EP3941243A1 - Système de substitution à l'acte de fumer - Google Patents
Système de substitution à l'acte de fumerInfo
- Publication number
- EP3941243A1 EP3941243A1 EP20715713.2A EP20715713A EP3941243A1 EP 3941243 A1 EP3941243 A1 EP 3941243A1 EP 20715713 A EP20715713 A EP 20715713A EP 3941243 A1 EP3941243 A1 EP 3941243A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- consumable
- cavity
- sensor
- aerosol
- controller
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 230000000391 smoking effect Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 56
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 29
- 238000003780 insertion Methods 0.000 claims description 41
- 230000037431 insertion Effects 0.000 claims description 41
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 17
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000005236 sound signal Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 75
- 235000002637 Nicotiana tabacum Nutrition 0.000 description 73
- 241000208125 Nicotiana Species 0.000 description 70
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 39
- 239000000443 aerosol Substances 0.000 description 33
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 description 17
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 14
- 239000000123 paper Substances 0.000 description 13
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 12
- 230000004323 axial length Effects 0.000 description 8
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 8
- 239000000796 flavoring agent Substances 0.000 description 7
- DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propylene glycol Chemical compound CC(O)CO DNIAPMSPPWPWGF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 235000019504 cigarettes Nutrition 0.000 description 6
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 5
- SNICXCGAKADSCV-JTQLQIEISA-N (-)-Nicotine Chemical compound CN1CCC[C@H]1C1=CC=CN=C1 SNICXCGAKADSCV-JTQLQIEISA-N 0.000 description 4
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 description 4
- PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N Glycerine Chemical compound OCC(O)CO PEDCQBHIVMGVHV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 244000061176 Nicotiana tabacum Species 0.000 description 4
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 4
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 4
- 229960002715 nicotine Drugs 0.000 description 4
- SNICXCGAKADSCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N nicotine Natural products CN1CCCC1C1=CC=CN=C1 SNICXCGAKADSCV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 4
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 description 4
- HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium ion Chemical compound [Li+] HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 3
- 241000207929 Scutellaria Species 0.000 description 3
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000919 ceramic Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910001416 lithium ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 3
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000003039 volatile agent Substances 0.000 description 3
- QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-M Acetate Chemical compound CC([O-])=O QTBSBXVTEAMEQO-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 2
- 241000623620 Andersonglossum virginianum Species 0.000 description 2
- 244000139693 Arctostaphylos uva ursi Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000012871 Arctostaphylos uva ursi Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 244000045231 Canavalia maritima Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000010522 Canavalia maritima Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N Carbon Chemical compound [C] OKTJSMMVPCPJKN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 244000061408 Eugenia caryophyllata Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000008694 Humulus lupulus Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 244000025221 Humulus lupulus Species 0.000 description 2
- 241001293495 Lactuca virosa Species 0.000 description 2
- 240000007890 Leonurus cardiaca Species 0.000 description 2
- 240000002817 Leonurus sibiricus Species 0.000 description 2
- 240000009215 Nepeta cataria Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000010679 Nepeta cataria Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 241000050054 Pedicularis groenlandica Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000016639 Syzygium aromaticum Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000003591 Tagetes lucida Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 240000002670 Tagetes lucida Species 0.000 description 2
- 240000000143 Turnera diffusa Species 0.000 description 2
- PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium oxide Inorganic materials [O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Al+3].[Al+3] PNEYBMLMFCGWSK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000003125 aqueous solvent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- RYYVLZVUVIJVGH-UHFFFAOYSA-N caffeine Chemical compound CN1C(=O)N(C)C(=O)C2=C1N=CN2C RYYVLZVUVIJVGH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- ZPUCINDJVBIVPJ-LJISPDSOSA-N cocaine Chemical compound O([C@H]1C[C@@H]2CC[C@@H](N2C)[C@H]1C(=O)OC)C(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1 ZPUCINDJVBIVPJ-LJISPDSOSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000881 depressing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000945 filler Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000011187 glycerol Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003906 humectant Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005286 illumination Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000007721 medicinal effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- -1 opiates and opoids Chemical compound 0.000 description 2
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000779 smoke Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000013706 tagetes lucida Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 235000004952 turnera diffusa Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 238000009834 vaporization Methods 0.000 description 2
