EP3711535A1

EP3711535A1 - Smoking substitute system

Info

Publication number: EP3711535A1
Application number: EP19020166.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: designation of the inventor has not yet been filed The
Original assignee: Nerudia Ltd
Current assignee: Nerudia Ltd
Priority date: 2019-03-22
Filing date: 2019-03-22
Publication date: 2020-09-23
Also published as: EP3941242A1; WO2020193174A1; TW202038761A

Abstract

Disclosed is a system having a smoking substitute device for heating a consumable according to a consumable cycle. The smoking substitute device comprises a measurement means for measuring a usage of the device by a user during the consumable cycle, and a controller configured to determine an exhaustion level of the consumable during the consumable cycle based on the usage. The controller is further configured to control an aspect of the operation of the smoking substitute device during the consumable operating cycle based on the exhaustion level.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a smoking substitute system and particularly, although not exclusively, to a smoking substitute system comprising a device for heating a consumable during a consumable cycle.

BACKGROUND

The smoking of tobacco is generally considered to expose a smoker to potentially harmful substances. It is generally thought that a significant amount of the potentially harmful substances are generated through the heat caused by the burning and/or combustion of the tobacco and the constituents of the burnt tobacco in the tobacco smoke itself.
Conventional combustible smoking articles, such as cigarettes, typically comprise a cylindrical rod of tobacco comprising shreds of tobacco which is surrounded by a wrapper, and usually also a cylindrical filter axially aligned in an abutting relationship with the wrapped tobacco rod. The filter typically comprises a filtration material which is circumscribed by a plug wrap. The wrapped tobacco rod and the filter are joined together by a wrapped band of tipping paper that circumscribes the entire length of the filter and an adjacent portion of the wrapped tobacco rod. A conventional cigarette of this type is used by lighting the end opposite to the filter and burning the tobacco rod. The smoker receives mainstream smoke into their mouth by drawing on the mouth end or filter end of the cigarette.
Combustion of organic material such as tobacco is known to produce tar and other potentially harmful by-products. There have been proposed various smoking substitute systems (or "substitute smoking systems") in order to avoid the smoking of tobacco.
Such smoking substitute systems can form part of nicotine replacement therapies aimed at people who wish to stop smoking and overcome a dependence on nicotine.
Smoking substitute systems include electronic systems that permit a user to simulate the act of smoking by producing an aerosol (also referred to as a "vapour") that is drawn into the lungs through the mouth (inhaled) and then exhaled. The inhaled aerosol typically bears nicotine and/or flavourings without, or with fewer of, the odour and health risks associated with traditional smoking.
In general, smoking substitute systems are intended to provide a substitute for the rituals of smoking, whilst providing the user with a similar experience and satisfaction to those experienced with traditional smoking and with combustible tobacco products. Some smoking substitute systems use smoking substitute articles (also referred to as a "consumables") that are designed to resemble a traditional cigarette and are cylindrical in form with a mouthpiece at one end.
The popularity and use of smoking substitute systems has grown rapidly in the past few years. Although originally marketed as an aid to assist habitual smokers wishing to quit tobacco smoking, consumers are increasingly viewing smoking substitute systems as desirable lifestyle accessories.
There are a number of different categories of smoking substitute systems, each utilising a different smoking substitute approach.
One approach for a smoking substitute system is the so-called Heated Tobacco ("HT") approach in which tobacco (rather than an "e-liquid") is heated or warmed to release vapour. HT is also known as "heat not burn" ("HNB"). The tobacco may be leaf tobacco or reconstituted tobacco. The vapour may contain nicotine and/or flavourings. In the HT approach the intention is that the tobacco is heated but not burned, i.e. the tobacco does not undergo combustion.
A typical HT smoking substitute system may include a device and a consumable. The consumable may include the tobacco material. The device and consumable may be configured to be physically coupled together. In use, heat may be imparted to the tobacco material by a heating element of the device, wherein airflow through the tobacco material causes components in the tobacco material to be released as vapour. A vapour may also be formed from a carrier in the tobacco material (this carrier may for example include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine) and additionally volatile compounds released from the tobacco. The released vapour may be entrained in the airflow drawn through the tobacco.
As the vapour passes through the consumable (entrained in the airflow) from the location of vaporisation to an outlet of the consumable (e.g. a mouthpiece), the vapour cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user. The aerosol will normally contain the volatile compounds.
In HT smoking substitute systems, heating as opposed to burning the tobacco material is believed to cause fewer, or smaller quantities, of the more harmful compounds ordinarily produced during smoking. Consequently, the HT approach may reduce the odour and/or health risks that can arise through the burning, combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco.
Such systems generally operate by heating a consumable for a predetermined period of time. That predetermined time is the same for each consumable cycle (i.e. each time a consumable is consumed using the device). Thus, in some cases, the device may prevent further consumption (due to the predetermined time ending), even where the consumable is not necessarily entirely consumed (e.g. where the consumable has been consumed slower than normal). In other cases, where e.g. the consumable is consumed faster than normal, the device may allow heating of the consumable after it has been consumed.
There may be a need for improved design of smoking substitute systems, in particular HT smoking substitute systems, to enhance the user experience and improve the function of the HT smoking substitute system.
The present disclosure has been devised in the light of the above considerations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

