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
• • 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
  • A24F40/60—Devices with integrated user interfaces
• • 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
• • 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
  • A24F40/65—Devices with integrated communication means, e.g. wireless communication means

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a smoking substitute system and particularly, although not exclusively, to a smoking substitute system comprising a heated tobacco 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“consumables”) that are designed to resemble a traditional cigarette and are cylindrical in form with a mouthpiece at one end.
• 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.
• one aspect of the present invention relates to a heated tobacco device for operable in different modes, and another aspect of the present invention relates to a heat not burn device for controlling the vapour generation.
• a heated tobacco device comprising: a heater; a controller configured to operate the heater according to at least two user- selectable operating modes, the operating mode being selectable by the user via user input means, wherein the heater is for engagement with a heated tobacco consumable, the heated tobacco consumable including an active component for delivery to the user; wherein the at least two user- selectable operating modes include: a first mode in which the heater is operated to deliver a first amount of active component to the user, and a second mode in which the heater is operated to deliver a second amount of active component to the user, and wherein the second amount of active component is higher than the first amount of active component.
• the device may operate in intense mode for providing higher delivery of active component of the consumable.
• the controller operates the heater to deliver the active component at a higher rate than in the first mode.
• the controller is configured to operate the heater at a first operating temperature in the first mode and at a second operating temperature in the second mode, wherein the second operating temperature is higher than the first operating temperature.
• the controller is configured to operate the heater for a first consumable cycle duration in the first mode and for a second consumable cycle duration in the second mode, wherein the second consumable cycle duration is longer than the first consumable cycle duration.
• the controller is configured to select from the at least two operating modes based on a user default mode.
• the controller is configured to permit the user to set the user default mode.
• the controller is configured to set the user default mode based on historic usage of the device.
• the active component is nicotine.
• the device further comprises: a consumable detector sensor for detecting a type of consumable engaged with the heater or for detecting the active component content of the consumable.
• the controller is configured to select from the at least two operating modes based on the type of consumable detected or on the active component content of the type of consumable detected.
• the user input means includes a button.
• the user input means includes a touch screen.
• the user input means includes a motion sensor for detecting a predetermined movement of the device.
• the user input means includes a voice recognition means.
• the controller is configured to enable the device to operate in the second mode based on the type and/or content of the consumable.
• a heat not burn device comprising: a heater; and a controller, the controller configured to operate the heater to heat an aerosol forming substrate engaged with the heater to a predetermined operating temperature, wherein the controller is configured to operate the heater in at least two modes, the at least two modes include a first mode in which vapour is formed from the aerosol forming substrate with a first visibility, and a second mode in which vapour is formed from the aerosol forming substrate with a second visibility, where the first visibility is lower than the second visibility.
• a benefit of operation of the device in the first mode may be an increased intensity of flavour and an increased intensity of nicotine.
• the relative concentration of nicotine and flavourant in the aerosol may be higher.
• the low visibility vapour may also be desirable for a user wishing to reduce the amount of visible vapour generated for aesthetic purposes, e.g. when in a public place.
• first visibility and“second visibility” refer to the visibility of vapour generated by the aerosol forming substrate (e.g. HNB consumable) during a smoking session, e.g. the visibility of vapour subsequently exhaled by a user after being inhaled from the aerosol forming substrate. Such visibility may generally be assessed by eye, but may also be assessed using more accurate methods known to the skilled person by determining the amount to which a vapour scatters incident light. A vapour of higher “visibility” as defined herein will scatter or attenuate incident light to a greater extent, thereby appearing more visible (i.e.“cloudier” or“hazier”) to an observer.
• the controller is configured operate the heater at a first predetermined operating temperature in the first mode, and a second predetermined operating temperature in the second mode, wherein the first predetermined operating temperature is lower than the second predetermined operating temperature.
• Control of the temperature of the heater when in the different modes is a way to provide the differing vapour visibilities. Wthout wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the differing vaporization temperatures of nicotine on the one hand and aerosol-forming substances on the other hand may be utilised to tailor the visibility of the vapour. Selecting a temperature at which a lower quantity of aerosolforming substance is vaporized from the aerosol-forming substrate makes it possible to reduce the amount of vapour produced, thereby reducing its visibility.
• the first predetermined operating temperature is lower than the second predetermined operating temperature by at least 25 °C, for example at least 30 °C, at least 35 °C, at least 40 °C, at least 45 °C, at least 50 °C, at least 55 °C or at least 60 °C.
