Patent Application
20240099388
The present disclosure relates generally to systems and techniques for vaporizing fluid, and more specifically pertains to an atomizer assembly with radial vent channels thereof.
Electronic cigarettes and vaporizers can be used to produce inhalable vapor from various fluids, oils, and liquids. For example, vapor can be produced from fluids that contain nicotine and/or flavoring agents. Users can inhale such vapors produced by an electronic cigarette or vaporizer device as an alternative to smoking burned or combusted matter, which is often organic and can contain various combustion byproducts that may be associated with undesirable health effects.
As electronic cigarettes and vaporizer devices have grown in popularity, so too has the range of different vaporization fluids, flavors, etc., grown in response. In some cases, vaporization fluid can be provided separately from an electronic cigarette or vaporization device, e.g., in a ‘pod’ or cartridge form that can be detachably coupled to a user's electronic cigarette or vaporization device. In this manner, a single electronic cigarette or vaporization device can be utilized with multiple different vaporization fluids or flavors, based on a user's selection of a pod or cartridge to install on their electronic cigarette or vaporization device. Accordingly, there is a need for a vaporizer or atomizer cartridge that can easily be coupled to a user's electronic cigarette or vaporization device but contains a reduced number of separate parts and/or occupies a reduced spatial volume.
In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the principles briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understand that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are not, therefore, to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principles herein are described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:
It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among the different figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments described herein can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevant feature being described. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein. The drawings are not necessarily to scale and the proportions of certain parts may be exaggerated to better illustrate details and features of the present disclosure.
Several definitions that apply throughout this disclosure will now be presented. The term “coupled” is defined as connected, whether directly or indirectly through intervening components, and is not necessarily limited to physical connections. The term “substantially” is defined to be essentially conforming to the particular dimension, shape or other word that substantially modifies, such that the component need not be exact. For example, substantially cylindrical means that the object resembles a cylinder, but can have one or more deviations from a true cylinder. The term “about” means reasonably close to the particular value. For example, about does not require the exact measurement specified and can be reasonably close. As used herein, the word “about” can include the exact number. The term “near” as used herein is within a short distance from the particular mentioned object. The term “near” can include abutting as well as relatively small distance beyond abutting. The terms “comprising,” “including” and “having” are used interchangeably in this disclosure. The terms “comprising,” “including” and “having” mean to include, but not necessarily be limited to the things so described.
As illustrated, the atomizer assembly 100 includes a mouthpiece portion 110, a fluid reservoir portion 120, and an atomizer 140, which are described in turn below. It is noted that the mouthpiece portion 110 and the reservoir portion 120 can be detachably connected. For example, in some examples, the mouthpiece portion 110 and the fluid reservoir portion 120 can be attached via a friction fit or a press fit. In some examples, the mouthpiece portion can be integrally formed to comprise a mouthpiece housing 112 and a vapor outlet channel 116. The vapor outlet channel 116 can have an outlet port 117 formed at a first distal end of the mouthpiece portion 110 and an inlet port 118 formed at a second distal end of the mouthpiece portion 110 opposite the first distal end. In at least one example, the mouthpiece portion 110 can be provided as a single piece of injection-molded plastic.
In some examples, one or more components of the atomizer assembly 100 (e.g., in addition to the mouthpiece portion 110) can be provided as injection-molded plastic and/or formed from other plastic material(s). For example, one or more components or portions of the fluid reservoir portion 120 can be provided as injection-molded plastic or otherwise formed from plastic material(s). In some examples, the mouthpiece portion 110 and/or the fluid reservoir portion 120 can include one or more components formed from plastic material(s) such that any oils or fluids stored in reservoir volume 122 (and later consumed using the atomizer assembly 100) do not come in to contact with any metal materials prior to consumption/vaporization by the atomizer assembly 100. For instance, fluid or oil stored in reservoir volume 122 (e.g., fluid used or consumed via atomizer assembly 100) may be acidic, basic, or otherwise have chemical properties that may cause undesirable reactions (e.g., corrosion, degradation, etc.) with materials the fluid or oil contacts. In some examples, one or more components of atomizer assembly 110 can be provided as plastic material(s) that are non-reactive with one or more types of oils and/or fluids that may be stored in reservoir volume 122 and consumed using atomizer assembly 100. In some examples, any oils or fluids stored in reservoir volume 122 do not make contact with any non-plastic materials before being provided to atomizer 140 for vaporization (e.g., oils or fluids stored in reservoir volume 122 do not contact any non-plastic materials prior to being absorbed by one or more wicking materials or absorbent pads disposed about the outer surface of an atomizer located in the atomizer 140).