At its most general, the present invention relates to smoking substitute device for heating a consumable during a consumable cycle. The smoking substitute device may be controlled based on exhaustion level of the consumable.
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a smoking substitute device for heating a consumable according to a consumable cycle, the smoking substitute device comprising: a measurement means for measuring a usage of the device by a user during the consumable cycle; and a controller configured to determine an exhaustion level of the consumable during the consumable cycle based on the usage, and wherein the controller is further configured to control an aspect of the operation of the smoking substitute device during the consumable operating cycle based on the exhaustion level.
By providing a device having a controller able to determine an exhaustion level of a consumable, the operation of the device may be altered based on that determination. For example, in situations where a consumable is consumed slower than normal, the controller may be able to extend the length of the consumable cycle. This may ensure that each consumable is fully consumed. Similarly, in cases where the consumable is consumed faster than normal, the controller may limit the consumable cycle.
The term "consumable cycle" may refer to a predetermined heating cycle for a single consumable. The term "exhaustion level" is used to describe the extent to which the consumable has been consumed.
Optional features will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect.
The measurement means may comprise a sensor. The sensor may be a puff sensor configured to detect a user puffing (i.e. inhaling) on the consumable. The usage of the device may be based on a detection of at least one puff by the puff sensor. In addition to detecting the presence of a puff, the puff sensor may be configured to detect one or more characteristics of the puff, such as the length of the puff and/or the intensity of the puff. The puff sensor may be in the form of (or may comprise) a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor. The measurements by the puff sensor can be used to calculate the volume of a puff. The pause time between puffs may also be used in the determination of usage.
The determination of the exhaustion level (e.g. by calculation) may be based on an operating temperature of a heater of the device during the consumable cycle. The device may comprise a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the heater. The temperature sensor may be in the form of a temperature sensing track formed into or mounted to a heating element of the heater. The temperature sensor may be connected to the controller for transmitting a signal indicative of the temperature of the heater to the controller.
The determination of the exhaustion level may be based on a power level supplied to a heater of the device during the consumable cycle. The controller may be configured to control the power supplied to the heater from a power source of the device. The controller may be configured to control the power and at first and second power levels. More power may be supplied to the heater when the power supply is controlled according to the second power level. The exhaustion level may be based on the proportion of the consumable cycle attributed to each power level. A higher proportion of the second power level may be indicative of a higher exhaustion level.
The device may comprise an environmental temperature measurement means configured to measure an environmental temperature of the device. The environmental temperature may be an ambient (e.g. room) temperature. The device may comprise an ambient air temperature sensor arranged to measure the ambient air temperature. The ambient air temperature sensor may be disposed at or proximate to an outer surface of the device. A higher environmental temperature may lead to faster exhaustion of the consumable. Thus, the determination of the exhaustion level may be based on an environmental temperature measurement.
The determination of the exhaustion level may be based on a user-selectable operating mode of the device during the consumable cycle. The operating mode may correspond to a power level supplied to the heater (e.g. such as the power levels discussed above). The controller may be configured to operate according to a plurality of operating modes. The operating modes may differ in how the heater is controlled by the controller. For example, one power mode may comprise gradual heating of the heater and another power mode may comprise more rapid heating (e.g. at the expense of power consumption).
The aspect of operation of the device may comprise controlling a duration of the consumable cycle based on the exhaustion level. The controller may be configured to compare the exhaustion level to a predetermined threshold level. If the exhaustion level exceeds the predetermined level then the controller may reduce the duration of the consumable cycle. On the other hand, if the exhaustion level is less than a predetermined level, the controller may increase the duration of the consumable cycle. The predetermined threshold level may be selected based on the expected exhaustion at the point in time in the cycle (i.e. at which the comparison is made). For example, if the comparison is made at (or near) the end of the cycle, the predetermined threshold may be indicative of full exhaustion of a consumable.
The controller may be configured to extend the duration of the consumable cycle by a predetermined extension period if the exhaustion level is a below a predetermined minimum exhaustion threshold. The controller may compare the exhaustion level to the minimum exhaustion level at the end (or near the end) of the cycle. The controller may be configured to control a user interface (Ul) of the device to indicate to a user that the duration of the consumable cycle is being extended. The controller may be configured to extend the duration of the consumable cycle upon receipt of an input signal from the UI (e.g. in response to the indication that the duration is to be extended). In this respect, the device may be configured to give the user the option to extend the duration of the consumable cycle.
The controller may be configured to shorten a duration of the consumable cycle if the exhaustion level is above a predetermined maximum exhaustion threshold. This may ensure that the consumable is not over-exhausted (e.g. and consumed by a user when the consumable is in a fully exhausted state).
The aspect of operation of the device may comprise controlling an operating temperature of a heater of the device during the consumable cycle based on the exhaustion level. For example, the controller may be configured to reduce the temperature of the heater if the exhaustion level is above a predetermined maximum exhaustion level. This may slow exhaustion of the consumable. Likewise, the controller may be configured to increase the temperature of the heater if the exhaustion level is below a predetermined minimum exhaustion level. The minimum and maximum exhaustion levels may define a desired exhaustion range for the point in the consumable cycle at which the comparison is made.
The smoking substitute device may comprise a user output means (e.g. forming part of the Ul) for providing user feedback to the user. The controller may be configured to control the user output means to indicate to the user the control of the aspect of the operation of the smoking substitute device. The user output means may include one or more lights or a haptic feedback component.
The device may comprise an elongate body. An end of the elongate body may be configured for engagement with an aerosol-forming article. For example, the body may be configured for engagement with a heated tobacco (HT) consumable (or heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable) or an e-cigarette consumable. The terms "heated tobacco" and "heat-not-burn" are used interchangeably herein to describe a consumable that is of the type that is heated rather than combusted (or are used interchangeably to describe a device for use with such a consumable). The device may comprise a cavity that is configured for receipt of at least a portion of the consumable (i.e. for engagement with the consumable). The aerosol-forming article may be of the type that comprises an aerosol former (e.g. carried by an aerosol-forming substrate).
As discussed above, the device may comprise a heater for heating the aerosol-forming article. The heater may comprise a heating element, which may be in the form of a rod that extends from the body of the device. The heating element may extend from the end of the body that is configured for engagement with the aerosol-forming article.
The heater (and thus the heating element) may be rigidly mounted to the body. The heating element may be elongate so as to define a longitudinal axis and may, for example, have a transverse profile (i.e. transverse to a longitudinal axis of the heating element) that is substantially circular (i.e. the heating element may be generally cylindrical). Alternatively, the heating element may have a transverse profile that is rectangular (i.e. the heater may be a "blade heater"). The heating element may alternatively be in the shape of a tube (i.e. the heater may be a "tube heater"). The heating element may take other forms (e.g. the heating element may have an elliptical transverse profile). The shape and/or size (e.g. diameter) of the transverse profile of the heating element may be generally consistent for the entire length (or substantially the entire length) of the heating element.
The heating element may be between 15 mm and 25 mm long, e.g. between 18 mm and 20 mm long, e.g. around 19 mm long. The heating element may have a diameter of between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm, e.g. a diameter between 2 mm and 2.3 mm, e.g. a diameter of around 2.15 mm.
The heating element may be formed of ceramic. The heating element may comprise a core (e.g. a ceramic core) comprising Al2O3. The core of the heating element may have a diameter of 1.8 mm to 2.1 mm, e.g. between 1.9 mm and 2 mm. The heating element may comprise an outer layer (e.g. an outer ceramic layer) comprising Al2O3. The thickness of the outer layer may be between 160 µm and 220 µm, e.g. between 170 µm and 190 µm, e.g. around 180 µm. The heating element may comprise a heating track, which may extend longitudinally along the heating element. The heating track may be sandwiched between the outer layer and the core of the heating element. The heating track may comprise tungsten and/or rhenium. The heating track may have a thickness of around 20 µm.
The heating element may be located in the cavity (of the device), and may extend (e.g. along a longitudinal axis) from an internal base of the cavity towards an opening of the cavity. The length of the heating element (i.e. along the longitudinal axis of the heater) may be less than the depth of the cavity. Hence, the heating element may extend for only a portion of the length of the cavity. That is, the heating element may not extend through (or beyond) the opening of the cavity.
The heating element may be configured for insertion into an aerosol-forming article (e.g. a HT consumable) when an aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity. In that respect, a distal end (i.e. distal from a base of the heating element where it is mounted to the device) of the heating element may comprise a tapered portion, which may facilitate insertion of the heating element into the aerosol-forming article. The heating element may fully penetrate an aerosol-forming article when the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity. That is, the entire length, or substantially the entire length, of the heating element may be received in the aerosol-forming article.
