EP4197375A1 - Aerosolabgabevorrichtung - Google Patents

Aerosolabgabevorrichtung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4197375A1
EP4197375A1 EP21215057.7A EP21215057A EP4197375A1 EP 4197375 A1 EP4197375 A1 EP 4197375A1 EP 21215057 A EP21215057 A EP 21215057A EP 4197375 A1 EP4197375 A1 EP 4197375A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
feedback
power source
threshold
aerosol delivery
delivery device
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.)
Ceased
Application number
EP21215057.7A
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English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
designation of the inventor has not yet been filed The
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Imperial Tobacco Group Ltd
Original Assignee
Imperial Tobacco Ltd Great Britain
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Imperial Tobacco Ltd Great Britain filed Critical Imperial Tobacco Ltd Great Britain
Priority to EP21215057.7A priority Critical patent/EP4197375A1/de
Priority to PCT/EP2022/086297 priority patent/WO2023111241A1/en
Publication of EP4197375A1 publication Critical patent/EP4197375A1/de
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • A24F40/60—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
    • A24F40/65—Devices with integrated communication means, e.g. wireless communication means
    • 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
    • A24F40/90—Arrangements or methods specially adapted for charging batteries thereof

Definitions

  • the smoking of tobacco is generally considered to expose a smoker to potentially harmful substances. It is generally thought that a significant amount of the potentially harmful substances are generated through the heat caused by the burning and/or combustion of the tobacco and the constituents of the burnt tobacco in the tobacco smoke itself.
  • Such smoking substitute systems can form part of nicotine replacement therapies aimed at people who wish to stop smoking and overcome a dependence on nicotine.
  • Smoking substitute systems which may also be known as electronic nicotine delivery systems, may comprise electronic systems that permit a user to simulate the act of smoking by producing an aerosol, also referred to as a "vapour", which is drawn into the lungs through the mouth (inhaled) and then exhaled.
  • the inhaled aerosol typically bears nicotine and/or flavourings without, or with fewer of, the odour and health risks associated with traditional smoking.
  • smoking substitute systems are intended to provide a substitute for the rituals of smoking, whilst providing the user with a similar experience and satisfaction to those experienced with traditional smoking and tobacco products.
  • smoking substitute systems are designed to resemble a traditional cigarette and are cylindrical in form with a mouthpiece at one end.
  • Other smoking substitute systems do not generally resemble a cigarette (for example, the smoking substitute device may have a generally box-like form).
  • a typical vaping smoking substitute system includes a mouthpiece, a power source (typically a battery), a tank or liquid reservoir for containing e-liquid, as well as a heater.
  • a power source typically a battery
  • a tank or liquid reservoir for containing e-liquid as well as a heater.
  • electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the heater, which heats the e-liquid to produce an aerosol (or "vapour") which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
  • Vaping smoking substitute systems can be configured in a variety of ways.
  • there are "closed system" vaping smoking substitute systems which typically have a heater and a sealed tank which is pre-filled with e-liquid and is not intended to be refilled by an end user.
  • One subset of closed system vaping smoking substitute systems include a device which includes the power source, wherein the device is configured to be physically and electrically coupled to a component including the tank and the heater. In this way, when the tank of a component has been emptied, the device can be reused by connecting it to a new component.
  • Another subset of closed system vaping smoking substitute systems are completely disposable and intended for one-use only.
  • vaping smoking substitute systems which typically have a tank that is configured to be refilled by a user, so the system can be used multiple times.
  • An example vaping smoking substitute system is the myblu TM e-cigarette.
  • the myblu TM e cigarette is a closed system which includes a device and a consumable component.
  • the device and consumable component are physically and electrically coupled together by pushing the consumable component into the device.
  • the device includes a rechargeable battery.
  • the consumable component includes a mouthpiece, a sealed tank which contains e-liquid, as well as a vaporiser, which for this system is a heating filament coiled around a portion of a wick which is partially immersed in the e-liquid.
  • the system is activated when a microprocessor on board the device detects a user inhaling through the mouthpiece. When the system is activated, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the vaporiser, which heats e-liquid from the tank to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
  • the blu PRO TM e-cigarette is an open system which includes a device, a (refillable) tank, and a mouthpiece.
  • the device and tank are physically and electrically coupled together by screwing one to the other.
  • the mouthpiece and refillable tank are physically coupled together by screwing one into the other, and detaching the mouthpiece from the refillable tank allows the tank to be refilled with e-liquid.
  • the system is activated by a button on the device. When the system is activated, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to a vaporiser, which heats e-liquid from the tank to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
  • HT Heated Tobacco
  • HNB heat not burn
  • the tobacco may be leaf tobacco or reconstituted tobacco.