In some examples, the atomizer assembly 100 with the mouthpiece portion 110 can be used in a modular fashion with different vaporizer housings, bases, electronic cigarettes, etc. For example, the atomizer 140 can include a base connector 162 to provide a detachable coupling between the atomizer assembly 100 and one or more different vaporizer housings. As illustrated in
In some examples, base connector 162 can include one or more power distribution elements (e.g., positive and negative battery leads) that receive electrical power and couple the electrical power to an internal heating element disposed within the atomizer 140. Base connector 162 can receive electrical power from a source that is external to the atomizer assembly 100, such as an electronic cigarette or other vaporizer housing that is attached to atomizer assembly 100 via base connector 162 (e.g., an electronic cigarette or vaporizer housing can have an internal battery that is an external power source to atomizer assembly 100). Additionally or alternatively, base connector 162 can receive electrical power from a source that is internal to or otherwise associated with the atomizer assembly 100. For example, although not depicted in
The disclosure turns now to
As shown in
As contemplated herein, the second distal end portion of the mouthpiece portion 110 can be the bottom portion of the mouthpiece portion 110 when the mouthpiece portion 110 is oriented as shown in the examples of
In some examples, a binding ring 150 can be provided in a compressive engagement about an outer surface of the approximately cylindrical second distal end of the mouthpiece portion 110. For example, binding ring 150 can apply a radially compressive force to the outer surface of the approximately cylindrical second distal end of the mouthpiece portion 110 when the mouthpiece portion 110 has been press-fit or otherwise installed onto the fluid reservoir portion 120. Binding ring 150 can comprise a different material than the material utilized by one or more of the mouthpiece portion 110 and the fluid reservoir portion 120. In some examples, the mouthpiece portion 110 and/or the fluid reservoir portion 120 can be injection molded and/or can be formed from one or more plastics, polymers, etc., and binding ring 150 can be formed from one or more metals. In some examples, binding ring 150 can be thinner (e.g., having a smaller cross-sectional width) than the outer wall of the mouthpiece portion 110 about which binding ring 150 is installed. In some examples, and as illustrated in
In some examples, the radially compressive force applied by binding ring 150 can be a sealing force that augments or otherwise works in cooperation with a press-fit or another type of attachment between the mouthpiece portion 110 and the fluid reservoir portion 120. For example, as mentioned above, the mouthpiece portion 110 and/or the fluid reservoir portion 120 can be formed from one or more plastics, polymers, etc., in which case a press-fit between the two assemblies can cause plastic (e.g., permanent) deformation at or about the location of the press-fit interface. This plastic deformation can enhance the binding strength of the press-fit, such that in some examples, the mouthpiece portion 110 cannot be manually separated from the fluid reservoir portion 120. However, the plastic deformation resulting from the press-fit between the mouthpiece portion 110 and the fluid reservoir portion 120 can also result in cracking or other damage, which can be cosmetic and/or structural. In some cases, cracking can result from the plastic-on-plastic press-fit interface that results when the mouthpiece portion 110 and the fluid reservoir portion 120 are formed from the same or like materials. For example, the press-fit can cause cracks to appear on the outer surface of the approximately cylindrical lower distal end of the mouthpiece portion 110. As such, binding ring 150 can be provided to contain and/or reinforce any cracks or other deformations that appear on the mouthpiece portion 110 when it is press-fit to the fluid reservoir portion 120. In some examples, one or more sealing gaskets can be included to provide a sealing force between the mouthpiece portion 110 and the fluid reservoir portion 120. For example, the sealing gaskets can include but are not limited to, O-rings formed from a rubber, plastic, polymer, etc., material, wherein a press-fit attachment between the mouthpiece portion 110 and the fluid reservoir portion 120 compresses the sealing gaskets into a corresponding receiving groove or channel on the outer surface of the fluid reservoir portion 120.