The heating element may have a length that is less than, or substantially the same as, an axial length of an aerosol-forming substrate forming part of an aerosol-forming article (e.g. a HT consumable). Thus, when such an aerosol-forming article is engaged with the device, the heating element may only penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate, rather than other components of the aerosol-forming article. The heating element may penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate for substantially the entire axial length of the aerosol forming-substrate of the aerosol-forming article. Thus, heat may be transferred from (e.g. an outer circumferential surface of) the heating element to the surrounding aerosol-forming substrate, when penetrated by the heating element. That is, heat may be transferred radially outwardly (in the case of a cylindrical heating element) or e.g. radially inwardly (in the case of a tube heater).
Where the heater is a tube heater, the heating element of the tube heater may surround at least a portion of the cavity. When the portion of the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity, the heating element may surround a portion of the aerosol-forming article (i.e. so as to heat that portion of the aerosol-forming article). In particular, the heating element may surround an aerosol forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article. That is, when an aerosol-forming article is engaged with the device, the aerosol forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article may be located adjacent an inner surface of the (tubular) heating element. When the heating element is activated, heat may be transferred radially inwardly from the inner surface of the heating element to heat the aerosol forming substrate.
The cavity may comprise a (e.g. circumferential) wall (or walls) and the (tubular) heating element may extend around at least a portion of the wall(s). In this way, the wall may be located between the inner surface of the heating element and an outer surface of the aerosol-forming article. The wall (or walls) of the cavity may be formed from a thermally conductive material (e.g. a metal) to allow heat conduction from the heating element to the aerosol-forming article. Thus, heat may be conducted from the heating element, through the cavity wall (or walls), to the aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-forming article received in the cavity.
In some embodiments the heater may form part of an aerosol-forming article for use with the device. In such cases the device may not comprise a heater. Rather, the aerosol-forming article may comprise a heater. Such arrangements may, for example, be suited to e-cigarette systems in which the aerosol-forming article comprises a tank containing an aerosol former (e.g. in liquid form). In such embodiments, the device may comprise means for connecting the device the heater of an aerosol-forming article engaged with the device. For example, the device may comprise one or more device connectors for (e.g. electrically) connecting the device to a corresponding heater connector of the aerosol-forming article. The connectors (i.e. of both the device and the aerosol-forming article) may be in the form of electrically conductive elements (e.g. plates) that contact when the aerosol-forming article is engaged with the device.
In some embodiments the device may comprise a cap disposed at the end of the body that is configured for engagement with an aerosol-forming article. Where the device comprises, a heater having a heating element, the cap may at least partially enclose the heating element. The cap may be moveable between an open position in which access is provided to the heating element, and a closed position in which the cap at least partially encloses the heating element. The cap may be slideably engaged with the body of the device and may be slidable between the open and closed positions.
The cap may define at least a portion of the cavity of the device. That is, the cavity may be fully defined by the cap, or each of the cap and body may define a portion of the cavity. Where the cap fully defines the cavity, the cap may comprise an aperture for receipt of the heating element into the cavity (when the cap is in the closed position). The cap may comprise an opening to the cavity. The opening may be configured for receipt of at least a portion of an aerosol-forming article. That is, an aerosol-forming article may be inserted through the opening and into the cavity (so as to be engaged with the device).
The cap may be configured such that when an aerosol-forming article is engaged with the device (e.g. received in the cavity), only a portion of the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity. That is, a portion of the aerosol-forming article (not received in the cavity) may protrude from (i.e. extend beyond) the opening. This (protruding) portion of the aerosol-forming article may be a terminal (e.g. mouth) end of the aerosol-forming article, which may be received in a user's mouth for the purpose of inhaling aerosol formed by the device.
As mentioned above, the device may comprise a power source or may be connectable to a power source (e.g. a power source separate to the device). The power source may be electrically connectable to the heater. In that respect, altering (e.g. toggling) the electrical connection of the power source to the heater may affect a state of the heater. For example, toggling the electrical connection of the power source to the heater may toggle the heater between an on state and an off state. The power source may be a power store. For example, the power source may be a battery or rechargeable battery (e.g. a lithium ion battery).
The device may comprise an input connection (e.g. a USB port, Micro USB port, USB-C port, etc.). The input connection may be configured for connection to an external source of electrical power, such as a mains electrical supply outlet. The input connection may, in some cases, be used as a substitute for an internal power source (e.g. battery or rechargeable battery). That is, the input connection may be electrically connectable to the heater (for providing power to the heater). Hence, in some forms, the input connection may form at least part of the power source of the device.
Where the power source comprises a rechargeable power source (such as a rechargeable battery), the input connection may be used to charge and recharge the power source.
In some embodiments the UI may include input means to receive operative commands from the user. The input means of the UI may allow the user to control at least one aspect of the operation of the device. In some embodiments the input means may comprise a power button to switch the device between an on state and an off state. Alternatively or additionally, the button may be used to extend the duration of the consumable cycle as discussed above.
In some embodiments the UI may additionally or alternatively comprise output means to convey information to the user. In some embodiments the output means may comprise a light to indicate a condition of the device (and/or the aerosol-forming article) to the user. The condition of the device (and/or aerosol-forming article) indicated to the user may comprise a condition indicative of the operation of the heater. For example, the condition may comprise whether the heater is in an off state or an on state. In some embodiments, the UI unit may comprise at least one of a button, a display, a touchscreen, a switch, a light, and the like. For example, the output means may comprise one or more (e.g. two, three, four, etc.) light-emitting diodes ("LEDs") that may be located on the body of the device. The LEDs (or display or touchscreen) may indicate to a user that the duration of the consumable cycle has been increased or decreased, or may indicate to a user that they may extend the duration (e.g. by pressing a button or touchscreen).
As discussed above, the device may further comprise a puff sensor (e.g. airflow sensor), which may form part of the input means of the Ul. The puff sensor may be configured to detect a user drawing on an end (i.e. a terminal (mouth) end) of the aerosol-forming article. The puff sensor may, for example, be a pressure sensor or a microphone. The puff sensor may be configured to produce a signal indicative of a puff state. The signal may be indicative of the user drawing (an aerosol from the aerosol-forming article) such that it is e.g. in the form of a binary signal. Alternatively or additionally, the signal may be indicative of a characteristic of the draw (e.g. a flow rate of the draw, length of time of the draw, etc).
The controller may comprise a microcontroller that may e.g. be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller may also comprise a memory, e.g. non-volatile memory. The memory may include instructions, which, when implemented, may cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of a method. Where the device comprises an input connection, the controller may be connected to the input connection.
The controller may be configured to control the operation of the heater (and e.g. the heating element). Thus, the controller may be configured to control vaporisation of an aerosol forming part of an aerosol-forming article engaged with the device. The controller may be configured to control the voltage applied by power source to the heater. For example, the controller may be configured to toggle between applying a full output voltage (of the power source) to the heater and applying no voltage to the heater. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit may implement a more complex heater control protocol.
The device may further comprise a voltage regulator to regulate the output voltage supplied by the power source to form a regulated voltage. The regulated voltage may subsequently be applied to the heater.
In some embodiments, where the device comprises a Ul, the controller may be operatively connected to one or more components of the Ul. The controller may be configured to receive command signals from an input means of the Ul. The controller may be configured to control the heater in response to the command signals. For example, the controller may be configured to receive "on" and "off" command signals from the UI and, in response, may control the heater so as to be in a corresponding on or off state.
The controller may be configured to send output signals to a component of the Ul. The UI may be configured to convey information to a user, via an output means, in response to such output signals (received from the controller). For example, where the device comprises one or more LEDs, the LEDs may be operatively connected to the controller. Hence, the controller may configured to control the illumination of the LEDs (e.g. in response to an output signal). For example, the controller may be configured to control the illumination of the LEDs according to (e.g. an on or off) state of the heater.
The device may comprise a wireless interface configured to communicate wirelessly (e.g. via Bluetooth (e.g. a Bluetooth low-energy connection) or WiFi) with an external device. Similarly, the input connection may be configured for wired connection to an external device so as to provide communication between the device and the external device.
The external device may be a mobile device. For example, the external device may be a smart phone, tablet, smart watch, or smart car. An application (e.g. app) may be installed on the external device (e.g. mobile device). The application may facilitate communication between the device and the external device via the wired or wireless connection.
