Fluid Diode

Abstract

A fluid diode makes use of passive airflow structures to introduce differential flow resistance to airflows moving in forward and reverse directions. The use of a fluid diode in a vaping device and pod allows for an increased flow resistance to airflows moving through the pod in the reverse direction. These airflow in a reverse direction are often associated with a user blowing into the pod, and pushing moisture laden air out of the pod and into the device. By increasing the flow resistance to these reverse airflow, user exhalation into the pod will be resisted and redirected at source.

1 . A pod for storing an atomizable liquid, for use in an electronic vaporizer, the pod comprising:
 a reservoir for storing the atomizable liquid;   an atomization chamber, within an airflow path, housing a heater for atomizing the atomizable liquid into an airflow within the airflow path; and   a fluid diode within the airflow path for providing a first flow resistance to airflows moving in a forward direction and for providing a second flow resistance, greater than the first flow resistance, to airflows in a reverse direction.   
     
     
         2 . The pod of  claim 1  wherein the atomizable liquid is an e-liquid comprising at least one of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, nicotine and a flavoring. 
     
     
         3 . The pod of  claim 1  further comprising a wick for drawing the atomizable liquid from the reservoir towards the heater within the atomization chamber. 
     
     
         4 . The pod of  claim 1  wherein the fluid diode is within a pre-wick airflow passage. 
     
     
         5 . The pod of  claim 4  wherein the pre-wick airflow passage is connected to the atomization chamber. 
     
     
         6 . The pod of  claim 1  wherein the fluid diode is comprised of a plurality of passive airflow structures. 
     
     
         7 . The pod of  claim 6  wherein the plurality of passive airflow structures include at least one of an air flow guide and a fence. 
     
     
         8 . The pod of  claim 6  wherein the plurality of passive airflow structures comprises a first airflow guide for splitting airflows moving in a reverse direction into a plurality of airflows, and for directing each of the plurality of airflows towards each other, and a first fence for providing a narrowed airflow passage towards an end cap inlet. 
     
     
         9 . The pod of  claim 8  further comprising a second airflow guide and second fence arranged as a reflection of the first airflow guide and first fence. 
     
     
         10 . The pod of  claim 8  wherein the first and second fence are a single fence. 
     
     
         11 . The pod of  claim 1  wherein the fluid diode connects an end cap inlet to the atomization chamber. 
     
     
         12 . The pod of  claim 11  wherein an interface between the fluid diode and the atomization chamber is a set of inlets. 
     
     
         13 . The pod of  claim 1  wherein the airflow path is arranged about a principal axis. 
     
     
         14 . The pod of  claim 13  wherein the fluid diode is oriented to be substantially perpendicular to the principal axis of the airflow path. 
     
     
         15 . A vaping device for controlling the application of power to a pod containing an atomizable liquid, the device comprising:
 a battery for storing power;   a set of electrical leads for interfacing with the pod to provide power from the battery;   a processor for controlling the application of power from the battery to the electrical leads in accordance with a received user input; and   a fluid diode at a physical interface between the vaping device and the pod, for mating with the pod to extend an airflow path within the pod into the vaping device, and for providing a first flow resistance to airflows moving through the airflow path in a forward direction and for providing a second flow resistance, greater than the first flow resistance, to airflows moving through the airflow path in a reverse direction.   
     
     
         16 . The vaping device of  claim 15  wherein the atomizable liquid is an e-liquid comprising at least one of propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, nicotine and a flavoring. 
     
     
         17 . The vaping device of  claim 15  wherein the fluid diode is comprised of a plurality of passive airflow structures. 
     
     
         18 . The vaping device of  claim 17  wherein the plurality of passive airflow structures include at least one of an air flow guide and a fence. 
     
     
         19 . The vaping device of  claim 15  wherein the airflow path within the pod is arranged about a principal axis, and an airflow path through the fluid diode is substantially perpendicular to the principal axis.