| | How does it work
Disassembled electronic cigarette:
A. cartridge (mouthpiece)
B. atomizer (heating element)
C. battery (and circuitry)
D. LED light indicator.
When a user inhales through the device, air flow is detected by a sensor, which activates a heating element that vaporizes a nicotine solution stored in the mouthpiece. It is this vapor that is inhaled by the user. It also activates a LED, which serves as an indicator of use, and simulates the glow of actual burning tobacco.
Components
While electronic cigarettes take many forms, they generally employ the same basic components: a mouthpiece, atomizer, a rechargeable battery and various electronic circuits.
Mouthpiece ("cartridge")
The mouthpiece is a small disposable plastic cup affixed to the end of the tube. Inside, the piece contains an absorbent material that is moistened with a flavored nicotine liquid solution. When the liquid in the cartridge has been depleted, it can either be refilled by the user, or replaced with a new cartridge.
Atomizer (heating element)
The atomizer serves to vaporize the liquid in the mouthpiece so that it can be inhaled.
Battery and Electronics
Most electronic cigarettes employ a lithium-ion rechargeable battery to power the atomizer. Battery life varies depending on the battery type and size, frequency of use, and operating environment. Many different battery charger types are available, such as wall outlet, car, or USB. The battery is the largest component of an electronic cigarette.
An electronic airflow sensor automatically activates and electronic cigarette upon inhalation. Various other electronic circuits are usually employed as well, such as a timed cutoff switch to prevent overheating, and an LED to signal activation of the device. An orange-colored light is often chosen for its visual resemblance to actual burning tobacco in the front of the cigarette.
Although some larger electronic cigarette models employ an independently replaceable standard-size battery cell, many models are too small to house a standard-size cell and instead use a proprietary battery. For those models, the battery and electronic components are housed within a single replaceable part, which is generally referred to simply as the "battery," even though it actually contains many other components as well.
Nicotine Solution
Nicotine solutions usually consist of nicotine diluted in either propylene glycol or glycerin, both common food additives. They also commonly have a variety of different flavorings added. Nicotine solutions sold separately for use in refillable cartridges are commonly referred to as "e-liquid".
Solution is available in a variety of different flavors and nicotine concentrations. Nicotine concentrations range from high doses (to mimic the content of regular cigarettes) to low doses (that mimic the nicotine content of "light" cigarettes). There are also solutions available which contain no nicotine.
Some flavor varieties attempt to resemble traditional cigarette types, such as regular tobacco and menthol, and some even attempt to mimic specific cigarette brands. Solutions are also available with other flavorings, such as strawberry, orange, mint, vanilla, caramel, coffee.
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