- 235000013311 vegetables Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UTLUCORTSA-N (+)-Neomenthol Chemical compound CC(C)[C@@H]1CC[C@@H](C)C[C@@H]1O NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UTLUCORTSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000011908 Amaranthus dubius Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000006421 Amaranthus dubius Species 0.000 description 1
- 240000000058 Argemone mexicana Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000086254 Arnica montana Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000004355 Artemisia lactiflora Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000003261 Artemisia vulgaris Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000006891 Artemisia vulgaris Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000167854 Bourreria succulenta Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000985665 Cecropia obtusifolia Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000000604 Chrysanthemum parthenium Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000223760 Cinnamomum zeylanicum Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000207199 Citrus Species 0.000 description 1
- NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UHFFFAOYSA-N DL-menthol Natural products CC(C)C1CCC(C)CC1O NOOLISFMXDJSKH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241001194784 Entada rheedei Species 0.000 description 1
- OBSYBRPAKCASQB-UHFFFAOYSA-N Episalvinorin A Natural products COC(=O)C1CC(OC(C)=O)C(=O)C(C2(C3)C)C1(C)CCC2C(=O)OC3C=1C=COC=1 OBSYBRPAKCASQB-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 241000218182 Eschscholzia Species 0.000 description 1
- 244000001381 Eschscholzia californica Species 0.000 description 1
- 244000062175 Fittonia argyroneura Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000700201 Galea Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000006200 Glycyrrhiza glabra Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000303040 Glycyrrhiza glabra Species 0.000 description 1
- 240000000224 Hippobroma longiflora Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000218229 Humulus japonicus Species 0.000 description 1
- 240000005074 Hymenocallis caribaea Species 0.000 description 1
- LPHGQDQBBGAPDZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Isocaffeine Natural products CN1C(=O)N(C)C(=O)C2=C1N(C)C=N2 LPHGQDQBBGAPDZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 244000274638 Laggera alata Species 0.000 description 1
- 244000253077 Leonotis leonurus Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000017143 Leonurus cardiaca Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000000802 Leonurus cardiaca ssp. villosus Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000002434 Leonurus sibiricus Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000208672 Lobelia Species 0.000 description 1
- 240000008496 Lobelia cardinalis Species 0.000 description 1
- 240000009166 Lobelia siphilitica Species 0.000 description 1
- 244000061322 Nicotiana alata Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001480177 Nymphaea alba Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000002195 Nymphaea caerulea Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000009085 Nymphaea caerulea Species 0.000 description 1
- 240000001090 Papaver somniferum Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000218996 Passiflora Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000011925 Passiflora alata Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000000370 Passiflora edulis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000008440 Passiflora incarnata Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000011922 Passiflora incarnata Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013750 Passiflora mixta Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013731 Passiflora van volxemii Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000614197 Pedicularis densiflora Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000006386 Polygonum aviculare Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000292697 Polygonum aviculare Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000004743 Polypropylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 241001072909 Salvia Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000011771 Salvia divinorum Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241001136613 Salvia divinorum Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001226049 Salvia dorrii Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000016274 Salvia dorrii Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000007853 Sarothamnus scoparius Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000010495 Sarothamnus scoparius Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000519989 Scutellaria galericulata Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000632296 Scutellaria lateriflora Species 0.000 description 1
- 244000191704 Sida acuta Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000002834 Sida rhombifolia Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 240000003194 Sida rhombifolia Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000219289 Silene Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000005701 Tarchonanthus camphoratus Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000082946 Tarchonanthus camphoratus Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000009499 Vanilla fragrans Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000263375 Vanilla tahitensis Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000012036 Vanilla tahitensis Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241001530097 Verbascum Species 0.000 description 1
- 244000178289 Verbascum thapsus Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000010599 Verbascum thapsus Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000211124 Zamia muricata Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000006886 Zingiber officinale Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 244000273928 Zingiber officinale Species 0.000 description 1
- 239000006227 byproduct Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229960001948 caffeine Drugs 0.000 description 1
