FIELD
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The present disclosure relates to an aerosol generating device and an aerosol-generating system.
BACKGROUND
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An electronic vapour product (EVP), also known as a vaping apparatus or a vape, is a type of aerosol-generating system in which an aerosol precursor (e.g. a liquid or gel) is aerosolised by an aerosol-generating unit, such as a heating element or ultrasonic element.
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A heat-not-burn (HNB) device, also known as a heated tobacco device, is another type of aerosol-generating system in which an aerosol precursor (e.g., a solid precursor such as tobacco) is heated by a heating system to produce an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user.
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It is known to provide a variety of articles of different types for use with such aerosol-generating systems. For example, articles may differ in structure, content (e.g. flavour), size, format, age, etc. However, articles of different type may require different heating profiles (or other operating characteristics) in order to perform in an optimal manner (e.g. in order to generate an optimum aerosol).
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It is against this background that the present invention has been developed.
SUMMARY
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In a first aspect, there is disclosed an aerosol-generating system comprising a first aerosol-generating article of a first type and a second aerosol-generating article of a second type. Each article comprises an airflow inlet, an aerosol generator downstream of the inlet, and an outlet downstream of the aerosol generator for discharge of aerosol generated by the aerosol generator from the article. The system also comprises an aerosol-generating device, which comprises an engagement portion that is engageable with the first and second articles, an airflow sensor arranged to sense a characteristic of an airflow upstream of the airflow inlet of the first and/or second article when engaged with the device; and a controller operatively connected to the airflow sensor.
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The reference to articles of different "type" means the articles of the first and second types differ in one or more characteristics, such as structure, content (e.g. flavour), size, format, age, heater type, etc.
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The term "engage" refers to a physical connection between the engagement portion and the first and second articles such that the first and second articles are retained with the device so as not to be dislodged in normal use (but not necessarily locked to or interlocked with the device).
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The controller may be configured to identify whether the first article or the second article is engaged with the engagement portion based on the sensed characteristic of the airflow.
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By identifying the article, the device may be able to adjust the way it functions based on the identification. This may, for example, allow the device to function differently for different articles types (i.e. articles having different characteristics).
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An airflow sensor may provide a cost effective means for identifying the type of an article engaged with the device. For example, use of an airflow sensor may avoid the need to provide alternative sensors of increased complexity for the purpose of article identification. Moreover, airflow sensors can be used for further functions of the device (e.g. some devices may use such sensors to activate a heater or to measure the length of an inhalation). In such devices, when configured according to the first aspect, the identification of article type can be achieved without provision of a further sensor (i.e. the airflow sensor can provide dual functionality). In this way, use of the airflow sensor can minimise the complexity of the device.
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When the first article is engaged with the engagement portion, air may flow to the first article along a first airflow path. When the second article is engaged with the engagement portion air may flow to the second article along a second airflow path that is different to the first airflow path. The difference between the first and second airflow paths may include a difference in the route the airflow takes or, for example, a difference in cross-sectional area of the path.
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As may be appreciated, the first and/or second airflow path may be at least partly formed between the first or second article and the device when engaged with the engagement portion (e.g. may be a space configured for airflow between the article and the device). Alternatively or additionally the first and/or second airflow path may be at least partly extend through the device. In either case, when a user inhales, air may take a different path through the system when the first article is engaged compared to when the second article is engaged. As may be appreciated, this may facilitate identification of the article engaged with the device using the airflow sensor.
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The airflow sensor may be arranged to sense a characteristic of an airflow in each of the first and second airflow paths. The airflow sensor may be arranged to be fluidly connectable with each of the first and second airflow paths (i.e. when the respective first or second article is engaged with the engagement portion). In such arrangements, the controller may be able to identify the article engaged with the engagement portion based on airflow characteristics sensed by a single sensor, which may minimise the cost and complexity of the device.
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The device may comprise first and second passages. Each passage may extend from the airflow sensor to a respective first or second opening, which may be at the engagement portion. Positioning the openings at the engagement portion may (e.g. where an airflow path is formed between the device and article) facilitate fluid communication between the airflow sensor and the airflow paths.
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Likewise, positioning the openings at the engagement portion may (as is discussed further below) allow obstruction of the openings by an article, so as to alter the airflow through the system (which may be used to identify which article is engaged with the device).
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The airflow sensor may be a first airflow sensor, which may be arranged to sense a characteristic of an airflow in the first airflow path. The device may comprise a second airflow sensor, which may be arranged to sense a characteristic of an airflow in the second airflow path. In other words, each of the first and second airflow paths may be provided with a dedicated airflow sensor. Each airflow sensor may be operatively connected to the controller and the controller may be configured to identify whether an article engaged with the engagement portion is of a first type or a second type based on characteristics sensed by both the first and second airflow sensors (e.g. received via signals from the first and second airflow sensors).
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The device may comprise a first passage extending from the first airflow sensor to a first opening, which may be at the engagement portion. The device may comprise a second passage extending from the second airflow sensor to a second opening, which may be at the engagement portion. As set forth above, arranging the first and second openings at the engagement portion may allow for fluid communication with the airflow paths, and/or may allow for obstruction of the openings by the first and second articles.
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As may be appreciated, in arrangements in which one or both of the first and second airflow paths extend through the device the first and/or second passage may define part of the first or second airflow path. Alternatively, in arrangements in which one or both of the first and second airflow paths are formed between an article and the device, the first and/or second passage may have a single open end at the first or second opening (e.g. may be a blind hole extending to a respective sensor).
