EP4591738A1

EP4591738A1 - Aerosol provision system

Info

Publication number: EP4591738A1
Application number: EP24153982.4A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Richard HAINES; Damyn Musgrave; Keiann WILLIAMS; Kate DARLINGTON; Mohammed Al-Amin; David Bishop; Jack Warren; Jonathan STAFFORD; Mahmoud ABOUKHEDR; Christopher Hughes
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2024-01-25
Filing date: 2024-01-25
Publication date: 2025-07-30
Also published as: GB202411096D0

Abstract

Described is an aerosol provision system configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, wherein the aerosol provision system includes a heater element configured to generate heat for aerosolising an aerosol-generating material; monitoring circuitry configured to monitor an electrical parameter of the heater element during activation of the heater element; and fault detection circuitry configured to detect a fault in the heater element on the basis of the monitored electrical parameter of the heater element. The fault detection circuitry is configured to determine a fault in the heater element has been detected based on identifying a characteristic indicative of a fault condition in the monitored electrical parameter during activation of the heater element. Also described is an aerosol provision device, and a method of operation.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to non-combustible aerosol provision systems. In particular, the present disclosure relates to selective energisation of aerosol generators for use in a non-combustible aerosol provision system.

BACKGROUND

Non-combustible aerosol provision systems that generate an aerosol for inhalation by a user are known in the art. Such systems typically comprise an aerosol generator which is capable of converting an aerosol-generating material into an aerosol. In some instances, the aerosol generated is a condensation aerosol whereby an aerosol-generating material is first vaporised and then allowed to condense into an aerosol. In other instances, the aerosol generated is an aerosol which results from the atomisation of the aerosol-generating material. Such atomisation may be induced mechanically, e.g. by subjecting the aerosol-generating material to vibrations so as to form small particles of material that are entrained in airflow. Alternatively, such atomisation may be induced electrostatically, or in other ways, such as by using pressure.
Aerosol generators, particularly heater elements, are the primary component responsible for aerosol generation in aerosol provision systems. The successful delivery of aerosol is dependent on the aerosol generator functioning correctly. In addition, particularly with heating elements which can reach temperatures of upwards of 200°C in some cases, the overall safety of the aerosol provision system can be severely impacted if the aerosol generator does not function correctly.
Various approaches are described which seek to help address some of these issues.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol provision system configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol provision system includes a heater element configured to generate heat for aerosolising an aerosol-generating material; monitoring circuitry configured to monitor an electrical parameter of the heater element during activation of the heater element; and fault detection circuitry configured to detect a fault in the heater element on the basis of the monitored electrical parameter of the heater element. The fault detection circuitry is configured to determine a fault in the heater element has been detected based on identifying a characteristic indicative of a fault condition in the monitored electrical parameter during activation of the heater element.
In some examples the characteristic indicative of a fault condition includes a non-zero rate of change of the electrical parameter greater than or less than a predetermined threshold for a predetermined time period.
In some examples, the characteristic indicative of a fault condition comprises a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the first portion has a greater rate of change of the electrical parameter than the second portion.
In some examples, the first portion is a portion starting from initial activation of the heater element and the second portion is a subsequent portion in time.
In some examples, activation of the heater element includes supplying power from a power source of the aerosol provision system to cause the heater element to heat to an operational temperature for aerosolising aerosol-generating material.
In some examples, the electrical parameter includes at least one of: an electrical resistance and an inductance.
In some examples, the fault detection circuitry is configured to identify a characteristic indicative of a fault condition by comparing the monitored electrical parameter during activation of the heater element to an expected value or values of the electrical parameter during an activation of the heater element set in advance.
In some examples, the characteristic is identified when the monitored electrical parameter deviates from the expected value or values by a predetermined amount. In some examples, the heater element is, or comprises, a carbon foam.
In some examples, in response to determining a fault condition, the control circuitry is configured to prevent further activation of the heater element.
In some examples, in response to determining a fault condition, the control circuitry is configured to cause an alert to be provided to the user.
According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol provision device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol provision device includes monitoring circuitry configured to monitor an electrical parameter of a heater element during activation of the heater element, wherein the heater element is configured to generate heat for aerosolising an aerosol-generating material; and fault detection circuitry configured to detect a fault in the heater element on the basis of the monitored electrical parameter of the heater element. The fault detection circuitry is configured to determine a fault in the heater element has been detected based on identifying a characteristic indicative of a fault condition in the monitored electrical parameter during activation of the heater element.
In some examples, the aerosol provision device is configured to receive a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material.
In some examples, the consumable comprises the heater element.
According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for detecting a fault in a heater element for an aerosol provision system. The method includes providing a heater element; activating the heater element by applying power to the heater element to cause heating of the heater element; monitoring an electrical parameter of the heater element during activation of the heater element; and determining a fault in the heater element based on identifying a characteristic indicative of a fault condition in the monitored electrical parameter during activation of the heater element.
According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol provision means configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol provision means includes heater means configured to generate heat for aerosolising an aerosol-generating material; monitoring means configured to monitor an electrical parameter of the heater means during activation of the heater means; and fault detection means configured to detect a fault in the heater means on the basis of the monitored electrical parameter of the heater means. The fault detection means is configured to determine a fault in the heater means has been detected based on identifying a characteristic indicative of a fault condition in the monitored electrical parameter during activation of the heater means.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Various examples will now be described in detail by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic drawing (not to scale or proportion) of a non-combustible aerosol provision system according to the present disclosure;
Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of an article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure;
Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of part of an article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure;
Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of part of an article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure;
Fig. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of part of an article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure;
Fig. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional drawing of an article for use as part of a non-combustible aerosol provision system, according to the present disclosure;
Fig. 7 is a schematic circuit diagram showing an arrangement of circuitry for determining a fault with an allotrope of carbon, as an aerosol generator, according to the present disclosure;
Fig. 8 is a graph showing the variation of resistance with time for a first, normal or non-defective allotrope of carbon, and a second, defective allotrope of carbon; and
Fig. 9 is a flow diagram showing an example method of determining a fault with a heating element according to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and features of certain examples are discussed/described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed/described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of assemblies, articles, and non-combustible aerosol provision system discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.
As described above, the present disclosure relates, but is not limited, to non-combustible aerosol provision systems, and articles, that generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material.
According to the present disclosure, a "non-combustible" aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
In some examples, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
In some examples, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.
In some examples, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.
In some examples, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some examples, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
In some examples, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.
In some examples, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and/or a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source. The power source may be for supplying electrical power to the article (e.g. to the aerosol generator). The controller may be for controlling the article (e.g. for controlling the supply of power to the article, e.g. to the aerosol generator).
In some examples, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
In some examples, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area (which may be referred to herein as a reservoir for aerosol-generating material), an aerosol-generating material transfer component (also referred to herein as an aerosol-generating material transfer component or an aerosol-generating material transfer component), an aerosol generator (also referred to herein as an aerosol generating component), an aerosol generation area (also referred to herein as an aerosol generation chamber), a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
Throughout the following description the terms "e-cigarette" and "electronic cigarette" may sometimes be used. However, it will be appreciated these terms may be used interchangeably with non-combustible aerosol (vapour) provision system as explained above.
The systems described herein typically generate an inhalable aerosol by vaporisation of an aerosol-generating material.
In some examples, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.
The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.
In some examples, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some examples, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12. As noted herein, the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.
As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term "botanical" includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v.,Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v.,Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens
In some examples, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.
In some examples, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.
In some examples, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.
In some examples, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour.
As used herein, the terms "flavour" and "flavourant" refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. They may include naturally occurring flavour materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gas.
In some examples, the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some examples, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some examples, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some examples, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some examples, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.
In some examples, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucolyptol, WS-3.
Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.
The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some examples, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.
The one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.
As used herein, the term "consumable" may refer to an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. A consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent. A consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use. The heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor. The consumable may be suitable for holding (or containing) the aerosol-generating material. In this way, the consumable may, but need not necessarily, hold (or contain) the aerosol-generating material.
As used herein, the term "susceptor" refers to a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.
As used herein, the term "component" is used to refer to a part, section, unit, module, assembly or similar of an electronic cigarette or similar device that incorporates several smaller parts or elements, possibly within an exterior housing or wall. An electronic cigarette may be formed or built from one or more such components, and the components may be removably or separably connectable to one another, or may be permanently joined together during manufacture to define the whole electronic cigarette. The present disclosure is applicable to (but not limited to) systems comprising two components separably connectable to one another and configured, for example, as a consumable/article component capable of holding an aerosol generating material (also referred to herein as a cartridge or cartomiser), and a device/control unit having a battery for providing electrical power to operate an element for generating vapour from the aerosol generating material.
An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent.
The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.
An aerosol generator (or aerosol generating component) is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some examples, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.
