 | 2024-04-23 | Tuanfang Liu | Electronic cigarette |
USD1005573S1 (en) * | 2022-02-03 | 2023-11-21 | Breeze Smoke, LLC | Disposable e-cigarette |
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