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In some examples, the first and second airflow sensors may be disposed at the engagement portion (e.g. so as to be directly exposed to airflow between the device and an article engaged with the engagement portion).
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The system may comprise a blocking member, which may be configured to obstruct (e.g. partly or fully) the first and/or second opening when the first and/or second article is engaged with the engagement portion. Such obstruction may change the airflow through the system and/or the fluid connections between the sensor(s) and the airflow paths, allowing the controller to identify the article engaged with the engagement portion based on sensed airflow characteristics.
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The blocking member may comprise a sealing portion, e.g. for sealing the first or second opening. The sealing portion may comprise a resilient sealing member (which may comprise an elastic material such as rubber).
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The blocking member may form part of the first article and may be arranged to obstruct the second opening when the first article is engaged with the engagement portion. The blocking member may be a first blocking member and the system may comprise a second blocking member forming part of the second article and which may be arranged to obstruct the first opening when the second article is engaged with the engagement portion.
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In this way, when the first article is engaged with the engagement portion, the second opening may be obstructed (e.g. fully or partly) by the first blocking member, and when the second article is engaged with the engagement portion, the first opening may be obstructed (e.g. fully or partly) by the second blocking member.
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The or each blocking member may be arranged at a base of the respective article.
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The blocking member may be moveably mounted to the device. The mounting may be such that the blocking member is moveable by the first and/or second article during engagement of the article with the engagement portion and/or when the article is engaged with the engagement portion. The blocking member may be slideably mounted or pivotably mounted. The blocking member may be disposed at the engagement portion (e.g. mounted to the engagement portion).
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The first aerosol-generating article may be configured to move the blocking member to obstruct the second opening upon engagement with the engagement portion (and e.g. not obstruct the first opening). The second aerosol-generating article may be configured to move the blocking member to obstruct (e.g. partly or fully) the first opening (and e.g. not obstruct the second opening) upon engagement with the engagement portion.
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The first and/or second article may comprise a guide surface arranged to contact the blocking member to move the blocking member upon engagement of the article with the engagement portion. The guide surface may be sloped (e.g. with respect to an axis along which the blocking member moves in use). The sloped guide surface may be provided at a base of the respective article.
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The blocking member may comprise an actuation portion, which may be arranged to contact an article engaged with the engagement portion (i.e. such contact causing movement of the blocking member). The actuation portion may extend from the sealing portion (e.g. towards an article when engaged with the engagement portion).
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In other examples, the device may comprise a plurality of moveable blocking members. For example, each passage may be provided with a blocking member that is moveable by the first or second article to obstruct the passage.
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In some examples, the blocking member may be movable by an article engaged with the engagement portion without contact with the article. For example, the moveable member (e.g. actuation portion) may comprise a magnetic or ferromagnetic portion, which may interact with a corresponding magnetic or ferromagnetic portion of an article to cause movement of the moveable member.
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The engagement portion may comprise a recess (or cavity) for receipt of at least a portion of the article. The engagement portion may be configured for mechanical and/or magnetic engagement with the first and second articles. Engagement between the engagement portion and an article may, for example, be provided be interference fit, a threaded arrangement, snap engagement, bayonet arrangement, etc.
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The first and/or second article may be configured for engagement with the engagement portion in a discrete number of orientations (e.g. a single orientation). Orientation may be taken as the rotational position about a longitudinal axis of the device and/or article.
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Each article may comprise a first sidewall and an opposite second sidewall. Each first sidewall may be arranged to be positioned on a first side of the recess when the respective article is received in the recess. Each second sidewall may be arrange to be positioned on a second side of the recess (opposite to the first side) when the respective article is received in the recess.
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The first article may be configured such that, when received in the recess, an airflow path is formed between the first sidewall of the first article and a wall of the recess (and no airflow path may be formed at the second sidewall). The second article may be configured such that, when received in the recess, an airflow path is formed between the second sidewall of the second article and a wall of the recess (and no airflow path may be formed at the first sidewall). For example, the first article may comprise a channel formed in the first sidewall and the second article may comprise a channel formed in the second sidewall. In this way, the first and second articles may form different airflow paths when received in the recess of the device.
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The system (e.g. device) may comprise a power source (e.g. a battery).
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The system may comprise an aerosol-generating unit. One or both of the first and second articles may comprise an aerosol-generating unit, such as an ultrasonic element or a heater. In such arrangements, the device may comprise electrical contacts for connection with corresponding contacts of the first and second articles, for transfer of power to the first and second articles.
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Alternatively or additionally, the device may comprise an aerosol-generating unit.
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The device may be an electronic vapour product (EVP), also known as a vaping apparatus or a vape. Accordingly, the system may be configured such that an aerosol-generating material (e.g. a liquid or gel) is aerosolised by the aerosol-generating unit. The device may alternatively be a heat-not-burn (HNB) device, also known as a heated tobacco device. Accordingly, the system may be configured such that an aerosol-generating material (e.g., a solid precursor such as tobacco) is heated by an aerosol-generating unit in the form of a heating system to produce an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user.
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In examples in which the first and/or second article comprises an aerosol-generating unit the device may be configured to supply power from the power source to the aerosol-generating unit of an article engaged with the device (e.g. via electrical contacts on the device and article). The aerosol-generating unit may comprise a heating element, which may be in the form of a coil, mesh, or block (e.g. a ceramic block). One or both of the first and second articles may comprise a reservoir for containing an aerosol-forming material. The aerosol-generating unit may be arranged to generate aerosol from the aerosol-forming material held in the reservoir.
