EP3791733A1

EP3791733A1 - Smoking substitute system

Info

Publication number: EP3791733A1
Application number: EP19196540.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: designation of the inventor has not yet been filed The
Original assignee: Nerudia Ltd
Current assignee: Nerudia Ltd
Priority date: 2019-09-10
Filing date: 2019-09-10
Publication date: 2021-03-17

Abstract

A smoking substitute system comprising a movement detection unit for detecting a movement of the system, and a haptic feedback generation unit for generating a haptic feedback, and a haptic feedback controller unit configured to control the haptic feedback generation unit to generate the haptic feedback in response to the detection of movement of the system.

Description

Technical field

The present disclosure relates to a smoking substitute device and smoking substitute system.

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.
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 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, which may also be known as electronic nicotine delivery systems, may comprise electronic systems that permit a user to simulate the act of smoking by producing an aerosol, also referred to as a "vapour", which 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 tobacco products.
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. Some smoking substitute systems are designed to resemble a traditional cigarette and are cylindrical in form with a mouthpiece at one end. Other smoking substitute systems do not generally resemble a cigarette (for example, the smoking substitute device may have a generally box-like form).
There are a number of different categories of smoking substitute systems, each utilising a different smoking substitute approach. A smoking substitute approach corresponds to the manner in which the substitute system operates for a user.
One approach for a smoking substitute system is the so-called "vaping" approach, in which a vaporisable liquid, typically referred to (and referred to herein) as "e-liquid", is heated by a heater to produce an aerosol vapour which is inhaled by a user. An e-liquid typically includes a base liquid as well as nicotine and/or flavourings. The resulting vapour therefore typically contains nicotine and/or flavourings. The base liquid may include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.
A typical vaping smoking substitute system includes a mouthpiece, a power source (typically a battery), a tank or liquid reservoir for containing e-liquid, as well as a heater. In use, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the heater, which heats the e-liquid to produce an aerosol (or "vapour") which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
Vaping smoking substitute systems can be configured in a variety of ways. For example, there are "closed system" vaping smoking substitute systems which typically have a heater and a sealed tank which is pre-filled with e-liquid and is not intended to be refilled by an end user. One subset of closed system vaping smoking substitute systems include a device which includes the power source, wherein the device is configured to be physically and electrically coupled to a consumable including the tank and the heater. In this way, when the tank of a consumable has been emptied, the device can be reused by connecting it to a new consumable. Another subset of closed system vaping smoking substitute systems are completely disposable, and intended for one-use only.
There are also "open system" vaping smoking substitute systems which typically have a tank that is configured to be refilled by a user, so the system can be used multiple times.
An example vaping smoking substitute system is the myblu™ e-cigarette. The myblu™ e-cigarette is a closed system which includes a device and a consumable. The device and consumable are physically and electrically coupled together by pushing the consumable into the device. The device includes a rechargeable battery. The consumable includes a mouthpiece, a sealed tank which contains e-liquid, as well as a vaporiser, which for this system is a heating filament coiled around a portion of a wick which is partially immersed in the e-liquid. The system is activated when a microprocessor on board the device detects a user inhaling through the mouthpiece. When the system is activated, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the vaporiser, which heats e-liquid from the tank to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
Another example vaping smoking substitute system is the blu PRO™ e-cigarette. The blu PRO™ e cigarette is an open system which includes a device, a (refillable) tank, and a mouthpiece. The device and tank are physically and electrically coupled together by screwing one to the other. The mouthpiece and refillable tank are physically coupled together by screwing one into the other, and detaching the mouthpiece from the refillable tank allows the tank to be refilled with e-liquid. The system is activated by a button on the device. When the system is activated, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to a vaporiser, which heats e-liquid from the tank to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
An alternative to the "vaping" approach 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. In the HT approach the intention is that the tobacco is heated but not burned, i.e. the tobacco does not undergo combustion.
The heating, as opposed to burning, of 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.
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 vaporization 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 may contain nicotine and/or flavour compounds.