  • the intention is that the tobacco is heated but not burned, i.e. the tobacco does not undergo combustion.
  • the heating, as opposed to burning, of the tobacco material is believed to cause fewer, or smaller quantities, of the more harmful compounds ordinarily produced during smoking. Consequently, the HT approach may reduce the odour and/or health risks that can arise through the burning, combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco.
  • a typical HT smoking substitute system may include a device and a consumable component.
  • the consumable component may include the tobacco material.
  • the device and consumable component 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 component (entrained in the airflow) from the location of vaporization to an outlet of the component (e.g. a mouthpiece), the vapour cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user.
  • the aerosol may contain nicotine and/or flavour compounds.
  • Some aerosol delivery devices/systems are able to provide feedback to the user about the state of the aerosol delivery device/system. This may be visual feedback, or haptic feedback, for example. This feedback may be of limited use to the user, e.g. if the information provided by the feedback is not detailed enough, or does not include the information that the user wants.
  • an aerosol delivery device e.g. a smoking substitute device comprising:
  • a charge status of the power source may be provided to the user as the charge status drops below different predefined thresholds.
  • the user can be made aware of the charge status of the power source as it drops below such predefined thresholds.
  • the user is therefore able to keep up to date with the charge status of their aerosol delivery device. This may help to avoid situations in which the aerosol delivery device runs out of power without sufficient warning to the user.
  • the user feedback element may comprise at least one visual user feedback element.
  • the first feedback may be a first visual feedback
  • the second feedback may be a second visual feedback, wherein the first visual feedback is different from the second visual feedback.
  • the visual user feedback element may comprise one or more lights, e.g. one or more LEDs, for example.
  • the first visual feedback and the second visual feedback may comprise different colour light.
  • the first visual feedback may comprise amber light, indicating that the charge status of the power source has dropped below a first higher threshold
  • the second visual feedback may comprise red light, indicating that the charge status of the power source has dropped below a second lower threshold.
  • the visual user feedback element may be configured to emit the first and second user feedback having different colours.
  • the visual user feedback element may comprise red, green and blue LEDs (an RGB LED). Amber light may be generated by combining light emitted from the red and green LEDs. Red light may be generated by the light emitted from the red LED only. Therefore, when there the power source has a higher charge status, two LEDs may be switched on to provide the amber light feedback, whereas when the power source has a lower charge status, only one LED is switched on to provide the red light feedback. Thus, the power requirements of the visual user feedback element are reduced as the charge status of the power source decreases, increasing the timespan of the remaining charge.
  • the first visual feedback and the second visual feedback may comprise light having different flashing patterns.
  • the first visual feedback may comprise three flashes of light
  • the second visual feedback may comprise five flashes of light.
  • the user feedback element may comprise a haptic feedback generation unit, e.g. an electric motor and a weight mounted eccentrically on a shaft of the electric motor.
  • the first feedback and second feedback may comprise different vibration patterns and/or vibration intensities.
  • the user feedback element may comprise an audible user feedback element.
  • the audible user feedback element may comprise a speaker.
  • the first feedback and second feedback may comprise different sounds, e.g. sound of different pitches, different types of sound, and/or spoken word indicating the charge status of the power source.
  • the aerosol delivery device may comprise a plurality of user feedback elements.
  • the aerosol delivery device may comprise a visual user feedback element configured to provide the first and second feedback, and also a haptic feedback generation unit.
  • the controller may be configured to control the haptic feedback generation unit to provide haptic feedback when the charge status of the power source drops below the first threshold and/or the second threshold.
  • the aerosol delivery device may both vibrate and provide a visual indication of the charge status of the power source when the charge status of the power source drops below predefined thresholds. Also providing haptic feedback provides improved communication with a user, e.g. in case the user misses a change in visual feedback.
  • the controller may be configured to control the user feedback element to provide a third feedback when the charge status of the power device drops below a third threshold lower than the second threshold.
  • the third feedback may be different from the first feedback and the second feedback. This further improves the feedback provided to the user.
  • the controller may be configured to control the user feedback element to continually provide the first feedback when the charge status of the power source is between the first threshold and the second threshold.
  • the controller may be configured to control the user feedback element to continually provide the second feedback when the charge status of the power source is less than the second threshold.
  • the controller may be configured to control the user feedback element to continually provide the third feedback when the charge status of the power source is less than the third threshold.
  • the controller may be configured to control the user feedback element to continually provide a fourth feedback when the charge status of the power source is greater than the first threshold, wherein the fourth feedback is different from the first feedback and the second feedback (and the third feedback).
