The global popularity of Vaporisers is rising steadily. Last year alone, the worldwide market capitulation of these vaping devices accounted for 12.4 billion as per Studies. With rising patronage of the gen-next consumers, the annual growth rate of this thriving market is estimated at 23.8%, a steady figure for the next 7 years. A sizeable chunk of credit goes to the sheer variety of vaping devices being manufactured today. The only deterrent in this regard is law enforcement. In several countries, the purchase and use of vaping devices has been completely prohibited, with stringent punishments in place for doing so.
How Vaping Evolved
Historically, the first recorded use of the vaporiser has been found to be in the 5th century BC. The source which confirms this theory is the renowned historical text “The History of Herodotus”. One would be surprised to note that it was a death ritual in which vaping was embraced by the Scythian civilization. The vapour of coal-heated marijuana flowers would be inhaled by the community elders. This used to be carried out in special tents erected with the necessary arrangements for inhaling THC vaporised. Thereafter, the world witnessed the advent of the famous Hookah. This originated in the 15th century in the Middle East, and went on to sweep Asia, as portrayed by staunch historical data. Consumed only by Royalty initially, the Hookah gradually became a common recreation and social practice for common folks as well.
Finally, in the 20th century, modern technology took over the realm of vaping devices. The first breakthrough in this area was by Joseph Robinson, wherein the electric cigarette was patented. It would be interesting to note that this was originally meant for the inhalation of medicinal vapours. Considering that medicine vaping would be faster and more effective than oral tablets or injections, this device was invented by Robinson. The idea of using it for tobacco, nicotine, cannabis and similar addictive substances, was non-existent at that time. In the evolution of vaping devices, the next milestone was probably the most significant.
This was the brainchild of Herbert Gilbert in 1963. He was responsible for inventing the rudimentary version of the smoke-free electronic cigarette as we know today. Apart from eliminating the burning process to alleviate the harmful effects of tobacco smoke, he also fashioned the vaping device to function without nicotine and tobacco. Shortly thereafter, a tobacco-based smokeless e-cigarette was launched in 1970. Its ease of use was unparalleled. All one had to do was to breathe in the nicotine vapours being emanated from the chamber, through the filter paper and finally via the mouthpiece. Thereon vaping became a common recreational activity. Chinese pharmacist Hon Lik further improved this vaping device model, by devising an atomiser to completely eliminate burning. Although his device was ultrasound-based and did not use any battery, it was still considered great enough for mass commercial production. Modern Vaping Devices finally acquired a thriving industrial status.
Device Categories
The ‘Hon Lik’ Vaping Device provided an idea of the basic structure and mechanism, based on which many inventors and entrepreneurs launched their own improved versions. The fundamental structure as we know today constitutes an atomiser housing a cartridge to exude vapours, run by a battery.
1st generation vaping devices
The Cartomiser came into origin in 2006, a step ahead of the Hon Like e-cigarette. Instead of the erstwhile three components, it had only two parts- the battery and the atomiser plus cartridge fused together as one component. Since this design was very similar to the traditional cigarette, it was also called cig-a-like. Two other advantages of the cartomiser were that it was pretty compact (given that the atomiser and cartridge were combined) and the vapour emanation occurred only during vaping, and not otherwise.
2nd generation vaping devices
The 2nd generation were a bit larger than Cig-a-Likes and were called Vape Pens.
In this phase, the Vape Pens made their advent, with robust performance. Be it in terms of a long-lasting battery, durable atomiser or innate ease-of-use required for a habitual user, this was the ultimate device. A remarkable improvement was the button mechanism to kick-start the vaporiser, instead of the ‘inhalation stimulus’ required in the cig-a-like. There were several other features that further heightened the popularity of the vape pen. For one thing, the risk of overheating as compared to previous models, was completely eliminated. Also the user could easily view the e-liquid level in the clear atomiser (named so because of the visibility) and replace the atomiser when it was over. The multiple flavours of course, were an additional perk.
3rd generation vaping devices
Mods define the latest generation of vaping devices. Of course, the name denotes modification that these devices have undergone with cutting-edge technology. The first and foremost modification has been the expansion in battery life and capacity of e-liquid chamber. Both of these have been several notches higher compared to vape pens of the second generation. Other significant modifications include the flexibility to alter puff size and several others. One thing to note is that in terms of size, these mods are slightly larger as compared to their vape pen counterparts.
Going Ahead
There has been a constant evolution of vaping devices in the recent past. Consumer preferences and customization are the key guiding premises for these alterations. Manufacturers are increasingly looking at enhancing user experience. It won’t be long before the fourth generation super high-tech version comes into the picture!