Summary

Smoking substitute systems are typically configured to be discrete and unobtrusive while being carried in a pocket. Accordingly, it would be advantageous for a user to be able to determine whether or not they have the device in their possession.
According to a first aspect, there is provided a smoking substitute system comprising a movement detection unit for detecting a movement of the system, and a haptic feedback generation unit for generating a haptic feedback, and a haptic feedback controller unit configured to control the haptic feedback generation unit to generate the haptic feedback in response to the detection of movement of the system.
This can allow a user to cause the system to generate a response to a movement of the system, which can allow functionality including non-visual indication of, for example, device presence, device status, device identity.
Optionally, the haptic feedback may include a sequence of activations of the haptic feedback generation unit.
Conveniently, the sequence of activations may be selectable from a plurality of activation sequences, and the plurality of activation sequences may be stored in a memory of the haptic feedback controller.
This allows, for example, different responses to be assigned to different movement inputs, or allows user control over their preferred haptic feedback.
Advantageously, the movement detection unit may comprise an accelerometer.
Optionally, the haptic feedback controller unit may be configured to switch between an ON mode wherein the haptic feedback unit is enabled and an OFF mode wherein the haptic feedback unit is disabled.
This allows a user to select whether or not they need a haptic feedback function.
Conveniently, the haptic feedback controller unit and the movement detection unit may be configured to measure a movement of the system.
Advantageously, one or more predetermined movements of the system may be stored in a memory of the haptic feedback controller unit and the movement detection unit may be configured to identify a movement of the device corresponding to the one or more predetermined movements.
The system can therefore distinguish between different predetermined movements, and generate a corresponding haptic feedback response to the identified movement.
Optionally, the system may be configured to identify a first number of movements and to generate haptic feedback comprising a second number of activations of the haptic feedback generation unit.
Conveniently, the first number and the second number may be equal.
Advantageously, the first number and/or the second number may be equal to or greater than 2.
Optionally, the haptic feedback generation unit may comprise a vibration generator, the vibration generator comprising an electric motor and a weight eccentrically mounted on a shaft of the electric motor.
Conveniently, the smoking substitute system may comprise an aerosol generator unit.
Advantageously, the aerosol generator unit may comprise a reservoir for storing an aerosol precursor, a porous wick arranged in an air passage extending through at least part of the smoking substitute system, and a heater. The porous wick may be configured to wick the aerosol precursor from the reservoir to the heater. The heater may be operable to heat the aerosol precursor to generate an aerosol from the wicked aerosol precursor.
Optionally, the aerosol generator unit may comprise an aerosol-forming substrate comprising tobacco material; and a heating element operable to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol for entrainment in air flowing downstream from the aerosol generator.
Conveniently, the smoking substitute system may comprising a smoking substitute device and a consumable removably engagable with the smoking substitute device. The consumable may include the aerosol generator unit. The smoking substitute device may include the movement detector, the haptic feedback generation unit and the haptic feedback controller.
Providing a system comprising a consumable and a device means that only a part of the system needs to be replaced when the supply of aerosol precursor or aerosol-forming substrate is exhausted.
According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a smoking substitute device configured for engagement with a consumable, the smoking substitute device and the consumable together forming a smoking substitute system according to the first preferred aspect of the invention.
According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of operating a smoking substitute system according to the first preferred aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of detecting a movement of the system; and generating a haptic feedback in response to the detection of the movement of the system.
Optional features will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination with any aspect.
The device may include a power source. The device may include a controller.
A memory may be provided and may be operatively connected to the controller. The memory may include non-volatile memory. The memory may include instructions which, when implemented, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of a method. The device may comprise a wireless interface, which may be configured to communicate wirelessly with another device, for example a mobile device, e.g. via Bluetooth®. To this end, the wireless interface could include a Bluetooth® antenna. Other wireless communication interfaces, e.g. WiFi®, are also possible. The wireless interface may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote server.
An airflow (i.e. puff) sensor may be provided that is configured to detect a puff (i.e. inhalation from a user). The airflow sensor may be operatively connected to the controller so as to be able to provide a signal to the controller that is indicative of a puff state (i.e. puffing or not puffing). The airflow sensor may, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor. The controller may control power supply to a heating element in response to airflow detection by the sensor. The control may be in the form of activation of the heating element in response to a detected airflow. The airflow sensor may form part of the device.