Fig. 1 is a highly schematic diagram (not to scale or proportion) of an example non-combustible aerosol provision system 10 such as an e-cigarette. The aerosol provision system 10 has a generally cylindrical shape, extending along a longitudinal axis indicated by a dashed line, and comprises two main components, namely a control or power component or section 20 (which may be referred to herein as a "device") and a cartridge assembly or section 30 (which may be referred to herein as an "article", "consumable", "cartomizer", or "cartridge") that operates as a vapour or aerosol generating component.
The article 30 includes a storage compartment (also referred to herein as an "aerosol-generating material storage area" or a "reservoir") 3 containing an aerosol-generating material which comprises (for example) a liquid formulation from which an aerosol is to be generated. The liquid formulation may or may not contain nicotine. As an example, the aerosol-generating material may comprise around 1 to 3% nicotine and 50% glycerol, with the remainder comprising roughly propylene glycol, and possibly also comprising other components, such as water or flavourings. The storage compartment 3 has the form of a storage tank, i.e. a container or receptacle in which aerosol-generating material can be stored such that the aerosol-generating material is free to move and flow (if liquid) within the confines of the container or receptacle. Alternatively, the storage compartment 3 may contain a quantity of absorbent material such as cotton wadding or glass fibre which holds the aerosol-generating material within a porous structure. The storage compartment 3 may be sealed after filling during manufacture so as to be disposable after the aerosol-generating material is consumed, or may have an inlet port or other opening through which new aerosol-generating material can be added.
In this example, the article 30 also comprises an electrical aerosol generator 4 located externally of the storage compartment 3 for generating the aerosol by vaporisation of the aerosol-generating material. In many examples, the aerosol generator is a heating element (a heater) which is heated by the passage of electrical current (via resistive or inductive heating) to raise the temperature of the aerosol-generating material until it evaporates. An aerosol generating material transfer component (not shown in Fig. 1), e.g. a wick or other porous element, may be provided to deliver aerosol-generating material from the storage compartment 3 to the aerosol generator 4. The aerosol generating material transfer component may have one or more parts located inside the storage compartment 3 so as to be able to absorb aerosol-generating material and transfer it by wicking or capillary action to other parts of the aerosol generating material transfer component that are in contact with the aerosol generator 4. This aerosol-generating material is thereby vaporised, and is to be replaced by new aerosol-generating material transferred to the aerosol generator 4 by the aerosol generating material transfer component.
A heater and wick combination, or other arrangement of parts that perform the same or similar functions, is sometimes referred to as an atomiser or atomiser assembly. Various designs are possible, in which the parts may be differently arranged compared to the highly schematic representation of Fig. 1. For example, the wick may be an entirely separate element from the aerosol generator.
In some examples, the aerosol generating material transfer component 4 may be formed at least in part from one or more slots, tubes or channels between the storage compartment 3 and the aerosol generator 4 which are narrow enough to support capillary action to draw source liquid out of the storage compartment and deliver it for vaporisation. In general, an atomiser can be considered to be an aerosol generator 4 able to generate vapour from aerosol-generating material delivered to it, and an aerosol generating material transfer component able to deliver or transport liquid from the storage compartment 3 or similar liquid store to the aerosol generator by a capillary force.
In some examples, the aerosol generator is at least partially located within an aerosol generating chamber that forms part of, or is fluidly coupled to, an airflow channel through the electronic cigarette/system. Vapour produced by the aerosol generator is driven off into this chamber, and as air passes through the chamber, flowing over and around the aerosol generator, it collects the produced vapour whereby it condenses to form the demanded aerosol.
Returning to Fig. 1, the article 30 also includes a mouthpiece 35 having an opening or air outlet through which a user may inhale the aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 4, and delivered through the airflow channel.
The power component (or device) 20 includes a power source or cell 5 (e.g. a "battery"), which may be re-chargeable, to provide power for electrical components of the e-cigarette 10, in particular the aerosol generator 4. Additionally, there is a printed circuit board 28 and/or other electronics or circuitry for generally controlling the aerosol provision system 10. The control electronics/circuitry enable the aerosol generating element 4 to be powered by the battery 5 when vapour is demanded, for example in response to a signal from an air pressure sensor or air flow sensor (not shown) that detects an inhalation on the system 10 during which air enters through one or more air inlets (not shown) in the wall of the device 20 to flow along the airflow channel. When the aerosol generator 4 receives power from the cell 5, the aerosol generator 4 vaporises aerosol-generating material delivered from the storage compartment 3 to generate the aerosol, and the aerosol is then inhaled by a user through the opening in the mouthpiece 35. The aerosol is carried to the mouthpiece 35 along the airflow channel (not shown) that connects the air inlet to the air outlet when a user inhales on the mouthpiece 35. An airflow path through the aerosol provision system 10 is hence defined, between the air inlet(s) (which may or may not be provided in the device 20) to the atomiser and on to the air outlet at the mouthpiece 35. In use, the air flow direction along this airflow path is from the air inlet to the air outlet, so that the atomiser can be described as arranged downstream of the air inlet and upstream of the air outlet.
In this particular example, the device 20 and the article 30 are separate parts detachable from one another by separation in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis. The components 20, 30 are joined together when the device 10 is in use by cooperating engagement elements 21, 31 (for example, a screw, magnetic or bayonet fitting) which provide mechanical and/or electrical connectivity between the device 20 and the article 30. This is merely an example arrangement, however, and the various components may be differently distributed between the device 20 and the article 30, and other components and elements may be included. The two components 20, 30 may connect together end-to-end in a longitudinal configuration as in Fig. 1, or in a different configuration such as a parallel, side-by-side arrangement. Either or both components 20, 30 may be intended to be disposed of and replaced when exhausted (the reservoir is empty or the battery is flat, for example), or be intended for multiple uses enabled by actions such as refilling the reservoir, recharging the battery, or replacing the atomiser. Alternatively, the aerosol provision system 10 may be a unitary device (disposable or refillable/rechargeable) that cannot be separated into two or more parts, in which case all components are comprised within a single body or housing. Examples of the present disclosure are applicable to any of these configurations and other configurations of which the skilled person will be aware.
According to an implementation, a type of aerosol generator that may be utilised in an atomising portion of an aerosol provision system 10 (that is, a part configured to generate vapour from a source liquid) combines the functions of heating and liquid delivery by being both electrically conductive (resistive) and porous. That is to say, in some implementations, the aerosol generator 4 is capable of both heating a liquid aerosol-generating material and transporting (e.g., wicking via capillary action) the liquid aerosol-generating material. Such an aerosol generator 4 may be present in combination with a separate aerosol-generating material transport component (e.g. such as a wicking material) or such an aerosol generator 4 may replace such an aerosol-generating material transport component. Note here that reference to being electrically conductive (resistive) refers to components which have the capacity to generate heat in response to the flow of electrical current therein. Such flow could be imparted via so-called resistive heating or induction heating. In some implementations, the aerosol generator 4 may be of a sheet-like form, i.e. a planar shape with a thickness many times smaller than its length or breadth. It is possible for the planar aerosol generator to define a curved plane and in these instances reference to the planar aerosol generator forming a plane means an imaginary flat plane forming a plane of best fit through the component.
In some implementations, the aerosol generator 4 may be formed of, or comprise, an allotrope of carbon. The aerosol generator 4 (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) may comprise appropriately sized voids and/or interstices to provide a capillary force for wicking aerosol-generating material (e.g. liquid). Thus, the aerosol generator 4 (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) may also be considered to be porous, so as to provide for the uptake and distribution of aerosol-generating material (e.g. liquid). Moreover, the presence of voids and/or interstices may mean air can permeate through said aerosol generator 4 (e.g., provided they are not obstructed / saturated with liquid). Also, the allotrope of carbon of the aerosol generator may be configured to be electrically conductive and therefore suitable for resistive heating.
An aerosol generator (e.g. which is planar and/or sheet-like) may be arranged within a non-combustible aerosol provision system (e.g. an electronic cigarette), such that the aerosol generator lies within the aerosol generating chamber forming part of an airflow channel. The aerosol generator may be oriented within the chamber such that air flow though the chamber may flow in a surface direction, i.e. substantially parallel to the plane of the aerosol generator. An example of such a configuration can be found in WO2010/045670 and WO2010/045671 , the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. Air can thence flow over the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof), and gather vapour. Aerosol generation is thereby made effective. In alternative examples, the aerosol generator may be oriented within the chamber such that air flow though the chamber may flow in a direction which is substantially transverse to the surface direction, i.e. substantially orthogonally to the plane of the aerosol generator. An example of such a configuration can be found in WO2018/211252 , the contents of which are incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.
The aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) may have a high degree of porosity. A high degree of porosity may ensure that the heat produced by the aerosol generator is predominately used for evaporating the liquid and high efficiency can be obtained. A porosity of greater than 50% may be envisaged. In one example, the porosity of the aerosol generator is 50% or greater, 60% or greater, 70% or greater.
The aerosol generator may form a generally flat structure, comprising first and second surfaces. The generally flat structure may take the form of any two dimensional shape, for example, circular, semi-circular, triangular, square, rectangular and/ or polygonal. The aerosol generator may have a uniform thickness.
Where the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) is formed from an electrically resistive material, electrical current is permitted to flow through the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) so as to generate heat (so called Joule heating). In this regard, the electrical resistance of the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) can be selected appropriately. For example, the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof) may have an electrical resistance of 2 ohms or less, such as 1.8 ohms or less, such as 1.7 ohms or less, such as 1.6 ohms or less, such as 1.5 ohms or less, such as 1.4 ohms or less, such as 1.3 ohms or less, such as 1.2 ohms or less, such as 1.1 ohms or less, such as 1.0 ohm or less, such as 0.9 ohms or less, such as 0.8 ohms or less, such as 0.7 ohms or less, such as 0.6 ohms or less, such as 0.5 ohms or less. The parameters of the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof), such as material, thickness, width, length, porosity, etc. can be selected so as to provide the desired resistance. In this regard, a relatively lower resistance will facilitate higher power draw from the power source, which can be advantageous in producing a high rate of aerosolisation. On the other hand, the resistance should not be so low as to prejudice the integrity of the aerosol generator (e.g. the allotrope of carbon thereof). For example, the resistance may not be lower than 0.5 ohms.
Fig. 2 shows an example arrangement of an article 100, for example for use with the aerosol provision device 20 of Fig. 1, in more detail. In particular, the article 100 comprises a reservoir 101, a housing 109 and an, optional, aerosol generator support 129 (comprising a conduit 130), which together form an internal volume 104 in which aerosol-generating material 200 is capable of being stored, an aerosol generator 102 which, in this example, is an allotrope of carbon 103, an optional seal 125 (comprising opening 126) between the aerosol generator support 129 and the allotrope of carbon 103, an optional electrically insulating substance 108 (comprising apertures 135) provided between the seal 125 and the allotrope of carbon 103, and electrical contacts 123 retained in position and in electrical contact with the allotrope of carbon 103 via retaining members 124.
In broad terms, the general working principle of the article 100 is as follows. The aerosol-generating material 200 stored in the internal volume 104 may flow from the volume 104 of the reservoir 101 to the aerosol generator 102 / allotrope of carbon 103 which is provided in fluid communication with the reservoir 101. In some implementations, such as that in Fig. 2, this may involve aerosol-generating material 200 flowing from the volume 104 of the reservoir 101 through at least one conduit 130 in aerosol-generator support 129, and/or at least one opening 126 in seal 125, and/or at least one aperture 132 in electrically insulating substrate 108 to the allotrope of carbon 103. A power source, such as the battery 5 of the device 20, may supply power to the aerosol generator 102 to energise (e.g. heat) the aerosol generator 102 such that the aerosol generator 102 is capable of generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200. The generated aerosol may be released to the environment 105 outside of the reservoir 101, where it may be entrained in an airflow past / around the aerosol generator 102.
Figs. 3 and 4 schematically show two different arrangements of the reservoir 101 including the allotrope of carbon 103. These figures will be explained in more detail below at the relevant parts.
