WO2022013224A1

WO2022013224A1 - Method for calibration of a vaping device, vaping device, calibration cartridge and set of vaping device and calibration cartridge

Info

Publication number: WO2022013224A1
Application number: PCT/EP2021/069467
Authority: WO
Inventors: Theodorus VERLAAN
Original assignee: Jt International Sa
Priority date: 2020-07-15
Filing date: 2021-07-13
Publication date: 2022-01-20

Abstract

Method for calibration of a vaping device (1), wherein the vaping device (1) comprises a void (3) into which a cartridge (2) containing an aerosolisable liquid is insertable, and a calibration switch (7) arranged on a first mating surface (5). A calibration cartridge (2a) has a shape matching the void (3) of the vaping device (1) at least in part and a calibration actuator (8) arranged on a second mating surface (4). The method comprising the steps: a. Insertion of the calibration cartridge (2a) into the void (3), wherein the first and second mating surfaces (4, 5) are brought in contact with each other and the calibration actuator (8) actuates the calibration switch (7), thereby initiating a calibration; b. Calibration of the vaping device (1); c. Removing the calibration cartridge (2a) from the vaping device (1) after calibration is finished, thereby disengaging the calibration actuator (8) from the calibration switch (7).

Description

Method for calibration of a vaping device, vaping device, calibration cartridge and set of vap ing device and calibration cartridge

Description

The present invention relates to a vaping device with a calibration cartridge including a method for calibration of a vaping device.

There is a variety of vaping devices available on the market, such as an electronic cigarette. Such devices have evolved over time, for example, some record biometric data of the user. This has the advantage that the devices can be used in a personalized way. In this case, the device can only be used by those who have tuned the device to themselves. To make this technically possible, the vaping device is calibrated to the specific movement pattern of its owner before use. This is a measurement process that is divided into three steps. In the first step, the associated values of the current status of the device are determined. In the second step, the measured values are compared with the values of stored reference values and doc umented. In the third step, the deviations between the measured values and the reference values are calculated. From now on, the measurement signals are always compared with the corrected reference values, what means that this process comprises creating a personal user profile. The vaping device recognizes the user and unlocks as soon as the user picks up the device. If someone else wants to use the vaping device, he cannot unlock the device because no user profile has been created. At best, the calibration is carried out without any intervention that could modify the device in any way. Most of vaping devices are calibrated by a series of manipulations on the device that the user must perform before use. So, to start the calibration the user has to press a button three times, for example, or do other combination of various manipulations. This turns out to be difficult for the user because an instruction manual often has to be followed. In this case it can lead to errors during the wrong or incomplete calibration, which could damage the device.

Apart from that, the calibration is normally carried out without the associated cartridge with the liquid. This means that the calibration is carried out with a device having a different weight compared to the device, when it is actually used. This weight difference can affect the specific movement pattern of the user during the calibration compared to the movement pattern of user during the actual use of the device. These weight differences may therefore lead to the problem of the device not unlocking despite used its owner because the owner unconsciously used different movement during the calibration due to the different weight of the device.

It is therefore the objective of the invention to provide a method for calibration of a vaping device that allows to engage the calibration mode without initiating difficult calibration steps for the user to prevent incorrect or insufficient calibration. Furthermore the calibration of the vaping device with the new method has in particular to be suitable for use with biometrics that involve the movement of the device. The elimination of the weight difference enables a more precise adaptation to the user. Reducing the probability of wrong or not sufficiently exact calibration is therefore the core task of the following invention.