The device may be configured to receive a consumable as described below. For example the device and the consumable may be configured to be physically coupled together. For example, the consumable may be at least partially received in a recess of the device, such that there is snap engagement between the device and the consumable. Alternatively, the device and the consumable may be physically coupled together by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting.
Thus, the consumable may comprise one or more engagement portions for engaging with the device. In this way, one end of the consumable (i.e. the inlet end) may be coupled with the device, while an opposing end (i.e. the outlet end) of the consumable may define a mouthpiece.
The consumable may comprise an electrical interface for interfacing with a corresponding electrical interface of the device. One or both of the electrical interfaces may include one or more electrical contacts. Thus, when the device is engaged with the consumable, the electrical interface may be configured to transfer electrical power from the power source to a heating element of the consumable. The electrical interface may also be used to identify the consumable from a list of known types. The electrical interface may additionally or alternatively be used to identify when the consumable is connected to the device.
The device may alternatively or additionally be able to detect information about the consumable via an RFID reader, a barcode or QR code reader. This interface may be able to identify a characteristic (e.g. a type) of the consumable. In this respect, the consumable may include any one or more of an RFID chip, a barcode or QR code, or memory within which is an identifier and which can be interrogated via the interface.
In a second aspect, there is provided a smoking substitute system comprising a device according to the first aspect and a tank (reservoir) for containing an aerosol precursor.
The smoking substitute system may comprise a passage for fluid flow therethrough. The passage may extend through (at least a portion of) the smoking substitute system, between openings that may define an inlet and an outlet of the passage. The outlet may be at a mouthpiece of the smoking substitute system. In this respect, a user may draw fluid (e.g. air) into and through the passage by inhaling at the outlet (i.e. using the mouthpiece).
In some embodiments, the system is a vaping smoking substitute system. The aerosol precursor may comprise an e-liquid, for example, comprising a base liquid and e.g. nicotine. The base liquid may include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.
The tank may be defined by a tank housing. At least a portion of the tank housing may be translucent. For example, the tank housing may comprise a window to allow a user to visually assess the quantity of e-liquid in the tank. The tank may be referred to as a "clearomizer" if it includes a window, or a "cartomizer" if it does not. The passage may extend longitudinally within the tank and a passage wall may define the inner wall of the tank. In this respect, the tank may surround the passage e.g. the tank may be annular. The passage wall may comprise longitudinal ribs extending along it. These ribs may provide support to the passage wall. The ribs may extend for the full length of the passage wall. The ribs may project (e.g. radially outwardly) into the tank.
The vaping smoking substitute system may comprise a vaporiser. The vaporiser may comprise a wick. The vaporiser may further comprise a heating element. The wick may comprise a porous material. A portion of the wick may be exposed to fluid flow in the passage. The wick may also comprise one or more portions in contact with e-liquid stored in the reservoir. For example, opposing ends of the wick may protrude into the reservoir and a central portion (between the ends) may extend across the passage so as to be exposed to fluid flow in the passage. Thus, fluid may be drawn (e.g. by capillary action) along the wick, from the reservoir to the exposed portion of the wick.
The heating element may be in the form of a filament wound about the wick (e.g. the filament may extend helically about the wick). The filament may be wound about the exposed portion of the wick. The heating element is electrically connected (or connectable) to a power source. Thus, in operation, the power source may supply electricity to (i.e. apply a voltage across) the heating element so as to heat the heating element. This may cause liquid stored in the wick (i.e. drawn from the tank) to be heated so as to form a vapour and become entrained in fluid flowing through the passage. This vapour may subsequently cool to form an aerosol in the passage.
As discussed above, the device may be configured for engagement with a consumable. The consumable may comprise components of the system that are disposable, and the device may comprise non-disposable or non-consumable components (e.g. power supply, controller, sensor, etc.) that facilitate the delivery of aerosol by the consumable. In such an embodiment, the aerosol former (e.g. e-liquid or tobacco substrate) may be replenished by replacing a used consumable with an unused consumable. The vaporiser/heating element may form part of the device, or part of a consumable.
In an alternative embodiment the system may be a non-consumable system, in which an aerosol former (e.g. e-liquid) may be replenished by re-filling a tank that is provided within the device (rather than replacing the consumable). In this embodiment, the consumable described above may instead be a non-disposable component that is integral with the device. In this embodiment, the only consumable portion may be e-liquid contained in the tank within the device. Access to the tank (for re-filling of the e-liquid) may be provided via e.g. an opening to the tank that is sealable with a closure (e.g. a cap).
The invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that further aspects and features thereof may be appreciated, embodiments will now be discussed in further detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Fig. 1A is a front schematic view of a smoking substitute system;
Fig. 1B is a front schematic view of a device of the system;
Fig. 1C is a front schematic view of a consumable of the system;
Fig. 2A is a schematic of the components of the device;
Fig. 2B is a schematic of the components of the consumable; and
Fig. 3 is a section view of the consumable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Aspects and embodiments will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
Fig. 1A shows a first embodiment of a smoking substitute system 100. In this example, the smoking substitute system 100 includes a device 102 and an aerosol delivery consumable 104. The consumable 104 may alternatively be referred to as a "pod", "cartridge" or "cartomizer". It should be appreciated that in other examples (i.e. open systems), the device may be integral with the consumable. In such systems, a tank of the aerosol delivery system may be accessible for refilling the device.
In this example, the smoking substitute system 100 is a closed system vaping system, wherein the consumable 104 includes a sealed tank 106 and is intended for single-use only. The consumable 104 is removably engageable with the device 102 (i.e. for removal and replacement). Fig. 1A shows the smoking substitute system 100 with the device 102 physically coupled to the consumable 104, Fig. 1B shows the device 102 of the smoking substitute system 100 without the consumable 104, and Fig. 1C shows the consumable 104 of the smoking substitute system 100 without the device 102.
The device 102 and the consumable 104 are configured to be physically coupled together by pushing the consumable 104 into a cavity at an upper end 108 of the device 102, such that there is an interference fit between the device 102 and the consumable 104. In other examples, the device 102 and the consumable may be coupled by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting.
The consumable 104 includes a mouthpiece (not shown in Fig. 1A, 1B or 1C) at an upper end 109 of the consumable 104, and one or more air inlets (not shown) in fluid communication with the mouthpiece such that air can be drawn into and through the consumable 104 when a user inhales through the mouthpiece. The tank 106 containing e-liquid is located at the lower end 111 of the consumable 104.
The tank 106 includes a window 112, which allows the amount of e-liquid in the tank 106 to be visually assessed. The device 102 includes a slot 114 so that the window 112 of the consumable 104 can be seen whilst the rest of the tank 106 is obscured from view when the consumable 104 is inserted into the cavity at the upper end 108 of the device 102.
The lower end 110 of the device 102 also includes a light 116 (e.g. an LED) located behind a small translucent cover. The light 116 may be configured to illuminate when the smoking substitute system 100 is activated. Whilst not shown, the consumable 104 may identify itself to the device 102, via an electrical interface, RFID chip, or barcode.
Figs. 2A and 2B are schematic drawings of the device (main body) 102 and consumable 104. As is apparent from Fig. 2A, the device 102 includes a power source 118, a controller 120, a memory 122, a wireless interface 124, an electrical interface 126, and, optionally, one or more additional components 128.
The power source 118 is preferably a battery, more preferably a rechargeable battery. The controller 120 may include a microprocessor, for example. The memory 122 preferably includes non-volatile memory. The memory may include instructions which, when implemented, cause the controller 120 to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.
The wireless interface 124 is preferably configured to communicate wirelessly with another device, for example a mobile device, e.g. via Bluetooth®. To this end, the wireless interface 124 could include a Bluetooth® antenna. Other wireless communication interfaces, e.g. WiFi®, are also possible. The wireless interface 124 may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote server.
The electrical interface 126 of the device 102 may include one or more electrical contacts. The electrical interface 126 may be located in a base of the aperture in the upper end 108 of the device 102. When the device 102 is physically coupled to the consumable 104, the electrical interface 126 is configured to transfer electrical power from the power source 118 to the consumable 104 (i.e. upon activation of the smoking substitute system 100).
The electrical interface 126 may be configured to receive power from a charging station when the device 102 is not physically coupled to the consumable 104 and is instead coupled to the charging station. The electrical interface 126 may also be used to identify the consumable 104 from a list of known consumables. For example, the consumable 104 may be a particular flavour and/or have a certain concentration of nicotine (which may be identified by the electrical interface 126). This can be indicated to the controller 120 of the device 102 when the consumable 104 is connected to the device 102. Additionally, or alternatively, there may be a separate communication interface provided in the device 102 and a corresponding communication interface in the consumable 104 such that, when connected, the consumable 104 can identify itself to the device 102.
The additional components 128 of the device 102 may comprise the light 116 discussed above.
The additional components 128 of the device 102 may also comprise a charging port (e.g. USB or micro-USB port) configured to receive power from the charging station (i.e. when the power source 118 is a rechargeable battery). This may be located at the lower end 110 of the device 102. Alternatively, the electrical interface 126 discussed above may be configured to act as a charging port configured to receive power from the charging station such that a separate charging port is not required.