- VJEONQKOZGKCAK-UHFFFAOYSA-N caffeine Natural products CN1C(=O)N(C)C(=O)C2=C1C=CN2C VJEONQKOZGKCAK-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052918 calcium silicate Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 230000015556 catabolic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- DLNKOYKMWOXYQA-IONNQARKSA-N cathine Chemical compound C[C@H](N)[C@@H](O)C1=CC=CC=C1 DLNKOYKMWOXYQA-IONNQARKSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229960003609 cathine Drugs 0.000 description 1
- PUAQLLVFLMYYJJ-ZETCQYMHSA-N cathinone Chemical compound C[C@H](N)C(=O)C1=CC=CC=C1 PUAQLLVFLMYYJJ-ZETCQYMHSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229950002698 cathinone Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229920002301 cellulose acetate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000019693 cherries Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000019219 chocolate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000017803 cinnamon Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000020971 citrus fruits Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229960003920 cocaine Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 238000009833 condensation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000005494 condensation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000470 constituent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006731 degradation reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 1
- DLNKOYKMWOXYQA-UHFFFAOYSA-N dl-pseudophenylpropanolamine Natural products CC(N)C(O)C1=CC=CC=C1 DLNKOYKMWOXYQA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000005611 electricity Effects 0.000 description 1
- ZDKZHVNKFOXMND-UHFFFAOYSA-N epinepetalactone Chemical compound O=C1OC=C(C)C2C1C(C)CC2 ZDKZHVNKFOXMND-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000007717 exclusion Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001914 filtration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000019634 flavors Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 239000008369 fruit flavor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000008397 ginger Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- LPLVUJXQOOQHMX-QWBHMCJMSA-N glycyrrhizinic acid Chemical compound O([C@@H]1[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@H](O[C@@H]1O[C@@H]1C([C@H]2[C@]([C@@H]3[C@@]([C@@]4(CC[C@@]5(C)CC[C@@](C)(C[C@H]5C4=CC3=O)C(O)=O)C)(C)CC2)(C)CC1)(C)C)C(O)=O)[C@@H]1O[C@H](C(O)=O)[C@@H](O)[C@H](O)[C@H]1O LPLVUJXQOOQHMX-QWBHMCJMSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000002650 habitual effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000002559 kavalactones Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 235000011477 liquorice Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 210000004072 lung Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 229940041616 menthol Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002670 nicotine replacement therapy Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229940127240 opiate Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 239000011368 organic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000006502 papoula Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920001155 polypropylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052702 rhenium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- WUAPFZMCVAUBPE-UHFFFAOYSA-N rhenium atom Chemical compound [Re] WUAPFZMCVAUBPE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 235000002020 sage Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- OBSYBRPAKCASQB-AGQYDFLVSA-N salvinorin A Chemical compound C=1([C@H]2OC(=O)[C@@H]3CC[C@]4(C)[C@@H]([C@]3(C2)C)C(=O)[C@@H](OC(C)=O)C[C@H]4C(=O)OC)C=COC=1 OBSYBRPAKCASQB-AGQYDFLVSA-N 0.000 description 1
- IQXUYSXCJCVVPA-UHFFFAOYSA-N salvinorin A Natural products CC(=O)OC1CC(OC(=O)C)C2(C)CCC34CC(CC3(C)C2C1=O)(OC4=O)c5occc5 IQXUYSXCJCVVPA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 235000013599 spices Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000019505 tobacco product Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000012546 transfer Methods 0.000 description 1
- WFKWXMTUELFFGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N tungsten Chemical compound [W] WFKWXMTUELFFGS-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052721 tungsten Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010937 tungsten Substances 0.000 description 1
- AIFRHYZBTHREPW-UHFFFAOYSA-N β-carboline Chemical class N1=CC=C2C3=CC=CC=C3NC2=C1 AIFRHYZBTHREPW-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
- A24F40/51—Arrangement of sensors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
- A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
- A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
- A24F40/20—Devices using solid inhalable precursors
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a smoking substitute system and particularly, although not exclusively, to a smoking substitute system comprising a device and a method for detecting the presence or insertion of a consumable in the device.
- 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.
- 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.
- aerosol also referred to as a“vapour”
- the inhaled aerosol typically bears nicotine and/or flavourings without, or with fewer of, the odour and health risks associated with traditional smoking.
- 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“consumable”) that are designed to resemble a traditional cigarette and are cylindrical in form with a mouthpiece at one end.
- smoking substitute articles also referred to as a“consumable”
- the popularity and use of smoking substitute systems has grown rapidly in the past few years.
- HT Heated Tobacco
- HNB Heat not burn
- the tobacco may be leaf tobacco or reconstituted tobacco.
- the vapour may contain nicotine and/or flavourings.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the present invention relates to detecting the receipt of a consumable in a cavity of a smoking substitute device.
- a smoking substitute device comprising a cavity for receiving a consumable and a sensor that is configured to detect the receipt of the consumable in the cavity.