It will be understood that the aerosol generator 102 is for generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material 200, and any suitable component which is capable of generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material 200 may be used as the aerosol generator 102. The aerosol generator 102 may be configured to aerosolise the aerosol-generating material 200 in any suitable way. For example, the aerosol generator 102 may be configured to increase its temperature (or the temperature of a part thereof) in order to vaporise the aerosol-generating material 200.
In the described implementation, the aerosol generator 102 comprises the allotrope of carbon 103. At least a part of the allotrope of carbon 103 is capable of generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200 by heating. In some examples, heating of the allotrope of carbon 103 may be achieved by passing an electrical current through the allotrope of carbon 103 at a sufficient amperage to cause vaporisation of the aerosol-generating material 200. For example, a pair of electrical contacts 123 may be provided in electrical contact with regions of the allotrope of carbon 103 to allow an electrical current to be passed through the allotrope of carbon 103 between the electrical contacts 123 when a current is applied thereto. In other examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 may be a susceptor and is configured to be inductively heated (e.g., via proximity to a magnetic field generator such as a drive coil that, when an AC current is applied thereto, generates a varying magnetic field that penetrates the allotrope of carbon 103 to cause inductive heating of the allotrope of carbon 103). Either the article 100 or the aerosol provision device may comprise the magnetic field generator.
The allotrope of carbon 103 may be porous, or otherwise comprise a plurality of interconnected pores, cells or interstices. The pores or interstices allow transport of aerosol-generating material through the allotrope of carbon 103. For example, the pores or interstices may allow aerosol-generating material to flow from a surface of the allotrope of carbon 103 that faces the volume 104 inside the reservoir 101 through the allotrope of carbon 103 to an opposite surface that faces the environment 105 outside of the reservoir 101. In some implementations, aerosol-generating material may also be capable of moving laterally within the allotrope of carbon 103.
The allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise one or more portions 106, 107. For example, Fig. 4 shows an implementation in which the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises a plurality of portions 106, 107. Portion 106 of the allotrope of carbon 103 may be referred to as an aerosol-generating portion 106. The aerosol-generating portion 106 may be configured to reach temperatures for generating aerosol from an aerosol-generating material 200. That is, the aerosol-generating portion 106 is the portion of the allotrope of carbon 103 that is configured, in use, to be energised (e.g., heated to a sufficient temperature) to cause generation of an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200. The aerosol-generating portion 106 (e.g. a surface thereof) is exposed to the environment 105 outside of the reservoir 101, and hence aerosol is capable of being generated in the environment 105 outside of the reservoir 101, and in particular, in the vicinity of the exposed surface of the aerosol-generating portion 106. Portion 107 of the allotrope of carbon 103 may be referred to as a transport portion 107. The transport portion 107 is configured to transfer aerosol-generating material 200 (e.g. in the reservoir 101) to the aerosol-generating portion 106 of the allotrope of carbon 103. The transport portion 107 may be exposed to the volume 104 of the reservoir 101. The transport portion 107 may extend from the volume 104 inside of the reservoir 101 to the aerosol-generating portion 106. In use, the transport portion 107 of the allotrope of carbon 103 may not reach temperatures sufficient to cause vaporisation of the aerosol-generating material 200. Hence, aerosol generation may be broadly confined to the aerosol-generation portion 106.
The surface area of the aerosol-generating portion 106 exposed to the environment 105 outside of the reservoir 101 may be greater than the surface area of the transport portion 107 exposed to the inside of the reservoir 101.
The allotrope of carbon 103 may be integrally formed. That is, the allotrope of carbon 103 may be formed of a single piece (which may include multiple portions, as discussed above). It has been found that when the allotrope of carbon 103 that is integrally formed, the allotrope of carbon 103 is robust and efficient to manufacture and assemble relative to an allotrope of carbon formed of separate pieces.
The allotrope of carbon 103 provides for an aerosol generator 102 which is particularly effective in non-combustible aerosol provision systems. The allotrope of carbon 103 may be considered as providing a carbonaceous surface (e.g. the aerosol-generating portion 106) which distributes and generates aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200 in use. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that where the allotrope of carbon 103 is heated to temperatures for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material, the carbonaceous surface may have a high surface free energy and therefore a high wettability (and low contact angle). In this way, where the allotrope of carbon 103 is heated to temperatures for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material, a thin layer of aerosol-generating material may be evenly distributed across the carbonaceous surface of the allotrope of carbon 103 and efficiently aerosolised. Moreover, the allotrope of carbon 103 has a high power density and a low thermal mass, and a small volume of the aerosol-generating material can be thinly formed across a given surface area of the allotrope of carbon 103, relative to materials having a surface across which aerosol-generating material cannot be as thinly formed. This provides for efficient transfer of energy to the aerosol-generating material 200 in use.
The allotrope of carbon 103 may be formed as a foam. It will be understood that "allotrope of carbon formed as a foam" means the allotrope of carbon 103 per se is a foam. The foam may comprise a foam structure and a plurality of cells. It will be understood that the allotrope of carbon forms the foam structure, and that the foam structure defines the plurality of cells. The foam structure may define the plurality of cells. A plurality of the cells may be interconnected. The foam may be an open-cell foam, such as a reticulated foam. It will be understood that the foam is a solid foam (e.g. at least from 20°C to 350°C and 101325 Pa). The allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise a capillary structure. For example, the foam may comprise a capillary structure.
It has been found that the allotrope of carbon 103 formed as a foam provides for a particularly effective aerosol generator 102. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that upon the formation of hot spots (localised areas of increased temperature, which may occur when part of a heated aerosol generator dries out in use), the foam (which may have a high thermal conductivity and a high electrical conductivity) can effectively dissipate heat, reduce temperature variation, and reduce the severity of the hot spots. In turn, the aerosol generator can be operated at high power levels with a reduced risk of hot spots causing damage to the aerosol generator. Furthermore, the foam may be compliant to thermal expansion in use. As such, the foam may be resistant to heat-induced degradation in use. It also has been found that the foam can facilitate a reduced battery throughput and/or an extended battery life. Additionally, it has been found that the foam can provide for reduced battery size requirements and thus improved packaging efficiency, e.g. in terms of cost and space requirements. Further, the foam can facilitate rapid volatilisation of aerosol-generating material 200, which may enhance user experience by reducing the time to generate aerosol in response to a first inhalation ("first puff") by a user. Moreover, the foam can facilitate consistency between respective inhalations by a user ("puff to puff consistency"). The use of the foam may also provide for certain user experience advantages associated with conventional factory made cigarettes.
Where the allotrope of carbon 103 is formed as a foam, the allotrope of carbon 103 may be referred to as a "carbon foam". It will be understood that the carbon foam includes, for example, graphite foam, graphene foam, or any other carbon-based foam. It will be understood that various methods may be used to make the foam, including (but not limited to) arc discharge, laser ablation, laser induction, laser-induced pyrolysis, high-pressure carbon monoxide disproportionation, and chemical vapour deposition. In the examples of the figures, laser induction was used to make the foam 103. Where the allotrope of carbon 103 is formed as a foam, the foam may comprise multiple layers. Each layer may comprise or consist of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice structure, such as a honeycomb lattice structure.
The allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise carbon structured so as to contain a plurality of carbon to carbon bonds lying in the same plane. For example, the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise graphite. Where the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises graphite, the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises a plurality of stacked layers of carbon atoms, the carbon atoms of each layer being bonded to three adjacent carbon atoms in the layer, with each bond lying in the same plane so as to form a hexagonal lattice structure. Non-covalent bonding exists between the stacked layers. Accordingly, graphite includes multiple stacked layers of carbon, in which the layers of carbon are parallel relative to each other. There are two forms of graphite: alpha graphite, in which the layers are ABA stacked; and beta graphite, in which the layers are ABC stacked.
It is also possible for the allotrope of carbon 103 to comprise graphene. For example, the allotrope of carbon 103 may be graphene. Where the allotrope of carbon 103 is (or comprises) graphene, a single layer of carbon atoms, i.e. a one-atom thick layer of carbon, are arranged such that the carbon atoms form a hexagonal lattice structure. It has been found that graphene provides for an effective aerosol generator 102. Advantageously, upon the formation of hot spots (localised areas of increased temperature, which may occur when part of a heated aerosol generator dries out in use), the high thermal conductivity and electrical conductivity of graphene is such that the graphene can effectively dissipate heat, reduce temperature variation, and reduce the severity of the hot spots. In turn, the aerosol generator 102 can be operated at high power levels with a reduced risk of hot spots causing damage to the aerosol generator 102. Furthermore, graphene may be elastic and therefore compliant to thermal expansion (e.g. of the electrically insulating substrate 108; discussed below) in use. Therefore, the aerosol generator 102 may be resistant to degradation due to a difference in thermal coefficient of expansion of the graphene and the electrically insulating substrate (for example). It also has been found that the use of graphene can provide for a reduced battery throughput and thus an extended battery life. Additionally, the use of graphene can provide for reduced battery size requirements and thus improved packaging efficiency, e.g. in terms of cost and space requirements. Further, the use of graphene can facilitate rapid volatilisation of aerosol-generating material, which may enhance user experience by reducing the time to generate aerosol in response to a first inhalation ("first puff") by a user. Moreover, the use of graphene can facilitate consistency between respective inhalations by a user ("puff to puff consistency"). The use of graphene may also provide for certain user experience advantages associated with conventional factory made cigarettes.
Where the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises graphene, more than one layer of graphene may be present. Where more than one layer of graphene 103 is present, at least two of the layers of graphene 103 may be non-parallel relative to each other. By "non-parallel", it is meant that an imaginary plane through one layer of graphene 103 (or an imaginary plane of best-fit through a non-planer layer of graphene 103), is non-parallel relative to an imaginary plane through another layer of graphene 103 (or an imaginary plane of best-fit through the another non-planar layer of graphene 103). In use, the layers of graphene 103 are electrically connected to form a current path. By providing non-parallel layers of graphene, a porous graphene structure can be provided. The combination of porosity and the low surface energy of graphene at typical aerosolisation temperatures is such that aerosol-generating material can be effectively distributed across not only the outermost surface of the graphene, but also the bulk structure of the graphene. In effect, aerosol-generating material can be provided in intimate contact with an increased surface area of heated material, provided by the graphene layers. This provides for efficient and effective aerosolisation performance. For example, at least three, at least four, at least five, at least six, at least eight, or at least ten of the layers of graphene 103 may be non-parallel relative to each other. Where more than one layer of graphene 103 is present, at least two of the layers of graphene 103 may be parallel relative to each other. For example, the allotrope of carbon 103 may be bilayer graphene.
Where the allotrope of carbon 103 comprises graphene, the allotrope of carbon (e.g. the one or more layers of graphene) may comprise or be in the form of three dimensional graphene (which may be referred to as porous graphene or laser-induced graphene (LlG)). Three dimensional graphene may be considered as one or more graphene sheets (or layers) folded back (e.g. on one another) to form a three-dimensional structure. Without being bound by theory, it is believed the interatomic bonds in three dimensional graphene are formed between predominantly sp2-hybridised orbitals and the predominant local coordination of carbon atoms in three dimensional graphene is similar to that in two dimensional graphene, such that two dimensional and three dimensional graphene may have similar electronic properties. Graphene foam (described below) may be considered an example of three dimensional graphene.
In examples comprising one or more layers of graphene 103, the layer or layers may be provided in various forms. For example, the one or more layers of graphene 103 may be formed as a plurality of three-dimensional structures. The three-dimensional graphene structures may be selected from cubes, cuboids, cones, cylinders (e.g. tubes), spheres, pyramids, and/or prisms. It will be understood that various methods may be used to produce three-dimensional graphene structures, including (but not limited to) arc discharge, laser ablation, high-pressure carbon monoxide disproportionation, and chemical vapour deposition.
It will be understood that the allotrope of carbon 103 is thermally conductive. The allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 100 Wm^-1K^-1 to 5500 Wm^-1K^-1. The allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 100 Wm^-1K^-1 to 4000 Wm^-1K^-1. The allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 100 Wm-'K-' to 2000 Wm^-1K^-1. The allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 150 Wm^-1K^-1 to 1000 Wm^-1K^-1. The allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 180 Wm^-1K^-1 to 700 Wm^-1K^-1. The allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 200 Wm^-1K^-1 to 500 Wm^-1K^-1.