The additional components 128 of the device 102 may, if the power source 118 is a rechargeable battery, include a battery charging control circuit, for controlling the charging of the rechargeable battery. However, a battery charging control circuit could equally be located in the charging station (if present).
The additional components 128 of the device 102 may include a sensor, such as an airflow (i.e. puff) sensor for detecting airflow in the smoking substitute system 100, e.g. caused by a user inhaling through a mouthpiece 136 of the consumable 104. The smoking substitute system 100 may be configured to be activated when airflow is detected by the airflow sensor. This sensor could alternatively be included in the consumable 104. The airflow sensor can be used to determine, for example, how heavily a user draws on the mouthpiece or how many times a user draws on the mouthpiece in a particular time period.
The additional components 128 of the device 102 may include a user input, e.g. a button. The smoking substitute system 100 may be configured to be activated when a user interacts with the user input (e.g. presses the button). This provides an alternative to the airflow sensor as a mechanism for activating the smoking substitute system 100.
The additional components 128 of the device 102 further comprise a means for delivering a haptic feedback to a user. This haptic feedback may be, for example, a vibration or sequence of vibrations. The means for delivering a haptic feedback may be a vibration generator, which may comprise an electric motor having an eccentrically mounted weight on a shaft. Other means for vibration generation are also possible, including, for example, a linear actuator or a piezo-electric element. The haptic feedback may be generated as a sequence of activations of the vibration generator or other means for delivering a haptic feedback. The means for delivering a haptic feedback may be controlled by the controller 120. The specific sequence of vibrations or activations forming the haptic feedback may be configurable or selectable by a user of the device 102, and one or more sequences of activations or vibrations may be stored in a memory, such as the memory 122 of the device 102. The means for delivering a haptic feedback may be switchable between an operating (ON) state wherein the haptic feedback is delivered and a non-operating (OFF) state wherein the haptic feedback is not delivered.
The haptic feedback is generated in response to a physical stimulus from a user of the device 102, in particular a movement of the device 102. In some embodiments, the physical stimulus from the user may be a tap or shake of the device, a sequence of taps or shakes, or a movement of the device to a particular orientation or along a specified motion path. The movement may be detectable or measurable by a movement detector such as one or more tilt switches and/or one or more accelerometers and/or one or more g-sensors. Such a physical stimulus may be detectable even without direct contact between the user and the device 102. For example, even if the device 102 is located in a pocket of an article of clothing worn by the user, or in a bag carried by the user, and the user can deliver the physical stimulus by tapping the device through the material constituting the article of clothing or the bag. This can therefore allow the user to determine whether or not the device 102 is present without needing to remove it from the pocket or bag.
The haptic feedback is not limited to an indication that the device 102 is present. For example, the haptic feedback may be used, for example, to indicate that the device 102 is active (i.e. ready to be used to generate a vapour), to distinguish between devices 102 (i.e. generate a user-specific vibration sequence), or to be used as a distraction aid. The device 102 may be able to detect or identify multiple different movements, such as tap or shake sequences. Each movement identified as a predetermined movement may be configured or configurable to generate a different response. For example, tapping the device 102 may cause a first haptic feedback to be generated (e.g. to indicate that the device is present), tilting the device 102 (as a user might while picking up the device) might cause a second haptic feedback to be generated (e.g. a feedback to indicate that the device is ready to operate), shaking the device 102 might generate a third haptic feedback response to be generated (e.g. a device identifying user-specific vibration sequence). A number of taps or shakes of the device may trigger a corresponding number of activations of the haptic feedback generator, which may be the same as the number of tapes or shakes. For example, a double-tap of the device 102 may trigger a sequence of two activations of the haptic feedback generator. Other movement sequences and activation sequences are also possible.
The haptic feedback is generated by a haptic feedback unit, which includes at least the means for generating the vibration, and may additionally comprise the movement detector, and/or a haptic feedback unit controller. Alternatively, the haptic feedback unit may be controlled by the controller 120 of the device 102. The movement detector may be separate from the haptic feedback unit, and may act as an input to the haptic feedback unit or to the controller 120.
The haptic feedback operating state and/or response sequence may be configurable by use of a switch or other control means provided in the device 102. Additionally or alternatively, the haptic feedback operating state and/or response sequence may be configurable by a signal from an external device received through the wireless interface 124.
As shown in Fig. 2B, the consumable 104 includes the tank 106, an electrical interface 130, a vaporiser 132, one or more air inlets 134, a mouthpiece 136, and one or more additional components 138.
