Idea/Concept for a Semi-Universal Adapter

[nicowolf]

I have been thinking (I know, head for the bunkers). We play hell getting adapters to mod with. There are a kajillion (more than I care to count) models of PVs out there, and 1/4 kajillion different, non-interchangeable batteries and atomizers. Every time you buy a new model, you have to stock up on spare parts particular to that model because your old parts are not compatible with it. We need an adapter to fit the many different sizes and threads out there.

The pipe and the cigar are somewhat unique creatures, so I will set them aside for now (not negating, just procrastinating).

All the other atomizers out there have one thing in common, their basic wiring configuration. Center hole is postive and outer ring is negative. They fall into two basic categories. Female type atomizers like the DSE series, where the battery connector is male and the atomizer connector is female. Male type atomizers like the Joye 510/Dura and the EM901/KLR901. The primary difference within each category is the physical size and the threads.

The idea: An adapter that doesn't use threads and has a variable diameter for the negative connection. I would start by making a universal connector for the male type atomizers. I would have a center pin with positive power that the atomizer gently rests on. When the user positioned the atomizer above the pin, it would contact two to four levers, that as depressed, would send small finger-like projectiles towards the threads of the atomizer. These finger-like projectiles would carry the negative end of the circuit. I would use a small thumbscrew like a setscrew to secure the atomizer once the connection is made. For the female type atomizers, I would make a male to male type adapter that would fit into the above adapter, carry the positive connection through another center pin, and have finger-like projectiles pushing outwards towards the threads, carrying the negative end of the circuit.

I realize a picture is worth a thousand words. I am not very adept at drawing programs, but I will give it a shot over the weekend.

I am putting this out there as a concept because this goes WAY beyond my capabilities and tool availability. I am hoping that it will inspire someone with more skill, better equipment, perhaps engineering knowledge to take on this project.

P.S. I am calling it "Semi-Universal" because it does still exclude the pipe and the cigar.

[first2di3]

Something like this, but reversed to spring outwards to hold the atomizer, with a center pin for the positive connection....?

[nicowolf]

Something like this, but reversed to spring outwards to hold the atomizer, with a center pin for the positive connection....?

YESSSSSS!

The setup above is almost exactly what I envisioned for the male type attys, and the inverse for the female type. You rock! I have been racking my brain trying to think of an example of this already employed in the world. I knew it already existed somewhere, I just couldn't place where. Now that I see this, I remember the grabber tool my father had when I was a kid. It was spring loaded. He depressed a button with his thumb, and at the other end of a long tube, these teeny little fingers came out. When he let go of the button, the fingers would clench and retract as far as they could. Thank you, first2di, for taking the time to imagine what I was trying to describe.

[first2di3]

YESSSSSS!

The setup above is almost exactly what I envisioned for the male type attys, and the inverse for the female type. You rock! I have been racking my brain trying to think of an example of this already employed in the world. I knew it already existed somewhere, I just couldn't place where. Now that I see this, I remember the grabber tool my father had when I was a kid. It was spring loaded. He depressed a button with his thumb, and at the other end of a long tube, these teeny little fingers came out. When he let go of the button, the fingers would clench and retract as far as they could. Thank you, first2di3, for taking the time to imagine what I was trying to describe.

No Problem!

Now you have my gears spinning.... I'll have to get the damn hamster something to eat one of these days

[nicowolf]

No Problem!

Now you have my gears spinning.... I'll have to get the damn hamster something to eat one of these days

That hamster has been nibbling at my brain for a while now. This is the first I have been able to actually envision any solution to the 500 different adapters problem (possibly exaggerated number here, maybe it just feels like that many).

[nicowolf]

Here is a picture of the tool I was trying to describe - smaller than the original, but very similar.

[kinabaloo]

Good thinking Nico!

That last picture: I have a long bendy one that used for grabbing things dropped into innaccesible holes.

An alternative architecture, that pales in relation to your original thinking, is to design a new standard fitting that sits in the middle (perhaps unisex like usb, plugs and sockets are same) and then have a box full of adaptors for anything else to that stadard. Anyone wanted to go with the standard would simply make the appropriate adaptor available.

Hmmm, your original idea is best ....

Might be tricky to get a reliably good and strong connection though - mechanically and electrically.

ps: whatever is doing something similar in his design perhaps

[surbitonPete]

Good thinking Nico......I have made all my mods so that I can 'plug' in 'any' penstyle atomizer because I just couldn't be bothered to try and find something just right as a screw on connector.

[nicowolf]

Thanks, Kinabaloo and SurbitonPete. Your words of support mean a lot to me. I was nervous the idea would get poopooed. The response so far is encouraging.

[surbitonPete]

Thanks, Kinabaloo and SurbitonPete. Your words of support mean a lot to me. I was nervous the idea would get poopooed. The response so far is encouraging.

a good thing Nico is to have the centre connection spring loaded with a light spring.....similar to the way light bulbs make a connection in a lamp holder.