ES2939954T3 - tobacco substitute system - Google Patents

Abstract

Disclosed is a smoking replacement system comprising a device for switching between child-safety mode (CSM) and non-child-safety mode (N-CSM), together with method for switching said device between such modes. The device comprises a controller that is configured to detect the mode of operation selected by a user and switch from the current mode to the selected mode based on the user's selection. The device can be switched from non-child lock mode (N-CSM) to child lock mode (CSM). The controller can be configured to modify at least one device control action. (Automatic translation with Google Translate, without legal value)

Description

DESCRIPTION

tobacco substitute system

technical field

The present invention relates to a tobacco substitute system, and particularly, though not exclusively, to a tobacco substitute system, comprising a device that can be operated based on a selected mode and methods of using such devices.

Background

Smoking tobacco is generally considered to expose the smoker to potentially harmful substances. In general, it is thought that a significant amount of the potentially harmful substances is generated through the heat caused by the burning and/or combustion of the tobacco and the constituents of the burned tobacco in the tobacco smoke itself. Conventional combustible smoking articles, such as cigarettes, typically comprise a cylindrical tobacco rod comprising tobacco shreds which are surrounded by a wrapper, and typically also an axially aligned cylindrical filter in abutting relationship with the wrapped tobacco rod. The filter typically comprises a filter material that is circumscribed by a plug wrap. The wrapped tobacco rod and the filter are joined together by a wrapped band of rolling papers that circumscribes the entire length of the filter and an adjacent portion of the wrapped tobacco rod. A conventional cigarette of this type is used by lighting the end opposite the filter and burning the tobacco rod. The smoker receives the main stream of smoke into the mouth by drawing on the mouth end or filter end of the cigarette.

Combustion of organic material such as tobacco is known to produce tar and other potentially harmful byproducts. Various tobacco substitute systems (or "tobacco substitution systems") have been proposed to prevent tobacco smoking.

Said tobacco substitute systems can be part of nicotine replacement therapies aimed at people who want to quit smoking and overcome nicotine dependence.

Tobacco substitute systems include electronic systems that allow a user to simulate the act of smoking by producing an aerosol (also called "vapor") that is breathed into the lungs through the mouth (inhaled) and then exhaled. The inhaled aerosol typically contains nicotine and/or flavorings with little or no odor and health risks associated with traditional smoking.

In general, tobacco substitute systems are intended to provide a substitute for ritual smoking, while providing the user with an experience and satisfaction similar to that experienced with traditional smoking and combustible tobacco products. Some tobacco substitute systems use tobacco substitute articles (also called "consumables") that are designed to resemble a traditional cigarette and are cylindrical in shape with a mouthpiece at one end.

The popularity and use of tobacco substitute systems has grown rapidly in recent years. Although originally marketed as an aid to help regular smokers wanting to quit tobacco, tobacco substitute systems are increasingly viewed by consumers as desirable lifestyle accessories.

There are several different categories of tobacco substitute systems, each using a different tobacco substitute approach.

One approach to a tobacco substitute system is the so-called Heated Tobacco ("HT") approach in which tobacco (rather than an "e-liquid") is heated or tempered to release vapor. HT is also known as "heat without burning" ("HNB"). The tobacco may be leaf tobacco or reconstituted tobacco. Vapor may contain nicotine and/or flavorings. In the HT approach, the intention is that the tobacco is heated but not burned, that is, the tobacco does not undergo combustion.

A typical HT tobacco substitute system may include a device and a consumable. The consumable may include the tobacco material. The device and consumable can be configured to be physically attached to each other. During use, heat may be imparted to the tobacco material by a heating element of the device, wherein the flow of air through the tobacco material causes the components of the tobacco material to be released as vapor. A vapor can also be formed from a carrier in the tobacco material (this carrier can include, for example, propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin) and additional volatiles released from the tobacco. The released vapor can be entrained by the airflow drawn through the tobacco.

As the vapor passes through the consumable (entrained in the airflow) from the location of vaporization to an outlet on the consumable (eg, a mouthpiece), the vapor cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user. The aerosol will normally contain the volatile compounds.

In HT tobacco substitute systems, heating the tobacco material rather than burning it is believed to cause less, or smaller amounts, of the more harmful compounds normally produced by smoking. Consequently, the HT approach can reduce odor and/or health risks that may arise through burning, combustion, and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco.

However, current heated tobacco devices typically return to standby mode once the consumable has been used within the heating cycle. If a child picks up the device and presses the power button for the required amount of time, during this standby mode, the heating element would begin to intensify (as if it were starting a cycle), making the device potentially unsafe for a child. child.