The electrical interface 130 of the consumable 104 may include one or more electrical contacts. The electrical interface 126 of the device 102 and an electrical interface 130 of the consumable 104 are configured to contact each other and thereby electrically couple the device 102 to the consumable 104 when the lower end 111 of the consumable 104 is inserted into the upper end 108 of the device 102 (as shown in Fig. 1A). In this way, electrical energy (e.g. in the form of an electrical current) is able to be supplied from the power source 118 in the device 102 to the vaporiser 132 in the consumable 104.
The vaporiser 132 is configured to heat and vaporise e-liquid contained in the tank 106 using electrical energy supplied from the power source 118. As will be described further below, the vaporiser 132 includes a heating filament and a wick. The wick draws e-liquid from the tank 106 and the heating filament heats the e-liquid to vaporise the e-liquid.
The one or more air inlets 134 are preferably configured to allow air to be drawn into the smoking substitute system 100, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece 136. When the consumable 104 is physically coupled to the device 102, the air inlets 134 receive air, which flows to the air inlets 134 along a gap between the device 102 and the lower end 111 of the consumable 104.
In operation, a user activates the smoking substitute system 100, e.g. through interaction with a user input forming part of the device 102 or by inhaling through the mouthpiece 136 as described above. Upon activation, the controller 120 may supply electrical energy from the power source 118 to the vaporiser 132 (via electrical interfaces 126, 130), which may cause the vaporiser 132 to heat e-liquid drawn from the tank 106 to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece 136.
An example of one of the one or more additional components 138 of the consumable 104 is an interface for obtaining an identifier of the consumable 104. As discussed above, this interface may be, for example, an RFID reader, a barcode, a QR code reader, or an electronic interface which is able to identify the consumable. The consumable 104 may, therefore include anyone or more of an RFID chip, a barcode or QR code, or memory within which is an identifier and which can be interrogated via the electronic interface in the device 102.
It should be appreciated that the smoking substitute system 100 shown in figures 1A to 2B is just one exemplary implementation of a smoking substitute system. For example, the system could otherwise be in the form of an entirely disposable (single-use) system or an open system in which the tank is refillable (rather than replaceable).
Fig. 3 is a section view of the consumable 104 described above. The consumable 104 comprises a tank 106 for storing e-liquid, a mouthpiece 136 and a passage 140 extending along a longitudinal axis of the consumable 104. In the illustrated embodiment the passage 140 is in the form of a tube having a substantially circular transverse cross-section (i.e. transverse to the longitudinal axis). The tank 106 surrounds the passage 140, such that the passage 140 extends centrally through the tank 106.
A tank housing 142 of the tank 106 defines an outer casing of the consumable 104, whilst a passage wall 144 defines the passage 140. The tank housing 142 extends from the lower end 111 of the consumable 104 to the mouthpiece 136 at the upper end 109 of the consumable 104. At the junction between the mouthpiece 136 and the tank housing 142, the mouthpiece 136 is wider than the tank housing 142, so as to define a lip 146 that overhangs the tank housing 142. This lip 146 acts as a stop feature when the consumable 104 is inserted into the device 102 (i.e. by contact with an upper edge of the device 102).
The tank 106, the passage 140 and the mouthpiece 136 are integrally formed with each other so as to form a single unitary component and may e.g. be formed by way of an injection moulding process. Such a component may be formed of a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene.
The mouthpiece 136 comprises a mouthpiece aperture 148 defining an outlet of the passage 140. The vaporiser 132 is fluidly connected to the mouthpiece aperture 148 and is located in a vaporising chamber 156 of the consumable 104. The vaporising chamber 156 is downstream of the inlet 134 of the consumable 104 and is fluidly connected to the mouthpiece aperture 148 (i.e. outlet) by the passage 140.
The vaporiser 132 comprises a porous wick 150 and a heater filament 152 coiled around the porous wick 150. The wick 150 extends transversely across the chamber vaporising 156 between sidewalls of the chamber 156 which form part of an inner sleeve 154 of an insert 158 that defines the lower end 111 of the consumable 104 that connects with the device 102. The insert 158 is inserted into an open lower end of the tank 106 so as to seal against the tank housing 142.
In this way, the inner sleeve 154 projects into the tank 106 and seals with the passage 140 (around the passage wall 144) so as to separate the vaporising chamber 156 from the e-liquid in the tank 106. Ends of the wick 150 project through apertures in the inner sleeve 154 and into the tank 106 so as to be in contact with the e-liquid in the tank 106. In this way, e-liquid is transported along the wick 150 (e.g. by capillary action) to a central portion of the wick 150 that is exposed to airflow through the vaporising chamber 156. The transported e-liquid is heated by the heater filament 152 (when activated e.g. by detection of inhalation), which causes the e-liquid to be vaporised and to be entrained in air flowing past the wick 150. This vaporised liquid may cool to form an aerosol in the passage 140, which may then be inhaled by a user.
While exemplary embodiments have been described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting.
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 system comprising:
a movement detection unit for detecting a movement of the system, and