  • the controller may be configured to provide the first feedback and second feedback only for a predefined period of time (e.g. 5 seconds) when the charge status of the power source drops below the first threshold and the second threshold, respectively.
  • the controller may be configured to provide the third feedback only for a predefined period of time (e.g. 5 seconds) when the charge status of the power source drops below the third threshold.
  • the device may comprise a charging connection for connection to an external power supply for recharging of the power source.
  • the charging connection may be a charging connection port, such as a USB port. It may be configured to connect to (e.g. receive) a charging cable, for example.
  • controller may be configured to, when a charging cable is connected to the charging connection port, control the user feedback element to:
  • the controller may be configured to control the haptic feedback generation unit to provide haptic feedback when a charging cable is connected to the charging connection port.
  • the controller may be configured to control the haptic feedback generation unit to provide haptic feedback when a charging cable is correctly connected to the charging connection port, e.g. such that the power supply is charged by power received via the charging connection port.
  • connection of a charging cable to the charging connection port is to be understood as the transition from a charging cable being unconnected to the charging connection port, to the charging cable being connected to the charging connection port.
  • the controller may be configured to control the user feedback element to provide a fifth feedback when the power source reaches full charge.
  • the fifth feedback may be different from the first feedback and the second feedback. It may be different from the third feedback and/or the fourth feedback.
  • the fifth feedback may be visual feedback, for example white light.
  • the aerosol delivery device may vibrate, and white light may be emitted from the visual user feedback element.
  • the controller may be configured to control the visual user feedback element to provide the fifth feedback (e.g. white light) for a predefined period, for example 5 minutes.
  • the user can be made aware of the charging status of the power supply of the aerosol delivery device, whenever a consumable component is connected to the aerosol delivery device. It may also provide the user with confirmation that the consumable component has been correctly received by the aerosol delivery device.
  • connection of a consumable component to the aerosol delivery device is to be understood as the transition from a consumable component being unconnected to the aerosol delivery device, to the consumable component being connected to the aerosol delivery device.
  • the controller may be configured to control the haptic feedback generation unit to provide haptic feedback when a consumable component is connected to the aerosol delivery device. As such, the user is provided with further feedback indicating that the aerosol delivery device has accepted the consumable component.
  • the device comprises the source of power which may be a battery.
  • the source of power may be a capacitor.
  • the power source may be a rechargeable power source.
  • the device may comprise a device body for housing the power source and/or other electrical components.
  • the device body may be an elongate body i.e. with a greater length than depth/width. It may have a greater width than depth.
  • the device body may have a length of between 5 and 30 cm e.g. between 5 and 10 cm such as between 7 and 9 cm.
  • the maximum depth of the device body may be between 5 and 15 mm e.g. between 9 and 12 mm.
  • the device body may have a substantially oval transverse cross-sectional shape.
  • the device may include the controller.
  • the controller may be configured to control the haptic feedback generation unit to generate the haptic feedback in response to the detection of movement of the device by the movement detection unit.
  • a memory may be provided and may be operatively connected to the controller.
  • the memory may include non-volatile memory.
  • the memory may include instructions which, when implemented, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.
  • the device may comprise an airflow (i.e. puff) sensor that is configured to detect a puff (i.e. inhalation from a user).
  • the airflow sensor may be operatively connected to the controller so as to be able to provide a signal to the controller that is indicative of a puff state (i.e. puffing or not puffing).
  • the airflow sensor may, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor.
  • the controller may control power supply to a vaporiser in response to airflow detection by the sensor.
  • the control may be in the form of activation of the vaporiser in response to a detected airflow.
  • the device may comprise an electrical connection (e.g. one or more contact pins) for connection of the power source to the vaporiser.
  • an electrical connection e.g. one or more contact pins
  • the device may comprise a chassis within the device body and one or more of the electrical components of the device (e.g. one or more of the power source, charging connection, visual feedback element, movement detection unit, haptic feedback generation unit, controller, memory, wireless interface, puff sensor and/or electrical connection) may be mounted on or affixed to the chassis.
  • the electrical components of the device e.g. one or more of the power source, charging connection, visual feedback element, movement detection unit, haptic feedback generation unit, controller, memory, wireless interface, puff sensor and/or electrical connection
  • the component may be an aerosol-delivery (e.g. a smoking substitute) consumable i.e. in some embodiments the component may be a consumable component for engagement with the aerosol-delivery (e.g. a smoking substitute) device to form the aerosol-delivery (e.g. smoking substitute) system.