WO 2012/085295 A1 describes an aerosol generating system comprising: a storage part for storing an aerosol-forming substrate, an aerosol-generating element for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate, control circuitry in communication with the storage part, and deactivation means within the storage part for rendering the storage part inoperative in the aerosol generating system in response to a deactivation signal from the control circuitry. Also disclosed is a method in an aerosol generating system comprising a storage part for storing the aerosol-forming substrate, an aerosol generating element for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-forming substrate, control circuitry in communication with the aerosol-forming part storage and deactivation means within the storage part configured to render the storage part inoperative in the aerosol generating system in response to a deactivation signal from control circuitry, including the method: sending a deactivation signal deactivation from the control circuitry to the deactivation means upon determination that an amount of the aerosol substrate in the storage part is below a threshold level or upon determination of a malfunction in the system.

There may be a need to improve the design of tobacco substitute systems, particularly HT tobacco substitute systems, to improve the user experience, improve the function of the HT tobacco substitute system, and provide the HT tobacco substitute system with a improved child safety.

The present disclosure has been devised in light of the foregoing considerations.

Summary of the invention

In its most general form, the present invention relates to a tobacco substitute device that switches between a current mode and a mode selected by a user.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tobacco substitute device according to claim 1 of the appended claims. According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of operating a tobacco substitute device according to claim 5 of the appended claims. Optional features of the first and second aspects are set forth in the dependent claims of the appended claims.

By providing a device in accordance with the first aspect, comprising a child safety mode (CSM), the device can provide increased security to prevent a child from using the device.

The device driver may be configured to modify at least one device control action in response to mode selection. In this way, one or more control actions that are necessary to activate one or more device functions (such as heater operation) differ in the CSM compared to the N-CSM. In some embodiments, the control action comprises user input. Any suitable user input may be used, and illustrative examples include pressing a button on a user interface, voice command, touch screen input, rotating a dial or knob, and the like. Providing a controller that modifies at least one control action on the device in response to mode selection provides a child-safe feature, as the control action required when in CSM can be designed to be more difficult for a child to perform. (for example, more complex or convoluted or of longer duration).

In some embodiments, the at least one device control action may be touch input at a user interface of the device. In some embodiments, the at least one device control action may be pressing a power button on a user interface of the device. The control action can be an action that controls one or more functions of the device, and these can be any function of the device. The control action is an action that activates the heater of the device. For example, the control action may be a touch input (eg, pressing a power button) in a device user interface that activates the device's heater, eg. eg to start a heating cycle to smoke a consumable. In other arrangements, the control action is an action that controls or adjusts another function of the device.

The device driver is configured to modify the length of time during which the control action to activate the heater must be performed, in response to mode selection, ie, when moving between CSM and N-CSM. The device driver is configured to modify the length of time a button on the user interface must be pressed to activate the heater, in response to mode selection.

The device driver is configured to vary the duration of time during which the control action must be performed to activate the heater, between a first duration in Child Safety Mode (CSM) and a second duration in Security Mode. not for children (N-CSM). For example, the device driver can be configured to vary the length of time the power button must be pressed to activate the heater, between a first duration in Child Safety Mode (CSM) and a second duration in child lock mode (CSM). non-child safety mode (N-CSM).

The first duration is longer than the second duration. In this way, the control action must be performed for a longer duration when in the CSM than is required in the N-CSM, making it less likely that a child will be able to activate the heater. In some embodiments, the first duration is at least 1.5 times the duration of the second duration, for example at least 1.6 times, at least 1.7 times, at least 1.8 times, or at least 1.9 times. . In some embodiments, the first duration is approximately twice the duration of the second duration. In some embodiments, the first duration is approximately 6 seconds. In some embodiments, the second duration is approximately 3 seconds.

In some embodiments, the device driver is configured to remain in the selected mode at all times until a user selects a different mode. In other words, when the device is in a specific mode, such as CSM, the device will not return to another mode, such as N-CSM, until the user selects the alternate mode, regardless of the state of the device. So, in such embodiments, even turning off or draining the battery of the device will not change the mode of the device from the most recently selected mode. In this way, the device is more secure because once CSM is selected it is impossible for the device to go back to N-CSM unless the user selects N-CSM.

In some embodiments, the device driver may be configured to modify the at least one control action such that two or more different control actions must be performed when in CSM in a predefined pattern to activate a device function (such as the Heater). In some embodiments, the same control action must be performed two or more separate times, one after the other. In some embodiments, the duration of one of the control actions in the sequence is different from the duration of another of the control actions in the sequence. For example, the controller may require a long first control action (eg, button press), followed by a shorter second subsequent control action (eg, button press) to activate the controller. Heater. In some embodiments, the control action is pressing a power button on a user interface, and the button must be pressed two or more times in a predefined pattern when in CSM to activate the function (eg, heater). Thus, a more complex control action is required when in CSM to activate the feature, making activation by a child more difficult.