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In examples in which the device comprises an aerosol-generating unit (e.g. a heater or ultrasonic element), the device may be configured for supply of power from the power source to the aerosol-generating unit of the device. The aerosol-generating unit may comprise a heating element, which may be in the form of a rod, blade, or tube.
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In general, the controller may be configured to control the system (e.g. the device) based on the article type identified by the controller. For example, the controller may be configured to control a supply of power from the power source e.g. to an aerosol-generating unit forming part of the device or the first or second articles.
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In this way, the system may be controlled so as to achieve optimum performance from the article engaged with the device. In some cases, such control may allow a wider variety of articles to be used with the device. By way of example, the first article may comprise an aerosol-generating unit of a first type (e.g. ultrasonic element) and the second article may comprise an aerosol-generating unit of a second type (e.g. a resistance heater) that has different power supply requirements than the heater of the first type. The ability to identify the article engaged with the device means that the power supply can be adjusted to suit the article.
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The controller may be configured to control a supply of power from the power source according to a first profile (e.g. heating profile) when the controller identifies that the first article is engaged with the engagement portion. The controller may be configured to control a supply of power from the power source according to a second profile (e.g. heating profile) that is different to the first profile, when the controller identifies that the second article is engaged with the engagement portion.
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The first and second profiles may differ in duty-cycle of the power supply. Thus, the controller may be configured to control a duty-cycle of a power supply from the power source based on the identified article type (e.g. the power supply being to an article engaged with the device or an aerosol-generating unit of the device).
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The first and second profiles may differ in time (i.e. the period over which power is supplied). When the power supply is to an aerosol-generating unit (e.g. as part of the device or an article engaged with the device), this may correspond to the length of time of activation of the aerosol-generating unit.
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In some examples, at least one of the first and second profiles may comprise the prevention of the supply of power from the power source. This may, for example, ensure the device cannot be used with articles that are not intended for use with the device (which could, for example, otherwise result in damage to the device).
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The control of the device (by the controller) based on the identified article may additionally or alternatively comprise control of a user interface (e.g. a light source and/or a haptic feedback device).
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The controller may be configured to initiate a supply of power from the power source of the device (e.g. to an aerosol-generating unit of the device or an article engaged with the device) based on the sensed characteristic of the airflow. In such examples, the sensed characteristic of the airflow may be indicative of an inhalation (e.g. may be a reduction in air pressure). In other words, the device may be configured to as to be puff-activated (e.g. the aerosol-generating unit may be activated by an inhalation).
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In a second aspect, the present disclosure provides an aerosol-generating device for use with aerosol-generating articles of first and second types, the device comprising an engagement portion configured to engage an aerosol article having an airflow inlet, and an airflow sensor arranged to sense a characteristic of an airflow upstream of the airflow inlet of an article when engaged with the device.
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As discussed above, the reference to articles of different "type" means the articles of the first and second types differ in one or more characteristics, such as structure, content (e.g. flavour), size, format, age, heater type, etc.
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The device may comprise a controller (e.g. comprising a microprocessor) operatively connected to the airflow sensor. The controller may be configured to identify whether an article engaged with the engagement portion is an article of a first type (also referred to herein as a first article) or an article of a second type (also referred to herein as a second article) based on the sensed airflow characteristic. For example, the controller may be configured to receive a signal from the airflow sensor (the signal being indicative of the airflow characteristic sensed by the sensor).
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As set forth above, by identifying the article, the device may be able to adjust the way it functions based on the identification. This may, for example, allow the device to function differently for different articles types (i.e. articles having different characteristics). Likewise, an airflow sensor may provide a cost effective means for identifying the type of an article engaged with the device.
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The device of the second aspect may be as otherwise described above in relation to the first aspect. That is, the device of the second aspect may include one or more features of the device described above with respect to the first aspect.
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The airflow sensor may be an air pressure sensor (e.g. a gauge or differential pressure sensor). The airflow sensor may be a microphone. The airflow sensor may be a mechanical sensor, such as a vane sensor (i.e. including a vane that is moveable by airflow).
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The device may be configured such that airflow passes through the device to the article when engaged with the device (i.e. there is an airflow path through the device) and/or such that airflow passes between the device and the article and then to the device (i.e. there is an airflow path between the device and article).
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The device may comprise a first passage extending from the airflow sensor to a first opening, which may be at the engagement portion (e.g. in an article-facing surface of the engagement portion). The device may comprise a second passage extending from the airflow sensor to a second opening, which may be at the engagement portion (e.g. an article-facing surface of the engagement portion). The first and second passages may be separated by a wall. By providing first and second openings (both in fluid communication with the airflow sensor), articles of different type can obstruct (or partially obstruct) the different openings so as to alter the airflow pressure difference between the two passages, for example when a user inhales. In this way, the controller may differentiate between first and second articles.
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In such examples, the airflow sensor may be configured to compare the pressure in the first passage to the pressure in the second passage. The airflow sensor may be a differential pressure sensor (e.g. comprising a diaphragm separating two pressure spaces and that flexes based on the difference in pressure between the pressure spaces). Accordingly the controller may be able to identify whether and article of a first type or second type is engaged with the device using a single airflow sensor.