- the sensor detects the insertion of a consumable into the cavity of the device.
- the device has the ability to perform useful downstream functionality or provide useful information to the user based on this detection. For example, certain functions of the device may be disabled until insertion of a consumable is detected, improving safety, or a visual or audible output may be generated upon receipt of the consumable, improving the user experience.
- a more versatile device is provided which reacts intelligently to different scenarios.
- the senor is configured to detect the receipt of the consumable in the cavity based on determination of differential pressure generated during the insertion of the consumable in the cavity.
- the senor is coupled with a controller.
- the controller may be adapted to receive an output from the sensor and perform control over device functions based on the output.
- the senor comprises a pressure sensor coupled with a controller.
- the pressure sensor may be configured to determine differential pressure generated during the insertion of the consumable in the cavity.
- the senor is configured to detect the receipt of the consumable in the cavity based on sound signals detected during the insertion of the consumable in the cavity.
- the device comprises a microphone configured to detect sound signals generated during the insertion of the consumable in the cavity.
- the senor is further configured to detect inhalation through the consumable by the user.
- a versatile device is provided which is able to detect both the insertion of a consumable and the drawing on that consumable by the user during smoking. This can improve the user experience further by e.g. providing feedback based on the detection of inhalation, such as visual or audible feedback.
- the device comprises a puff sensor to detect the inhalation.
- the senor is configured to detect a first pressure differential created during insertion of the consumable into the cavity and a second pressure differential created due to inhalation through the consumable by the user, wherein the first pressure differential is different from the second pressure differential.
- the same sensor is able to distinguish between the insertion of a consumable into the device, and the drawing on that consumable by the user during smoking, based on the differing pressure differential detected.
- the pressure differential detected upon consumable insertion will have the opposite sense (e.g. a positive pressure difference) to the pressure differential detected upon inhalation (e.g. a negative pressure difference).
- the sensor can detect each, such that the device is able to distinguish the two scenarios and respond accordingly, improving the user experience.
- the first pressure differential and the second pressure differential are of opposite polarity.
- the senor is configured to detect the withdrawal of the consumable from the cavity based on determination of a third pressure differential created due to withdrawal.
- the senor communicates with a controller configured to activate a function of the device upon detecting the receipt of the consumable in the cavity.
- the controller is configured to activate a heater upon detecting the receipt of the consumable in the cavity e.g. to initiate a smoking cycle.
- the controller is configured to perform control action selected from one or more of (a) switching from child safety mode (CSM) to normal mode, (b) increasing power of the heater, and (c) indicating battery charge status, in response to detecting the receipt of the consumable in the cavity.
- CSM child safety mode
- the device provides an intelligent response to the insertion of a consumable into the cavity, improving functionality and user experience.
- Child safety mode (CSM) may be a mode in which certain functions of the device such as the heater are disabled, and can only operate when the device is switched to normal mode. Providing a device which remains in CSM until the insertion of a consumable into the cavity is detected increases safety, because the heater cannot be activated when the device is in transit e.g.
- a device which indicates battery status when the insertion of a consumable is detected provides an improved user experience, since the user is made aware of the battery status when using the device and can charge the device if necessary.
- the senor is further configured to detect the ongoing presence of the consumable within the cavity. In this way, the sensor may detect first the receipt/insertion of the consumable in the cavity, followed by the ongoing presence of the consumable within the cavity. The device may then be configured to provide feedback, e.g. visual or audible feedback, indicating the ongoing presence of the consumable within the cavity. This provides a more intelligent device which further improves the user experience.
- the device may comprise an elongate body.
- An end of the elongate body may be configured for engagement with an aerosol-forming article.
- the body may be configured for engagement with a heated tobacco (HT) consumable (or heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable).
- HT heated tobacco
- HNB heat-not-burn
- 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).
- 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 aerosolforming 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).
- 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 AI2O3.
- 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 AI2O3.
- the thickness of the outer layer may be between 160 pm and 220 pm, e.g. between 170 pm and 190 pm, e.g. around 180 pm.
- 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 pm.
- 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
- the heating element may be less than the depth of the cavity.
- 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.
- 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).
- an aerosol-forming substrate forming part of an aerosol-forming article (e.g. a HT consumable).
- 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.
- 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).
- the heating element of the tube heater may surround at least a portion of 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).