It will be understood that the allotrope of carbon 103 is electrically conductive. The allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 1 Sm^-1 to 2.5×10⁶ Sm^-1. The allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 100 Sm^-1 to 1.0×10⁶ Sm^-1. The allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 200 Sm^-1 to 100000 Sm^-1. The allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 400 Sm^-1 to 50000 Sm^-1. The allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 500 Sm^-1 to 10000 Sm^-1. The allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 600 Sm^-1 to 5000 Sm^-1. The allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 800 Sm^-1 to 3000 Sm^-1. The allotrope of carbon 103 may have an electrical conductivity of from 900 Sm^-1 to 1300 Sm^-1.
In examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 200 Wm^-1K^-1 to 500 Wm^-1K^-1 and an electrical conductivity of from 900 Sm^-1 to 1300 Sm^-1. For example, the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a thermal conductivity of from 200 Wm^-1K^-1 to 500 Wm^-1K^-1 and an electrical conductivity of from 900 Sm^-1 to 1300 Sm^-1.
The allotrope of carbon 103 may be resiliently deformable. The allotrope of carbon 103 may have a non-linear elasticity.
The allotrope of carbon 103, or a portion of the allotrope of carbon 103, may be of a sheet-like form. For example, the aerosol-generating portion 106 may be of a sheet-like form. The allotrope of carbon 103, or a portion of the allotrope of carbon 103, may be substantially planar. For example, the aerosol-generating portion 106 may be substantially planar.
The thickness of the allotrope of carbon 103 may be understood to refer to the extent of the allotrope of carbon 103, measured orthogonally, between an outer surface of the allotrope of carbon 103 facing the environment 105 outside of the reservoir 101 and the opposing outer surface of the allotrope of carbon 103. Where the allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) includes internal cells or pores, these are effectively ignored for in the measurement of thickness. Those skilled in the art will be aware of suitable methods for measuring the thickness of the allotrope of carbon 103, e.g. electron microscopy.
The allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a thickness of from 0.345 nm to 500 µm, from 0.345 nm to 400 µm, from 0.345 nm to 300 µm, from 0.345 nm to 200 µm, from 0.345 nm to 100 µm, from 0.345 nm to 80 µm, or from 0.345 nm to 60 µm.
The allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a thickness of from 1 µm to 500 µm, from 1 µm to 400 µm, from 1 µm to 300 µm, from 1 µm to 200 µm, from 1 µm to 100 µm, from 1 µm to 80 µm, or from 1 µm to 60 µm.
The allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a thickness of from 10 µm to 500 µm, from 10 µm to 400 µm, from 10 µm to 300 µm, from 10 µm to 200 µm, from 10 µm to 100 µm, from 10 µm to 80 µm, or from 10 µm to 60 µm.
The allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a thickness of from 20 µm to 500 µm, from 20 µm to 400 µm, from 20 µm to 300 µm, from 20 µm to 200 µm, from 20 µm to 100 µm, from 20 µm to 80 µm, or from 20 µm to 60 µm.
The allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a thickness of from 30 µm to 500 µm, from 30 µm to 400 µm, from 30 µm to 300 µm, from 30 µm to 200 µm, from 30 µm to 100 µm, from 30 µm to 80 µm, from 30 µm to 60 µm, or from 30 µm to 50 µm.
The allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a length of no greater than 6 mm, no greater than 5 mm, no greater than 4 mm, no greater than 3 mm, or no greater than 2 mm.
The allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a length of at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, or at least 1.3 mm.
The allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a length of from 0.5 mm to 6 mm, from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, from 1 mm to 4 mm, from 1 mm to 3 mm, or from 1.3 mm to 2 mm.
The allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a width of no greater than 6 mm, no greater than 5 mm, no greater than 4 mm, no greater than 3 mm, no greater than 2.5 mm, or no greater than 2.3 mm.
The allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a width of at least 0.5 mm, at least 1 mm, at least 1.5 mm, or at least 1.7 mm.
The allotrope of carbon 103 (or the aerosol-generating portion 106) may have a width of from 0.5 mm to 6 mm, from 0.5 mm to 5 mm, from 1 mm to 4 mm, from 1 mm to 3 mm, from 1.5 mm to 2.5 mm, or from 1.7 mm to 2.3 mm.
In some implementations, the aerosol generator 102 may be configured to generate aerosol such that the aerosol collected mass (ACM) is at least 2 mg. The aerosol generator 102 may be configured to generate aerosol such that the aerosol collected mass (ACM) is at least 4 mg. The aerosol generator 102 may be configured to generate aerosol such that the aerosol collected mass (ACM) is no greater than 20 mg. The aerosol generator 102 may be configured to generate aerosol such that the aerosol collected mass (ACM) is no greater than 10 mg. The aerosol generator 102 may be configured to generate aerosol such that the aerosol collected mass (ACM) is from 2 mg to 10 mg. The aerosol generator 102 may be configured to generate aerosol such that the aerosol collected mass (ACM) is from 4 mg to 8 mg. Herein, the aerosol collected mass (ACM) corresponds to the amount of aerosol collected per puff based on a puff regimen of 25 puffs, each puff having a puff volume of 55 mL, a puff duration of 3 seconds, and a puff interval of 30 seconds.
It should be appreciated that while the above has focused on describing the allotrope of carbon 103 as the aerosol generator 102, the principles of the present disclosure are applicable to any aerosol generator 102 capable of use in the article 100.
The reservoir 101 is suitable for storing an aerosol-generating material 200. The reservoir 101 may take various forms. As shown in Fig. 2, the reservoir 101 may have at least one wall 109 defining an interior volume 104 in which the aerosol-generating material 200 may be stored.
Fig. 2 schematically shows the reservoir 101 being formed of the outer walls 109 and an (optional) aerosol generator support 129. The outer walls 109 and aerosol generator support 129 define the interior volume 104 of the reservoir 101 in which the aerosol-generating material 200 may be located. In implementations where the aerosol generator support 129 is not present, the aerosol generator support 129 is replaced by a further outer wall 109.
The aerosol generator 102 / allotrope of carbon 103 is arranged such that aerosol-generating material 200 is able to be supplied thereto. For example, the reservoir 101 may comprise an opening or channel through the outer wall 109 or aerosol generator support 129 (in particular, see flow conduit 130 of Fig. 2) that permits aerosol-generating material 200 to pass from the internal volume 104 of the reservoir 101 to the allotrope of carbon 103. In some implementations, the allotrope of carbon 103 may extend through the wall 109 and/or be formed as part of the wall 109.
Fig. 3 schematically shows a close-up cross-section of the reservoir 101 and allotrope of carbon 103 of an article 100 according to another example. In the example of Figure 3, the reservoir 101 converges towards the allotrope of carbon 103. That is, an inner surface of the reservoir 101 may converge towards the allotrope of carbon 103. Such arrangements help to direct aerosol-generating material 200 towards or to the allotrope of carbon 103 in use. This is particularly beneficial when the surface area of the allotrope of carbon 103 exposed to the inside of the reservoir 101 is significantly less than the total surface area of the inner surface of the reservoir 101.
In Fig. 3, it is also seen that the allotrope of carbon 103 is placed extending between the outer wall 109. The allotrope of carbon 103 and the reservoir 101 may be integrally formed. For example, the allotrope of carbon 103 and the wall 109 through which the allotrope of carbon 103 at least partially extends may be integrally formed. In this way, the article 100 can be manufactured efficiently, without the need to assemble the reservoir 101 and the allotrope of carbon 103 as separate components. Moreover, the article 100 can be more robust than an article in which the allotrope of carbon 103 and the reservoir 101 are formed of separate components.
As discussed above, the allotrope of carbon 103 may comprise a plurality of portions, such as an aerosol-generating portion 106 and/or a transport portion 107. A cross-sectional area of the transport portion 107 may be less than a cross-sectional area of the aerosol-generating portion 106, wherein each cross-sectional area is measured orthogonally to the thickness extent of the wall 109. This arrangement can facilitate transfer of aerosol-generating material 200 at a controlled rate (e.g. with a reduced risk of leakage) and a desirable aerosol generation profile. Referring to Fig. 4, the transport portion 107 may comprise a first portion 112 and a second portion 113. The first portion 112 may be exposed to the inside volume 104 of the reservoir 101. The second portion 113 may extend from the first portion 112 to the aerosol-generating portion 106. The transport portion 113 may or may not be exposed to the inside 104 of the reservoir 101.
The reservoir 101 may be at least partially formed of an electrically insulating material. For example, the wall 109 through which the allotrope of carbon 103 at least partially extends may be formed of an electrically insulating material. For example, the portion of the wall 109 through which the allotrope of carbon 103 at least partially extends may be formed of an electrically insulating material. For example, the portion of the wall 109 that is contiguous with the allotrope of carbon 103 may be formed of an electrically insulating material.
It will be understood that various electrically insulating materials may be used. The electrically-insulating material may comprise or be formed of plastic, glass, paper, and/or ceramic. The plastic may be selected from polysulfone (PSU), poly(ethersulfone) (PES), polyimide (PI), poly(phenylene sulphide) (PPS), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and polyether ketone (PEK). In some examples, the polyimide (PI) is selected from polyetherimide (PEI) and polyamideimide (PAI). The glass may be selected from the group consisting of silicate glass and non-silicate glass. In some examples, the silicate glass is borosilicate glass, or quartz glass (fused quartz). The glass may be flexible. The glass may be non-porous.
It should be appreciated that the form and structure of the reservoir 101 is not particularly limited, and the principles of the present disclosure may be applied to any particular form or structure of reservoir 101.
Referring to Fig. 2, the aerosol generator 102 may comprise an (optional) electrically insulating substrate 108. The allotrope of carbon 103 may be arranged on (or deposited on or supported on) the electrically insulating substrate 108. It has been found that the electrically insulating substrate 108 may provide a useful structural support for the allotrope of carbon 103, and thereby improve the robustness of the aerosol generator 102. The electrically insulating substrate 108 may be non-porous or porous.
The electrically insulating substrate 108 may be made of any suitable electrically insulating material, which may also be thermally insulating. The electrically insulating substrate 108 may comprise or be formed of plastic (e.g., polyetheretherketone (PEEK)), glass (e.g., quartz glass), paper, and/or ceramic. In some implementations, the electrically insulating substrate 108 has a thickness of from 100 µm to 4 mm, although the thickness of the electrically insulating substrate 108 is not limited to these thicknesses.
In Fig. 2, at least one aperture 132 is shown extending through the electrically insulating substrate 108. It has been found that the at least one aperture 132 facilitates effective delivery of aerosol-generating material 200 to the allotrope of carbon 103. In particular, aerosol-generating material 200 can be delivered from the surface of the substrate 108 opposite from the surface on which the allotrope of carbon 103 is supported, through the at least one aperture 132, to the allotrope of carbon 103. In this way, the aerosol-generating material 200 delivered through the at least one aperture 132 can spread across the allotrope of carbon 103 in a controlled manner, while the allotrope of carbon 103 is shielded from the bulk volume of aerosol-generating material 200 by the substrate 108. In this way, thermal losses are reduced and aerosol-generation efficiency is improved. Moreover, it has been found that the at least one aperture 132 permits controlled delivery of aerosol-generating material 200 to the allotrope of carbon 103 (e.g., such as the dimensions of the cross-section of the at least one aperture 132 and/or the number of apertures 132), whilst the structure of the substrate 108 prevents aerosol from inadvertently flowing into the reservoir 101.
In the example of Fig. 2, the electrically insulating substrate 108 is provided in conjunction with the aerosol generator support 129. Hence, the conduit 130 of the aerosol generator support 129 is provided in fluid communication with the one or more apertures 132 of the electrically insulating substrate 108. However, it should be appreciated that the electrically insulating substrate 108 may be provided in implementations where the aerosol generator support 129 is omitted.
Referring to Fig. 2, in some implementations, the article 100 (e.g. the reservoir 101) may comprise an aerosol generator support 129. It will be understood that the aerosol generator support 129 supports the aerosol generator 102. For example, the aerosol generator 102 may be mounted on the aerosol generator support 129. It has been found that the aerosol generator support 129 helps to maintain the structural integrity of the aerosol generator 102, particularly where the allotrope of carbon 103 and/or the electrically insulating substrate 108 are fragile. In use, the aerosol generator support129 may restrict and/or reduce the flow) of aerosol-generating material 200 inside the reservoir 101 to the aerosol generator 102.
The aerosol generator support 129 may include at least one conduit 130. The inner diameter of the or each conduit 130 may be less than the inner diameter of the reservoir 101. The or each conduit 130 may extend towards (or to) the aerosol generator 102. For example, the or each conduit 130 may be aligned with the aerosol generator 102. The aerosol generator support 129 may comprise a solid structure 131 through which the at least one conduit 130 extends.
In use, aerosol-generating material may preferentially (or may only) traverse the aerosol generator support 129 through the or each conduit 130. It has been found that the aerosol generator support 129 can help to control the flow of aerosol-generating material 200 to the aerosol generator 102, whilst shielding the aerosol generator 102 from the bulk volume of the aerosol generating material 200. In this way, the aerosol generator support 129 may be considered as a thermal break. It also has been found that the conduit(s) 130 can help to channel liquid towards the aerosol generator 102, and/or to reduce or prevent the formation of air bubbles (which may be formed by movement of the article 100).