  • aerosol-delivery e.g. a smoking substitute
  • the component may be a consumable component for engagement with the aerosol-delivery (e.g. a smoking substitute) device to form the aerosol-delivery (e.g. smoking substitute) system.
  • the device may be configured to receive the consumable component.
  • the device and the consumable component may be configured to be physically coupled together.
  • the consumable component may be at least partially received in a recess of the device (e.g. in a recess defined by the device housing).
  • There may be a snap engagement between the device and the consumable component.
  • the device and the consumable component may be physically coupled together by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting.
  • the consumable component may comprise one or more engagement portions for engaging with the device.
  • the device and consumable component may be coupled together by magnetic attraction.
  • the device may comprise at least one magnet whilst the component may comprise a magnet or ferrous plate.
  • the consumable component may comprise a vaporiser.
  • the vaporiser may comprise a heating element.
  • the vaporiser may comprise an ultrasonic or flow expansion unit, or an induction heating system.
  • the device may alternatively or additionally be able to detect information about the consumable component via an RFID reader, a barcode or QR code reader.
  • This interface may be able to identify a characteristic (e.g. a type) of the consumable.
  • the consumable component may include any one or more of an RFID chip, a barcode or QR code, or memory within which is an identifier and which can be interrogated via the interface.
  • the component may be integrally formed with the aerosol-delivery (e.g. a smoking substitute) device to form the aerosol-delivery (e.g. smoking substitute) system.
  • the aerosol-delivery e.g. a smoking substitute
  • the aerosol-delivery device e.g. a smoking substitute
  • the aerosol former e.g. e-liquid
  • the aerosol former may be replenished by re-filling a tank that is integral with the device (rather than replacing the consumable).
  • Access to the tank (for re-filling of the e-liquid) may be provided via e.g. an opening to the tank that is sealable with a closure (e.g. a cap).
  • references to "downstream” in relation to the airflow path are intended to refer to the direction towards the outlet/mouthpiece portion.
  • the second portion of the airflow path is downstream of the first portion of the airflow path.
  • references to "upstream” are intended to refer to the direction towards the air inlet.
  • the first portion of the airflow path (and the air inlet) is upstream of the second portion of the airflow path (and the outlet/mouthpiece portion).
  • references to "upper”, “lower”, “above” or “below” are intended to refer to the component when in an upright/vertical orientation i.e. with elongate (longitudinal/length) axis of the component vertically aligned and with the mouthpiece vertically uppermost.
  • the component may comprise a tank for housing the aerosol precursor (e.g. a liquid aerosol precursor).
  • the aerosol precursor may comprise an e-liquid, for example, comprising a base liquid and e.g. nicotine.
  • the base liquid may include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.
  • the conduit may extend through the tank with the conduit walls defining an inner region of the tank.
  • the tank may surround the conduit e.g. the tank may be annular.
  • the air flow path passes (e.g. passes over or around) the vaporiser between the air inlet and the outlet.
  • the vaporiser may be within a vaporiser chamber which may form part of the airflow pathway.
  • the vaporiser may comprise a wick.
  • the wick may form the base of the tank so that the aerosol precursor may be in contact with the wick.
  • the wick may comprise one or more channels on its upper surface (facing the tank), the channels being in fluid communication with the tank.
  • the wick may have a length and width defining its upper surface with a depth aligned with the longitudinal axis of the component.
  • the upper surface and opposing lower surface of the wick may lie in respective planes that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of component and longitudinal to the first and third portions of the airflow path.
  • the wick may comprise a porous material e.g. a ceramic material.
  • a portion of the wick e.g. at least a portion of the lower surface and/or at least a portion of at least one side wall extending between the upper and lower surface (in a depth direction) may be exposed to airflow in the second portion of the airflow path.
  • the heating element may be in the form of a heater track on the wick e.g. on the lower surface of the wick.
  • the wick may be a cylindrical, porous wick e.g. formed of cotton or ceramic. It may be oriented so as to extend in the direction of the width dimension of the component (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component). Thus the wick may extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of airflow in the airflow path. Opposing ends of the wick may protrude into the tank and a central portion (between the ends) may extend across the airflow path so as to be exposed to airflow. Thus, fluid may be drawn (e.g. by capillary action) along the wick, from the tank to the exposed portion of the wick.
  • the heating element may be in the form of a filament wound about the wick (e.g. the filament may extend helically about the wick). The filament may be wound about the exposed portion of the wick.
  • the heating element may be electrically connected (or connectable) to the power source.
  • the power source may supply electricity to (i.e. apply a voltage across) the heating element so as to heat the heating element.