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In examples in which there is an airflow path between the device and an article, the first and/or second passage may fluidly connect the airflow sensor to the airflow path. In such arrangements, the first and/or second passage may reduce in pressure when air flows along the airflow path (which may be sensed by the airflow sensor).
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In examples in which the airflow path extends through the device, the first and/or second passage may form part of the airflow path (e.g. the airflow sensor may be located partway along the airflow path). In such examples, the airflow sensor may sense the airflow directly.
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The airflow sensor may be a first airflow sensor. The device may comprise a second airflow sensor, which may be arranged to sense a characteristic of an airflow upstream of the airflow inlet of an article engaged with the device. The second airflow sensor may be an air pressure sensor (e.g. a gauge or differential pressure sensor). The second airflow sensor may be a microphone. The second airflow sensor may be a mechanical sensor, such as a vane sensor (i.e. including a vane that is moveable by airflow).
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The device may comprise a first passage extending from the first airflow sensor to a first opening, which may be at the engagement portion (e.g. in an article-facing surface of the engagement portion), and a second passage extending from the second airflow opening to a second opening, which may be at the engagement portion (e.g. in an article-facing surface of the engagement portion). As discussed above, providing first and second openings may allow one opening to be obstructed by an article of a first type and the other opening to be obstructed by an article of a second type (i.e. allowing a controller to identify which article is engaged based on a sensed airflow characteristic).
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The device may comprise a blocking member. The blocking member may be arranged so as to be moveable by an article during engagement with, or once engaged with, the engagement portion, to obstruct the first opening or the second opening. As may be appreciated, the or each airflow sensor may provide different signals during an inhale dependent on whether the blocking member is obstructing the first or second opening, which may be used by the controller to identify the article. The blocking member may be as described with respect to the first aspect. For example, the blocking member may be slideably or pivotably mounted to the device, and the blocking member may be disposed at the engagement portion (e.g. at an article-facing surface of the engagement portion).
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The device may comprise a power source (e.g. battery). The controller may be configured to control a supply of power from the power source according to a first profile when the controller identifies that an article of the first type is engaged with the engagement portion. The controller may be configured to control a supply of power from the power source according to a second profile, when the controller identifies that an article of the second type is engaged with the engagement portion. The first profile may be different to the second profile.
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The device may be configured for use with an article comprising an aerosol-generating unit. In such examples, the supply of power described above may be to the aerosol-generating unit of an article when engaged with the device (e.g. via electrical contacts on the device and article). In general, the device may be an electronic vapour product (EVP), also known as a vaping apparatus or a vape. Accordingly, the device may be configured such that an aerosol-generating material (e.g. a liquid or gel) is aerosolised by an aerosol-generating unit, such as a heating element or ultrasonic element.
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The device may comprise an aerosol-generating unit, such as a heater or ultrasonic element. In such examples, the supply of power described above may be to the aerosol-generating unit of the device. The device may thus be a heat-not-burn (HNB) device, also known as a heated tobacco device. Accordingly, the device may be configured such that an aerosol-generating material (e.g., a solid precursor such as tobacco) is heated by a heating system to produce an aerosol that can be inhaled by the user.
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The controller may be configured to initiate a supply of power from the power source of the device (e.g. to an aerosol-generating unit of the device or an article engaged with the device) based on the sensed characteristic of the airflow. In such examples, the sensed characteristic of the airflow may be indicative of an inhalation (e.g. may be a reduction in air pressure). In other words, the device may be puff-activated. The controller may be as otherwise described above with respect to the first aspect.
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The engagement portion may comprise a recess (or cavity) for receipt of at least a portion of the article. Engagement between the engagement portion and an article may, for example, be provided be interference fit, a threaded arrangement, snap engagement, etc.
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In a third aspect, there is disclose a method of operating a device according to the second aspect, the method comprising identifying whether an article engaged with the device is of a first type or a second type based on a sensed characteristic of an airflow upstream of the article.
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The preceding summary is provided for purposes of summarizing some examples to provide a basic understanding of aspects of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the above-described features should not be construed to narrow the scope of the subject matter described herein in any way. Moreover, the above and/or following examples may be combined in any suitable combination to provide further examples, except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter described herein will become apparent from the following text and the accompanying figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
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Aspects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following description of examples in reference to the appended figures in which like numerals denote like elements.
- Figure 1 shows an example of an aerosol-generating system;
- Figure 2 shows the components of the aerosol-generating system in a 'disengaged state';
- Figures 3A is a schematic view showing a first variant system in which a first article is engaged with a device;
- Figures 3B is a schematic view showing a first variant system in which a second article is engaged with a device;
- Figures 4A is a schematic view showing a second variant system in which a first article is engaged with a device;
- Figures 4B is a schematic view showing a second variant system in which a second article is engaged with a device;
- Figures 5A is a schematic view showing a third variant system in which a first article is engaged with a device;
- Figures 5B is a schematic view showing a third variant system in which a second article is engaged with a device;
- Figures 6A is a schematic view showing a fourth variant system in which a first article is engaged with a device; and
- Figure 6B is a schematic section view of the fourth variant system of Figure 6A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
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Figure 1 shows an example of an aerosol-generating system 1. In this example, the aerosol-generating system 1 is an electronic vapour product (EVP) configured to produce an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material 10 (e.g. a liquid or gel precursor), although it will be appreciated that the invention may be similarly applicable to a heat-not-burn product (HNB) configured to produce an aerosol from heating an aerosol-forming material (e.g. a solid precursor such as tobacco) to a temperature below its combustion temperature.