• the first predetermined operating temperature is between 140 and 170 °C. Within this temperature range an acceptable level of nicotine is vaporized from the aerosol-forming substrate whereas the amount of other substances which contribute to the visibility of the vapour (aerosol-forming substances).
• the second predetermined operating temperature is greater than 170 °C.
• the second predetermined operating temperature is at least 180 °C, for example at least 185 °C, at least 190 °C, at least 195 °C or at least 200 °C. In some embodiments, the second predetermined operating temperature is greater than 170 °C and less than or equal to about 220 °C. In some embodiments, the second predetermined operating temperature is 175 to 220 °C, for example 175 to 215 °C, 175 to 210 °C, 180 to 210 °C, 190 to 210 °C or 195 to 205 °C. In some embodiments, the second predetermined operating temperature is about 200 °C.
• the first predetermined operating temperature is between 140 and 170 °C; and the second predetermined operating temperature is greater than 170 °C and less than or equal to about 220 °C. In some embodiments, the first predetermined operating temperature is between 140 and 170 °C; and the second predetermined operating temperature is at least 200 °C.
• the controller is configured to alter the pressure drop across the consumable. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to alter the pressure drop across the aerosol forming article between a first condition and a second condition, wherein the pressure drop across the aerosol forming article in the first condition is higher than in the second condition. A higher pressure drop provides a reduced level of visible vapour from the aerosol forming article, and as such the first condition corresponds with the first mode of the device.
• the controller is configured to alter the airflow so as to control the pressure drop based on the selected mode. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to alter the airflow into the device between a first condition and a second condition, wherein the airflow into the device in the first condition is lower than in the second condition.
• the controller is configured to alter the airflow such that the pressure drop when in the first mode is higher than the pressure drop when in the second mode.
• the controller is configured to detect the type of consumable present in the device and incorporate this into the parameters of one or more device functions when switching between the first mode and the second mode.
• the actions taken by the controller when switching between modes may depend upon the type of consumable present in the device. For example, certain consumables may require a greater decrease in temperature between second and first modes in order to achieve a given reduction in vapour visibility. Similarly, certain consumables may require a greater increase in pressure drop between second and first modes in order to achieve a given reduction in vapour visibility.
• the device is adapted to move the heater and the aerosol forming substrate relative to one another so as to change the amount of contact between the heater and the substrate according to the mode selected. Altering the extent of contact between the heater and the aerosol forming substrate will alter the amount of visible vapour produced by the device. A greater amount of contact between the heater and the substrate will increase the amount of vapour produced for a given heater temperature. Movement of the heater relative to the aerosol forming substrate may be achieved by effecting movement of the heater, the aerosol forming substrate, or both. For example, the device may be adapted to move the heater.
• the heater is adapted to move in a linear manner along the longitudinal axis of the device, such that the extent to which the heater is inserted into the aerosol forming substrate may be altered.
• the device is adapted to move the aerosol forming substrate relative to the heater, to provide greater or lesser contact between the heater and aerosol forming substrate as necessary.
• the amount of contact of heater with the aerosol forming substrate in the first mode is lesser than the amount of contact of heater with the aerosol forming substrate in the second mode.
• the heater is a rod heater adapted to be inserted into an upstream end of a HNB consumable during a smoking session, and the device is adapted to move the heater and the consumable relative to one another in response to mode selection to achieve a certain extent of insertion of the heater into the upstream end of the consumable.
• the device may be adapted to move the heater and the consumable closer to one another in response to a selection of the second mode, thereby increasing the visibility of the produced vapour.
• the device may be adapted to move the heater and the consumable away from one another in response to a selection of the first mode, thereby reducing the visibility of the produced vapour.
• a portion of the heater of a length of around 10 mm is inserted into the consumable in the second mode. In some embodiments, a portion of the heater of a length of around 5 mm is inserted into the consumable in the first mode.
• the device comprises a user input means for selection of the mode by a user.
• the user input means comprises a user interface through which the user may select the mode, for example the first mode or the second mode.
• the user interface comprises one or more buttons or switches for selecting a particular mode.
• the device further comprises an output means configured to indicate a current selected operating mode to the user (e.g. first or second mode).
• the device may comprise a display which indicates to the user the current selected mode.
• the device may comprise one or more lights (e.g. LEDs) which light up according to the selected mode, or a screen which includes an indication of the selected mode.
