SWITCHES, DISPLAYS & UIS FEATURE
SWITCH FROM SMOKING High performance switches for e-cigarette and vaping applications
An increasing number of smokers are turning to vaping to help kick the habit. But what makes an e-cigarette/vape tick? Looking at the general layout of these products, with particular reference to C&K’s new line of components, one can surmise the specific importance of switches and their application in ensuring a strong, satisfying performance
A
n increasing number of smokers are turning to vaping to help kick the
habit. According to the World Health Organization, the number of tobacco smokers in 2017 decreased by 40 million, to a total of around 1.1 billion. Meanwhile, market research company Euromonitor estimates that the 7 million people that were vaping in 2011 will increase to almost 55 million by 2021. Unsurprisingly, the rapid increase in the number of people vaping equates to a lucrative business opportunity. According to an August 2018 study by Grand View Research, the market will be worth $47.11 billion by 2025. It is forecast to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.8 per cent, with the USA representing by far the biggest share of the global market. There are three principal types of vaping device: the e-cigarette, the vape pen and modular (‘box mod’) devices. E-cigarettes are the simplest and, in many cases, are fully automatic, as a sensor detects when the user inhales and releases the vapor. Other types use a small switch in place of the sensor.
In general, e-cigarettes are not refillable and are disposed of after use. Vaping pens usually consist of a refillable cartridge/tank that holds the juice and a battery section. In all cases, these rely on the user pressing a small switch to activate the heating element and release the vapor. The final category concerns modular devices known as ‘box mods’, where the tank, housing and batteries are generally all separate and interchangeable. These are often programmable in terms of the wattage delivered, to suit different types of heating coil. In box mods, there are often several small switches to program parameters, as well as the main heater control switch. The switch is one of the most important components in all of these devices as, if it fails, the device is inoperable. As such, choosing the right switch for each application is critical for vaping device manufacturers who are keen to build a loyal customer following. In general, when selecting a suitable switch, designers look for a high cycle count rating, as the switch may be used
hundreds of times each day. The physical switch size is important to fit the small package, as is moisture resistance, to protect against spilled juice and condensation from everyday use. How the switch sounds and feels (its
‘haptics’) is a key part in defining how a user perceives their vape device. As such, vape manufacturers pay a lot of attention to this aspect and work with companies, such as C&K Switches, to tune haptics within their dedicated laboratory, to meet a manufacturer’s specific needs. “C&K offers its own option: ultra- small, reliable tactile (‘tact’) switches. Disposable e-cigarettes benefit from the cost effectiveness of tact switches, such as the PTS series, while higher performance switches such as the KMT0 and KXT offer a wider range of high reliability options for more sophisticated vape pens and box mods,” explains Mike Bolduc, global segment manager for industrial and medical, C&K.
The structural layouts of vape pens and box modules
C&K
www.ckswitches.com
/ ELECTRONICS
ELECTRONICS | MAY 2019
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