a haptic feedback generation unit for generating a haptic feedback, and

a haptic feedback controller unit configured to control the haptic feedback generation unit to generate the haptic feedback in response to the detection of movement of the system.
A smoking substitute system according to claim 1, wherein the haptic feedback includes a sequence of activations of the haptic feedback generation unit.
A smoking substitute system according to claim 2, wherein the sequence of activations is selectable from a plurality of activation sequences, the plurality of activation sequences being stored in a memory of the haptic feedback controller.
A smoking substitute system according to any preceding claim, wherein the movement detection unit comprises an accelerometer.
A smoking substitute system according to any preceding claim, wherein the haptic feedback controller unit is configured to switch between an ON mode wherein the haptic feedback unit is enabled and an OFF mode wherein the haptic feedback unit is disabled.
A smoking substitute system according to any preceding claim, wherein the haptic feedback controller unit and the movement detection unit are configured to measure a movement of the system.
A smoking substitute system according to claim 6, wherein one or more predetermined movements of the system are stored in a memory of the haptic feedback controller unit and the movement detection unit is configured to identify a movement of the device corresponding to the one or more predetermined movements.
A smoking substitute system according to claim 7, wherein the system is configured to identify a first number of movements and to generate haptic feedback comprising a second number of activations of the haptic feedback generation unit.
A smoking substitute system according to any preceding claim, wherein the haptic feedback generation unit comprises a vibration generator, the vibration generator comprising:
an electric motor; and

a weight eccentrically mounted on a shaft of the electric motor.
A smoking substitute system according to any preceding claim, wherein:
the smoking substitute system comprises an aerosol generator unit.
A smoking substitute system according to claim 10, wherein the aerosol generator unit comprises:
a reservoir for storing an aerosol precursor;

a porous wick arranged in an air passage extending through at least part of the smoking substitute system; and

a heater, wherein

the porous wick is configured to wick the aerosol precursor from the reservoir to the heater, and wherein

the heater is operable to heat the aerosol precursor to generate an aerosol from the wicked aerosol precursor.
A smoking substitute system according to claim 10, wherein:
the aerosol generator unit comprises an aerosol-forming substrate comprising tobacco material; and

a heating element operable to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol for entrainment in air flowing downstream from the aerosol generator.
A smoking substitute system according to any of claims 10 to 12, comprising:
a smoking substitute device, and

a consumable removably engagable with the smoking substitute device; wherein:
the consumable includes the aerosol generator unit, and wherein

the smoking substitute device includes the movement detector, the haptic feedback generation unit and the haptic feedback controller.
A smoking substitute device configured for engagement with a consumable, the smoking substitute device and the consumable together forming a smoking substitute system according to claim 13.
A method of operating a smoking substitute system according to any of claims 1 to 13, comprising the steps of:
detecting a movement of the system; and

generating a haptic feedback in response to the detection of the movement of the system.