- 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).
- 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.
- heat may be conducted from the heating element, through the cavity wall (or walls), to the aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosolforming article received in the cavity. .
- the device may comprise a cap disposed at the end of the body that is configured for engagement with an aerosol-forming article.
- 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 slideable 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 aerosolforming 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- the input connection may form at least part of the power source of the device.
- the input connection may be used to charge and recharge the power source.
- the device may comprise a user interface (Ul).
- the Ul may include input means to receive operative commands from the user.
- the input means of the Ul may allow the user to control at least one aspect of the operation of the device.
- the input means may comprise a power button to switch the device between an on state and an off state.
- the Ul may additionally or alternatively comprise output means to convey information to the user.
- 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.
- the condition may comprise whether the heater is in an off state or an on state.
- the Ul unit may comprise at least one of a button, a display, a touchscreen, a switch, a light, and the like.
- 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.
- LEDs light-emitting diodes
- the device may further comprise a puff sensor (e.g. airflow sensor), which 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.
- 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 device may comprise a controller, or may be connectable to a controller that may be configured to control at least one function of the device.
- 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. nonvolatile 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- the controller may be configured to receive“on” and“off command signals from the Ul 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 Ul may be configured to convey information to a user, via an output means, in response to such output signals (received from the controller).
- the LEDs may be operatively connected to the controller.
- the controller may configured to control the illumination of the LEDs (e.g. in response to an output signal).
- 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 controller may be operatively connected to the sensor.
- the controller may be configured to receive a signal from the sensor (e.g. indicative of a condition of the device and/or engaged aerosol-forming article).
- the controller may be configured to control the heater, or an aspect of the output means, based on the signal from the sensor.
- the controller may be configured to perform one or more control actions in response to the detection of (i) the receipt of consumable in the cavity of the device, and/or (ii) inhalation through the consumable by the user and differentiate between the insertion of consumable in the cavity and inhalation by the user.
- the device may therefore be able to operate the device more efficiently.
- the device may comprise a wireless interface configured to communicate wirelessly (e.g. via Bluetooth (e.g. a Bluetooth low-energy connection) or Wi-Fi) with an external device.
- 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.
- the external device may be a smart phone, tablet, smart watch, or smart car.
- An application e.g. app
- 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.
- the controller may control an aspect of the device in response to a signal received from an external device.
- an external device may respond to a signal received from the device (e.g. from the controller of the device).
- a 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).
- HT heated tobacco
- HNB heat-not-burn
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- homogenised e.g. paper/slurry recon
- 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 elements) may be comprised of cellulose acetate or polypropylene tow.
- the at least one filter element e.g. the terminal filter element
- the at least one filter element may be comprised of activated charcoal.
- the at least one filter element e.g. the terminal element
- the at least one filter 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.
- 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.
- a method of using the system according to the second aspect comprising inserting the consumable into the device; and heating the article using the heater of the device.
- 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.
- a method for detecting the receipt of a consumable in a cavity of a smoking substitute device comprising the detection of receipt of the consumable into the cavity by a sensor.
- the detection comprises detection of a differential pressure created due to insertion of the consumable into the cavity.
- the method further comprises detecting an inhalation through the consumable by the user by determining change in pressure caused by the inhalation.
- the method comprises detecting a first pressure difference created due to insertion of consumable into the cavity and a second pressure difference created due to inhalation through the consumable by the user, wherein the first pressure difference is different from the second pressure difference.
- the method comprises detecting withdrawal of the consumable from the cavity of the device based on determination of third pressure difference created due to withdrawal of the consumable from the cavity.
- the method comprises activating a function of the device upon detecting the receipt of the consumable in the cavity.
- the method comprises performing control action selected from one or more of (a) switching from child safety mode (CSM) to normal mode, (b) increasing the power of heater, and (c) indicating battery charging status, in response to detecting the receipt of the consumable in the cavity.
- CSM child safety mode
- the invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.
- a feature or parameter described in relation to any one of the above aspects may be applied to any other aspect.
- any feature or parameter described herein may be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature or parameter described herein.
- Figure 1A is a schematic of a smoking substitute system
- Figure 1 B 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 3 is a flowchart illustrating method of detecting presence of a consumable in the cavity of the device in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.
- FIG. 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).