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The term "aerosol-forming material" refers to a substrate or formulation capable of releasing volatile components that can form an aerosol, e.g. by releasing volatile compounds in the aerosol-forming material. An "aerosol" is a dispersion of solid particles and/or liquid droplets dispersed in a gas. The aerosol may be visible or invisible.
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Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the internal components of the aerosol-generating system 1. The aerosol-generating system 1 comprises an aerosol-generating unit 2 configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol-forming material 10 held in a storage portion 3 of the aerosol-generating system 1 (implemented here as a "tank"). In this example, the aerosol-generating unit 2 is a heating system including a heating element 2a although it will be appreciated that an aerosol-generating unit comprising an ultrasonic element, atomiser or similar component may be provided.
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The aerosol-forming material 10 may be referred to as "e-liquid". Typically, the aerosol-forming material 10 includes a base liquid and optionally nicotine and/or flavourings such that the resulting aerosol contains nicotine and/or flavourings.
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The aerosol-generating system 1 includes a power source 4. In this example, the power source 4 includes a battery 4a configured to supply electrical energy to operate the aerosol-generating unit 2 and other components. The aerosol-generating system 1 may be powered, alternatively or in addition to the battery 4a, by an external power source. In an alternative example, the power source 4 may be omitted, e.g. an aerosol aerosol-generating unit implemented as an atomiser with flow expansion may not require a power supply.
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The aerosol-generating system 1 includes an aerosol-delivery system 5 for delivery of the aerosol to a user. In this example, the aerosol-delivery system 5 comprises an air inlet 6, a mouthpiece 8, and an air passageway 7 extending therebetween via a region in proximity to the aerosol-generating unit 2.
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The aerosol-generating unit 2 includes a wick 2b having at least one end that extends into the storage portion 3 and is configured to draw aerosol-forming material 10 out from the storage portion 3. In this example, the heating element 2a is in the form of a heating filament wrapped around a portion of the wick 2b. In this manner, the heating element 2a can heat up the aerosol-forming material 10 drawn out of the storage portion 3 by the wick 2b to produce the aerosol, which is then drawn through the air passageway 7 to the mouthpiece 8. In other examples, the heating element 2a may be a mesh heater, ceramic heater, or other means of generating heat. The heating element 2a may be part of an induction heater having a susceptor configured to produce heat when penetrated by an alternating magnetic field.
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The aerosol-generating system 1 may be a two-part construction comprising a device (referred to herein as a device body 20) and an article 30 (alternatively referred to as a "pod" or "cartomizer") configured to be releasably connected/disconnected by an end user. The device body 20 and article 30 are each configured to house respective components of the aerosol-generating system 1.
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In some examples, the article 30 may be configured to be disposed of upon depletion of aerosol-forming material 10 from the storage portion, in which case the article 30 may referred to as a "consumable".
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In this example, the device body 20 comprises the power source 4, and the article 30 comprises the aerosol-generating unit 2 and storage portion 3, although it will be appreciated that the device body 20 and article 30 may house any respective set of components. The device body 20 and article 30 are configured to physically interlock to secure the article 30 relative to the device body 20. The article 30 is engageable in a recess 11 (i.e. engagement portion) of the device body 20.
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Upon connection, electrical connectors 40 of the device body 20 and article 30 may establish an electrical connection between the device body 20 and the article 30. In this way, electrical power can be supplied from the power source 4 to the aerosol-generating unit 2 (or other components of the article 30) without the article 30 needing to have its own power supply.
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The device body 20 may include any one or more of electrical circuitry, a memory, a wireless interface, and one or more other components. The device body 20 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) 25 on which components of the electrical circuitry, memory, wireless interface, and other components may be mounted.
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The electrical circuitry may include a processing resource for controlling one or more operations of the device body 20 and article 30, e.g. based on instructions stored in the memory. The wireless interface may be configured to communicate wirelessly with an external (e.g. mobile) device, e.g. via Bluetooth. The other component(s) may include one or more user interface devices configured to convey information to a user, a pressure sensor 22, and/or a charging port 46 (see e.g. Figure 2).
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The aerosol-generating system 1 may comprise one or more input and/or output elements. In this example, the aerosol-generating system 1 includes an input element in the form of a pressure sensor 22 arranged to detect a "puff" of the user, and particularly the resultant change in air pressure, i.e. a vacuum pressure generated by the user. Alternatively, or in addition, the aerosol-generating system 1 may include other means of detecting airflow, such as a flowmeter or microphone. The user can thereby activate the aerosol-generating unit 2 when inhaling through the mouthpiece 8. The aerosol-generating unit 2 creates an aerosol which is carried by the flow through the air passageway 7 and out of the mouthpiece 8.
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The input and/or output elements may form part of a user interface (UI) of the aerosol-generating system 1. For instance, figure 2 shows an output element in the form of a light (e.g. an LED) 17. The light 17 is configured to convey information to the user regarding the state of the system 1. It will be appreciated that the input element(s) may be provided in various forms, such as touch screens, switches, and sensors, and the output element(s) may be provided in various forms, such as display screens, speakers, or a haptic output generated by a vibration generator.
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Figures 3A to 6B illustrate variations of the aerosol generating system 1 in which two different article types can be used with a device body, and in which the device body is able to determine which article type is engaged therewith. It should be appreciated that the articles and device bodies of Figures 3A to 6B can otherwise be the same as those described above in relation to Figures 1 and 2 (i.e. except for the differences discussed below). Accordingly, the internal components of the articles of Figures 3A to 5B have not been illustrated, but it should be appreciated that such articles can have a similar internal structure to that shown in Figure 2.