• the controller is configured to maintain the selected mode for at least one whole smoking cycle, i.e. the time for which the heater is activated for the smoking of a single HNB consumable. This ensures that the user obtains the desired smoking experience for the whole cycle and that it is not interrupted by any unwanted switching between modes.
• 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 AI203.
• 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 AI203.
• 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 aerosol- forming article may be inserted through the opening and into the cavity (so as to be engaged with the device).
• the cap may be configured such that when an aerosol-forming article is engaged with the device (e.g. received in the cavity), only a portion of the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity. That is, a portion of the aerosol-forming article (not received in the cavity) may protrude from (i.e. extend beyond) the opening.
• This (protruding) portion of the aerosol-forming article may be a terminal (e.g. mouth) end of the aerosol-forming article, which may be received in a user’s mouth for the purpose of inhaling aerosol formed by the device.
• 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 input means may comprise a motion sensor for receiving operative commands from the user by detecting movement of the device.
• the input means may comprise a microphone for receiving operative commands by a sound of the user.
• the input means may comprise a touch screen for user to provide operative commands by touch.
• the operative command may comprise changing of modes for modifying user experience by changing an operating mode of the device.
• 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 output means may comprise a haptic feedback to indicate the condition of the device.
• the output means may comprise a display screen to display the condition of the device.
• the condition of the device (and/or aerosol-forming article) indicated to the user may comprise a condition indicative of the operation of the heater. For example, the condition may comprise whether the heater is in an off state or an on state.
• 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.
• the device may further comprise a puff sensor (e.g. airflow sensor), which forms 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 pressure sensor / airflow sensor for example, may detect the pressure drop across the consumable. Alternatively, the sensor may detect the airflow into the device.
• the device may further comprise a consumable detector sensor (e.g. nicotine sensor, tobacco sensor), which may form part of the input means of the Ul.
• the consumable detector sensor may be configured to detect the type of tobacco used or present in the consumable.
• the consumable detector sensor may be configured to detect the nicotine content present in the consumable.
• the consumable detector sensor may detect the type of tobacco or nicotine content based on detecting the active compound/molecule in the consumable.
• the consumable detector sensor may be configured to produce a signal indicative of type of tobacco or nicotine content.
• the signal may be indicative of the type of consumable inserted in the device such that it is e.g. in the form of a binary signal.
• the consumable detector sensor may be able to determine a visual characteristic of the consumable.
• a colour of the consumable may be indicative of the type of consumable.
• the consumable may include a detectable visual cue (e.g. a barcode) that is detectable by the consumable detector sensor.
• the signal may be indicative of a characteristic/nature of the consumable.
• 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 intensity of aerosol delivery by controlling an operation of the heater.
• the controller is configured to control the duration of aerosol delivery by controlling operations of the heater.
• the controller may be configured to control the amount of aerosol delivery.
• the controller may be configured to control functions of the device for controlling amount of vapour generation as per the user preference.
• the controller may be configured to generate low or no visibility of the vapours in a particular mode.
• 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 receive command signals from the consumable detector sensor, and in response, may control the heater. Additionally, the controller may be configured to receive command signals from user via input means to change modes of the device to control amount of aerosol delivery.
• 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 be 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 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
• a heat not burn device comprising: a heater; and a controller, the controller configured to operate the heater to heat an aerosol forming substrate engaged with the heater to a predetermined operating temperature, wherein the predetermined operating temperature is between 140 and 170 °C.
• the controller may be further configured to operate the heater to heat an aerosol forming substrate engaged with the heater to a second predetermined operating temperature, wherein the second predetermined operating temperature is greater than 170 °C.
• the second predetermined operating temperature is at least 180 °C, for example at least 185 °C, at least 190 °C, at least 195 °C or at least 200 °C.
• the second predetermined operating temperature is greater than 170 °C and less than or equal to about 220 °C.
• the second predetermined operating temperature is 175 to 220 °C, for example 175 to 215 °C, 175 to 210 °C, 180 to 210 °C, 190 to 210 °C or 195 to 205 °C. In some embodiments, the second predetermined operating temperature is about 200 °C.
• a fifth aspect of the invention is a method of reducing the amount of vapour produced by a heat-not- burn device, said heat-not-burn device comprising a heater and a controller, the controller configured to operate the heater to heat an aerosol forming substrate engaged with the heater to a predetermined operating temperature, said method comprising reducing the predetermined operating temperature to a temperature between 140 and 170 °C.
• a system e.g. a smoking substitute system
• 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
• a seventh aspect of the invention is a method of using the device according to the second or fourth aspect, or the system according to the sixth aspect
• 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 1 1 and 14mm such as around 12 or 13mm.