The afore mentioned problems eliminated by a method for calibration of a vaping device, wherein the vaping device comprises a void, in which a cartridge containing an aerosolisable liquid is insertable, with first mating surface, wherein the vaping device further comprises a calibration switch arranged on the first mating surface, using a calibration cartridge comprising a shape matching the void of the vaping device at least in part and second mating surface being a part of the calibration cartridges surface and a calibration actuator arranged on the second mating surface. The calibration starts with the first step which contains the insertion of the calibration cartridge into the void of the vaping device, wherein the respective first and second mating surfaces are brought in contact with each other and calibration actuator of the calibration cartridge actuates the calibration switch of the vaping device thereby initiating a calibration. The second step contains the calibration of the vaping device initiated by the pre ceding actuation of the calibration switch. The third step contains the removal of the calibration cartridge from the vaping device after the calibration is finished, thereby disengaging the cali bration actuator from the calibration switch. The previously mentioned method of calibration of a vaping device with the calibration cartridge replaces the first step of previously used calibration process, which often begins with pushing a calibration button. The calibration mode starts automatically as soon as the cartridge is fully inserted into the device, wherein a calibration actuators operates a calibration switch and, pref erably, a signal is thus sent to the user. Particularly the signal that indicates the calibration mode (in the following: „start signal”) can be recognized optically by a light emitter. Preferably, the light emitter gives a clear signal in form of flashing, when there is only one light emitter. Preferably, the vaping device comprises more than one light emitter installed, better multicol ored. Then the optical signal can be recognized by the different colors of the light emitter. Preferably, the optical signal is combined from the examples explained above, so the light emitter flashes in different colors compared to the normal working mode of the vaping device.

The start of the calibration mode can also be indicated by an acoustic signal. In this case the start signal that indicates the start of the calibration mode can be recognized by a sound in the audible acoustic range. Preferably, the sound is in the range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Preferably, the start of the calibration mode is indicated by both signals, acoustic and optical.

According to another embodiment the start of the calibration mode can be indicated by a vi bration. In this embodiment the start signal can be recognized by a mechanical oscillation. The user typically perceives this via the skin by holding the device in his hand. Preferably, the calibration mode is indicated by all signals, acoustic, optical and vibration, which are sensibly combined with each other. In this way, the consumer unequivocally understands that the cali bration mode has started.

When the calibration of the vaping device is ending, the user, preferably, gets another signal which invites him to disengage the calibration cartridge, wherein the calibration actuator is to be disengaged from the calibration switch (in following: “end signal”). Preferably, the comple tion is initiated by a signal like at the beginning of calibration mode. Preferably, the end signal differs from the start signal. During the calibration process the user can be invited to perform some movements. This can be done via a display installed in the device or described in a user manual. Particularly, the movements should imitate the behavior of the user while vaping. Pref erably, the user should mimic vaping on the vaping device with the calibration cartridge while the calibration mode. Through this invention the handling for the customer is very easy because of the unmistakable initiation of the calibration mode by insertion of the calibration cartridge. This method works even with the biometric devices which collect the biometric data in order to optimize the use of the device for the customer. The calibration is also easy to complete by removal of cartridge. The above steps limit consequently the possibility of incorrect or not initiated calibration.

Furthermore the invention yields to a more accurate calibration with the calibration cartridge. Previous vaping devices do not prevent errors due to the difference in weight during the cali bration mode and after in use. A typical cartridge contains approximately 1 ml of liquid and is often made of chrome, glass or other materials. The components of the cartridges are therefore heavy compared to the vaping device and this leads to different behavior of the device after the calibration, when the liquid cartridge is inserted and the customer uses this device. This is especially true if it is a device that uses the biometric data of the user. Then the device is particularly susceptible to errors if the calibration was not as close as possible to the usage situation.

The calibration is preferably completed right after purchase of the device, preferably when an end signal is transmitted to the user. The end signal can be the same as the start signal or a different one. In this case a recalibration is likely not needed, so the risk of loss of the calibration cartridge is not critical for the customer. Apart from this, the calibration mode can not be acti vated by an inadvertent movement. This means safe operation for the customer and possible longer service life of the vaping device.

According to another embodiment, after removing the calibration cartridge from the vaping de vice, the cartridge containing the aerosolisable liquid and comprising no calibration actuator is inserted into the void. Preferably, the calibration cartridge has an identical shape to the car tridge with the liquid with exception of the calibration actuator. The vaping device offers ac cordingly quick operational readiness after purchase because of simple calibration steps. Pref erably, the customer can continue to use his usual liquid cartridges even though he is operating a new vaping device. The cartridge with the aerosolisable liquid, preferably, does not have to be manufactured specifically for new device. Thereby the manufacturing costs can be saved and the customer gets a device with no hidden costs. According to another embodiment, the calibration is aborted if the calibration cartridge is re moved from the vaping device, thereby disengaging the calibration actuator from the calibra tion switch, before the calibration is finished. Preferably, any previous successful calibration data is retained in the vaping device, so that a new calibration is, in case of an abortion of the calibration, no longer necessary. Preferably, the device can not be calibrated only in half. This prevents possible damage to the device or the susceptible sensors for receiving the biometric data. Preferably, in case of accidental insertion of the calibration cartridge and then abortion of this, the device can continue the normal use modus.