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Figures 3A and 3B illustrates a first variant system 100 in which a first article 30a (Figure 3A) and a second article 30b (Figure 3B) are provided for engagement with an engagement portion, in the form of a recess 11, of a device body 20. As will be explained, the system 100 is configured such that the device body 20 is able to differentiate between the first article 30a and second article 30b (i.e. so as to be able to identify which article 30a, 30b is engaged with the device body 20).
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Each of the articles 30a, 30b includes a base 13 (at a lower in-use end) that is opposite to a mouthpiece 8 (at an upper in-use end) of the article 30a, 30b. Each article 30a, 30b also includes a first sidewall 14 and a second sidewall 15 (opposite to the first sidewall) that extend from the base 13 to the mouthpiece 8. An inlet 16 is formed in the base 13 of each article 30a, 30b, and an outlet 31 is provided in the mouthpiece 8. In use, air flows into the article 30a, 30b through the airflow inlet 16, passes through the article 30a, 30b (for example through an arrangement of internal components as shown in Figure 2) and is discharged through the outlet 31 as part of an aerosol generated by the article 30a, 30b (in the manner discussed above).
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The first article 30a comprises a channel 12 formed in the first sidewall 14. When the first article 30a is received in the recess 11 of the device body 20, this channel 12 allows for an airflow 19 to flow between the first article 30a and a wall 43 of the device body 20 defining the recess 11. Accordingly, an airflow path 21 is formed between the first article 30a and the device body 20. In particular, the airflow path 21 extends along the first wall 14 and then between the base 13 and an upper surface 26 of the device body 20.
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As should be apparent from Figure 3A, a similar airflow path is not present on the opposite side of the first article 30a (i.e. adjacent the second sidewall 15). This is because no channel is formed in the second sidewall 15. Moreover, a blocking member 34 (which may comprise a resilient sealing member) is provided on the base 13 of the first article 30a proximate to the second sidewall 15, which further prevents the flow of air between the first article 30a and the device body 20 on this side of the article 30a.
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The device body 20 comprises an airflow sensor 22 in the form of a differential pressure sensor. The pressure sensor 22 is arranged to sense a characteristic of the airflow 19 flowing along the airflow path 21. In particular, the pressure sensor 22 is fluidly connected to the airflow path 21 by a first passage 23 (referred to herein as a first sensor passage 23). The device body 20 also includes a second passage 24 (referred to herein as a second sensor passage 24) in fluid communication with an opposite side of the airflow sensor to the first sensor passage 23. As shown in Figure 3A, when the first article 30a is received in the recess 11 this second sensor passage 24 is obstructed (so as to be sealed) by the blocking member 34. Accordingly, only one side of the pressure sensor 22 is in fluid communication with the airflow path 21.
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The pressure sensor 22, in the present example, is a differential pressure sensor (i.e. configured to determine the difference in pressure between two pressure spaces). Accordingly, the pressure sensor 22 is able to determine the difference in pressure between the first sensor passage 23 and the second sensor passage 24.
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The pressure sensor 22 is operatively connected to a controller 33, which is turn operatively connected to a power source 4 of the device body 20.
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When a user inhales at the mouthpiece 8, so as to draw aerosol from the outlet 31, air is drawn along the airflow path 21. This causes air to be drawn from the first sensor passage 23, which results in a drop in pressure within the first sensor passage 23. This drop in pressure is detectable by the pressure sensor 22. In the present example, upon detection of this drop in pressure (which is indicative of an inhalation) by the pressure sensor 22, the controller 33 causes power to be supplied from the power source 4 to the first article 30a to activate an aerosol-generating unit 2 of the first article 30a.
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Additionally, as will be described further below, the controller 33 is able to identify that the first article 30a is engaged with the device body 20 rather than the second article 30b.
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As should be apparent from Figure 3B, the second article 30b is substantially the same as the first article 30a, except that it is flipped 180 degrees (i.e. so as to be a mirror image of the first article 30a, with respect to a vertical plane of reflection). In other words, instead of being formed in the first wall 14, the channel 12 is formed in the second wall 15. Accordingly, the airflow path 21 extends along the second wall 15 before passing between the base 13 and the device body 20.
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When the second article 30b is received in the recess 11 (so as to be engaged with the device body 20), the second sensor passage 24 is in fluid communication with the airflow path 21 and the first sensor passage 23 is obstructed by a blocking member 34 of the second article 30b. Accordingly, when a user inhales from the mouthpiece 8, so as to draw aerosol from the outlet 31, air flows along the airflow path 21 so as to reduce the air pressure in the second sensor passage 24. The controller 33 is configured to cause power to be supplied from the power source 4 to the second article 30b (i.e. to heat a heater of the second article 30b).
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As set out above, when the first article 30a is received in the recess 11, pressure is reduced in the first sensor passage 23 upon inhalation, and pressure in the second sensor passage 24 does not change. Likewise, when the second article 30b is received in the recess 11, pressure is reduced in the second sensor passage 24 upon inhalation, and pressure in the first sensor passage 23 does not change.