• the article/consumable may comprise at least one filter element. There may be a terminal filter element at the downstream/mouth end of the article/consumable.
• the or at least one of the filter element(s) 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.
• 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 1 A;
• 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 block diagram of an embodiment of a heated tobacco device, and
• Figure 3 is a schematic of an embodiment.
• 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 it is able to supply power to the heater
• control of the electrical connection of the power source 105 to the heater 104 provides control of the state of the heater 104.
• 105 may be a power store, for example a battery or rechargeable battery (e.g. a lithium ion battery).
• 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, motion sensor, 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 that is configured to control at least one function of the device 101 .
• the controller 108 is a component of the device 101 , but in other embodiments may be separate from (but connectable to) the device 101 .
• the controller 108 is configured to control the operation of the heater 104 and, for example, may be configured to control the voltage applied from the power source 105 to the heater 104.
• the controller 108 may be configured to toggle the supply of power to the heater 104 between an on state, in which the full output voltage of the power source 105 is applied to the heater 104, and an off state, in which the no voltage is applied to the heater 104.
• 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 controller also comprises a memory 109, which is a non-volatile memory.
• the memory 109 includes instructions, which, when implemented, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.
• Figure 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 shows 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 214, 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 215 has a larger diameter (3 mm) than the terminal filter element 214.
• the spacer 216 is in the form of a cardboard tube, which defines a cavity or chamber between the upstream filter element 215 and the terminal filter element 214.
• the spacer 216 acts to allow both cooling and mixing of the vapour/aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate 213.
• the spacer has an external diameter of 7 mm and an axial length of 14mm.
• 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.
• FIG. 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.
• a portion of the consumable 202 is received through the opening 221 and into the cavity 222.
• the downstream end 218 of the consumable 202 protrudes from the opening 221 and thus also protrudes from the device 201.
• the opening 221 includes laterally disposed notches 226. When a consumable 202 is received in the opening 221 , these notches 226 remain open and could, for example, be used for retaining a cover in order to cover the end of the device 201.
• Figure 2E shows a cross section through a central longitudinal plane through the device 201 .
• the device 201 is shown with the consumable 202 engaged therewith.
• the device 201 comprises a heater 204 comprising heating element 223.
• the heater 204 forms part of the body 209 of the device 201 and is rigidly mounted to the body 209.
• 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. As is apparent from the figure, the length (i.e. along the longitudinal axis) of the heating element is less than a depth of the cavity 222. In this way, the heating element 223 does not protrude from or extend beyond the opening 221.
• 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 heater 204 is movably mounted to the body 209.
• the heater can be moved longitudinally such that longitudinal position of the heating element 223 can be varied thereby controlling the exposure of the consumable portion to the heating element.
• 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 controller 208 is configured to control at least one function of the device 202.
• 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 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 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).
• Figure 3 shows a block diagram of the heated tobacco device 301 .
• the device 301 comprises a heater 304 comprising a heating element.
• the device 301 includes a consumable detector sensor 328 and a puff sensor 325.
• a signal from the puff sensor may be used to actuate a change of mode from a first mode to a second mode, or second mode to first mode, after detecting a predetermined puff signal from the user.
• the predetermined puff signal may be a user puff exceeding a puff duration threshold, for example.
• the puff sensor 325 may give a signal to the controller 308 for changing the mode from first to second or from second to first after detecting a predetermined duration of puff.
• the consumable detector sensor 328 is configured to detect various types of consumable or of tobacco.
• the consumable detector sensor 328 may detect the level of nicotine content present in the tobacco.
• the consumable detector sensor 328 may, for example, detect chemicals or molecules to identify the tobacco and/or the level of nicotine content.
• the consumable detector sensor 328 may be a bio-sensor which, in use, is in contact with the consumable and identify type of tobacco or nicotine level.
• the consumable detector sensor 328 may be an aerosol sensor which detects the chemicals present in the aerosol from the consumable to detect the type of tobacco and/or nicotine level.
• the consumable detector sensor 328 is operatively coupled to the controller 308.
• the consumable detector sensor 328 may signal the controller 308 indicating the type of tobacco present in the consumable 202.
• the signal from the consumable detector sensor 328 forms an input to the controller 308, based on which the controller 308 selects an operating mode.
• the controller 308 is configured to operate the heater of the device 202 according to at least two user-selectable operating modes.