The wireless or wired interface may be configured to transfer signals between the external device and the controller of the device. In this respect, the controller may control an aspect of the device in response to a signal received from an external device. Alternatively or additionally, an external device may respond to a signal received from the device (e.g. from the controller of the device).
In a second aspect, there is provided a system (e.g. a smoking substitute system) comprising a device according to the first aspect and an aerosol-forming article. The aerosol-forming article may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate at an upstream end of the aerosol-forming article. The article may be in the form of a smoking substitute article, e.g. heated tobacco (HT) consumable (also known as a heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable).
As used herein, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are intended to refer to the flow direction of the vapour/aerosol i.e. with the downstream end of the article/consumable being the mouth end or outlet where the aerosol exits the consumable for inhalation by the user. The upstream end of the article/consumable is the opposing end to the downstream end.
The aerosol-forming substrate is capable of being heated to release at least one volatile compound that can form an aerosol. The aerosol-forming substrate may be located at the upstream end of the article/consumable.
In order to generate an aerosol, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises at least one volatile compound that is intended to be vaporised/aerosolised and that may provide the user with a recreational and/or medicinal effect when inhaled. Suitable chemical and/or physiologically active volatile compounds include the group consisting of: nicotine, cocaine, caffeine, opiates and opoids, cathine and cathinone, kavalactones, mysticin, beta-carboline alkaloids, salvinorin A together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/or synthetic alternatives of the foregoing.
The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise plant material. The plant material may comprise least one plant material selected from the list including Amaranthus dubius, Arctostaphylos uva-ursi (Bearberry), Argemone mexicana, Amica, Artemisia vulgaris, Yellow Tees, Galea zacatechichi, Canavalia maritima (Baybean), Cecropia mexicana (Guamura), Cestrum noctumum, Cynoglossum virginianum (wild comfrey), Cytisus scoparius, Damiana, Entada rheedii, Eschscholzia califomica (California Poppy), Fittonia albivenis, Hippobroma longiflora, Humulus japonica (Japanese Hops), Humulus lupulus (Hops), Lactuca virosa (Lettuce Opium), Laggera alata, Leonotis leonurus, Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort), Leonurus sibiricus (Honeyweed), Lobelia cardinalis, Lobelia inflata (Indian-tobacco), Lobelia siphilitica, Nepeta cataria (Catnip), Nicotiana species (Tobacco), Nymphaea alba (White Lily), Nymphaea caerulea (Blue Lily), Opium poppy, Passiflora incamata (Passionflower), Pedicularis densiflora (Indian Warrior), Pedicularis groenlandica (Elephant's Head), Salvia divinorum, Salvia dorrii (Tobacco Sage), Salvia species (Sage), Scutellaria galericulata, Scutellaria lateriflora, Scutellaria nana, Scutellaria species (Skullcap), Sida acuta (Wireweed), Sida rhombifolia, Silene capensis, Syzygium aromaticum (Clove), Tagetes lucida (Mexican Tarragon), Tarchonanthus camphoratus, Tumera diffusa (Damiana), Verbascum (Mullein), Zamia latifolia (Maconha Brava) together with any combinations, functional equivalents to, and/or synthetic alternatives of the foregoing.
The plant material may be tobacco. Any type of tobacco may be used. This includes, but is not limited to, flue-cured tobacco, burley tobacco, Maryland Tobacco, dark-air cured tobacco, oriental tobacco, dark-fired tobacco, perique tobacco and rustica tobacco. This also includes blends of the above mentioned tobaccos.
The tobacco may comprise one or more of leaf tobacco, stem tobacco, tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, homogenised tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, cut rag tobacco and/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g. slurry recon or paper recon).
The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a gathered sheet of homogenised (e.g. paper/slurry recon) tobacco or gathered shreds/strips formed from such a sheet.
The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise one or more additives selected from humectants, flavourants, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueous solvents and binders.
The flavourant may be provided in solid or liquid form. It may include menthol, liquorice, chocolate, fruit flavour (including e.g. citrus, cherry etc.), vanilla, spice (e.g. ginger, cinnamon) and tobacco flavour. The flavourant may be evenly dispersed throughout the aerosol-forming substrate or may be provided in isolated locations and/or varying concentrations throughout the aerosol-forming substrate.
The aerosol-forming substrate may be formed in a substantially cylindrical shape such that the article/consumable resembles a conventional cigarette. It may have a diameter of between 5 and 10mm e.g. between 6 and 9mm or 6 and 8mm e.g. around 7 mm. It may have an axial length of between 10 and 15mm e.g. between 11 and 14mm such as around 12 or 13mm.
The article/consumable may comprise at least one filter element. There may be a terminal filter element at the downstream/mouth end of the article/consumable.
The or at least one of the filter element(s) (e.g. the terminal filter element) may be comprised of cellulose acetate or polypropylene tow. The at least one filter element (e.g. the terminal filter element) may be comprised of activated charcoal. The at least one filter element (e.g. the terminal element) may be comprised of paper. The or each filter element may be at least partly (e.g. entirely) circumscribed with a plug wrap e.g. a paper plug wrap.
The terminal filter element (at the downstream end of the article/consumable) may be joined to the upstream elements forming the article/consumable by a circumscribing tipping layer e.g. a tipping paper layer. The tipping paper may have an axial length longer than the axial length of the terminal filter element such that the tipping paper completely circumscribes the terminal filter element plus the wrapping layer surrounding any adjacent upstream element.
In some embodiments, the article/consumable may comprise an aerosol-cooling element which is adapted to cool the aerosol generated from the aerosol-forming substrate (by heat exchange) before being inhaled by the user.
The article/consumable may comprise a spacer element that defines a space or cavity between the aerosol-forming substrate and the downstream end of the consumable. The spacer element may comprise a cardboard tube. The spacer element may be circumscribed by the (paper) wrapping layer.
In some embodiments the system may be in the form of an e-cigarette system (i.e. rather than a heated tobacco system as described above). In such a system, the consumable may be in the form of an e-cigarette consumable. The e-cigarette system may be configured such that the consumable can be received and retained in the cavity of the device (i.e. so as to be engaged with the device). The consumable may be retained by way of e.g. an interference fit, screwing one onto (or onto) the other, a bayonet fitting, or by way of a snap engagement mechanism.
The consumable may comprise a tank, which may define a reservoir for the storage of an aerosol former. The aerosol former may be in the form of an e-liquid (stored in the reservoir).
The consumable may be a "single-use" consumable. That is, upon exhausting the e-liquid in the tank, the intention may be that the user disposes of the entire consumable. Alternatively, the e-liquid may be the only part of the system that is truly "single-use". For example, the tank may be refillable with e-liquid or another component of the system (internal to the device or external to the device e.g. a refillable cartomizer) may define a reservoir for the e-liquid.
As set forth above, the consumable may comprise a heater (i.e. instead of the heater forming part of the device) configured to heat and vaporise the e-liquid. The consumable may comprise a porous wick that conveys e-liquid from the tank to a heating element of the heater. The heating element may be a heating filament that is wound (e.g. helically) around at least a portion of the porous wick, such that when the heating element is heated (e.g. by the action of electrical current passing through the heating element), heat may be transferred from the heating element to the e-liquid conveyed by the wick. This transfer of heat may vaporise the e-liquid and the resultant vapour may be entrained in an airflow passing through the consumable.
The consumable may further comprise one or more heater connectors for connecting the heater (of the consumable) to the device. The heater connectors may be in the form of electrically conductive element or contacts (e.g. metal plates) and may be disposed on an in-use device-facing surface of the consumable. The heater connectors may be electrically connected to the heater of the consumable, such that electricity supplied via the heater connectors may pass to the heater. In other words, a voltage applied across the heater connectors may generally correspond to a voltage applied across the heating element of the heater.
The heater connectors may be arranged such that they contact corresponding device connectors of the device when the consumable is engaged with the device. The device connectors may be connected (e.g. electrically) to a power source (e.g. battery) of the device. Thus, electricity may be supplied from the power source to the heating element, via in-contact heater and device connectors. In this way, the heater forming part of the consumable may operate (and interact with e.g. a controller) as otherwise described above with respect to a heater forming part of the device.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of using the system according to the second aspect, the method comprising inserting the aerosol-forming article into the device; and heating the article using the heater of the device.
In some embodiments the method may comprise inserting the article into a cavity within a body of the device and penetrating the article with the heating element of the device upon insertion of the article.
In a fourth aspect there is provided a method of operating a smoking substitute device for heating a consumable during a consumable cycle, the method comprising: measuring a usage of the device by a user during the consumable cycle; determining an exhaustion level of the consumable during the consumable cycle based on the usage, and controlling an aspect of the operation of the smoking substitute device during the consumable operating cycle based on the exhaustion level.
Measuring a usage of the device by a user may comprise detecting one or more puffs by a user during the consumable cycle. The method of the fourth aspect may be as otherwise described above with regards to the operation of the controller of the first aspect.
The invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.
The skilled person will appreciate that except where mutually exclusive, a feature or parameter described in relation to any one of the above aspects may be applied to any other aspect. Furthermore, except where mutually exclusive, any feature or parameter described herein may be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature or parameter described herein.