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In this way, the controller 33 is able to identify whether the first article 30a or second article 30b is received in the recess 11. That is, if the pressure sensor 22 indicates a reduction in pressure in the first sensor passage 23 (e.g. compared to the second sensor passage 24), then the controller 33 determines that the first article 30a is received in the recess 11 (as shown in Figure 1A). Alternatively, if the pressure sensor 22 indicates a reduction in pressure in the second sensor passage 24 (e.g. compared to the first sensor passage 23), then the controller 33 determines that the second article 30b is received in the recess 11.
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In the present example, the controller 33 controls the supply of power to the article 30a, 30b received in the recess 11 based on whether the first article 30a or second article 30b is identified as being received in the recess 11. For example, the controller 33 may control the supply of power according to a first heating profile when the first article 30a is received in the recess 11 (as identified by the controller 33) and may control the supply of power according to a second heating profile (different to the first heating profile) when the second article 30b is received in the recess 11 (as identified by the controller 33). The first and second heating profiles may be stored in a memory of the device body 20 (not shown) and retrieved by the controller 33.
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Although not apparent from the figures, each of the first article 30a and the second article 30b are configured so as to be receivable in the recess 11 in a single orientation. This ensures that, when the respective article 30a, 30b is inserted into the recess 11, the correct sensor passage 23, 24 is obstructed. This single-orientation feature may be provided, for example, by configuring the article 30a, 30b with a cross-sectional shape that does not have rotational symmetry. In one example, a protrusion may be provided, for example, on the second wall 15 of the first article 30a (or the first wall 14 of the second article 30b) for engagement with a corresponding groove formed in the wall 18 of the device body.
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In a variation of the first variant system 100, two airflow sensors may be provided, each arranged for sensing airflow (e.g. sensing pressure) in one of the first sensor passage 23 and second sensor passage 24. Alternatively, the two airflow sensors may be provided so as to be arranged to directly sense airflow 19 flowing along the airflow path 21. That is, the two airflow sensors may be provided at the upper surface 26 of the device body 20 (with one of the sensors being obstructed by the blocking member 34, dependent on which of the first 30a and second 30b articles is received in the recess 11.
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Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a second variant system 200. The system 200 has many similarities to the system 100 of Figure 3A and 3B. It should be understood that, other than the differences discussed below, the second variant system 200 is the same as the first variant system 100.
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The second variant system 200 includes two airflow sensors, each in the form of a first pressure sensor 22a and a second pressure sensor 22b (but that could be another form of airflow sensor) rather than a single airflow sensor. Thus, each of the first sensor passage 23 and second sensor passage 24 is provided with a respective pressure sensor 22a, 22b.
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Both of the first pressure sensor 22a and the second pressure sensor 22b are operatively connected to a controller (not shown), such that the controller is able to control a supply of power to the article 30a, 30b based on signals received by the pressure sensors 22a, 22b.
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Similar to the first variant system 100, the second variant system 200 is configured so that one of the first sensor passage 23 and second sensor passage 24 is obstructed (by a blocking member 34) depending on whether the first article 30a or second article 30b is received in the recess. In the second variant system 200, however, the first sensor passage 23 and second sensor passage 24 also provide part of the airflow path 21 along which airflow 19 flows upon inhalation (i.e. depending on whether the first article 30a or second article 30b is engaged with the device body 2). Each of the first sensor passage 23 and second sensor passage 24 is fluidly connected to the external environment by a respective inlet 35a, 35b, into which air flows when a user inhales. Thus, upon inhalation, air 19 enters one of inlets 35a, 35b and flows past the corresponding pressure sensor 22a, 22b, which detects a resulting reduction in pressure. The controller is thus able to identify whether the first article 30a or second article 30b is received in the recess 11 by determining which pressure sensor 22a, 22b detects a reduced pressure upon inhalation.
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Figures 5A and 5B illustrate a third variant system 300. Again, it should be understood that this third variant system 300 is the same as those described above, except for the differences discussed below.
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The third variant system 300 includes a first airflow sensor, in the form of a first pressure sensor 22a, that is arranged to sense airflow in a first sensor passage 23. The system 300 also includes a second airflow sensor, in the form of a second pressure sensor 22b, that is arranged to sense airflow in a second sensor passage 24. Each of the first sensor passage 23 and the second sensor passage 24 is in fluid communication with an airflow path 21 formed between the article 30a, 30b and the device body 20.
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The device body 20 of the system 300 includes a moveable blocking member 34 that is slideably mounted to the upper surface 26 of the device body 20. The blocking member 34 includes a sealing portion 36 and an actuation portion 37 that projects from the sealing portion 36. Each of the first article 30a and second article 30b includes a corresponding actuation surface 38a, 38b that is sloped with respect to the axis along which the blocking member 34 is slideable (i.e. the horizontal direction as illustrated).
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As shown in Figure 5A, when the first article 30a is inserted into the recess 11 of the device body 20, the actuation portion 37 of the blocking member 34 contacts the actuation surface 38a of the first article 30a. The sloped orientation of the actuation surface 38a causes the blocking member 34 to slide in a direction towards the second sensor passage 24 (the actuation portion 36 sliding along the actuation surface 38a to provide such sliding). As a result, the sealing portion 36 of the blocking member 34 is moved to a position in which the sealing portion 36 obstructs the second sensor passage 24. Accordingly, when a user inhales (with the second article 30b received in the recess 11), pressure is reduced in the first sensor passage 23, but not in the second sensor passage 24, because there is no fluid communication between the second sensor passage 24 and the airflow path 21.