- the heater 104 forms part of the consumable 102 and is configured to heat the aerosol former 103.
- the heater 104 is electrically connectable to the power source
- the system 100 further comprises a power source 105 that forms part of the device 101 .
- 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 the power source 105 is able to supply power to the heater 104 (i.e. for the purpose of heating the aerosol former 103).
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- the Ul 107 may include input means to receive commands from a user.
- the input means of the Ul 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 Ul 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 and a memory 109 operatively coupled to the controller 108.
- 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 detect, with the help of a sensor, the presence of a consumable 102 within a cavity (not shown) of the device 101 .
- the memory stores controller-executable instructions that causes the controller 108 to perform one or more functions.
- 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.
- 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.
- the controller 108 In addition to being connected to the heater 104, the controller 108 is operatively connected to the Ul 107. Thus, the controller 108 may receive an input signal from the input means of the Ul 107.
- the controller 108 may transmit output signals to the Ul 107.
- the output means of the Ul 107 may convey information, based on the output signals, to a user.
- the system 100 also comprises a sensor 110 coupled with the controller 108 within the smoking substitute device 101.
- Sensor 110 may be for example a pressure sensor or a microphone.
- the sensor 1 10 may be mounted inside the cavity (not shown) of the smoking substitute device 101 and operatively connected to the controller 108.
- a pressure differential is established across the pressure sensor as a consumable is inserted into the cavity.
- the sensor detects this differential and communicates with the controller, which responds by activating the heater.
- the same sensor 110 also detects a pressure differential when the user inhales through the consumable, this pressure differential being in the opposite direction to the differential set up during insertion of the consumable.
- the sensor communicates with the controller, which increases the power supplied to the heater for a short period when inhalation by the user is detected.
- Figure 1 B is a schematic showing a variation of the system 100 of Figure 1A.
- the heater 104 forms part of the device 101 , rather than the consumable 102.
- the heater 104 is electrically connected to the power source 105.
- FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate a heated-tobacco (HT) smoking substitute system 200.
- the system is a heated-tobacco (HT) smoking substitute system 200.
- System 200 is an example of the systems 100, 100’ described in relation to Figures 1A or 1 B.
- System 200 includes an HT device 201 and an HT consumable 202.
- the description of Figures 1A and 1 B 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
- Figure 2B shows the device 201 and the consumable 202 in a disengaged state.
- the device 201 comprises a body 209 and cap 210.
- the cap 210 is engaged at an end of the body 209.
- the cap 210 is moveable relative to the body 209.
- 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 Ul 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
- 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.
- FIG. 2C show a detailed section view of the consumable of 202 of the system 200.
- the consumable 202 generally resembles a cigarette.
- 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 215, an upstream filter element 215 and a spacer element 216.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- the aerosol-forming substrate 213 may comprise a gathered sheet of homogenised (e.g.
- 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.
- 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.
- the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202 i.e. where the terminal filter 214 is located
- 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 214 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.
- 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.
- 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. Precisely, the cavity 222 is configured for receiving the consumable 202.
- a portion of the consumable 202 is received through the opening 221 and into the cavity 222.
- 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.
- the heater 204 is a rod heater with a heating element 223 having a circular transverse profile.
- 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 .
- 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 .
- the heating element 223 penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate 213 of the consumable 202.
- the heating element 223 extends for nearly the entire axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate 213 when inserted therein.
- 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 (not shown) located in the electronics cavity 224.
- the controller comprises a microcontroller mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB).
- PCB printed circuit board
- the USB port 206 is also connected to the controller 208 (i.e. connected to the PCB and microcontroller).
- the sensor 1 10 is configured to detect the receipt of the consumable 202 in the cavity 222.
- the sensor 1 10 may be configured to detect the receipt of the consumable 202 in the cavity 222 based on determination of differential pressure generated during the insertion of the consumable 202 in the cavity 222. Such determination of differential pressure may be accomplished by the pressure sensor 1 10 mounted inside the cavity 222. Precisely, the pressure differential created inside the cavity 222 across the pressure sensor 1 10 during the insertion of consumable 202 is detected by the pressure sensor 1 10 and is passed to the controller 208.
- the device 201 may further include a microphone (not shown) mounted within the cavity 222 for detecting insertion of consumable 202 in the cavity 222. The microphone (not shown) is configured to detect the insertion of consumable 202 inside the cavity 222 by measuring the sound signals generated during the insertion of consumable 202 in the cavity 222 of the device 201 .