The aerosol generator support 129may be made of a thermally insulating material. Various thermally insulating materials may be used. The thermally insulating material may comprise or be formed of plastic, glass, paper, and/or ceramic.
The aerosol generator support 129 may be arranged so that aerosol-generating material 200 inside the reservoir 101 that is transferred to the aerosol generator 102 passes through the at least one channel 130. The aerosol generator support 129 may be an integrally formed part of the reservoir 101. Alternatively, the aerosol generator support 129 may be a separable or separate part of the reservoir 101. For example, a wall 109 of the reservoir 101 may comprise the aerosol generator support 129. For example, a wall 109 (or a portion thereof) through which the allotrope of carbon at least partially extends may comprise the aerosol generator support 129.
In some examples, the allotrope of carbon 103 may at least partially extend through the aerosol generator support 129. For example, the allotrope of carbon 103 may be integrally formed with the aerosol generator support 129.
Referring to Figs. 2 and 3, the article 100 may comprise an optional seal 125. The seal 125 may be arranged between the reservoir 101 and the aerosol generator 102. The seal 125 may be arranged between a wall 109 and the aerosol generator 102. The seal 125 may be arranged between the aerosol generator support 129 and the aerosol generator 102. The seal 125 may be arranged between the reservoir 101 and allotrope of carbon 103. The seal 125 may be arranged between a wall 109 and the allotrope of carbon 103. The seal 125 may be arranged between the aerosol generator support 129 and the allotrope of carbon 103.
Referring to Figs. 2, and 3, the seal 125 may be a gasket. For example, the seal 125 may be a mechanical seal.
It will be understood that the seal 125 may be formed of various materials. For example, the seal 125 may be formed of a flexible and/or deformable material. The seal 125 may comprise or be formed of a polymeric material, a fibrous material, a metallic material, and/or a glass material. The polymeric material may be silicone or polyimide (for example).
In some implementations, the seal 125 may comprise or be formed of an adhesive. Such a seal 125 may be referred to as an adhesive seal 125. The adhesive seal 125 may adhere the aerosol generator 102 to the reservoir 101, for example in implementations where the aerosol generator 102 is not formed as part of the wall 109 of the reservoir 101. For example, the adhesive seal 125 may adhere the aerosol generator 102 to a wall 109 of the reservoir 101 (e.g. the aerosol generator support 129).
The seal 125 may be for reducing or preventing inadvertent leakage of aerosol-generating material 200 between the reservoir 101 (e.g. a wall 109 thereof; e.g. the aerosol generator support 129) and the aerosol generator 102. The seal 125 may be for reducing or preventing inadvertent leakage of aerosol-generating material 200 between the reservoir 101 (e.g. a wall 109 thereof; e.g. the aerosol generator support 129) and the allotrope of carbon 103.
At least one opening 126 (e.g. shown in Fig. 2) may be provided in the seal 125. The at least one opening 126 may superpose or overlay the aerosol generator 102. In use, aerosol-generating material 200 in the reservoir 101 can flow to the aerosol generator 102 (e.g. to the allotrope of carbon 103) through the at least one opening 126.
Referring to Fig. 2, the article 100 may include at least one electrical contact 123. For example, the article 100 may comprise at least two (e.g. a pair of) electrical contacts 123. It will be understood that the or each electrical contact 123 is electrically conductive.
The at least one electrical contact 123 may be for connection to a power source, such as a cell 5 provided in the device 20 of the aerosol provision system 10. The power source may be for supplying electrical power to the aerosol-generator 102 such that the aerosol-generator 102 generates aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200 (e.g., via heating).
Figs. 3 and 4 show the at least one electrical contact 123 arranged on or in contact with the aerosol generating component 102 (e.g., the allotrope of carbon 103). The at least one electrical contact 123 is provided to make contact with an electrical conductor (e.g., such as a pogo pin or the like) of the device 20 when the article 100 is coupled to the device 20. Accordingly, electrical power can be provided to the allotrope of carbon 103 for heating the aerosol generating material 200.
The at least one electrical contact 123 may be provided in various forms. The or each electrical contact 123 may be bonded to or contacted with the allotrope of carbon 103. The or each electrical contact may comprise or be formed of a metallic material. The metallic material may be a metal alloy, such as a solder. The metallic material may be silver, copper, gold, platinum, palladium, tungsten, or nickel. For example, the metallic material may be silver chloride.
With reference to Fig. 4, at least two of the electrical contacts 123 may be arranged in contact with the allotrope of carbon 103, such that the path of least electrical resistance extends through the aerosol-generating portion 106 whilst bypassing the transport portion 107. In this way, the aerosol generating portion 106 can reach temperatures for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating material whilst the transport portion 107 may not. Such an arrangement may result in improved efficiency and performance (relative where the entire allotrope of carbon 103 reaches aerosolisation temperatures).
It also has been found that impact between the electrical contact(s) 123 and the allotrope of carbon 103 can damage the allotrope of carbon 103. This may occur during manufacture of the article 100 or once the article 100 has been manufactured. Damage to the allotrope of carbon 103 may present as cracks and/or chips therein, and may negatively affect the performance of the aerosol generator 102. It is thus desirable to reduce the risk of damage to the allotrope of carbon 103. In this regard, the or each electrical contact 123 may have a substantially planar contact surface. For example, the or each electrical contact 123 may be formed as a plate. The plate may have a substantially planar contact surface. The substantially planar contact surface may be arranged in contact with the allotrope of carbon 103. Without being bound by theory, it is believed that such arrangements reduce the pressure applied by the electrical contact(s) to the allotrope of carbon 103.
Fig. 5 schematically represents an example arrangement of a part of the reservoir 101 and aerosol generator 102 of Fig. 2 in more detail, and in particular an arrangement in which the retaining element 124 is provided for retaining the aerosol generator 102 and/or electrical contacts 123 in a suitable position.
In this example, the aerosol generator support 129 is shown having recesses 128. Between the aerosol generator 102 and the aerosol generator support 129 is shown the seal 125. The seal 125 similarly has recess / channel portions running therethrough (not labelled in Fig. 5). A pair of electrical contacts 123 are shown either side of the allotrope of carbon 103 (which also includes the electrically insulating substrate 108). In particular, each electrical contact 123 is positioned at either side or end of the allotrope of carbon 103. The electrical contacts 123 each have a through hole (not labelled in Fig. 5). As can be seen in Fig. 5, when the article 100 is assembled with the seal 125 located at the base of the reservoir 101 and the allotrope of carbon 103 positioned between the seal 125 and the electrical contacts 123, the retaining element 124, which in this implementation is a screw or pin, is located in the respective through holes of the electrical contacts 123 and seal 125 and is fixed into the recesses 128. In this way, the retaining element 124 retains the electrical contacts 123 in position relative to the reservoir 101 and, additionally, helps to retain the electrical contacts 123 in contact with the allotrope of carbon 103. Hence, by virtue of the screw / pin as the retaining element 124, the allotrope of carbon 103 and the electrical contacts 123 are capable of being retained in position.
It should be appreciated that Fig. 5 depicts an example arrangement for the retaining element 124 and, in other implementations, the retaining element 124 may take different forms. For example, in some implementations, the retaining element 124 may be an adhesive (e.g., provided between the electrical contact 123 and the seal 125 / aerosol generator support 129). In other implementations, the retaining element 124 may be biasing element, such as a resiliently biasing element, such as a clamp or a clip.
In some implementations, it will be understood that the retaining element(s) 124 may be separate from, or integrally formed with, the electrical contact(s) 123. For example, in some implementations the or each electrical contact 123 may comprise an integrally formed retaining element 124.
As described above, the aerosol provision system 10 defines an airflow path through the system 10 from an air inlet to an air outlet (at the mouthpiece 35 of the aerosol provision system 10). The article 100 is coupled to the device 20 in use, and thus the article 100 comprises a housing 134 comprising an air inlet 135, an air outlet 136, and an air passageway 137 extending between the air inlet 135 and the air outlet 136. The aerosol generator 102 / allotrope of carbon 103 is arranged in fluid communication with the air passageway 137 so as to be able to deliver aerosol into the air passageway 137 when a user inhales on the aerosol provision system 10.
Fig. 6 schematically represents an article 100 comprising a housing 134 and an air passageway 137. The housing 134 comprises an air inlet 135 and an air outlet 136 provided at outer surfaces of the housing 134. The air inlet 135 may be provided in various positions, such as at a base of the housing 134. The air outlet 136 may be provided in various positions, such as at a top of the housing 134. Generally, the air inlet 134 and air outlet 136 are provided at different positions relative to the housing 134 and at positions which define or facilitate an airflow around the aerosol generator 102. For example, the article 100 may comprise a mouthpiece (not shown in the figures) and the air outlet 136 may be formed at or by the mouthpiece while the air inlet 135 is provided at an opposing end of the article 100.
In the example of Fig. 6, the air passageway 137 is provided so as to surround the outer wall 109 of the reservoir 101 (or at least a portion thereof). That is to say, the air passageway 137 comprises an upstream portion (upstream from the aerosol generator 102) which splits into a plurality of midstream portions that pass either side of the reservoir 101 before joining at a downstream portion, which extends to the air outlet 136. However, the principles of the present disclosure are not limited to this particular configuration of air passageway 137, and different designs of the article 100 and reservoir 101 may lead to other configurations of the air passageway 137 as necessary. For example, in some implementations, the air passageway 137 may be provided centrally in the housing 134 with the reservoir 101 positioned around the air passageway 137 (e.g., as an annular cylinder having inner and outer walls defining the volume 104 while the air passageway 137 runs through the tubular portion defined by the inner wall. Various forms of the air passageway 137 are envisaged.
Airflow through the air passageway 137, in use, may enter the housing 134 at the air inlet 135, and flow towards the aerosol generator 102 / allotrope of carbon 103. The air flowing past the aerosol-generator 102 entrains aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 102, and the resulting air-aerosol mixture flows through the remainder of the air passageway 137, and exits the housing 134 at the air outlet 136, into the mouth of a user.
Not shown in Fig. 6 are the electrical contacts 123 and the corresponding electrical contacts of the control part 20 that is coupled to the article 100 in use to form the aerosol provision system 10. Depending on the implementation at hand, the electrical contacts of the control part 20 may protrude through the housing 134, for example through openings in the housing 134, in order to make electrical contact with the electrical contacts 123.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the aerosol provision system 10 is provided with circuitry 300 that includes monitoring circuitry 310 and fault detection circuitry 320.
Fig. 7 illustrates an example of such circuitry 300 according to the principles of the present disclosure. The circuitry 300 is represented schematically and illustrates the main components relevant for describing the principles of fault detection according to the present disclosure. However, it will be appreciated that certain components are omitted and / or certain other components may be added to the circuity 300 in practical implementations.
The circuitry 300 comprises the power source 5 (e.g., battery 5) electrically connected to the allotrope of carbon 103 (acting as the aerosol generator 102). Electrical power is capable of being supplied from the power source to the allotrope of carbon 103 by virtue of the electrical connections. Not shown in Fig. 7 is any control circuitry, such as PCB 26, which may control the supply of power to the allotrope of carbon 103, e.g., through a switch or similar component.
Circuitry 300 also includes monitoring circuitry 310. The monitoring circuitry 310 is connected in parallel with the allotrope of carbon 103 to the power source 5. In particular, Fig. 7 shows two wires extending from the power source 5 to the allotrope of carbon 103 with two branched off wires connecting to the monitoring circuitry 310. In Fig. 7, the branching is represented by the black circles on each of the wires.
The monitoring circuitry 310 is configured to monitor an electrical parameter of the allotrope of carbon 103 during activation of the allotrope of carbon 103. Activation of the allotrope of carbon 103 in this instance means activation of the allotrope of carbon 103 to generate aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200. In other words, activation of the allotrope of carbon 103 involves supplying power from the power source 5 that is sufficient to cause the allotrope of carbon 103 to heat to a temperature capable of aerosolising the aerosol-generating material 200.
In use of the aerosol provision system 10, power is supplied to the allotrope or carbon 103 upon detection of a user's intention to generate aerosol. For example, in some implementations, the aerosol provision system 10 comprises a pressure or air flow sensor capable of determining a change in pressure or a flow of air when the user inhales at the mouthpiece of the aerosol provision system 10. The change in pressure or air flow is indicative of user inhaling on the aerosol provision system 10 and therefore indicative of the user's intention to generate aerosol. Alternatively or additionally, the aerosol provision system 10 may include a user input mechanism, such as a button, which is indicative of the user's intention to generate aerosol when actuated by the user. In either scenario, in response to determining the user's intention to generate aerosol, control circuitry, such as PCB 26, controls the supply of power from the power source 5 to the allotrope of carbon 103 to activate the allotrope of carbon 103. During such activation, the monitoring circuitry 310 monitors an electrical parameter of the allotrope of carbon 103.