The fluid reservoir portion 120 is operable to form a reservoir volume 122 for storing and providing a fluid, oil, or other liquid (collectively referred to herein as a “fluid”) to one or more heating elements located within the atomizer 140 of the atomizer assembly 100. For example, as illustrated in
In some examples, the reservoir volume 122 can be at least partially open at its lower end, e.g., to permit filling of the reservoir volume 122 and/or to convey fluid from the reservoir volume 122 to a heating element (e.g., such as the heating element 240 of atomizer 140 shown in
For instance, the fluid flow from the reservoir volume 122 to atomizer 140 can be driven by gravity when the atomizer assembly 100 is in a substantially upright orientation (e.g., such as that depicted in
Accordingly, in some examples, the longitudinal vapor channel 124 can be operable to receive vaporized fluid from atomizer 140. The vapor outlet channel 116 can be in communication with the longitudinal vapor channel 124 such that the vaporized fluid flows from the atomizer 140 into the longitudinal vapor channel 124 and then into the vapor outlet channel 116 of the mouthpiece 110 via the inlet port 118. The user can then access the vaporized fluid from the vapor outlet channel 116 via the outlet port 117.
In operation, fluid from the reservoir volume 122 can be vaporized by atomizer 140 (e.g., using a heating element such as the heating element 240 of
For example,
For example, the vapor outlet port 116 as seen in the cross-sectional view of
Although not shown, in some examples the open distal end of reservoir volume 122 can be ring-shaped, e.g., provided as the open annular space surrounding the circular vapor inlet port 118 and/or the central longitudinal vapor channel 124.
For example, with reference to
As illustrated, the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 can include seven circular openings arranged on the lower surface of the fluid reservoir portion 120, although a greater or lesser number of fluid transfer openings 128 may also be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some examples the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 can comprise six circular openings. In some examples, the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 can include five or less circular openings. In some cases, the fluid transfer openings 128 can be provided as two or more slots or rectangular openings, etc. It is further noted that the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 can be arranged symmetrically or asymmetrically on the lower surface of the fluid reservoir portion 120. Similarly, one or more different shapes, sizes, and/or geometries, etc., can be utilized by one or more of the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some examples, each of the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 can have a same diameter. In some cases, the size or diameter of the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 can be based on characteristics of the fluid or oil that may be used (e.g., viscosity, etc.) and/or desired fluid handling and delivery with respect to the atomizer. For example, a larger diameter can be used for one or more of the fluid transfer openings 128 when a relatively high viscosity fluid will be used and/or when a relatively high fluid flow rate through the fluid transfer openings 128 is desired. Similarly, a smaller diameter can be used for one or more of the fluid transfer openings 128 when a relatively low viscosity fluid will be used and/or when a relatively low fluid flow rate through the fluid transfer openings 128 is desired.
In some examples, a total open surface area can be distributed across the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128, either symmetrically or asymmetrically. For example, the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 can each have a size or surface area (e.g., based on each opening diameter) and be provided in sufficient quantity to provide a total surface contact area of a given value. For example, a total surface contact area of 12.6 mm2 can be achieved by using four fluid transfer openings 128 that are each circles having a diameter of 2 mm. The same total surface contact area of 12.6 mm2 can also be achieved by using six fluid transfer openings 128 that are each circles having a diameter of approximately 1.6 mm.