The objective is also reached by the vaping device comprising a void, in which a cartridge is insertable, with a first mating surface, characterized in that the vaping device further comprises a calibration switch arranged on the first mating surface. Preferably the calibration can only start if the calibration cartridge is completely inserted in the vaping device. The first mating surface has a switch that initiates the calibration mode (in following: calibration switch). That can be an internal button that is located in the surface in the vaping device. This can be acti vated with the protrusion located on the surface of the calibration cartridge. Preferably, the first mating surface of the calibration cartridge activates the calibration mode only by a touch. In this case, the calibration mode starts immediately with actuation of the calibration switch after the insertion of the calibration cartridge into the vaping device.

According to another embodiment the calibration switch is a magnetic, electric, optical or mo mentary switch. In case of the calibration switch being a momentary switch, the switch is trig gered by a protrusion on the calibration cartridge. In this case, preferably a guide rail orthogo nal to the mating surface ensures that the switch is actuated exactly. It is preferred if there is more than one calibration switch in the vaping device. In this case, at least one of the switches can be operated while inserting the calibration cartridge to start the calibration mode.

In case of an electrical switch as calibration switch, the switch is described by two electrically conductive materials that create or separate an electrically conductive connection (switch con tact). The switch preferably comprises a semiconductor component. Ideally, an actuation al ways clearly leads to a switching state open or closed, wherein the open switching state means an interrupted current flow and the closed switching state means a continuous current flow. Preferably, when switched on, electronic switches have an electrical connection from the input to the output; when switched off, the input is electrically insulated from the output. In this case is the surface in the calibration cartridge considered as output. Whereas the calibration switch in device is considered as input. Preferably, the arrangement of in- and output can vary with different construction types. Electronic switches work much faster than mechanical ones, so they are more advantageous for a quick switch to calibration mode.

In case of the calibration switch being an optical switch, the switch is triggered by closing a light barrier. A light barrier consists of a light transmitter (often a light-emitting diode or a laser diode) and a light receiver (for example a light-sensitive resistor (LDR) or a photodiode). The receiver (evaluation unit) evaluates the intensity, the color and/or the transit time of the light received by the light transmitter. In this case the surface, preferably, on the calibration cartridge can be a receiver, whereas the calibration switch in device can be a transmitter on the surface. In other constructions, this arrangement can be the other way around. The light beam emitted by the transmitter is sent directly to the receiver. Preferably, the light beam is reflected by a reflector, which can be the surface of the calibration cartridge, and then picked up by the re ceiver. This kind of calibration switch can save the energy in particular. In both cases, the signal is triggered when the light beam is interrupted. So the calibration mode can start when the mating surfaces are touching and the light barrier closes.

In case of the calibration switch being a magnetic switch, the switch is triggered by a magnetic element or magnetic field. In this case a mating surface of vaping device emits a magnetic field and the mating surface of calibration cartridge consists of metal at least in part. In other ver sions, the arrangement can also be the other way around. When the calibration cartridge is inserted, the movement of a magnet induces an electrical current. This current is measured by the vaping device and interpreted as a start signal for the calibration. It is preferred that both surfaces emit magnetic fields, which are having different poles. In this case the current begins to flow, as soon as the mating surfaces attract each other and touch, wherein this kind of the magnetic switch comprises a combination with an electrical switch being a semiconductor. Similar to an electrical switch, the calibration mode starts as soon as the calibration cartridge is fully inserted in the device and the current flows.

