Advanced Aerosol Delivery System Connector Design
Legal Citation
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent disclosed connectors and cartridges for aerosol delivery systems, but these designs had limitations in terms of performance, safety, and maintenance. The new invention addresses these limitations by introducing innovative solutions that improve the overall user experience and system reliability.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The new claims introduce novel features that are not present in the original patent, including the self-cleaning mechanism, modular cartridge design, real-time monitoring system, dynamic liquid composition management system, and redundant electrical connection system. These features provide a significant improvement over the existing technology and demonstrate a non-obvious inventive step.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments of the invention could include different types of self-cleaning mechanisms, such as ultrasonic cleaning or electrostatic cleaning. The modular cartridge design could be adapted for use with different types of aerosol delivery devices, such as vaping devices or medical inhalers. The real-time monitoring system could be integrated with other safety features, such as automatic shut-off or warning systems.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The invention has significant commercial potential in the aerosol delivery device market, particularly in the vaping and e-cigarette industries. The improved performance, safety, and user experience provided by the new design could attract a large customer base and establish a new industry standard. Additionally, the invention could be adapted for use in other industries, such as medical devices or industrial equipment, where aerosol delivery systems are used.
CPC Classifications
| Section | Class | Group |
|---|---|---|
| A | A24 | A24F40/42 |
| A | A24 | A24B15/167 |
| A | A24 | A24D1/002 |
| A | A24 | A24D1/14 |
| A | A24 | A24F7/00 |
| A | A24 | A24F7/02 |
| A | A24 | A24F40/46 |
| A | A61 | A61M11/042 |
| H | H01 | H01R13/17 |
| H | H01 | H01R13/6205 |
| H | H05 | H05B3/20 |
| A | A24 | A24F40/40 |
| A | A61 | A61M11/041 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/0288 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/3368 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/50 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/584 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/587 |
| A | A61 | A61M2205/8206 |
| H | H05 | H05B2203/021 |
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Aerosol delivery systems, electronic smoking devices, and associated connector technologies, requiring expertise in electrical engineering, mechanical design, and materials science related to heat-activated delivery systems
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A professional with advanced engineering degree, experience in electronic device design, understanding of thermal and electrical systems, familiar with modular electronic component integration and aerosol generation technologies
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the proposed variations represent predictable extensions of existing aerosol delivery system technologies, utilizing standard engineering problem-solving approaches to address known limitations in connector and cartridge designs. The disclosed improvements represent incremental advancements that would be obvious to implement using known techniques and design principles within the field. The modular and safety-oriented modifications align with standard engineering practices for iterative device improvement.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,856,988 |
|---|---|
| Title | Connectors for forming electrical and mechanical connections between interchangeable units in an aerosol delivery system |
| Assignee(s) | RAI Strategic Holdings, Inc. |