The monitored electrical parameter may be any suitable electrical parameter that is capable of being monitored, and the specific parameter chosen may be dependent on the type of aerosol generator 102 used and/or the configuration of the circuitry 300. In the described example, the monitored electrical parameter of the allotrope of carbon 103 is the electrical resistance of the allotrope of carbon 103. The electrical resistance of the allotrope of carbon 103 may be measured directly, e.g., via an ohmmeter or similar circuitry, or the electrical resistance may be derived from one or more other measurements (such as from a voltage and/or current measurement). In some implementations, the power source 5 may be controlled to output power with a constant voltage or current, and thus the monitoring circuitry 310 may be configured to monitor the other of voltage or current and determine the resistance based on the constant voltage or current value which may be communicated to the monitoring circuitry 310. In other implementations, the monitored electrical parameter may be inductance.
The monitoring circuitry 310 is configured to monitor the electrical parameter with time. For example, the monitoring circuitry 310 may be configured to obtain a measurement of the electrical parameter periodically during activation of the allotrope of carbon 103 (e.g., once every millisecond, every ten milliseconds, etc.). The rate at which the monitoring circuitry 310 obtains a measurement of the electrical parameter will be less than the expected period for a given activation of the allotrope of carbon 103 (which may be on the order of two seconds if the allotrope of carbon 103 is activated for a typical duration of an inhalation). In this way, for a given activation, or even for a part of an activation, of the allotrope of carbon 103 the monitoring circuitry 310 is able to monitor the electrical parameter of the allotrope of carbon 103.
It should be appreciated that while Fig. 7 shows the monitoring circuitry 310 coupled in parallel with the allotrope of carbon 103, the monitoring circuitry 310 may instead be coupled in series, for example depending on the electrical parameter to be monitored. In addition, it should be appreciated that any other electronic components may also be provided in the circuitry 300, for example between the branch points and the monitoring circuitry 310.
Fig. 7 also shows fault detection circuitry 320 coupled to the monitoring circuitry 310. The fault detection circuitry 320 is capable of receiving an output of the monitored electrical parameter from the monitoring circuitry 310 and performing a fault detection process for detecting a fault condition of the aerosol generator 102 / allotrope of carbon 103 on the basis of the monitored electrical parameter of the heater element.
Fig. 8 is a graph depicting two traces of an electrical parameter (resistance) with time for two different allotropes of carbon 103. The graph depicts time, t, in arbitrary units, on the x-axis and resistance, R, in arbitrary units on the y-axis. The first trace, shown by the dashed line and labelled N in Fig. 8, represents the monitored resistance of a non-defective allotrope of carbon 103 over an activation of the allotrope of carbon 103. The second trace, shown by the solid line and labelled D in Fig. 8, represents the monitored resistance of a defective allotrope of carbon 103 over an activation of the allotrope of carbon 103. It should be appreciated that the two traces shown in Fig. 8 are examples only and do not necessarily represent actual values obtained during practical experiments; rather, these traces server to highlight the principles of defect detection according to the present disclosure.
Before describing the first and second traces N and D in more detail, the following conditions are assumed. The allotrope of carbon 103, generally, has a zero or negative temperature co-efficient of (electrical) resistance. A material with a zero temperature co-efficient of resistance experiences no change in electrical resistance with a change in temperature. That is, the electrical resistance is approximately constant with temperature. A material with a negative temperature co-efficient of resistance experiences a decrease in electrical resistance with an increase in temperature. That is, the electrical resistance decreases as the temperature of the material increases. The allotrope of carbon 103 may, in general, exhibit either of these characteristics depending on the formation / structure of the allotrope of carbon 103 used. It should also be appreciated that the allotrope of carbon 103 may exhibit either of these characteristics in given temperature ranges. That is, by way of example only, below 150°C the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a negative temperature co-efficient of resistance and above 150°C the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a zero temperature co-efficient of resistance.
The first trace N corresponding to the monitored electrical parameter for activation of a normal or non-defective allotrope of carbon 103 is now considered. In Fig. 8, at time t0, activation of the normal or non-defective allotrope of carbon 103 is started. As noted above, this corresponds to the application of an electrical power to the allotrope of carbon 103 following detection of a user's intention to generate aerosol. At time t0, the temperature of the allotrope of carbon 103 is at ambient temperature and this corresponds to an initial resistance value. As time progresses, the application of the electrical power causes the temperature of the allotrope of carbon 103 to increase. Fig. 8 shows an initial period between t0 and t1 of a negative coefficient of resistance (whereby, as the temperature increases via the application of electrical power, the resistance of the allotrope of carbon 103 slightly decreases). Fig. 8 shows this decrease initially as a linear decrease e.g., to time t1, before levelling off and becoming a constant (or approximately constant) value for the duration of the activation, e.g., during a period where the allotrope of carbon 103 has a zero temperature coefficient. At time t2, the activation is stopped (e.g., because a predetermined time period from time t0 has elapsed or because the user has stopped inhaling, as described above). The first trace N stops at time t2 because the monitored electrical parameter is no longer being monitored in this implementation; however, the resistance (and hence temperature) may be expected to return to a resistance value corresponding to that observed at time t0 at ambient temperature.
The first trace N may broadly be thought of as comprising two regions. The first region is a region corresponding to the initial heating of the allotrope of carbon 103 as electrical power is supplied to the allotrope of carbon 103 (e.g., corresponding to the time period t0 to t1). The temperature that is reached at the end of the first region may be referred to as the operating temperature, which is a temperature sufficient to generate aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 200. The second region is a region corresponding to the maintenance of temperature of the allotrope of carbon 103 at the operating temperature (e.g., corresponding to the time period t1 to t2). During this region, the temperature of the allotrope of carbon 103 is maintained at the operating temperature, and hence, it should be appreciated that the second region is the region that contributes most to the generation of aerosol.
The specific time periods for the first and second regions may depend on the power that is supplied to the allotrope of carbon 103. For example, for a relatively higher magnitude of power supplied to the allotrope of carbon 103, the duration of the first region (the time between t0 and t1) may decrease as it is possible to bring the temperature of the allotrope of carbon 103 to the operating temperature more quickly. Consequently, the duration of the second region (the time between t1 and t2) may be relatively longer for an activation of a given length.
The first trace N represents an expected change for the monitored electrical parameter over time for a normal or non-defective allotrope of carbon 103. That is, when activating a given allotrope of carbon 103, this is the expected shape / form of the trace that one would expect to observe when the allotrope of carbon 103 is correctly formed / manufactured.
However, the Inventors have recognised that defective allotropes of carbon 103 exhibit different characteristics in the monitored electrical parameter over time from the expected monitored electrical parameter over time (i.e., that represented by the first trace N). By identifying such differences in the monitored electrical parameter over time for an activation of the allotrope of carbon 103 it is possible to determine whether the allotrope of carbon 103 is defective or not. It is thought that variations or errors in the manufacturing process of the allotrope of carbon 103 may result in a defective allotrope of carbon 103. For example, the allotrope of carbon 103 may be formed as foam comprising a foam structure and a plurality of cells, as described above. During formation of the foam structure, the extent to which the cells are formed and/or their shape and interconnectivity may be impacted during to manufacturing variables. For example, in defective foam allotropes of carbon 103, some regions of the foam allotrope of carbon 103 may have non-uniform cell density (e.g., have relatively more or fewer open-cells) than other regions, which may affect the overall electrical resistance of the allotrope of carbon 103.
The second trace D corresponding to the monitored electrical parameter for activation of a defective allotrope of carbon 103 is now considered. As with the first trace N, in Fig. 8, at time t0, activation of defective allotrope of carbon 103 is started (via application of an electrical power). The temperature of the allotrope of carbon 103 at t0 is similarly at ambient in this example, and is shown having the same starting resistance value as the non-defective allotrope of carbon 103 (although this may not necessarily be the case and the initial resistance value may vary, e.g., depending on the influence of the localised regions discussed above).
As above, an electrical power is applied to the defective allotrope of carbon 103 at time t0. It has been observed that the defective regions initially contribute to an increase in the overall resistance of the defective allotrope of carbon 103. As seen in Fig. 8, the second trace D rises from an initial resistance value to a higher resistance value from the time t0 to t3.
As the defective regions subsequently heat up (i.e. their temperature increases) with continued application of electrical power, the overall resistance of the allotrope of carbon 103 has been observed to decrease with time. In Fig. 8, it can be seen that between t3 and t4, the overall resistance value of the allotrope of carbon 103 drops, linearly, with time. It should be appreciated that the overall resistance of the allotrope of carbon 103 may drop in a different manner (e.g., non-linearly, such as quadratically, for example). At time t4, it can be seen that the overall resistance value for the defective allotrope of carbon 103 is the same (or approximately the same) as the resistance value as observed in the first trace N (although it should be appreciated that, in other examples, this may not necessarily be the case). In the example of Fig. 8, during the period t4 to t2, the electrical resistance of the defective allotrope of carbon 103 is constant.
Accordingly, from Fig. 8, it can be seen that the two traces, the first trace N and the second trace D, differ from one another in at least one aspect. In this regard, by identifying certain characteristic indicative of a defect or fault in the allotrope of carbon 103 in the monitored electrical parameter during activation of the allotrope of carbon 103, a defect or fault of the allotrope of carbon 103 can be determined.
With reference to Fig. 8, the characteristic indicative of a defect or fault in the allotrope of carbon 103 in the monitored electrical parameter during activation of the allotrope of carbon 103 is at least one of: the increase in electrical resistance from an initial value upon activation of the allotrope of carbon 103 (e.g., the increase in trace D observed in the period t0 to t3) and the significant decrease in electrical resistance of the allotrope of carbon 103 during continued activation of the allotrope of carbon 103 (e.g., the decrease in trace D observed in the period t3 to t4).
The fault detection circuitry 320 is configured to identify any one or more of these characteristics indicative of a defect or fault in the allotrope of carbon 103 in the monitored electrical parameter during activation of the allotrope of carbon 103 and, if one of these characteristics is identified, determine that the allotrope of carbon 103 is defective / faulty.
In some implementations, the characteristic indicative of a fault condition includes a non-zero rate of change of the monitored electrical parameter greater than a predetermined threshold for a predetermined time period. For example, with reference to Fig. 8, the rate of change of the electrical resistance (as the monitored electrical parameter) for the second trace D during the time period t0 to t3 is positive, whereas the rate of change of the electrical resistance for the first trace N during the time period t0 to t3 is negative. Thus, in this example, the predetermined threshold may be set as 0 or a positive value in order to differentiate between positive and negative rates of change of the electrical parameter. Hence, when it is determined that the rate of change of the monitored electrical parameter is above the threshold, the fault detection circuitry 320 may determine the allotrope of carbon is defective / faulty. However, in other implementations, for example with different allotropes of carbon 103 and/or different heating elements, the rate of change for the non-defective heating element and the defective heating element may both be positive. In such implementations, the threshold may be set to be a positive value capable of discriminating between the non-defective and defective heating elements. The precise value may be determined empirically or through computer modelling.
The predetermined time period as used in the above is any predetermined time period that is at least sufficient to minimise error and provide a reliable measure of the rate of change of the electrical parameter. The precise length of this time period will be dependent on the specifics of the circuitry 300, such as the measurement resolution of the monitoring circuitry 310.
In some implementations, the characteristic indicative of a fault condition includes a non-zero rate of change of the monitored electrical parameter less than a predetermined threshold for a predetermined time period. For example, with reference to Fig. 8, the rate of change of the electrical resistance (as the monitored electrical parameter) for the second trace D during the time period t3 to t4 is negative, whereas the rate of change of the electrical resistance for the first trace N during the time period t3 to t4 is zero or slightly positive. Thus, in this example, the predetermined threshold may be set as 0 or a positive value in order to differentiate between the negative and positive / zero rates of change of the monitored electrical parameter. Hence, when it is determined that the rate of change of the monitored electrical parameter is below the threshold, the fault detection circuitry 320 may determine the allotrope of carbon is defective / faulty. However, in other implementations, for example with different allotropes of carbon 103 and/or different heating elements, the rate of change for the non-defective heating element and the defective heating element may both be negative. In such implementations, the threshold may be set to be a negative value capable of discriminating between the non-defective and defective heating elements. The precise value may be determined empirically or through computer modelling.