• the two user-selectable operating modes are a first and second mode.
• the first may be considered a normal or standard mode.
• a first amount of nicotine is delivered to the user.
• the second mode may be considered a“boost” or“intense” mode.
• As second amount of nicotine is delivered to the user.
• the second amount is greater than the first amount. In other words, the device delivers more nicotine to the user when operating in the second mode than in the first mode.
• the duration of the consumable cycle is higher in the second mode as compared to the first mode.
• the heater is maintained at operating temperature for a longer period in the second mode than in the first mode.
• the device is thus able to deliver a greater amount of nicotine in the second mode than in the first mode. For example, operating the heater in the second mode for 5 mins instead of 4 mins in the first mode. This permits the user to have an‘intense’ consumable cycle during which more nicotine is delivered.
• the consumable cycle is the period in which a single consumable is heated for use by the user.
• the controller 308 in the second mode, is configured to operate the heater at a higher temperature than in in the first mode.
• a higher temperature may lead to a higher nicotine output for each puff taken by the user. The nicotine is thus delivered at higher rate in the second mode than in the first mode.
• the controller 308 may be configured to increase the temperature of the heater 304 by controlling power supply to the heater.
• the second mode can be selected by the user using a user interface of the device.
• the user interface may include at least one of: a button, a touch screen, a motion sensor, or a voice recognition means. Any of these components may be used to select or change the operating mode of the device.
• the device may be configured to change operating mode is response to detecting a predetermined motion of the device performed by the user.
• the device has a default mode, where the default mode is one of the first or second operating modes.
• the device will operate according to the default mode unless and until the user changes the mode (for example, using a user interface of the device).
• the device is configured to allow the user to change the default mode.
• the device is configured to select the default mode based on historic use of the device.
• the controller 208 is configured to operate the heater of the device 201 according to at least two alternative modes.
• the modes may be user selectable modes.
• the two user operating modes are a first and second mode.
• the controller 208 is configured to control heating of the heater 204 within a predetermined range.
• the predetermined range is 140 to 170 °C.
• the controller 208 is configured to deliver mainly the nicotine and flavour in the aerosol/vapour generated from the aerosol forming substrate 202 in the first mode, within minimal or no visibility of the aerosol.
• the second mode is a normal/standard mode, wherein the visibility of the vapour generated from the aerosol forming substrate 202 is higher as compared to the first mode.
• the controller configured to maintain the temperature of the heater more than 170 °C (for example at about 200 °C).
• the controller 208 is configured to operate the device either in a first mode or second mode throughout the entire consumable cycle.
• the operating temperature for the first mode can vary depending on the type of aerosol forming substrate 202 chosen.
• the controller 208 is configured to alter the airflow through the device for changing the pressure drop across the consumable, and ultimately the amount of vapour produced. Altering the airflow creates a pressure drop in the device.
• the pressure drop has a correlation with the visibility of the vapour formed. Accordingly, low pressure drop gives a visible vapour and as the pressure drop increases, the visibility of the vapour reduces. Accordingly, to operate the device in the first mode, the controller 208 adjusts airflow to create a higher pressure drop.
• the device includes a mechanism to control the airflow rate entering the device. Alternatively, the device can control the opening of an inlet port (not shown in figure) of the device to change the pressure drop of the airflow into the device. Similarly, the opening of the airflow passages formed in the device can be altered to change the pressure drop through the device.
• the controller 208 may also be configured to move the heater 204 relative to the aerosol forming substrate 202 so as to change the amount of contact between the heater and the substrate according to the mode selected.
• the amount of contact of the heater in first mode is lesser than in the second mode. That is, in the first mode, the amount of exposure of the aerosol forming substrate to the heater is less as compared to the exposure of the aerosol forming substrate to the heater in the second mode.
• the exposure of the aerosol forming substrate 202 to the heater can alter the visibility of the vapour.
• the reduced exposure of the aerosol forming substrate 202 in the first mode will result in a reduced amount of heat passed to the aerosol forming substrate 202.
• the controller 202 may move the heater 204 relative to the aerosol forming substrate 202 portion to change the amount of contact between heater 204 and the aerosol forming substrate 202.
• the controller can vary the length of the cavity 222 for inserting/holding the aerosol forming substrate / consumable 202 and keep the heater fixed to change the amount of contact between heater and the aerosol forming substrate 202.
• 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%.

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• 2020
  • 2020-03-13 WO PCT/EP2020/056778 patent/WO2020193179A1/en active Application Filing
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