  • This may cause liquid stored in the wick (i.e. drawn from the tank) to be heated so as to form a vapour and become entrained in airflow along the airflow path.
  • This vapour may subsequently cool to form an aerosol e.g. in the conduit.
  • a method of using the aerosol-delivery (e.g. smoking substitute) system comprising engaging the consumable component with an aerosol-delivery (e.g. smoking substitute) device (as described above) having a power source so as to electrically connect the power source to the consumable component (i.e. to the vaporiser of the consumable component).
  • an aerosol-delivery (e.g. smoking substitute) device as described above
  • having a power source so as to electrically connect the power source to the consumable component (i.e. to the vaporiser of the consumable component).
  • the invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.
  • Fig. 1A shows a first embodiment of a smoking substitute system 100.
  • the smoking substitute system 100 includes a device 102 and a component 104.
  • the component 104 may alternatively be referred to as a "pod", “cartridge” or “cartomizer”. It should be appreciated that in other examples (i.e. open systems), the device may be integral with the component. In such systems, a tank of the aerosol delivery system may be accessible for refilling the device.
  • the smoking substitute system 100 is a closed system vaping system, wherein the component 104 includes a sealed tank 106 and is intended for single-use only.
  • the component 104 is removably engageable with the device 102 (i.e. for removal and replacement).
  • Fig. 1A shows the smoking substitute system 100 with the device 102 physically coupled to the component 104
  • Fig. 1B shows the device 102 of the smoking substitute system 100 without the component 104
  • Fig. 1C shows the component 104 of the smoking substitute system 100 without the device 102.
  • the device 102 and the component 104 are configured to be physically coupled together by pushing the component 104 into a cavity at an upper end 108 of the device 102, such that there is an interference fit between the device 102 and the component 104.
  • the device 102 and the component may be coupled by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting.
  • the component 104 includes a mouthpiece portion at an upper end 109 of the component 104, and one or more air inlets (not shown) in fluid communication with the mouthpiece portion such that air can be drawn into and through the component 104 when a user inhales through the mouthpiece portion.
  • the tank 106 containing e-liquid is located at the lower end 111 of the component 104.
  • the lower end 110 of the device 102 also includes a light 116 (e.g. an LED) located behind a small translucent cover.
  • the light 116 may be configured to illuminate when the smoking substitute system 100 is activated and/or when charging.
  • the component 104 may identify itself to the device 102, via an electrical interface, RFID chip, or barcode.
  • the lower end 110 of the device 102 also includes a charging connection 115, which is usable to charge a battery within the device 102.
  • the charging connection 115 can also be used to transfer data to and from the device, for example to update firmware thereon.
  • Figs. 2A and 2B are schematic drawings of the device 102 and component 104.
  • the device 102 includes a power source 118, a controller 120, a memory 122, a wireless interface 124, an electrical interface 126, and, optionally, one or more additional components 128.
  • the power source 118 is preferably a battery, more preferably a rechargeable battery.
  • the controller 120 may include a microprocessor, for example.
  • the memory 122 preferably includes non-volatile memory.
  • the memory may include instructions which, when implemented, cause the controller 120 to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.
  • the wireless interface 124 is preferably configured to communicate wirelessly with another device, for example a mobile device, e.g. via Bluetooth ® .
  • the wireless interface 124 could include a Bluetooth ® antenna.
  • Other wireless communication interfaces, e.g. WiFi ® are also possible.
  • the wireless interface 124 may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote server.
  • the electrical interface 126 of the device 102 may include one or more electrical contacts.
  • the electrical interface 126 may be located in a base of the aperture in the upper end 108 of the device 102.
  • the electrical interface 126 is configured to transfer electrical power from the power source 118 to the component 104 (i.e. upon activation of the smoking substitute system 100).
  • the electrical interface 126 may also be used to identify the component 104 from a list of known components.
  • the component 104 may be a particular flavour and/or have a certain concentration of nicotine (which may be identified by the electrical interface 126). This can be indicated to the controller 120 of the device 102 when the component 104 is connected to the device 102.
  • the additional components 128 of the device 102 may comprise the light 116 discussed above.
  • the additional components 128 of the device 102 also comprises the charging connection 115 configured to receive power from the charging station (i.e. when the power source 118 is a rechargeable battery). This may be located at the lower end 110 of the device 102.
  • the additional components 128 of the device 102 may, if the power source 118 is a rechargeable battery, include a battery charging control circuit, for controlling the charging of the rechargeable battery.
  • a battery charging control circuit could equally be located in a charging station (if present).