According to another embodiment, the calibration switch is a circular or ring shaped button arranged on a first part of the first mating surface being arranged perpendicular to an insertion direction. In this case the calibration mode can begin by insertion of calibration cartridge in any direction, whereby the guide rail is not necessary, because the calibration switch can be acti vated regardless of the direction of rotation of the calibration cartridge when inserted. The user therefore does not have to be careful in which direction the calibration cartridge is inserted and whether a calibration switch is triggered, because the calibration switch is activated in any case due to its shape.

According to another embodiment, the shape of the void of the vaping device comprises a 2- fold rotational symmetry with the insertion direction protruding through a center of the vaping device as symmetry axis. A geometric figure has the property of being rotationally symmetrical if the figure has a central point and the figure is mapped onto itself when it is rotated around this point. The void of the vaping device has a volume of a 3-dimensional figure comprising a surface as a lateral surface and cut surfaces perpendicular to the symmetry axis as a base. Preferably, the base is formed as a regular polygon, which is both equilateral and equiangular. The base can be an equilateral triangle, a square, a regular pentagon, or a regular hexagon. More preferred is the base of a circle, wherein the shape of the vaping device being a cylinder.

According to another embodiment, a depression, having a shape equal to the calibration switch in a depressed state, is located at the respective symmetric position of the calibration switch. Preferably, the depression forms a button lying flat in the first mating surface, wherein the calibration switch has the equal shape. In this case, the protrusions from the calibration car tridge always find a suitable place, wherein at least one always triggers the calibration switch. This means that there is no difference whether the calibration cartridge is rotated by 0° or 180° around the symmetry axis parallel to the insertion direction. This arrangement enables precise actuation of the calibration switch and thus avoids application errors. The symmetrical structure allows additionally simple manufacture of the vaping device and calibration cartridge.

The objective is also reached by calibration cartridge being at least in part insertable into a void of a vaping device and comprising a second mating surface being a part of the cartridges surface. The calibration cartridge comprises a calibration actuator arranged on the second mating surface. In this case, the calibration cannot begin with a cartridge that contains an aerosolisable liquid, because there is no protrusion, which could trigger the calibration switch. This has an advantage for safe and easy handling for the user, wherein the calibration switch cannot be accidently actuated.

According to another embodiment, the calibration actuator is a magnetic, electric or optical actuator or a protrusion for mechanical actuation. In this case the actuator serves as a coun terpart to the vaping device for activating the calibration mode. The calibration can not start by manipulating the device. So in any case, the use of a calibration cartridge is necessary to start the calibration mode. For this embodiment the same functionality and advantages apply as discussed with regard to the calibration switch of the vaping device.

According to another embodiment, the protrusion comprises a circular shape or a ring shape and is arranged on a first part of the second mating surface being arranged perpendicular to an insertion direction. The circular / ring shape of the protrusion, being the calibration actuator, enables the cartridge to be tight fitted in the vaping device, whereby the cartridge cannot slip or tilt in the void of the vaping device during the calibration. This allows the device to be cali brated several times, if necessary, because the destruction of the calibration cartridge is im probable. Apart from this, the circular/ring shape of the protrusion has also an advantage be cause of the rotation symmetry. The insertion of the calibration cartridge is possible in each angle around the symmetry axis.

According to another embodiment, the shape of the calibration cartridge comprises a 2-fold rotational symmetry with the insertion direction protruding through a center of the calibration cartridge as symmetry axis. A symmetrical shape enables simple and low cost production of the calibration cartridge. The execution preferably is cuboid, prism or other angular shape. Preferably, the execution of the calibration cartridge is cylinder-shaped. The shape of the car tridge fits preferably into the void of the vaping device. Before the insertion there is no differ ence whether the calibration cartridge is rotated by 0° or 180° around the symmetry axis par allel to the insertion direction