Similarly, the predetermined time period as used in the above is any predetermined time period that is at least sufficient to minimise error and provide a reliable measure of the rate of change of the electrical parameter. The precise length of this time period will be dependent on the specifics of the circuitry 300, such as the measurement resolution of the monitoring circuitry 310.
In some implementations, the characteristic indicative of a fault condition is based on a comparison of the rates of change of the monitored electrical parameter in different portions of the activation of the allotrope of carbon 103. For example, in Fig. 8, one may consider the characteristic to comprise a first portion (e.g., corresponding to the initial activation of the allotrope of carbon, e.g., the time period t0 to t3) and a second portion (e.g., corresponding to a subsequent period of the activation of the allotrope of carbon e.g., the time period t3 to t4). In this example, the rate of change of the monitored electrical parameter of the first portion (t0 to t3) is greater than the rate of change of the monitored electrical parameter of the second portion (t3 to t4). Hence, when it is determined that the rate of change of the monitored electrical parameter in the first period is greater than the rate of change of the monitored electrical parameter in the second period, the fault detection circuitry 320 may determine the allotrope of carbon is defective / faulty.
In other implementations, rather than simply comparing the monitored electrical parameter to different thresholds, the fault detection circuitry 320 may be programmed, in advance, with expected value or values for the monitored electrical parameter. For example, with reference to Fig. 8, the fault detection circuitry 320 may be programmed with the values corresponding to the first trace N, which as described above is a trace representing the monitored electrical parameter for a normal or non-defective allotrope of carbon during activation thereof. Alternatively, an average resistance value may be calculated for the first trace N and stored in advance. The fault detection circuitry 320 is configured to identify the characteristic indicative of a fault condition by comparing the monitored electrical parameter during activation of the allotrope of carbon to the expected value or values of the electrical parameter set in advance.
In some implementations, the fault detection circuitry 320 is configured to identify the characteristic when the monitored electrical parameter deviates from the expected value or values by a predetermined amount. For example, in Fig. 8, at time t3 (purely used as an example reference point in time), we can consider the difference between the expected value (i.e., the value of the resistance in the first trace N) and the monitored electrical parameter (i.e., the value of the resistance in the second trace D). By setting the predetermined amount to less than the difference between the expected value and the monitored electrical parameter at time t3 means that the fault detection circuitry 320 would determine that the second trace D corresponds to a defective or faulty allotrope of carbon 103. The predetermined amount may take any suitable value that allows non-defective and defective allotropes of carbon 103 to be differentiated between. This may be determined empirically or via computer modelling.
Hence, it should be appreciated that the circuitry 300 is capable of determining whether the allotrope of carbon 103 (or more generally the aerosol generator 102) is faulty or defective. In particular, by monitoring an electrical parameter of the allotrope of carbon 103 during activation of the allotrope of carbon 103, characteristics indicative of a defective or faulty allotrope of carbon 103 are able to be identified, either based on characteristics identifiable in the monitored electrical parameter itself or by comparison to expected value or values. The fault detection circuitry 320 is capable of determining whether the allotrope of carbon 103 is defective or faulty based on identifying any one or more of the characteristics.
It should be appreciated that the characteristics described above are not limiting of the possible characteristics that may be identified for any given aerosol provision system 10. In other words, the allotrope of carbon 103 may have a different electrical parameter (e.g., resistance) profile to that shown in Fig. 8, either in respect of the normal or non-defective allotrope of carbon and/or a defective allotrope of carbon 103. The above description is only presented to highlight the principles of how fault detection is able to be achieved in an aerosol provision system 10, particularly one in which an allotrope of carbon 103 (such as a carbon foam) is used as an aerosol generator 102. For a given system, it may be possible to determine defective allotropes of carbon 103 by mass testing of a plurality of allotropes of carbon 103 to potentially identify characteristics in the electrical parameter profiles that are indicative of defective or faulty allotropes of carbon 103.
Once the fault detection circuitry 320 has determined that the allotrope of carbon 103 is defective or faulty, the fault detection circuitry 320 may signal to suitable control circuitry (such as the PCB 26) that the allotrope of carbon 103 is faulty. In response, the control circuitry (e.g., such as the PCB 26) may cause an action to be performed that is intended to improve the operational safety of the aerosol provision system 10.
In some implementations, in response to determining a fault condition, the control circuitry is configured to prevent further activation of the allotrope of carbon 103. For instance, in such an implementation, when the control circuitry receives an indication of the user's intention to generate aerosol (e.g., from a pressure or airflow sensor), the control circuitry checks whether the allotrope of carbon 103 has been identified as being faulty / defective, and if so, is configured to prevent power from power source 5 being supplied to the allotrope of carbon 103. Additionally, or alternatively, the control circuitry may be configured to cause an alert to be provided to the user. In some implementations, the aerosol provision system 10 may include an LED or other feedback mechanism which is capable of being operated by the control circuitry when the control circuitry is informed that the allotrope of carbon 103 is faulty / defective (e.g., from the fault detection circuitry 320). In some implementations, the feedback mechanism may additionally or alternatively be remote from the aerosol provision system 10, such as on a smartphone or other remote device that is communicatively coupled to the aerosol provision system 10. The control circuitry in such implementations is configured to transmit a control signal to the remote device to cause the feedback mechanism to generate an alert to the user (such as displaying a message or notification on a smartphone of the user). The type and/or location of the feedback mechanism is not particularly limited.
It should be appreciated that while the principles of the present disclosure may be extended to any suitable heating element acting as an aerosol generator 102, it has been found that such an approach has particular application in aerosol provision systems 10 that utilise an allotrope of carbon 103 as the aerosol generator 102.
With reference back to Fig. 7, while Fig. 7 shows the monitoring circuitry 310 and the fault detection circuitry 320 as separate circuit arrangements, it should be appreciated that in certain implementations, the monitoring circuit 310 and the fault detection circuitry 320 may be implemented as combined circuitry (e.g., a single integrated circuit). In other implementations, the monitoring circuitry 310 and the fault detection circuitry 320 may be incorporated in any control circuitry (such as PCB 26) of the aerosol provision system 10.
In addition, Fig. 7 also includes a dashed line A which is provided between the power source 5 and the allotrope of carbon 103. The dashed line A represents an interface between the aerosol provision device 20 and the removable article 30/100. In this regard, Fig. 7 can be understood as showing everything to the left of the dashed line A comprised in the aerosol provision device 20 and everything to the right of the dashed line A comprised in the article 30/100. In particular, the monitoring circuitry 310 and the fault detection circuitry 320 are part of the aerosol provision device 20 in this implementation, and thus are able to monitor an electrical parameter and detected a faulty allotrope of carbon 103 when the article is coupled to the aerosol provision device 20. However, it should be understood that for other implementations, the aerosol provision device 20 may be integrally formed with the article 30/100.
Fig. 9 is an example method for detecting a fault in a heater element (such as the carbon allotrope 103 above) for an aerosol provision system.
The method starts at step S1, where a heater element (such as the allotrope of carbon 103). In some implementations, this includes coupling an article 30/100 (which includes the allotrope of carbon 103) to the aerosol provision device 20.
At step S2, the method proceeds to activate the heater element (such as the allotrope of carbon 103). As described above, power may be controlled to be output from the power source 5 to the allotrope of carbon 103 in response to detecting a user's intention to activate aerosol generation (e.g., a detected inhalation on the aerosol provision system 10 or pressing of a button or other user input mechanism, etc.).
At step S3, the method proceeds to monitor an electrical parameter of the heater element (such as the allotrope of carbon 103) during the activation of the heater element at step S2. During step S3, the monitoring circuitry 310 monitors the electrical parameter, such as resistance, during activation of the heater element, as described above. In some implementations, the monitoring may be performed for the entire duration of activation of the heater element, but in other implementations, the monitoring may only be performed for a part of the activation of the heater element (e.g., such as the first second of activation). The monitoring circuitry 310 monitors the electrical parameter over time.
At step S4, the method proceeds to determine a fault in the heater element based on identifying a characteristic indicative of a fault condition from the monitored electrical parameter at step S3. As discussed above, this step may be performed by the fault detection circuitry 320 after receiving the monitored electrical parameter from the monitoring circuitry 310. Step S4 may use any of the techniques as described above to identify a characteristic indicative of a fault in the heater element.
At step S5, optionally, in response to determining to fault condition at step S4, the method prevents further activation of the heater element (e.g., by preventing power from power source 5 being supplied to the allotrope of carbon 103) and / or to generate an alert that is provided to the user, where the alert indicates to a user that the heater element is faulty.
Although not shown in Fig. 9, once an aerosol has been generated (for example, after a predetermined time from the detected start of a user inhalation and/or when the user has stopped inhaling on the aerosol provision system 10), the supply of power to the heater element may be stopped. The method may then proceed back to step S2 to await for the next detection of a user's intention to activate aerosol generation.
In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a non-combustible aerosol provision system 10 comprising the article 30/100 and an aerosol provision device 20 comprising a power source. As in the above examples, the aerosol provision device 20 and the article 30/100 are separable from one another, and one (e.g., the article 30/100) may be replaced independently of the aerosol provision device 20.
More generally, the device may be for receiving the article 30/100. In some implementations, the device may enclose the article 30100. In some implementations, the device 20 may comprise a mouthpiece (for example, that enclosed the article 30/100), or alternatively the mouthpiece may form a part of the article 30/100.
In some implementations, the aerosol provision device 20 comprises the monitoring circuitry 310 and the fault detection circuitry 320.
In other implementations, the device 20 and article 30/100 may be formed as a unitary structure (that is, the device 20 and article 30/100 are integrally formed as the aerosol provision system 10). The system may include any feature or features of the system described herein.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol provision means (which includes the aerosol provision system 10) configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material. The aerosol provision means includes heater means (which includes the aerosol generator 102 / allotrope of carbon 103) configured to generate heat for aerosolising an aerosol-generating material; monitoring means (which includes the monitoring circuitry 310) configured to monitor an electrical parameter of the heater means during activation of the heater means; and fault detection means (which includes fault detection circuitry 320) configured to detect a fault in the heater means on the basis of the monitored electrical parameter of the heater means. The fault detection means is configured to determine a fault in the heater means has been detected based on identifying a characteristic indicative of a fault condition in the monitored electrical parameter during activation of the heater means.
Thus, there has been described an aerosol provision system configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, wherein the aerosol provision system includes a heater element configured to generate heat for aerosolising an aerosol-generating material; monitoring circuitry configured to monitor an electrical parameter of the heater element during activation of the heater element; and fault detection circuitry configured to detect a fault in the heater element on the basis of the monitored electrical parameter of the heater element. The fault detection circuitry is configured to determine a fault in the heater element has been detected based on identifying a characteristic indicative of a fault condition in the monitored electrical parameter during activation of the heater element. Also described is an aerosol provision device, and a method of operation.
Any aspect of the present disclosure may be defined in relation to any of the other aspects of the present disclosure. For example, one aspect of the present disclosure may include any of the features of any other aspect of the present disclosure and/or the features of one aspect of the present disclosure may be as defined in relation to the features of any other aspect of the present disclosure.
The various examples described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These examples are provided as a representative sample of examples only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other examples may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various examples of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