- the sensor 1 10 is further configured to differentiate between the insertion of consumable 202 in the cavity 222 and inhalation through the consumable by user. It is well appreciated by the skilled person that both (i) insertion of consumable 202 in the cavity 222 and (ii) inhalation by the user, create a pressure differential across the pressure sensor inside the cavity 222. To differentiate insertion of consumable 202 in the cavity 222 from inhalation by the user, the sensor 1 10 is able to detect the pressure differentials set up by both insertion of consumable 202 in the cavity 222 and inhalation through the consumable by the user. The pressure differential set up when inserting a consumable is in the opposite direction to the differential set up when the user puffs on the consumable, allowing the controller 208 to distinguish the two scenarios when it receives the signal from the sensor 1 10.
- the first pressure differential and the second pressure differential may be considered to have opposite polarity.
- the senor 1 10 or a further sensor may be configured to detect the withdrawal of consumable 202 from the cavity 222.
- the device 201 may use the pressure sensor 1 10 to detect a third pressure differential created, inside the cavity 222, due the withdrawal of the consumable 202 from the cavity 222.
- the controller may utilize a reference pressure value stored in the memory (not shown).
- the controller 208 is configured to control at least one function/control action of the device 201 .
- the controller is configured to perform, in response to detecting the receipt of consumable 202 in the cavity 222, at least one of the following control actions: switch the device 201 from child safety mode (CSM) to normal mode, increase the power supplied to the heater, indicate battery charge status, etc.
- CSM child safety mode
- 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.
- 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 controller (not shown) is configured to activate the heater 204 upon detecting the receipt of consumable 202 in the cavity 222.
- the controller is also configured to control the LEDs 21 1 in response to (e.g. a detected) a condition of the device 201 or the consumable 202.
- the controller may control the LEDs to indicate whether the device 201 is in an on state or an off state (e.g. one or more of the LEDs may be illuminated by the controller when the device is in an on state).
- the controller may control the LEDs 21 1 to indicate the charge status of the device 201 upon detecting the receipt of consumable 202 in the cavity 222.
- 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 sensor 1 10 denoted in Figure 1 and puff sensor 225 denoted in Figure 2E are same and may be used interchangeably.
- Figure 3 illustrates flowchart of method of detecting the receipt of a consumable in the cavity.
- the method 300 includes one or more blocks implemented by the controller 208 of the device 201 .
- the method 300 may be described in the general context of controller executable instructions.
- controller executable instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.
- the sensor 1 10 detects a pressure differential in the cavity 222 of the device 201 .
- a pressure differential across the sensor may arise due to, e.g. insertion of the consumable 202 in the cavity 222, or inhalation through the consumableby a user.
- the pressure differential measured by the sensor 1 10 is passed to the controller 208 for further processing.
- the controller 208 determines whether the pressure differential detected at step 301 is in a first direction/sense (“positive”) or in a second direction/sense (“negative”).
- a positive differential may be created, in the cavity 222, due to the insertion of a
- a negative pressure differential may be created due to the inhalation of at least one puff by the user.
- the controller 208 determines that the pressure differential created inside the cavity 222 is positive. In response, at block 305, the controller 208 confirms the receipt of consumable 202 in the cavity 222 of the device.
- the controller determines that the pressure differential created inside the cavity 222 is negative. In response, at block 306 the controllers 208 confirms that at least one puff is inhaled by the user.
- the controller 208 is configured to perform, in response to detecting the receipt of consumable 202 in the cavity 222, at least one of the following control actions: switching the device 201 from the child safety mode (CSM) to normal mode, increasing power of the heater, indicating battery charge status, etc. Further the controller 208 is also configured for activating the heater 204 upon detecting the receipt of consumable 202 in the cavity 222.
- CSM child safety mode
- the controller 208 is configured to detect the withdrawal of consumable 202 from the cavity 222.
- the device 201 may use the same pressure sensor 1 10 to detect a third differential created, inside the cavity 222, due the withdrawal of the consumable 202 from the cavity 222.
- 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%.