According to another embodiment, a second protrusion, having an equal shape to the first protrusion, is located at the respective symmetric position of the protrusion. For this embodi ment the same functionality and advantages apply as discussed with regard to the calibration switch of the vaping device. The symmetrical arrangement of the protrusions is advantageous for inserting the calibration cartridge into the vaping device, because this property leads to more solid connection between the two parts and ensures the possibility to rotate the calibra tion cartridge before insertion in the void of the vaping device. Preferably, the rotation of the calibration cartridge before insertion around the angles of 0° and 180° leads to triggering of the calibration switch with one of the protrusions. Preferably, the protrusions are designed in the form of a bolt and are located on the mating surface of the calibration cartridge. Preferably, there are more than two protrusions on the mating surface, when the number of calibration switches in the device is more than two. The number of protrusions preferably corresponds to the number of calibration switches. According to another embodiment the calibration cartridge comprises the same weight as cor responding consumable containing cartridges used in vaping devices. The outer layer of the calibration cartridge preferably consists of the same components as the outer layer of consum able containing cartridge. The consumable within an associated cartridge may be replaced by the technique for triggering a calibration, which can be located inside or outside the calibration cartridge. Preferably, the calibration cartridge contain any liquid or solid material, wherein pref erably the calibration cartridge completely consisting of a plastic material.

The weight distribution of the vaping device including the cartridge is necessary for exact measurements during the calibration mode. This is especially the case when the biometric data are important and should be collected. In this case to carry out a simulation of the vaping behavior as accurate as possible, preferably the weight distribution of the cartridge containing consumable is reproduced at best. For this reason the weight distribution of a calibration car tridge is preferably identical to the weight distribution of a cartridge that contains a consumable.

According to another embodiment the calibration cartridge comprises a different color as cor responding consumable containing cartridges used in vaping devices. In this case the confu sion between the calibration cartridge and the cartridge containing consumable is prohibited. The selected colors are preferably as different as possible. This means that the related colors, which consist of the same basic colors, are rather disadvantageous for the selection. The color of the calibration cartridge is preferably selected in such a way that color blind user can see the difference to the cartridge containing the aerosolisable liquid.

The objective is also reached by a set of vaping device and calibration. The availability of the calibration cartridge in a set with the vaping device enables easy handling for the user. As a result, using the precisely calibrated vaping device is not associated with any additional costs, apart from the consumables. In case of loss, the cartridge can preferably also be purchased separately.

Further advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, in the following description with reference to the appended figures. In the figures, like components in different embodiments can exhibit the same reference sym bols.

The figures show: Fig. 1a a general view of a vaping device 1 and a calibration cartridge 2a

Fig. 1b a top view of a vaping device 1 and a bottom view of a calibration cartridge 2a with a momentary calibration switch 7

Fig. 2a a view of another embodiment of the actuator 8 and calibration switch 7

Fig. 2b a top view of a vaping device 1 and a bottom view of a calibration cartridge 2a with a ring-shaped 15 calibration switch 7

Fig. 3 a schematic view of the cartridge 2

Fig. 4a a view before insertion of a calibration cartridge 2a into a vaping device 1

Fig.4b a view after insertion of a calibration cartridge 2a into a vaping device 1

Fig.4c a view after removing of a calibration cartridge 2a from a vaping device 1

Fig.4d a view of an inserted cartridge 2 in a vaping device

Figure 1a shows a general view of a vaping device 1 and a calibration cartridge 2a. The vap ing device 1 comprises a void 3 with a first mating surface 5, in which a calibration cartridge 2a with the second mating surface 4 is insertable. The calibration cartridge 2a comprises preferably the same weight as corresponding consumable containing cartridges 2 (not shown here) used in vaping devices 1.

The first mating surface 5 comprises a first part of the first mating surface 9 with at least one calibration switch 7, wherein the second mating surface 4 comprises a first part of the second mating surface 12 with at least one calibration actuator 8. The calibration switch 7 is prefera bly a magnetic, electric, optical or momentary switch. It is preferably located in the outer area 17 of the first mating surface 5, wherein the outer area 17 is located on the edge 21 along the circumference of a base 18, as shown in Fig. 1b. On the second mating surface 4 at least one calibration actuator 8 is located, wherein the lo cation is selected in such a way that the calibration actuator 8 touches the calibration switch 7 when the calibration cartridge 2a is inserted in the vaping device 1. Preferably, there are two calibration actuators 8, i.e. two protrusions 10, 14, wherein the second calibration actua tor 8, i.e. second protrusion 14, is located across from the first calibration actuator 8, i.e. pro trusion 10. More preferably, the number of the calibration actuators 8 is equal to the number of the calibration switches 7. The calibration actuator 8 is preferably a magnetic, electric or optical actuator or a protrusion 10 for mechanical actuation.