SUMMARY OF THE FIGURES

So that the invention may be understood, and so that further aspects and features thereof may be appreciated, embodiments [and experiments] illustrating the principles of the invention will now be discussed in further detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1A is a schematic of a smoking substitute system;
Figure 1B is a schematic of a variation of the smoking substitute system of Figure 1A;
Figure 2A is a front view of a first embodiment of a smoking substitute system with the consumable engaged with the device;
Figure 2B is a front view of the first embodiment of the smoking substitute system with the consumable disengaged from the device;
Figure 2C is a section view of the consumable of the first embodiment of the smoking substitute system;
Figure 2D is a detailed view of an end of the device of the first embodiment of the smoking substitute system;
Figure 2E is a section view of the first embodiment of the substitute smoking system;
Figure 3A is a front view of a second embodiment of a smoking substitute system with the consumable engaged with the device;
Figure 3B is a front view of a second embodiment of the smoking substitute system with the consumable disengaged from the device; and
Figure 4 is a schematic showing a third embodiment of the system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned in this text are incorporated herein by reference.
Figure 1A is a schematic providing a general overview of a smoking substitute system 100. The system 100 includes a substitute smoking device 101 and an aerosol-forming article in the form of a consumable 102, which comprises an aerosol former 103. The system is configured to vaporise the aerosol former by heating the aerosol former 103 (so as to form a vapour/aerosol for inhalation by a user).
In the illustrated system, the heater 104 forms part of the consumable 102 and is configured to heat the aerosol former 103. In this variation, the heater 104 is electrically connectable to a power source 105, for example, when the consumable 102 is engaged with the device 101. Heat from the heater 104 vaporises the aerosol former 103 to produce a vapour. The vapour subsequently condenses to form an aerosol, which is ultimately inhaled by the user.
The power source 105 forms part of the device 101. In other embodiments the power source 105 may be external to (but connectable to) the device 101. The power source 105 is electrically connectable to the heater 104 such that it is able to supply power to the heater 104 (i.e. for the purpose of heating the aerosol former 103). Thus, control of the electrical connection of the power source 105 to the heater 104 provides control of the state of the heater 104. The power source 105 may be a power store, for example a battery or rechargeable battery (e.g. a lithium ion battery).
The system 100 further comprises an I/O module comprising a connector 106 (e.g. in the form of a USB port, Micro USB port, USB-C port, etc.). The connector 106 is configured for connection to an external source of electrical power, e.g. a mains electrical supply outlet. The connector 106 may be used in substitution for the power source 105. That is the connector 106 may be electrically connectable to the heater 104 so as to supply electricity to the heater 104. In such embodiments, the device may not include a power source, and the power source of the system may instead comprise the connector 106 and an external source of electrical power (to which the connector 106 provides electrical connection).
In some embodiments, the connector 106 may be used to charge and recharge the power source 105 where the power source 105 includes a rechargeable battery.
The system 100 also comprises a user interface (Ul) 107. Although not shown, the UI 107 may include input means to receive commands from a user. The input means of the UI 107 allows the user to control at least one aspect of the operation of the system 100. The input means may, for example, be in the form of a button, touchscreen, switch, microphone, etc.
The UI 107 also comprises output means to convey information to the user. The output means may, for example, comprise lights (e.g. LEDs), a display screen, speaker, vibration generator, etc.
The system 100 further comprises a controller 108 that is configured to control at least one function of the device 101. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 108 is a component of the device 101, but in other embodiments may be separate from (but connectable to) the device 101. The controller 108 is configured to control the operation of the heater 104 and, for example, may be configured to control the voltage applied from the power source 105 to the heater 104. The controller 108 may be configured to toggle the supply of power to the heater 104 between an on state, in which the full output voltage of the power source 105 is applied to the heater 104, and an off state, in which the no voltage is applied to the heater 104.
Although not shown, the system 100 may also comprise a voltage regulator to regulate the output voltage from the power source 105 to form a regulated voltage. The regulated voltage may then be applied to the heater 104.
In addition to being connected to the heater 104, the controller 108 is operatively connected to the UI 107. Thus, the controller 108 may receive an input signal from the input means of the UI 107. Similarly, the controller 108 may transmit output signals to the UI 107. In response, the output means of the UI 107 may convey information, based on the output signals, to a user. The controller also comprises a memory 109, which is a non-volatile memory. The memory 109 includes instructions, which, when implemented, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.
Figure 1B is a schematic showing a variation of the system 100 of Figure 1A. In the system 100' of Figure 1B, the heater 104 forms part of the device 101, rather than the consumable 102. In this variation, the heater 104 is electrically connected to the power source 105.
The systems 100, 100' of Figures 1A and 1B may be implemented as one of two broad categories of system, each in accordance with the present invention: a heated tobacco (HT) system or an e-cigarette system. A description of each category of system follows.
Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a heated-tobacco (HT) smoking substitute system 200. The system 200 is an example of the systems 100, 100' described in relation to Figures 1A or 1B. System 200 includes an HT device 201 and an HT consumable 202. The description of Figures 1A and 1B above is applicable to the system 200 of Figures 2A and 2B, and will thus not be repeated.
The device 201 and the consumable 202 are configured such that the consumable 202 can be engaged with the device 201. Figure 2A shows the device 201 and the consumable 202 in an engaged state, whilst Figure 2B shows the device 201 and the consumable 202 in a disengaged state.
The device 201 comprises a body 209 and cap 210. In use the cap 210 is engaged at an end of the body 209. Although not apparent from the figures, the cap 210 is moveable relative to the body 209. In particular, the cap 210 is slideable and can slide along a longitudinal axis of the body 209.
The device 201 comprises an output means (forming part of the UI of the device 201) in the form of a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 211 arranged linearly along the longitudinal axis of the device 201 and on an outer surface of the body 209 of the device 201. A button 212 is also arranged on an outer surface of the body 209 of the device 201 and is axially spaced (i.e. along the longitudinal axis) from the plurality of LEDs 211.
Figure 2C show a detailed section view of the consumable of 202 of the system 200. The consumable 202 generally resembles a cigarette. In that respect, the consumable 202 has a generally cylindrical form with a diameter of 7 mm and an axial length of 70 mm. The consumable 202 comprises an aerosol forming substrate 213, a terminal filter element 214, an upstream filter element 215 and a spacer element 216. In other embodiments, the consumable may further comprise a cooling element. A cooling element may exchange heat with vapour that is formed by the aerosol-forming substrate 213 in order to cool the vapour so as to facilitate condensation of the vapour.
The aerosol-forming substrate 213 is substantially cylindrical and is located at an upstream end 217 of the consumable 202, and comprises the aerosol former of the system 200. In that respect, the aerosol forming substrate 213 is configured to be heated by the device 201 to release a vapour. The released vapour is subsequently entrained in an airflow flowing through the aerosol-forming substrate 213. The airflow is produced by the action of the user drawing on a downstream 218 (i.e. terminal or mouth) end of the consumable 202.
In the present embodiment, the aerosol forming substrate 213 comprises tobacco material that may, for example, include any suitable parts of the tobacco plant (e.g. leaves, stems, roots, bark, seeds and flowers). The tobacco may comprise one or more of leaf tobacco, stem tobacco, tobacco powder, tobacco dust, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, homogenised tobacco, shredded tobacco, extruded tobacco, cut rag tobacco and/or reconstituted tobacco (e.g. slurry recon or paper recon). For example, the aerosol-forming substrate 213 may comprise a gathered sheet of homogenised (e.g. paper/slurry recon) tobacco or gathered shreds/strips formed from such a sheet.
In order to generate an aerosol, the aerosol forming substrate 213 comprises at least one volatile compound that is intended to be vaporised/aerosolised and that may provide the user with a recreational and/or medicinal effect when inhaled. The aerosol-forming substrate 213 may further comprise one or more additives. For example, such additives may be in the form of humectants (e.g. propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine), flavourants, fillers, aqueous/non-aqueous solvents and/or binders.
The terminal filter element 214 is also substantially cylindrical, and is located downstream of the aerosol forming substrate 213 at the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202. The terminal filter element 214 is in the form of a hollow bore filter element having a bore 219 (e.g. for airflow) formed therethrough. The diameter of the bore 219 is 2 mm. The terminal filter element 214 is formed of a porous (e.g. monoacetate) filter material. As set forth above, the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202 (i.e. where the terminal filter 214 is located) forms a mouthpiece portion of the consumable 202 upon which the user draws. Airflow is drawn from the upstream end 217, thorough the components of the consumable 202, and out of the downstream end 218. The airflow is driven by the user drawing on the downstream end 218 (i.e. the mouthpiece portion) of the consumable 202.
The upstream filter element 215 is located axially adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate 213, between the aerosol-forming substrate 213 and the terminal filter element 214. Like the terminal filter 214, the upstream filter element 215 is in the form of a hollow bore filter element, such that it has a bore 220 extending axially therethrough. In this way, the upstream filter 215 may act as an airflow restrictor. The upstream filter element 215 is formed of a porous (e.g. monoacetate) filter material. The bore 220 of the upstream filter element 215 has a larger diameter (3 mm) than the terminal filter element 214.
