Vape Charger
A low-power charging device that attaches to surfaces or phones to keep vaporizers topped off.
The Client
Vaportronix is a startup company that came to Inspira with their idea for a charging device that is compatible with the Juul vaporizer. The goal was to create a sleek, portable charger that users could take anywhere without added bulk.
The Challenge
The device had to be small so that it could be attached to smart phones without being too bulky. Miniaturization can be a challenge with battery powered devices, especially when functioning as a power bank.
One hurdle for this project which unfortunately made the electronics more complicated than originally desired was that the Juul continuously draws current even after being fully charged. For this reason, we had to implement a tiny MCU and a switch that could cutoff power when it detected that the device was charged. Finding a component small enough, yet capable of handling that task, took careful design work and multiple test cycles.
The Outcome
Prototypes were successful and this did end up being a product that made it to market although we didn’t have a hand in the manufacturing for this project.
Power Conservation
The PCB was carefully designed to minimize power draw, which is critical for any battery bank—especially one this compact. With limited space for a large battery, every microamp matters. Through efficient regulation and firmware-controlled shutdowns, we achieved a standby power draw of less than 10 µA. This ultra-low power mode helped conserve every milliamp-hour, supporting the project’s goal of delivering two to three full Juul charges per battery cycle without adding unnecessary bulk.
Consumer Sales
After development, the VQ charger made its way to market and was sold through a wide range of online retailers. It became available on Amazon, online smoke shops, and other specialty e-commerce sites catering to vaporizer accessories.
Design Features
Its compact form, ease of use, and ability to attach to smartphones made it a popular choice for Juul users looking for a sleek, portable charging option that fit seamlessly into their daily routine.