As already mentioned, the calibration cartridge 2a is arrangeable in the void 3 of the vaping device 1 at least in part. In part means that the calibration cartridge 2a may not fit completely into the void 3 of the vaping device 1 and that parts of the calibration cartridge 2a may pro trude out of the void 3 while other parts of the calibration cartridge 2a are contained in the void 3. The shape of the void 3 comprises a 2-fold rotational symmetry with the insertion di rection A protruding through a center X of the vaping device 1 as symmetry axis. This means that the shape of the void 3 is selected in that way that it encases the calibration cartridge 2a or respectively the cartridge with aerosolisable liquid 2. It is also possible to fit the calibration cartridge 2a into the void 3 in a state rotated 180° around the insertion direction A as rota tional axis.

The vaping device 1 further comprises a calibration switch 7 arranged on the first part of the first mating surface 9. The shape of the calibration cartridge 2a comprises a 2-fold rotational symmetry with the insertion direction A protruding through a center Y of the calibration car tridge 2a as symmetry axis. In Figure 1 the shown shape of the calibration cartridge 2a is cy lindrical and preferably comprises a different color as corresponding consumable containing cartridges 2 used in vaping devices.

In Figure 1a the calibration switch 7 is shaped as an inside button 19, while the calibration actuator 8 is shaped as a protrusion 10. The inside button 19 is a momentary switch, wherein viewed in the insertion direction, the surface of the inside button 19 is bellow or parallel to the first mating surface 5. Both components, the calibration switch 7 and the actuator 8, have a round basic shape, wherein a depression 11, having a shape equal to the calibration switch 7 in a depressed state, is located at the respective rotational symmetric position 13 of the cali bration switch 7. This means that the length of the actuator 7 is adjusted in such a way that it can just push the calibration switch 7 when the first 5 and second mating surfaces 6 touch. A second protrusion 14, having an equal shape to the first protrusion 10, is located at the re spective rotational symmetric position 16 of the protrusion 10.

Before the insertion of the calibration cartridge 2a into the vaping device 1, the calibration cartridge 2a can be rotated 180° due to the symmetrical position of the protrusions 10, 14. In any case, when the calibration cartridge 2a is turned 0° or 180°, one of the protrusions 10, 14 will touch the calibration switch 7. The thickness 25 of the edge 21 of the vaping device 1 and of the calibration cartridge 2a preferably is identical. If the calibration cartridge 2a is in- sertable only in part, the edges 21 of the calibration cartridge 2a and of the vaping device 1 touch together with the first and second mating surfaces 4, 5 and form a flat lateral surface 23 (not shown here, please refer Fig.4b).

Figure 2a shows a view of the calibration switch 7, i.e. depression 11, as a circular or ring shaped button 15 arranged on a first part 9 of the first mating surface 5 being arranged per pendicular to an insertion direction A. For this embodiment the same functionality apply as discussed with regard to the calibration switch 7 as a momentary switch of the vaping device 1 in Fig. 1a. In addition, Fig. 2a discloses a view of the calibration cartridge 2a with a circular or ring shaped calibration actuator 8, i.e. protrusion 10. Due to their round shape, the calibra tion actuator 8 and the calibration switch 7 give a clear advantage over the switch as shown in Fig. 1a. The calibration cartridge 2a can be inserted in any rotation angle perpendicular to the insertion direction, wherein the calibration switch 7 is activated in any case.

Figure 2b shows a top view of a vaping device 1 and a bottom view of the calibration cartridge 2a with a ring-shaped 15 calibration switch 7, i.e. depression 11. The calibration actuator 8, i.e. protrusion 10, on the first part of the second mating surface 12 comprises a ring shape as well. It is centrally symmetrical arranged on the first part of the second mating surface 12 is perpendicular to an insertion direction A. This means that the ring-shaped button 15 arranged on the first part of the first mating surface 9 and the protrusion 10 on the first part of the second mating surface 12 fit together. The inner diameter 20 of the ring button 15 is preferably smaller than the inner diameter 22 of the vaping device 1.