In some examples, the total surface contact area can be between 1 mm2 and 15 mm2. For example, in some examples a total surface contact area of 1 mm2 can be provided by using two fluid transfer openings 128 that are each circles having a diameter of 1 mm. As mentioned previously, the total surface contact area provided by the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 and/or the quantity of the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 can be based at least in part on a viscosity of a fluid that will be used in the atomizer assembly 100 or stored in the reservoir volume 122. For example, for a high viscosity (and/or high purity) fluid or oil, the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 may comprise a total of four fluid transfer openings that are each circles having a diameter of 2 mm. In some examples, for a lower viscosity (and/or lower purity) fluid or oil, the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 may comprise a total of two fluid transfer openings that are each circles having a diameter of 1 mm. In some examples, the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 can comprise a total of six fluid transfer openings that provide a total surface contact area of approximately 15 mm2.
In some examples, the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 can be configured based on viscosity and/or other material properties of a fluid that will be stored in the reservoir volume 122. In some cases, the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128 can be configured based on a type of fluid that may be stored in the reservoir volume 122. For example, as illustrated in
Fluid can be conveyed from the reservoir volume 122 to an atomizer 140 via one or more of the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128. As illustrated, atomizer 140 can be coupled with and positioned below the fluid reservoir portion 120 along the central longitudinal axis of the fluid reservoir portion 120 (e.g., opposite the mouthpiece 110 in relation to the fluid reservoir portion 120). When assembled, the mouthpiece portion 110 can be disposed above the reservoir volume 122 and the atomizer assembly 140, along the central longitudinal axis of the fluid reservoir portion 120. Accordingly, the atomizer 140 can include an underfeeder design, as the atomizer 140 pulls the fluid from the bottom of the reservoir volume 122 through the fluid transfer openings 128. For example, with an underfeeder design, the fluid is conveyed from the reservoir volume 122 disposed longitudinally above the underfeeder atomizer 140 to an upper surface of the underfeeder atomizer 140. In some examples, the atomizer 140 extracts the fluid via the absorbent pads 130 and is not in direct contact with the reservoir volume 122. One or more fluid absorbent pads 130 can be included, for example provided between an upper surface of atomizer 140 and a lower surface of the plurality of fluid transfer openings 128. In some examples, at least two fluid absorbent pads 130 can be provided to absorb fluid from the reservoir volume 122 and transfer the absorbed fluid to atomizer 140.
The absorbent pads 130 can sit on or otherwise make contact with an upper surface of the atomizer 140, such that the absorbent pads 130 can convey fluid to atomizer 140 based at least in part on this contact area. In some examples, the absorbent pads 130 can store (e.g., absorb) a volume of fluid that depends at least in part on factors such as the total surface area provided by the absorbent pads 13, the total thickness of the absorbent pads 130, etc. As illustrated, the absorbent pads 130 can be circular or ring-shaped, with a central hole that is aligned with one or more of the central longitudinal vapor channel 124 of the fluid reservoir portion 120 and/or a central longitudinal channel of the atomizer 140.
In some examples, atomizer 140 can comprise a ceramic material. In some examples, the ceramic material can itself absorb and/or store fluid, such as the fluid(s) that may be contained in the reservoir volume 122. Although the ceramic material of atomizer 140 can absorb fluid directly, in some examples absorbent pads 130 can be provided between atomizer 140 and the reservoir volume 122 to increase or otherwise enhance the efficacy of fluid absorption/conveyance into the ceramic material of atomizer 140. For example, the ceramic material of atomizer 140 can have a smaller total surface area for fluid absorption in comparison to that of the absorbent pads 130, in which case the use of absorbent pads 130 allows a greater volume of fluid to be conveyed into the ceramic material of atomizer 140. In some cases, the ceramic material of atomizer 140 may dry out too quickly in the absence of the absorbent pads 130, either from an evaporative drying and/or as fluid is consumed from the ceramic material of atomizer 140 and vaporized. As such, the fibrous material of the absorbent pads 130 can provide a consistent and reliable conduit for fluid to travel from the reservoir volume 122 to the atomizer 140, whereupon the fluid can become embedded in the ceramic material of atomizer 140 until the embedded fluid is subsequently vaporized.