  • the additional components 128 of the device 102 may include a sensor, such as an airflow (i.e. puff) sensor for detecting airflow in the smoking substitute system 100, e.g. caused by a user inhaling through a mouthpiece portion 136 of the component 104.
  • the smoking substitute system 100 may be configured to be activated when airflow is detected by the airflow sensor.
  • This sensor could alternatively be included in the component 104.
  • the airflow sensor can be used to determine, for example, how heavily a user draws on the mouthpiece or how many times a user draws on the mouthpiece in a particular time period.
  • the additional components 128 of the device 102 may include a user input, e.g. a button.
  • the smoking substitute system 100 may be configured to be activated when a user interacts with the user input (e.g. presses the button). This provides an alternative to the airflow sensor as a mechanism for activating the smoking substitute system 100.
  • the component 104 includes the tank 106, an electrical interface 130, a vaporiser 132, one or more air inlets 134, a mouthpiece portion 136, and one or more additional components 138.
  • the electrical interface 130 of the component 104 may include one or more electrical contacts.
  • the electrical interface 126 of the device 102 and an electrical interface 130 of the component 104 are configured to contact each other and thereby electrically couple the device 102 to the component 104 when the lower end 111 of the component 104 is inserted into the upper end 108 of the device 102 (as shown in Fig. 1A ).
  • electrical energy e.g. in the form of an electrical current
  • the vaporiser 132 is configured to heat and vaporise e-liquid contained in the tank 106 using electrical energy supplied from the power source 118. As will be described further below, the vaporiser 132 includes a heating filament and a wick. The wick draws e-liquid from the tank 106 and the heating filament heats the e-liquid to vaporise the e-liquid.
  • the one or more air inlets 134 are preferably configured to allow air to be drawn into the smoking substitute system 100, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece portion 136.
  • the air inlets 134 receive air, which flows to the air inlets 134 along a gap between the device 102 and the lower end 111 of the component 104.
  • a user activates the smoking substitute system 100, e.g. through interaction with a user input forming part of the device 102 or by inhaling through the mouthpiece portion 136 as described above.
  • the controller 120 may supply electrical energy from the power source 118 to the vaporiser 132 (via electrical interfaces 126, 130), which may cause the vaporiser 132 to heat e-liquid drawn from the tank 106 to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece portion 136.
  • An example of one of the one or more additional components 138 of the component 104 is an interface for obtaining an identifier of the component 104.
  • this interface may be, for example, an RFID reader, a barcode, a QR code reader, or an electronic interface which is able to identify the component.
  • the component 104 may, therefore include any one or more of an RFID chip, a barcode or QR code, or memory within which is an identifier and which can be interrogated via the electronic interface in the device 102.
  • the smoking substitute system 100 shown in figures 1A to 2B is just one exemplary implementation of a smoking substitute system.
  • the system could otherwise be in the form of an entirely disposable (single-use) system or an open system in which the tank is refillable (rather than replaceable).
  • Fig. 3 is a schematic view of an example of the component 104 described above.
  • the component 104 comprises a tank 106 for storing e-liquid, a mouthpiece portion 136 and a conduit 140 extending along a longitudinal axis of the component 104.
  • the conduit 140 is in the form of a tube having a substantially circular transverse cross-section (i.e. transverse to the longitudinal axis).
  • the tank 106 surrounds the conduit 140, such that the conduit 140 extends centrally through the tank 106.
  • a component housing 142 defines an outer casing of the component 104.
  • the component housing 142 extends from a lower shell 158 at the lower end 111 of the component 104 to the mouthpiece portion 136 at the upper end 109 of the component 104.
  • the component housing may define a lip or shoulder which acts as a stop feature when the component 104 is inserted into the device 102 (i.e. by contact with an upper edge of the device 102).
  • the tank 106, the conduit 140 and the mouthpiece portion 136 are integrally formed with each other so as to form a single unitary component and may e.g. be formed by way of an injection moulding process.
  • a component may be formed of a thermoplastic material.
  • the mouthpiece portion 136 comprises a mouthpiece aperture 148 defining an outlet of the conduit 140.
  • the vaporiser 132 is downstream of the inlet 134 of the component 104 and is fluidly connected to the mouthpiece aperture 148 (i.e. outlet) by the conduit 140.
  • the vaporiser 132 comprises a porous ceramic wick and a heater track (not shown) printed onto the bottom surface (facing the inlet 34) of the ceramic wick.
  • the vaporiser 132 forms the base of the tank 106 so that the aerosol precursor is in contact with the wick and liquid aerosol precursor can move axially into the wick.