Figure 3 shows a schematic view of the cartridge 2. The cartridge 2 is, as mentioned, different to the calibration cartridge 2a. The second mating surface 12, which is insertable in the vaping device 1, does not contain a calibration actuator 8 or protrusion 10. The direction of insertion A corresponds to the direction of insertion of the calibration cartridge 2a. With insertion of the cartridge 2 in the void 3 of the vaping device 1, the calibration switch 7 is not actuated.

Figure 4a shows a view before the insertion of a calibration cartridge 2a into the vaping device 1 as a step a). At this step the calibration has not yet started. The calibration switch 7 is an inside button 19 and the calibration actuator 8 is a protrusion 10, wherein the inside button 19 is not yet activated. The center x of the vaping device 1 is located on the first mating surface 5. The center Y of the calibration cartridge 2a is located on the second mating surface 6. To start the calibration mode, the calibration cartridge 2a must be plugged into the vaping device 1, wherein the movement is taking place in insertion direction A.

Figure 4b shows a view after the insertion of a calibration cartridge 2a into the vaping device 1. The centers x and Y of the calibration cartridge 2a and the vaping device 1 are matching, wherein the first mating surface 5 and the second mating surface 4 touch. The protrusions 10, 14 push the inside button 19 and the depression 11, by which the calibration mode has started. The edges 21 of the vaping device 1 and the calibration cartridge 2a result a flat lateral surface 23. This is a sign that the calibration cartridge 2a has been inserted correctly in the vaping device 1. For abortion of the calibration mode the calibration cartridge 2a has to be removed from the vaping device 1, thereby disengaging the calibration actuator 8 from the calibration switch 3, in this case the protrusions 10,14 and the inside button 19, before the calibration is finished. If the abortion is not desired, the calibration cartridge 2a should stay in the vaping device 1 until the calibration is completed. This is preferably indicated by an end signal, which can be an optical and/or acoustic signal.

Figure 4c shows a view after removing the calibration cartridge 2a from the vaping device 1. The cartridge 2 containing the aerosolisable liquid and comprising no calibration actuator 8 now can be inserted into the void 3, what is shown in Fig. 4d. This means that the lateral surface 24 of the cartridge 2 with the aerosolisable liquid is shaped in the same way as the lateral surface 24 of the calibration cartridge 2a. The edges 21 of the vaping device 1 and the cartridge 2 result a flat lateral surface 23 equal to the flat lateral surface 23 with the calibration cartridge 2a. There are no protrusions 10 or actuator 8 formed on the first part of the second mating surface 12 of the cartridge 2, what means that the first part of the second mating surface 12 of the cartridge 2 with the aerosolisable liquid is preferably smooth. The applicant reserves his right to claim all features disclosed in the application document as being an essential feature of the invention, as long as they are new, individually or in combi nation, in view of the prior art. Furthermore, it is noted that in the figures features are described, which can be advantageous individually. Someone skilled in the art will directly recognize that a specific feature being disclosed in a figure can be advantageous also without the adoption of further features from this figure. Furthermore, someone skilled in the art will recognize that advantages can evolve from a combination of diverse features being disclosed in one or vari ous figures.

List of reference symbols

1 vaping device

2 cartridge

2 a calibration cartridge

3 void

4 second mating surface

5 first mating surface

6 part of the calibration cartridges surface

7 calibration switch

8 calibration actuator

9 first part of the first mating surface

10 protrusion

11 depression

12 first part of the second mating surface

13 respective symmetric position of the calibration switch

14 second protrusion

15 circular or ring shaped button

16 respective symmetric position of the protrusion

17 outer area

18 base

19 inside button

20 inner diameter of a ring button

21 edge

22 inner diameter 23 flat lateral surfaces

24 lateral surface

25 thickness of the edge 21

A insertion direction x center of the vaping device

Y center of the calibration cartridge

Z center of the cartridge

Claims

Method for calibration of a vaping device, vaping device, calibration cartridge and set of vap- ing device and calibration cartridge Claims