In some examples, heating element 240 can include a ceramic material with a porosity between 60-70%, although other porosity values and/or ceramic materials can also be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some examples, the heating element 240 can comprise a ceramic material with a higher porosity (e.g., 70-80%). A higher porosity ceramic material can be associated with an improved taste or flavor of vapor produced by atomizer 500; however, a higher porosity ceramic material can also be associated with increased fragility and/or decreased manufacturing and assembly yield(s). In some examples, the heating element 240 can comprise a ceramic material having a porosity between 45-65%, with such porosity values providing a balance between manufacturability and vapor taste, although it is again noted that other porosity values and/or ceramic materials can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
In some examples, the ceramic material of the heating element 240 can itself act as a fluid reservoir, e.g., in addition to or separate from the dedicated reservoir volume 122. In some examples, the ceramic material of the heating element 240 can store a volume of fluid sufficient to ‘feed’ or otherwise maintain a steady fluid supply to the heating element 240 for one or more vaporization cycles. In other words, the ceramic material of the heating element 240 can be sized to store/absorb a volume of fluid that is sufficient for heating element 240 to produce vapor for at least one full inhalation by a user of the presently disclosed atomizer assembly. Accordingly, in some examples it is contemplated that the heating element 240 can be provided in various geometric shapes and configurations other than the multi-diameter stepped cylindrical shape(s) illustrated herein, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In some examples, the heating element 240 can be provided with a flanged or plug-like cylindrical shape, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
In some examples, the heating element 240 can be provided with a different geometric shape, configuration, etc., having a substantially same or similar total volume (e.g., fluid absorption capacity) as the multi-diameter stepped cylindrical atomizer(s) 140. For example, one or more of the atomizers 140 or heating elements 240 can be provided with a constant cylindrical diameter, a continuously changing or tapering diameter, a conical shape, etc. In some examples, an internal diameter of atomizer vapor channel (e.g., the channel running along the central longitudinal axis of the heating element 240) can be variable along its longitudinal length. For instance, the internal diameter of atomizer vapor channel can vary with an outer diameter of the heating element 240, although it is also possible for the internal diameter of atomizer vapor channel to vary independently from the outer diameter (or any other dimension) of the heating element 240.
As illustrated, heating element 240 of the atomizer 140 includes an upper surface, which can be brought into contact with one or more absorbent pads, such as the absorbent pads 130. As described previously, the absorbent pads can be used to convey fluid from the reservoir volume 122 to the atomizer 140. In some examples, fluid can be initially absorbed into the upper surface of the heating element 240 and subsequently distributed throughout the interior of the ceramic material of the heating element 240 (e.g., the absorbent pads 130 can be placed in contact with only the upper surface of the heating element 240). In examples in which the ceramic material of the heating element 240 stores enough fluid to produce vapor for multiple full inhalations by a user, the absorbent pads 130 can be provided with a relatively small size and/or total absorptive volume—e.g., the absorbent pads can be sized to maintain a constant fluid supply to ‘recharge’ or ‘feed’ the ceramic core of the heating element 240, even if the absorbent pads themselves do not store enough fluid to produce vapor for a full inhalation. In some examples one or more additional absorbent pads can be provided about the outer surface of the heating element 240. For example, one or more additional absorbent pads can be provided between the two electrical leads 245 extending from the distal end of the heating element 240, such that at least a portion of the absorbent pad material makes contact with the distal end of the heating element 240 (e.g., the distal end of the heating element 240 to which the electrical leads 245 are coupled).
The heating element 240 can include or more resistive heating elements, e.g., which generate heat in response to the application of electrical power. In some examples, the heating element 240 can include electrical leads 245 for coupling electrical power to the heating element 240. The electrical leads 245 can receive electrical power from one or more internal power sources and/or external power sources. For example, an internal power source can be provided by one or more batteries included in the atomizer assembly described herein (e.g., an internal battery included in atomizer assembly 100). In some examples, the electrical leads 245 can receive electrical power from an external power source, such as a battery included in an electronic cigarette body, vaporizer body, or other body components to which the cartridge assembly described herein (such as atomizer assembly 100) can be attached to for use.