The spacer 216 is in the form of a cardboard tube, which defines a cavity or chamber between the upstream filter element 215 and the terminal filter element 214. The spacer 216 acts to allow both cooling and mixing of the vapour/aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate 213. The spacer has an external diameter of 7 mm and an axial length of 14mm.
Although not apparent from the figure, the aerosol-forming substrate 213, upstream filter 215 and spacer 216 are circumscribed by a paper wrapping layer. The terminal filter 214 is circumscribed by a tipping layer that also circumscribes a portion of the paper wrapping layer (so as to connect the terminal filter 214 to the remaining components of the consumable 202). The upstream filter 215 and terminal filter 214 are circumscribed by further wrapping layers in the form of plug wraps.
Returning now to the device 201, Figure 2D illustrates a detailed view of the end of the device 201 that is configured to engage with the consumable 202. The cap 210 of the device 201 includes an opening 221 to an internal cavity 222 (more apparent from Figure 2D) defined by the cap 210. The opening 221 and the cavity 222 are formed so as to receive at least a portion of the consumable 202. During engagement of the consumable 202 with the device 201, a portion of the consumable 202 is received through the opening 221 and into the cavity 222. After engagement (see Figure 2B), the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202 protrudes from the opening 221 and thus also protrudes from the device 201. The opening 221 includes laterally disposed notches 226. When a consumable 202 is received in the opening 221, these notches 226 remain open and could, for example, be used for retaining a cover in order to cover the end of the device 201.
Figure 2E shows a cross section through a central longitudinal plane through the device 201. The device 201 is shown with the consumable 202 engaged therewith.
The device 201 comprises a heater 204 comprising heating element 223. The heater 204 forms part of the body 209 of the device 201 and is rigidly mounted to the body 209. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 204 is a rod heater with a heating element 223 having a circular transverse profile. In other embodiments the heater may be in the form of a blade heater (e.g. heating element with a rectangular transverse profile) or a tube heater (e.g. heating element with a tubular form).
The heating element 223 of the heater 204 projects from an internal base of the cavity 222 along a longitudinal axis towards the opening 221. As is apparent from the figure, the length (i.e. along the longitudinal axis) of the heating element is less than a depth of the cavity 222. In this way, the heating element 223 does not protrude from or extend beyond the opening 221.
When the consumable 202 is received in the cavity 222 (as is shown in Figure 2E), the heating element 223 penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate 213 of the consumable 202. In particular, the heating element 223 extends for nearly the entire axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate 213 when inserted therein. Thus, when the heater 204 is activated, heat is transferred radially from an outer circumferential surface the heating element 223 to the aerosol-forming substrate 213.
The device 201 further comprises an electronics cavity 224. A power source, in the form of a rechargeable battery 205 (a lithium ion battery), is located in electronics cavity 224.
The device 201 includes a connector (i.e. forming part of an IO module of the device 201) in the form of a USB port 206. The connector may alternatively be, for example, a micro-USB port or a USB-C port for examples. The USB port 206 may be used to recharge the rechargeable battery 205.
The device 201 includes a controller 208 located in the electronics cavity 224. The controller comprises a microcontroller mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The USB port 206 is also connected to the controller 208 (i.e. connected to the PCB and microcontroller).
The controller 208 is configured to control at least one function of the device 202. As will be described further below, the controller 208 is configured to control an aspect of the operation of the device 201 during the consumable operating cycle based on an exhaustion level of a consumable 202 engaged with the device 201. For example, the controller 208 is configured to control the operation of the heater 204. Such control of the operation of the heater 204 may be accomplished by the controller toggling the electrical connection of the rechargeable battery 205 to the heater 204. For example, the controller 208 is configured to control the heater 204 in response to a user depressing the button 212. Depressing the button 212 may cause the controller to allow a voltage (from the rechargeable battery 205) to be applied to the heater 204 (so as to cause the heating element 223 to be heated).
The heater 204 may be toggled using pulse width modulation. That is, the controller 208 is able to toggle the power supply according to a duty cycle. The controller 208 is be configured to control the power supply according to multiple power levels. Each power level is associated with a corresponding duty cycle. The duty cycle is proportional to the length of time the heater 204 is in an on (i.e. heating) condition within a predefined time period. In this embodiment, the controller 208 is configured to control the heater 204 in a "boost" mode and a "cruise" mode. The boost mode involves operating the heater 204 at a higher power level (and thus a higher duty cycle) than the cruise mode. Thus, the aspect of operation of the device 201 controlled by the controller 208 may include the power level of the supply of power to the heater 204. The boost and cruise modes may be selectable by a user (e.g. using the button 212). As will be described further below, the power level may also form one condition of the device that is used in determining the exhaustion of the consumable 202.
The controller is also configured to control the LEDs 211 in response to a (e.g. detected) condition of the device 201 or the consumable 202. For example, the controller may control the LEDs 211 to indicate whether the device 201 is in an on state or an off state (e.g. one or more of the LEDs 211 may be illuminated by the controller 208 when the device is in an "on" state).
The device 201 comprises a further input means (i.e. in addition to the button 212) in the form of a puff sensor 225. The puff sensor 225 is configured to detect a user drawing (i.e. inhaling) at the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202. The puff sensor 225 may, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor, flowmeter or a microphone. The puff sensor 225 is operatively connected to the controller 208 in the electronics cavity 224, such that a signal from the puff sensor 225, indicative of a puff state (i.e. drawing or not drawing), forms an input to the controller 208 (and can thus be responded to by the controller 208).
The puff sensor 225 provides one means for measuring the usage of the device 201 by a user, which in turn may be used to determine the exhaustion of the consumable 201 (i.e. during the consumable cycle). The puff sensor 225 is configured to measure whether a puff is occurring (i.e. a puff state) and the intensity of the puff (i.e. the magnitude of the airflow caused by the puff). Both of these characteristics may indicate e.g. a puff volume and can be used by the controller 208 to determine the exhaustion of the consumable 202. For example, the total puff time during the consumable cycle (up to the time of measurement) can be used as an indicator of the exhaustion. Similarly, the average airflow of the puffs may also be used to adjust this determination (i.e. higher average airflow may mean greater exhaustion of the consumable). Alternatively, each puff can be assigned an exhaustion value indicative of the exhaustion caused by that puff. That exhaustion value may be formed by combining the airflow during the puff and the length of the puff.
Although not shown, the device 201 comprises other sensors that are used in the determination of the exhaustion of the consumable 202. The device 201 comprises a temperature sensor formed into the heating element 223 which is in the form of a thermocouple comprising a track. The track extends along the heating element 223 in a serpentine manner. The temperature sensor transmits a signal to the controller 208 that is indicative of the temperature of the heating element 223 during operation. The controller 208 forms a heating profile based on this signal and uses this heating profile in the determination of the exhaustion level of the consumable 202. In general, higher temperatures (of the heating element 223) are likely to lead to faster exhaustion of the consumable 202.
The device 201 also comprises an external temperature sensor 227 that is configured to measure a temperature of the external environment (i.e. ambient temperature). In general higher ambient temperatures lead to faster exhaustion of the consumable 202. Thus, this information is also used to determine exhaustion level of the consumable 202.
As is briefly discussed above, the power level supplied to the heater 204 is also used to determine the exhaustion level of the consumable 202. Higher power levels generally lead to faster exhaustion of the heater 204.
In response to the determination of the exhaustion level, the controller 208 is configured to control an aspect of the operation of the device 201. In the present embodiment the controller 208 is configured to compare the (determined exhaustion level) with a maximum threshold exhaustion level associated with the point in time of the consumable cycle that the comparison is occurring. If the exhaustion exceeds the threshold, the controller 208 controls power supply to the heater 204 to be at a lower power level. This may ensure that the consumable 202 is not fully exhausted before the end of the consumable cycle. The controller 208 may perform this comparison at predetermined intervals during the consumable cycle. In other embodiments the controller 208 may perform the comparison after every detected puff.
The controller 208 is also configured to compare the exhaustion level with a minimum threshold exhaustion level. This comparison is made at a predetermined point in time in the consumable cycle, which is near the end of the consumable cycle. If the exhaustion level is below the minimum threshold level, this is indicative that the consumable may not be fully exhausted at the end of the cycle. In this case, the controller 208 transmits a signal to the LEDs 211 which causes the LEDs 211 to flash. This flashing indicates to a user that they have the option to add a predetermined extension time period to the consumable cycle. If the user depresses the button 212 for a period of two seconds when the LEDs 211 are flashing, the controller 202 extends the consumable cycle by the extension time period. That is, the controller 208 continues to permit the supply of power to the heater 204 for the extension time period (where it would otherwise prevent the supply of power).