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Similarly, when the second article 30b is received in the recess, the slope of the actuation surface 38b of the second article 30b is such that the blocking member 34 is caused to slide towards the first sensor passage 23 so as to obstruct the first sensor passage 23. Accordingly, when a user inhales (and the second article 30b is received in the recess) the air pressure is reduced in the second sensor passage 24, but not in the first sensor passage 23.
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Thus, the controller (not shown) is able to identify whether the first article 30a or the second article 30b is received in the recess by determining whether there is a pressure reduction in the first sensor passage 23 or the second sensor passage 24.
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While the third variant system 300 includes a slideable blocking member 34, it should be appreciated that other variants may include alternative moveable means, or alternative means for moving the moveable means, for altering airflow within the system. For example, the blocking member 34 may be moveable by a magnet provided in the article rather than a sloped actuation surface. Likewise, rather than providing a single blocking member, each sensor passage may be provided with a valve (e.g. flap) that is moved (e.g. between an open and closed position) depending on the article received in the recess).
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In the above examples, the system is an electronic vapour produce (EVP) system. Figures 6A and 6B illustrate a variant system 400 in which the device body 20 is a heat-not-burn device (HNB) configured to produce an aerosol by heating an aerosol-forming material 10 (e.g. a solid precursor, such as tobacco material) of an article 30 to a temperature below its combustion temperature.
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In this case, only the first article 30a is illustrated, but it should be appreciated that the device body 20 may be used with a second article 30b that is formed so as to be a mirror image of the first article 30a (i.e. in the same manner as previously described).
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The device body 20 of this system 400 is similar to that shown in Figures 4A and 4B and described above in relation to those figures. The device body 20 includes a first airflow sensor in the form of a first pressure sensor 22a, which is arranged to sense airflow in a first sensor passage 23. The device body 20 also includes a second airflow sensor in the form of a second pressure sensor 22b, which is arranged to sense airflow in a second sensor passage 24.
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Each of the first sensor passage 23 and second sensor passage 24 are in fluid communication with the external environment via a respective inlet 35a, 35b. Likewise, each of the first sensor passage 23 and second sensor passage 24 open through the upper surface 26 of the device body 20 so as to be in fluid communication with the first article 30a. In particular, the sensor passages 23, 24 open through the upper surface 26 either side of an aerosol-generating unit in the form of a heating element 2, which projects upwardly from the upper surface 26 to penetrate the article 30a. In other examples, the heating element may, for example, be tubular and may be arranged to surround the article.
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The first article 30a includes a hollow element 39 at an upstream end thereof (i.e. the end closest to the device body 20 when received in the recess 11). The hollow element 39 includes a bore 45, which is formed so as to be offset from a central axis of the hollow element 39. This bore 45 is particularly apparent from Figure 10, which shows a cross-section through the hollow element 39.
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As should be apparent from Figure 6A, when the first article 30a is received in the recess 11, the bore 45 aligns with the first sensor passage 23, but not with the second sensor passage 24. In this way, the hollow element 39 (which may be substantially non-porous) may obstruct the second sensor passage 24, while maintaining an airflow path 21 through the first sensor passage 23 and into the first article 30a. As may be appreciated, when provided, the second article (not shown) would obstruct the first sensor passage 23 instead. The bore 45 (in both the first article 30a and the second article) also allows for passage of the heating element 2a through the hollow element 39.
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To ensure that the correct sensor passage 23, 24 is obstructed (in the case of the first article 30a, the second sensor passage 24), the first article 30a is configured be insertable into the recess 11 in a single (i.e. only one) orientation. In particular, as can be seen in Figure 6B, the first article 30a includes a planar surface 41 and the wall 18 of the device body 20 defining the recess 11 also has a planar surface 42. Accordingly, neither the first article 30a, nor the recess 11, has a circular cross-sectional shape.
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It is to be understood that the present disclosure, which includes the specification and claim(s), is not limited by specific construction details or process steps. Rather, it will be clear to those skilled in the art that the systems, apparatuses, and methods described herein can be embodied and practiced in various alternative ways without departing from the scope of the invention.
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Unless defined otherwise, scientific and technical terms used herein have their meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art and that known techniques and procedures may be performed according to conventional methods.
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In the present disclosure, the terms "a" and "an" may mean "one", "one or more", "at least one", and "one or more than one" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Likewise, plural terms shall include the singular unless otherwise required by context.
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In the present disclosure, the term "or" means an inclusive "and/or" unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or unless the alternatives are mutually exclusive.
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In the present disclosure, the terms "comprising, "having," "including," or "containing" (and any forms thereof, such as "comprise" and "comprises," "have" and "has," "includes" and "include," or "contains" and "contain," respectively) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.
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Unless stated otherwise, the features of examples disclosed herein, and of the claims, may be integrated together in any suitable arrangement such that combinations of features are not limited by the described forms, particularly the form (e.g. numbering) of example(s), embodiment(s), or dependency of claim(s). This also applies to the phrase "in one example", "according to an example" and the like, which are merely a stylistic form of wording not to be construed as limiting the features to a separate embodiment. This is to say, a reference to 'an,' 'one,' or 'some' examples(s) may be a reference to any one or more, and/or all examples, or combination(s) thereof, disclosed. Also, similarly, reference to "the" example may not be limited to the immediately preceding embodiment. Further, all references to one or more embodiments or examples are to be construed as non-limiting to the claims.
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The present disclosure may be better understood in view of the following explanations, wherein the terms used that are separated by "or" may be used interchangeably.