In some examples, the atomizer support structure 246 can be received within a threaded base 162. For example, atomizer support structure 246 can be attached to threaded base 162 via a press-fit, an internally threaded engagement, etc. The threaded base 162 can include an externally threaded portion, shown here as being provided at a distal lower end of the threaded base 162. As described previously, a threaded base portion such as threaded base 162 can be used to removably couple the atomizer assembly described herein to an electronic cigarette or other vaporizer body. Accordingly, in some examples threaded base 162 can include one or more battery leads (not depicted) for electrically coupling the electrical leads 645 of atomizer 140 to a battery or other power source provided by an electronic cigarette or other vaporizer body to which the threaded base 162 is attached. For instance, an interior of threaded base 162 can include one or more battery leads to electrically couple electrical leads 245 of atomizer 140 to a battery located within an electronic cigarette or vaporizer body.
By providing heating element 240 at or near the center of mass of the ceramic core of atomizer 140, fluid embedded within the ceramic material can be drawn more evenly towards the inner surface of atomizer vapor channel (e.g., because heating element 240 vaporizes fluid near the inner surface of atomizer vapor channel). In some examples, by providing heating element 240 at or near the center of mass of the ceramic core of atomizer 140, embedded or absorbed fluid within the ceramic core of atomizer 140 can be consumed (e.g., vaporized) by heating element 240 in an approximately radially symmetric fashion. The radially symmetric consumption of fluid from the ceramic core of atomizer 140 by heating element 240 can help avoid or otherwise minimize the presence of ‘dead spots.’ For example, dead spots can occur where fluid stagnates within the ceramic material of atomizer 140 rather than flowing to the inner surface of atomizer vapor channel where the fluid can be consumed and vaporized by heating element 240 (e.g., the consumption of fluid from the ceramic material of atomizer 140 causes fresh fluid to be drawn into the ceramic material, whereupon the cycle of fluid consumption/vaporization by heating element 240 can repeat). In some examples, the ceramic core of atomizer 140, the atomizer vapor channel, and/or the heating element 240 can be designed to avoid stagnation spots by causing heating element 240 to consume and vaporize fluid in an approximately first-in-first-out fashion, wherein fluid is vaporized by heating element 240 in approximately the order in which the fluid was absorbed into the ceramic core of atomizer 140.
Air inlet plug 247 can have a maximum outer diameter that is greater than a maximum outer diameter of air inlet regulator 274. In some examples, the outer diameter of air inlet plug 247 can be selected to adapt the outer diameter of air inlet regulator 274 to the relatively larger internal diameter of threaded base 162, e.g., such that air inlet regulator 274 when installed into air inlet plug 247 forms a seal against the inner surface of threaded base 162. In some examples, the seal formed between the inner surface of threaded base 162 and air inlet plug 247 can form a fluid trap within threaded base 162, which can catch any excess fluid that may drip from or otherwise be exuded by the ceramic material of the atomizer 140. For example, when air inlet plug 247 and air inlet regulator 274 are installed into the threaded base 162, a fluid trap volume can be defined along the longitudinal distance running from a lower-most extent given by the flanged base of air inlet plug 247 to an upper-most extent given by the air inlet holes or openings of air inlet regulator 274.
In operation, air inlet regulator 274 can include air inlet holes or openings that permit atmospheric or environmental air (e.g., from the ambient environment surrounding atomizer assembly 100) to enter the atomizer assembly 100 and carry away vapor produced by atomizer 140. For example, when a user inhales from the atomizer assembly 100, a volume of ambient air approximately equal to the volume of the user's inhalation can enter atomizer assembly via the air inlet holes or opening of air inlet regulator 274. In some examples, the quantity, size and/or diameter of the air inlet holes/or openings provided on air inlet regulator 274 can be restricted such that, when a user inhales from atomizer assembly 100, a pressure differential can be created or otherwise maintained between the ambient atmosphere and the internal volume of atomizer assembly 100.