In other embodiments the comparison with the minimum threshold exhaustion level may be performed in a similar manner to that described above with respect to the maximum threshold. That is, the comparison made be made at predetermined time intervals and the operation of the device (e.g. the power supply to the heater 204 or the predetermined time for the consumable cycle) may be adjusted accordingly. In this respect, the exhaustion rate of the consumable may be maintained within a desired range.
Other user output may be provided by the device 201 to indicate to the user the control of the aspect of the operation of the smoking substitute device 201. For example, the extension of duration of the consumable cycle and/or the shortening of the duration of the consumable cycle may be indicated. For example, the user output means may include a haptic feedback component (e.g. a vibration mechanism) to feedback to a user.
In other embodiments, the device 201 may also be configured to indicate the remaining time for completion of the present consumable/smoking cycle. The remaining time may be calculated based on the determined exhaustion level of the consumable 202. For example, a memory of the device 201 may store a predetermined (i.e. standard) consumable cycle time and the controller 208 may countdown this timer throughout the cycle. This time may then be adjusted by the controller 208 based on the determination of exhaustion level at a particular point in time.
Figures 3A and 3B illustrate an e-cigarette smoking substitute system 300. The system 300 is an example of the systems 100, 100' of Figures 1A and 1B and comprises an e-cigarette device 301 and an e-cigarette consumable 302. The description of Figures 1A and 1B above is applicable to the system of Figures 3A and 3B, and will not be repeated.
The device 301 and the consumable 302 are configured such that the consumable 302 can be engaged with the device 301. Figure 3A shows the device 301 and the consumable 302 in an engaged state, whilst Figure 3B shows the device 301 and the consumable 302 in a disengaged state. During engagement a portion of the consumable 302 is received in a cavity 322 of the device 301. The consumable 302 is retained in the device 301 via an interference fit (although in other embodiments, the device and consumable could be engaged by screwing one onto (or onto) the other, through a bayonet fitting, or by way of a snap engagement mechanism).
The consumable 302 includes a tank 327. The tank 327 defines a reservoir for the storage of an aerosol-former, which in this embodiment, is in the form of e-liquid.
In this present embodiment, the consumable 302 is a "single-use" consumable. That is, upon exhausting the e-liquid in the tank 327, the intention is that the user disposes of the whole consumable 302. In other embodiments, the e-liquid (i.e. aerosol former) may be the only part of the system that is truly "single-use". In such embodiments, the tank may be refillable with e-liquid or the e-liquid may be stored in a non-consumable component of the system. For example, the e-liquid may be stored in a tank located in the device or stored in another component that is itself not single-use (e.g. a refillable cartomizer).
In the illustrated system 300, a heater 304 is located in the consumable 302 and is configured to heat and vaporise the e-liquid (stored in the tank 327). Although not shown, the heater 304 comprises a porous wick and a resistive heating element. The porous wick conveys e-liquid from the tank 327 to the heating element. The heating element is a heating filament that is helically wound around a portion of the porous wick, such that when the heating element is heated (e.g. by the action of electrical current passing through the heating element), heat is transferred from the heating element to the e-liquid conveyed by the wick. This transfer of heat vaporises the e-liquid and the resultant vapour is entrained in an airflow passing through the consumable 302 (i.e. driven by a user drawing on a downstream end 318 of the consumable 302). Between the vaporisation point at the coil and the downstream end 318 (i.e. the mouth end), the vapour condenses into an aerosol, and is subsequently inhaled by the user.
Like the previously described embodiment, the device 301 comprises a power source in the form of a rechargeable battery (not shown) and a connector in the form of a USB port (not shown). The device 301 further comprises controller (also not shown). The rechargeable battery, connector and controller are similar (and operate in a similar manner) to the corresponding components of the embodiment described above with respect to Figure 2A to 2E.
The consumable 302 includes a pair of heater electrical contacts 328 disposed on a device-facing end surface of the consumable 302. The heater electrical contacts 328 are electrically connected to the heater 304 in the consumable 302, such that a voltage applied across the heater electrical contacts 328 generally corresponds to a voltage applied across the resistive heating element of the heater 304.
When the consumable 302 is engaged with the device 301, the heater electrical contacts 328 are brought into electrical contact with corresponding device electrical contacts (not shown) on the device 301. The device electrical contacts are electrically connected (directly or indirectly) to the rechargeable battery. The controller may thus be configured to control the voltage applied across the device electrical contacts from the rechargeable battery. By controlling the voltage applied across the device electrical contacts, the voltage applied to the heater 304 is correspondingly controlled.
The device 301 includes an output means (forming part of the UI of the system 300) in the form of a single light-emitting diode ("LED") 311. The LED 311 is operatively connected to the controller, such that controller can control the illumination of the LED 311. The controller is configured to illuminate the LED when then the heater 304 is active.
The device 301 also includes an input means in the form of a puff sensor (not shown). The puff sensor is the same as that described above with respect to the embodiment shown in Figure 2A to 2E.
It should be appreciated that the controller of this device 301 may operate in a similar manner to that described above. In this respect, the puff sensor may define a measurement means for measuring a usage of the device by a user during the consumable cycle. The controller may be a controller configured to determine an exhaustion level of the consumable during the consumable cycle based on the usage, and may further be configured to control an aspect of the operation of the smoking substitute device during the consumable operating cycle based on the exhaustion level.
Figure 4 is a schematic illustrating how the various components of a device 401 (which may be in the form of one of the devices 201, 301 described above) may be operatively connected. The device 401 comprises a controller 408 and a plurality of components connected to the controller 408. The controller 408 controls a heater 404 and a user output 411 of the device 401. The controller 408 also takes a number of inputs from a puff sensor 425, ambient temperature sensor 427 and a user input 412. Power is also supplied from a power source 405 to the heater 404 via a power module 429 of the controller 408, such that the power module 429 is able to control the power supply to the heater 404.
The controller 408 further comprises a usage 430, exhaustion 431 and UI control 432 modules. These modules 429, 430, 431, 432 of the controller 408 are able to communicate with one another and with a memory 409 that is also operatively connected to the controller 408 for storing information communicated from the controller 408.
In operation, the usage module 430 of the controller 408 is able to determine a usage of the device 401 based on signals received from the puff sensor 425. These signals are indicative of a puff state (i.e. whether a puff is occurring or not occurring). Using these signals, the usage module 430 is able to determine the length of each puff (i.e. in time), the intensity of the puff (i.e. the airflow) and the length of time of each pause between the puffs.
The usage of the device 401 is communicated from the usage module 430 to the exhaustion module 431, which is configured to determine the exhaustion of a consumable engaged with the device 401. The usage information only forms one part of this determination. The usage module 430 receives temperature information from a heater temperature sensor 428 and an ambient temperature sensor 427, which also factor into the determination of the exhaustion of the consumable. Additionally, the power module 429, which is configured to operate according to a plurality of different power levels, is configured to communicate information regarding the current power level to the exhaustion module 431. All of these signals are used by the exhaustion module 431. It should be appreciated that further information, or different information, may be used to make the assessment of the exhaustion level of the consumable. How the signals are used will depend on the type of consumable and device.
The power module 429, in response to the determination of exhaustion level may alter the power supplied to the heater 404. As is described above, this may depend on whether the exhaustion level is between predetermined maximum and minimum threshold levels. These predetermined threshold may be stored in the memory 409. The user output 411 may also be controlled (by the UI module 432) to indicate to a user that the operation of the device 401 has been adjusted.
The device 401 may provide the user the option of altering the operation of the device 401 if the exhaustion level is below a minimum threshold level. This may be provided via the user output 411 and the user may respond using the user input 412. In such cases, the controller 408 may extend a predetermined consumable cycle time so that the user can consume the consumable for an extended period of time.
The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for obtaining the disclosed results, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.
While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes to the described embodiments may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
For the avoidance of any doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purposes of improving the understanding of a reader. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.
Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.
Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words "have", "comprise", and "include", and variations such as "having", "comprises", "comprising", and "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.
It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" one particular value, and/or to "about" another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent "about," it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numerical value is optional and means, for example, +/- 10%.
The words "preferred" and "preferably" are used herein refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits under some circumstances. It is to be appreciated, however, that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. The recitation of one or more preferred embodiments therefore does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, or from the scope of the claims.