An aerosol provision system configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, wherein the aerosol provision system comprises:
a heater element configured to generate heat for aerosolising an aerosol-generating material;

monitoring circuitry configured to monitor an electrical parameter of the heater element during activation of the heater element; and

fault detection circuitry configured to detect a fault in the heater element on the basis of the monitored electrical parameter of the heater element,

wherein the fault detection circuitry is configured to determine a fault in the heater element has been detected based on identifying a characteristic indicative of a fault condition in the monitored electrical parameter during activation of the heater element.
The aerosol provision system of claim 1, wherein the characteristic indicative of a fault condition includes a non-zero rate of change of the electrical parameter greater than or less than a predetermined threshold for a predetermined time period.
The aerosol provision system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the characteristic indicative of a fault condition comprises a first portion and a second portion, and wherein the first portion has a greater rate of change of the electrical parameter than the second portion.
The aerosol provision system of claim 3, wherein the first portion is a portion starting from initial activation of the heater element and the second portion is a subsequent portion in time.
The aerosol provision system of any of the preceding claims, wherein activation of the heater element includes supplying power from a power source of the aerosol provision system to cause the heater element to heat to an operational temperature for aerosolising aerosol-generating material.
The aerosol provision system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the electrical parameter includes at least one of: an electrical resistance and an inductance.
The aerosol provision system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the fault detection circuitry is configured to identify a characteristic indicative of a fault condition by comparing the monitored electrical parameter during activation of the heater element to an expected value or values of the electrical parameter during an activation of the heater element set in advance.
The aerosol provision system of claim 7, wherein characteristic is identified when the monitored electrical parameter deviates from the expected value or values by a predetermined amount, wherein optionally, the heater element is, or comprises, a carbon foam.
The aerosol provision system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, in response to determining a fault condition, the control circuitry is configured to prevent further activation of the heater element.
The aerosol provision system of any of the preceding claims, wherein, in response to determining a fault condition, the control circuitry is configured to cause an alert to be provided to the user.
An aerosol provision device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises:
monitoring circuitry configured to monitor an electrical parameter of a heater element during activation of the heater element, wherein the heater element is configured to generate heat for aerosolising an aerosol-generating material; and

fault detection circuitry configured to detect a fault in the heater element on the basis of the monitored electrical parameter of the heater element,

wherein the fault detection circuitry is configured to determine a fault in the heater element has been detected based on identifying a characteristic indicative of a fault condition in the monitored electrical parameter during activation of the heater element.
The aerosol provision device of claim 11, wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to receive a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material.
The aerosol provision device of claim 12, wherein the consumable comprises the heater element.
A method for detecting a fault in a heater element for an aerosol provision system, the method comprising:
providing a heater element;

activating the heater element by applying power to the heater element to cause heating of the heater element;

monitoring an electrical parameter of the heater element during activation of the heater element; and

determining a fault in the heater element based on identifying a characteristic indicative of a fault condition in the monitored electrical parameter during activation of the heater element.
An aerosol provision means configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-generating material, wherein the aerosol provision means comprises:
heater means configured to generate heat for aerosolising an aerosol-generating material;

monitoring means configured to monitor an electrical parameter of the heater means during activation of the heater means; and

fault detection means configured to detect a fault in the heater means on the basis of the monitored electrical parameter of the heater means,

wherein the fault detection means is configured to determine a fault in the heater means has been detected based on identifying a characteristic indicative of a fault condition in the monitored electrical parameter during activation of the heater means.