In some examples, a volumetric flow rate of ambient air through the air inlet regulator 274 during use of the atomizer assembly 100 can be chosen to improve the taste or flavor of the vaporized fluid produced by atomizer assembly 100. For instance, a greater volumetric flow rate of ambient air can lower one or more of a temperature at which fluid is vaporized by atomizer 140 and/or a temperature of the vapor conveyed to a user of atomizer assembly 100. Accordingly, air inlet regulator 274 can be designed to provide a desired volumetric flow rate known to correspond to a desired vaporization temperature or vaporization temperature range. In some examples, the volumetric flow rate of ambient air through air inlet regulator 274 can be chosen to achieve a desired flavor intensity, e.g., the same amount of vaporized fluid carried in a greater volume of ambient air can result in a flavor that is milder or smoother than the same amount of vaporized fluid when carried in a smaller volume of ambient air.
As shown in
The radial vent channels 1100 enable the mouthpiece 110 to engage with and couple with the fluid reservoir portion 120 and prevent fluid in the reservoir volume 122 to undesirably be pressurized and pushed into the atomizer 140. When the mouthpiece 110 is initially engaged with the fluid reservoir portion 120 to couple the mouthpiece 110 with the reservoir portion 120, the air above the fluid in the reservoir portion 122 is pushed down towards the fluid. If not vented, that air can compress the fluid and push the fluid out of the reservoir portion 122 into the atomizer 140, undesirably. The radial vent channels 1100 provide an outlet for the air to vent so that the fluid is not compressed and remains in the reservoir volume 122 until the atomizer assembly 100 is in operation. The mouthpiece 110 can then be fit onto the fluid reservoir portion 120.
In some examples, to couple the mouthpiece 110 with the fluid reservoir portion 120, the inlet port 118 at the second distal end of the mouthpiece portion 110 can be configured to couple to the longitudinal vapor channel 124 of the fluid reservoir portion 120. For example, as illustrated in
The radial vent channels 1100 are configured to connect the vapor outlet channel 116 with external the mouthpiece portion 110. Accordingly, when the mouthpiece portion 110 is engaging with the fluid reservoir portion 120, the radial vent channels 1100 can connect the reservoir volume 122 external to the mouthpiece portion 110 with the vapor outlet channel 116. Air can then vent from the reservoir volume 122 into the vapor outlet channel 116 and out the outlet port 117.
In some examples, as illustrated herein, the radial vent channels 1100 can be disposed along the longitudinal coupling length of the female receptacle 119 of the mouthpiece portion 110. In some examples, the radial vent channels 1100 can be disposed on opposing sides of the mouthpiece portion 110. When the male coupler 125 of the fluid reservoir portion 120 is initially inserted into the female receptacle 119 of the mouthpiece portion 110, the radial vent channels 1100 can be operable to enable air to vent from the reservoir volume and into the vapor outlet channel 116 of the mouthpiece portion 110. Upon further engagement, when the male coupler 125 of the fluid reservoir portion 120 is subsequently inserted beyond the radial vent channels 1100 in communication with the female receptacle 119, air is prevented from venting from the reservoir volume 122 and into the vapor outlet channel 116. For example, the male coupler 125, when fully engaged with the female receptacle 119, is operable to block the radial vent channels 1100 such that air and/or fluid from the reservoir volume 122 does not pass into the radial vent channels 1100 into the vapor outlet channel 116. This can prevent leakage of the fluid during operation of the atomizer assembly 100. When the male coupler 125 prevents fluid communication of the reservoir volume 122 with the radial vent channels 1100, the fluid provided in the reservoir volume 122 is pressurized by further inserting the male coupler 125 while the radial vent channels 1100 are blocked. The pressurization of the fluid in the reservoir volume 122 allows the fluid to be drawn out of the reservoir volume 122 towards the atomizer 140 to be vaporized.
The embodiments shown and described above are only examples. Even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present technology have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the present disclosure, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in the detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of the parts within the principles of the present disclosure to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms used in the attached claims. It will therefore be appreciated that the embodiments described above may be modified within the scope of the appended claims.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/410,090 filed Sep. 26, 2022, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63410090 | Sep 2022 | US |