  • the vaporiser 132 comprises a porous cylindrical wick with a coiled heating filament, the wick extending into an annular portion of the tank surrounding the vaporiser so that liquid aerosol precursor can move radially into the wick.
  • the aerosol precursor is heated by the heater track or heating filament (when activated e.g. by detection of inhalation), which causes the aerosol precursor to be vaporised and to be entrained in air flowing past the wick. This vaporised liquid may cool to form an aerosol in the conduit 140, which may then be inhaled by a user.
  • the lower shell 158 of the component housing 142 has an opening that accommodates the electrical interface 119 of the consumable component 102 comprising two electrical contacts 136a, 136b that are electrically connected to the heater track. In this way, when the consumable component 104 is engaged with the device 102, power can be supplied from the power source 118 of the device to the heater track/heating filament.
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic illustrating feedback provided by the device 102 to the user, for indicating a charge level of the power source 118.
  • the device 102 may comprise two LEDs 116a, 116b, and a haptic feedback generation unit.
  • the LEDs 116a, 116b may be RGB LEDs.
  • a plurality of predefined charge status thresholds may be stored in memory 122.
  • the example shown in Fig. 4 includes 4 thresholds; e.g. 75%, 50%, 25% and 10% charge status.
  • the controller may control the haptic feedback generation unit to provide haptic feedback (e.g. to vibrate).
  • the controller may also be configured to control the LEDs 116a, 116b to provide visual feedback indicating a current charge status of the power source.
  • the two LEDs 116a, 116b may be configured to emit blue light (see e.g. state 200a of Fig. 3 ).
  • the two LEDs 116a, 116b may be configured to emit amber light (see e.g. state 200b of Fig. 3 ).
  • the second and third predefined thresholds e.g.
  • one of the LEDs 116a may be configured to turn off, and the other LED 116b may be configured to emit amber light (see e.g. state 200c of Fig. 3 ).
  • the two LEDs 116a, 116b may be configured to emit red light (see e.g. state 200d of Fig. 3 ).
  • the fourth predefined threshold e.g. less than 10%
  • one of the LEDs 116a may be configured to turn off, and the other LED 116b may be configured to emit red light (see e.g. state 200e of Fig. 3 ).
  • the state of the LEDs 116a, 116b may change as the current charge status of the power source 118 falls below each predefined threshold.
  • the device 102 comprises a charging connection 115 such as a USB port.
  • Fig. 5 is a schematic illustrating feedback provided by the device 102 when a charging cable connected to an external power source is connected to the charging connection 115 such that the power source 118 is charged.
  • State 210a illustrates the device when a charging cable 215 is not connected to the charging connection 115.
  • the LEDs 116a, 116b (described above with reference to Fig. 4 ) may not emit light in this state.
  • the device may comprise only a single LED 116, rather than two LEDs.
  • the controller may be configured to control the haptic feedback generation unit to provide haptic feedback (e.g. a vibration) to indicate that the charging cable 215 is correctly inserted such that the power supply 188 is charging.
  • the haptic feedback generation unit may also provide haptic feedback (e.g. a vibration) when the power supply 118 is fully charged.
  • the one or more LEDs may also provide feedback indicating a current charge level of the power supply 118 when the charging cable is first attached to the charging connection 115 and also whilst the charging cable remains attached to the charging connection 115 (see e.g. state 210b-210e).
  • the one or more LEDs emit red light if the current charge status of the power supply is below a lower predefined threshold (e.g. below 25%), see e.g. state 210b of Fig. 5 .
  • the one or more LEDs emit amber light if the current charge status of the power supply is between the lower predefined threshold and a higher predefined threshold (e.g. between 25% and 50%), see e.g. state 210c of Fig. 5 .
  • the one or more LEDs emit blue light if the current charge status of the power supply is above the higher predefined threshold (e.g. above 50%), see e.g. state 210d of Fig. 5 .
  • the one or more LEDs may emit white light, see e.g. state 210e of Fig. 5 .
  • the haptic feedback generation unit may also provide haptic feedback too.
  • the one or more LEDs may emit the white light for a predefined period, e.g. 5 minutes. Once the predefined period has passed since the power supply has reached full charge, the one or more LEDs may switch off, see e.g. state 210f of Fig. 5 . If the charging cable is detached and reattached to the charging connection 115, the LEDs may be configured to switch back on to indicate the current charge status (e.g. to emit white light if the power supply 118 is fully charged).
  • the device 102 may also provide feedback when a component 104 is inserted into the device 102. This feedback is illustrated in a schematic shown in FIG. 6 .
  • State 220a illustrates the system in the state where a consumable component 104 is not received in the device 102.