Claims

A smoking substitute device for heating a consumable according to a consumable cycle, the smoking substitute device comprising:
a measurement means for measuring a usage of the device by a user during the consumable cycle; and

a controller configured to determine an exhaustion level of the consumable during the consumable cycle based on the usage, and

wherein the controller is further configured to control an aspect of the operation of the smoking substitute device during the consumable operating cycle based on the exhaustion level.
A smoking substitute device according to claim 1, wherein the measurement means comprises a puff sensor configured to detect the user puffing on the consumable, wherein the usage of the device is based on a detection of at least one puff by the puff sensor.
A smoking substitute device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the calculation of the exhaustion level is based on an operating temperature of a heater of the device during the consumable cycle.
A smoking substitute device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the determination of the exhaustion level is based on a power level supplied to a heater of the device during the consumable cycle.
A smoking substitute device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device includes an environmental temperature measurement means configured to measure an environmental temperature of the device.
A smoking substitute device according to claim 5, wherein the determination of the exhaustion level is based on an environmental temperature measurement.
A smoking substitute device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the determination of the exhaustion level is based on a user-selectable operating mode of the device during the consumable cycle.
A smoking substitute device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aspect of operation of the device comprises controlling a duration of the consumable cycle based on the exhaustion level.
A smoking substitute device according to claim 8, wherein the controller is configured to extend the duration of the consumable cycle by a predetermined extension period if the exhaustion level is a below a predefined minimum exhaustion threshold.
A smoking substitute device according to claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the controller is configured to shorten a duration of the consumable cycle if the exhaustion level is above a predefined maximum exhaustion threshold.
A smoking substitute device according to any preceding claim, wherein the aspect of operation of the device includes controlling an operating temperature of a heater of the device during the consumable cycle based on the exhaustion level.
A smoking substitute device according to any preceding claim, comprising a user output means for providing user feedback to the user, wherein the controller is configured to control the user output means to indicate to the user the control of the aspect of the operation of the smoking substitute device.
A smoking substitute device according to claim 12, wherein the user output means includes one or more lights or a haptic feedback component.
A method of operating a smoking substitute device for heating a consumable during a consumable cycle, the method comprising:
measuring a usage of the device by a user during the consumable cycle;

determining an exhaustion level of the consumable during the consumable cycle based on the usage, and

controlling an aspect of the operation of the smoking substitute device during the consumable operating cycle based on the exhaustion level.
A method of operating a smoking substitute device according to claim 14, wherein measuring a usage of the device by a user comprises detecting one or more puffs by a user during the consumable cycle.