1. Method for calibration of a vaping device (1), wherein the vaping device (1) comprises a void (3), in which a cartridge (2) containing an aerosolisable liquid is insertable, with a first mating surface (5), wherein the vaping device (1) further comprises a calibration switch (7) arranged on the first mating surface (5), using a calibration cartridge (2a) comprising a shape matching the void (3) of the vaping device (1) at least in part and a second mating surface (4) being a part of the calibration cartridges surface (6) and a calibration actuator (8) arranged on the second mating surface (4), comprising the steps: a. Insertion of the calibration cartridge (2a) into the void (3) of the vaping device (1), wherein the respective first and second mating surfaces (4, 5) are brought in con tact with each other and the calibration actuator (8) of the calibration cartridge (2a) actuates the calibration switch (7) of the vaping device (1) thereby initiating a calibra tion; b. Calibration of the vaping device (1) initiated by the preceding actuation of the calibration switch (7); c. Removing the calibration cartridge (2a) from the vaping device (1) after the calibration is finished, thereby disengaging the calibration actuator (8) from the cali bration switch (7).

2. Method for calibration of a vaping device (1) according to claim 1 characterized in that,

After removing the calibration cartridge (2a) from the vaping device (1), the cartridge (2) con taining the aerosolisable liquid and comprising no calibration actuator (8) is inserted into the void (3).

3. Method for calibration of a vaping device (1) according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that, the calibration is aborted if the calibration cartridge (2a) is removed from the vaping device (1), thereby disengaging the calibration actuator (8) from the calibration switch (3), before the calibration is finished.

4. Vaping device (1) comprising a void (3), in which a cartridge (2) is insertable, with a first mating surface (5), characterized in that the vaping device (1) further comprises a calibration switch (7) arranged on the first mating surface (5).

5. Vaping device (1) according to claim 4 characterized in that, the calibration switch (7) is a magnetic, electric, optical or momentary switch.

6. Vaping device (1) according to claim 5 characterized in that, the calibration switch (7) is a circular or ring shaped button (15) arranged on a first part (9) of the first mating surface (5) being arranged perpendicular to an insertion direction (A).

7. Vaping device (1) according to claim 6 characterized in that, the shape of the void (3) comprises a 2-fold rotational symmetry with the insertion direction (A) protruding through a center (X) of the vaping device (1) as symmetry axis.

8. Vaping device (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that a depression (11), having a shape equal to the calibration switch (7) in a depressed state, is located at the respective symmetric position (13) of the calibration switch (7).

9. Calibration cartridge (2a) being at least in part insertable into a void (3) of a vaping device (1) and comprising a second mating surface (4) being a part of the cartridges surface (6) characterized in that, the calibration cartridge (2a) comprises a calibration actuator (8) arranged on the second mating surface (4).

10. Calibration cartridge (2a) according to claim 9, characterized in that the calibration actuator (8) is a magnetic, electric or optical actuator or a protrusion (10) for mechanical actuation.

11. Calibration cartridge (2a) according to claim 10, characterized in that the protrusion (10) comprises a circular shape or a ring shape and is arranged on a first part (12) of the second mating surface (4) being arranged perpendicular to an insertion direction (A).

12. Calibration cartridge (2a) according to claim 11, characterized in that the shape of the calibration cartridge (2a) comprises a 2-fold rotational symmetry with the in sertion direction (A) protruding through a center (Y) of the calibration cartridge (2a) as sym metry axis.

13. Calibration cartridge (2a) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that a second protrusion (14), having an equal shape to the first protrusion (10), is located at the respective symmetric position (16) of the protrusion (10).

14. Calibration cartridge (2a) according to at least one of the claims 9-13, characterized in that the calibration cartridge (2a) comprises the same weight as corresponding consumable con taining cartridges (2) used in vaping devices.

15. Calibration cartridge (2a) according to at least one of the claims 9-14, characterized in that the calibration cartridge (2a) comprises a different color as corresponding consumable con taining cartridges (2) used in vaping devices.

16. Set of vaping device (1) according to at least one of the claims 4 - 8 and calibration cartridge (2a) according to at least one of the claims 9 - 15.