  • the one or more LEDs 116a, 116b may not emit light in this state.
  • the controller may be configured to control the haptic feedback generation unit to provide haptic feedback (e.g. a vibration) to indicate that the consumable component is correctly inserted.
  • haptic feedback e.g. a vibration
  • the one or more LEDs may also provide feedback indicating a current charge level of the power supply 118 when the consumable component 104 is inserted (see e.g. states 220b-220d). For example, when the consumable component 104 is inserted when the current charge status of the power supply 118 is above a higher predefined threshold, the one or more LEDs may be configured to emit blue light (see e.g. state 220b of Fig. 6 ). When the consumable component is inserted when the current charge status of the power supply 118 is between the higher predefined threshold and a lower predefined threshold, the one or more LEDs may be configured to emit amber light (see e.g. state 220c of Fig. 6 ). When the consumable component is inserted when the current charge status of the power supply is below the lower predefined threshold, the one or more LEDs may be configured to emit red light (see e.g. state 220d of Fig. 6 ).
  • the user is frequently provided with feedback indicating the charge status of the power source 118 during use.
  • feedback indicating the charge status is provided (i) when a consumable component is inserted, (ii) when a charging cable is inserted; and/or (iii) when the power source charge level falls below predefined thresholds.
  • improved communication of the power source charge status to the user is provided.
  • the colours of light set out above are an example; other colours may be used to indicate the different charge statuses of the device.
  • the different charge statuses of the power supply may be indicated by different light intensities and/or different flashing patterns, instead or in addition to different colours.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
EP21215057.7A 2021-12-16 2021-12-16 Aerosolabgabevorrichtung Ceased EP4197375A1 (de)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21215057.7A EP4197375A1 (de) 2021-12-16 2021-12-16 Aerosolabgabevorrichtung
PCT/EP2022/086297 WO2023111241A1 (en) 2021-12-16 2022-12-16 Aerosol delivery device

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP21215057.7A EP4197375A1 (de) 2021-12-16 2021-12-16 Aerosolabgabevorrichtung

Publications (1)

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EP4197375A1 true EP4197375A1 (de) 2023-06-21

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Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150272223A1 (en) * 2014-03-28 2015-10-01 Aaron Arye Weigensberg Systems and methods for providing battery voltage indication in an electronic vapor device
WO2017205838A1 (en) * 2016-05-26 2017-11-30 Pax Labs, Inc. Devices for vaporization of a substance
EP3378339A1 (de) * 2013-12-03 2018-09-26 Philip Morris Products S.a.s. Aerosolerzeugungsartikel und elektrisch betriebenes system mit einem markierungselement
US20200245688A1 (en) * 2017-10-23 2020-08-06 Japan Tobacco Inc. Inhalation component generation device, method of controlling inhalation component generation device, and program
WO2021089855A1 (en) * 2019-11-08 2021-05-14 Nerudia Limited Aerosol delivery device/system
EP3834639A1 (de) * 2019-12-13 2021-06-16 Nerudia Limited Aerosolabgabesystem
WO2021116687A1 (en) * 2019-12-10 2021-06-17 Nicoventures Trading Limited Power level indication in a device for an electronic aerosol provision system
EP3838019A1 (de) * 2019-12-20 2021-06-23 Nerudia Limited Aerosolabgabevorrichtung mit visuellen rückkopplungsmitteln

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP3378339A1 (de) * 2013-12-03 2018-09-26 Philip Morris Products S.a.s. Aerosolerzeugungsartikel und elektrisch betriebenes system mit einem markierungselement
US20150272223A1 (en) * 2014-03-28 2015-10-01 Aaron Arye Weigensberg Systems and methods for providing battery voltage indication in an electronic vapor device
WO2017205838A1 (en) * 2016-05-26 2017-11-30 Pax Labs, Inc. Devices for vaporization of a substance
US20200245688A1 (en) * 2017-10-23 2020-08-06 Japan Tobacco Inc. Inhalation component generation device, method of controlling inhalation component generation device, and program
WO2021089855A1 (en) * 2019-11-08 2021-05-14 Nerudia Limited Aerosol delivery device/system
WO2021116687A1 (en) * 2019-12-10 2021-06-17 Nicoventures Trading Limited Power level indication in a device for an electronic aerosol provision system
EP3834639A1 (de) * 2019-12-13 2021-06-16 Nerudia Limited Aerosolabgabesystem
EP3838019A1 (de) * 2019-12-20 2021-06-23 Nerudia Limited Aerosolabgabevorrichtung mit visuellen rückkopplungsmitteln

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