Landscapes
- Catching Or Destruction (AREA)
Abstract
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP19020174.9A EP3711542A1 (fr) | 2019-03-22 | 2019-03-22 | Système de substitution au tabac à fumer |
PCT/EP2020/056804 WO2020193196A1 (fr) | 2019-03-22 | 2020-03-13 | Système de substitution à l'acte de fumer |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3941243A1 true EP3941243A1 (fr) | 2022-01-26 |
Family
ID=65910902
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19020174.9A Ceased EP3711542A1 (fr) | 2019-03-22 | 2019-03-22 | Système de substitution au tabac à fumer |
EP20715713.2A Pending EP3941243A1 (fr) | 2019-03-22 | 2020-03-13 | Système de substitution à l'acte de fumer |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP19020174.9A Ceased EP3711542A1 (fr) | 2019-03-22 | 2019-03-22 | Système de substitution au tabac à fumer |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (2) | EP3711542A1 (fr) |
WO (1) | WO2020193196A1 (fr) |
Families Citing this family (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
KR102500830B1 (ko) * | 2020-08-31 | 2023-02-16 | 주식회사 케이티앤지 | 압력 센서를 포함하는 에어로졸 생성 장치 |
GB202017558D0 (en) * | 2020-11-06 | 2020-12-23 | Nicoventures Trading Ltd | Electronic aerosol provision system |
CN117098471A (zh) * | 2021-03-22 | 2023-11-21 | 日本烟草国际股份有限公司 | 气溶胶产生装置和用于控制这种气溶胶产生装置的方法 |
Family Cites Families (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6810883B2 (en) * | 2002-11-08 | 2004-11-02 | Philip Morris Usa Inc. | Electrically heated cigarette smoking system with internal manifolding for puff detection |
MX2019000910A (es) * | 2016-07-25 | 2019-07-01 | Philip Morris Products Sa | Manejo de un calentador. |
CN110612032A (zh) * | 2017-05-05 | 2019-12-24 | 惠州市吉瑞科技有限公司深圳分公司 | 一种电子烟的控制方法及电子烟 |
KR102231228B1 (ko) * | 2017-05-26 | 2021-03-24 | 주식회사 케이티앤지 | 궐련 삽입 감지 기능을 갖는 에어로졸 생성 장치 및 방법 |
US11160936B2 (en) * | 2017-06-23 | 2021-11-02 | Altria Client Services Llc | Non-combustible vaping device |
-
2019
- 2019-03-22 EP EP19020174.9A patent/EP3711542A1/fr not_active Ceased
-
2020
- 2020-03-13 WO PCT/EP2020/056804 patent/WO2020193196A1/fr active Application Filing
- 2020-03-13 EP EP20715713.2A patent/EP3941243A1/fr active Pending
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP3711542A1 (fr) | 2020-09-23 |
WO2020193196A1 (fr) | 2020-10-01 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
WO2020193196A1 (fr) | Système de substitution à l'acte de fumer | |
EP3711643A1 (fr) | Système de substitution du tabac | |
EP3941262B1 (fr) | Système de substitution du tabac | |
WO2021028561A1 (fr) | Système de substitution pour fumeur | |
WO2020193193A1 (fr) | Système de substitution au tabagisme | |
EP3711552B1 (fr) | Système de substitution du tabac | |
EP3941252A1 (fr) | Système de substitution au tabac | |
EP3941247A1 (fr) | Système de substitution à l'acte de fumer | |
EP3941250A2 (fr) | Système de substitution pour fumeur | |
EP3941267B1 (fr) | Système de substitution du tabac | |
EP3864977A1 (fr) | Système de substitution du tabac | |
EP3711524A1 (fr) | Système de substitution du tabac | |
EP3711546A1 (fr) | Système de substitution du tabac | |
EP3711527A1 (fr) | Système de substitution du tabac | |
EP3711518A1 (fr) | Système de substitution du tabac | |
WO2020193224A1 (fr) | Appareil de chauffage pour système de substitution pour fumeur | |
EP3941241B1 (fr) | Système de substitution à fumer | |
EP3711587A1 (fr) | Système de substitution du tabac | |
EP3711564A1 (fr) | Système de substitution du tabac | |
EP3711549A1 (fr) | Système de substitution du tabac |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: UNKNOWN |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE |
|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20210923 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
DAV | Request for validation of the european patent (deleted) | ||
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
RAP1 | Party data changed (applicant data changed or rights of an application transferred) |
Owner name: IMPERIAL TOBACCO LIMITED |