In some embodiments, the controller is configured to modify a device output function in response to mode selection. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to modify the operation of the heater in response to mode selection. For example, the controller can be configured to introduce a time delay in supplying power to the heater when in CSM, where such a delay is absent when in N-CSM. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to reduce the power supplied to the heater when it is in CSM relative to when it is in N-CSM. In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to prevent any power to the heater when in CSM, but re-enable power to the heater when in N-CSM.

The device may comprise an elongated body. One end of the elongated body may be configured to mate with an aerosol-forming article. For example, the body can be configured to mate with a heated (HT) tobacco consumable (or heat-not-burn (HNB) consumable). The terms "heated tobacco" and "heat without burning" are used interchangeably herein to describe a consumable that is of the type that is heated rather than burned (or used interchangeably to describe a device for use with such a consumable). The device may comprise a cavity that is configured to receive at least a portion of the consumable (ie, for engagement with the consumable). The aerosol-forming article may be of the type comprising an aerosol-former (eg, carried by an aerosol-forming substrate).

The device may comprise a heater for heating the aerosol-forming article. The heater may comprise a heating element, which may be in the form of a rod extending from the body of the device. The heating element may extend from the end of the body that is configured to mate with the aerosol-forming article.

The heater (and thus the heating element) can be rigidly mounted to the body. The heating element may be elongated to define a longitudinal axis and may, for example, have a transverse profile (i.e., transverse to a longitudinal axis of the heating element) that is substantially circular (i.e., the heating element can be generally cylindrical). Alternatively, the heating element may have a cross-sectional profile that is rectangular (ie, the heater may be a "paddle heater"). The heating element may alternatively be in the form of a tube (ie, the heater may be a "tube heater"). The heating element can take other shapes (eg, the heating element can have an elliptical cross section). The shape and/or size (eg, diameter) of the cross section of the heating element may be generally consistent over the entire length (or substantially the entire length) of the heating element.

The heating element can be between 15mm and 25mm long, e.g. eg, between 18 mm and 20 mm long, e.g. eg, approximately 19 mm long. The heating element may have a diameter of between 1.5 mm and 2.5 mm, e.g. g., a diameter between 2 mm and 2.3 mm, e.g. g., a diameter of approximately 2.15 mm.

The heating element may be formed of ceramic. The heating element may comprise a core (eg a ceramic core) comprising AhO3. The core of the heating element may have a diameter of 1.8 mm to 2.1 mm, e.g. g., between 1.9 mm and 2 mm. The heating element may comprise an outer layer (eg, an outer ceramic layer) comprising AhO3. The thickness of the outer layer can be between 160 pm and 220 pm, e.g. eg, between 170 pm and 190 pm, e.g. e.g., approximately 180 pm. The heating element may comprise a heating track, which may extend longitudinally along the heating element. The heating track may be sandwiched between the outer shell and the core of the heating element. The heating track may comprise tungsten and/or rhenium. The heating track may have a thickness of about 20 pm.

The heating element may be located in the cavity (of the device) and may extend (eg along a longitudinal axis) from an internal base of the cavity toward an opening in the cavity. The length of the heating element (ie, along the longitudinal axis of the heater) may be less than the depth of the cavity. Therefore, the heating element can extend only for a part of the length of the cavity. That is, the heating element cannot extend through (or beyond) the opening of the cavity.

The heating element may be configured to be inserted into an aerosol-forming article (eg, an HT consumable) when an aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity. In that regard, a distal end (i.e., distal from the base of the heating element where it is mounted to the device) of the heating element may comprise a tapered portion, which may facilitate insertion of the heating element into the forming article. spray. The heating element can fully penetrate an aerosol-forming article when the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity. That is, the entire length, or substantially the entire length, of the heating element can be received in the aerosol-forming article.

The heating element may have a length less than, or substantially equal to, an axial length of an aerosol-forming substrate that forms part of an aerosol-forming article (eg, an HT consumable). Therefore, when such an aerosol-forming article is coupled with the device, the heating element can only penetrate the aerosol-forming substrate, rather than other components of the aerosol-forming article. The heating element is capable of penetrating the aerosol-forming substrate substantially the entire axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article. Thus, heat can be transferred from (eg, an outer circumferential surface) of the heating element to the surrounding aerosol-forming substrate, when penetrated by the heating element. That is, the heat can be transferred radially outwards (in the case of a cylindrical heating element) or, e.g. eg radially inwards (in the case of a tubular heater).

When the heater is a tube heater, the heating element of the tube heater may surround at least a part of the cavity. When the part of the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity, the heating element may surround a part of the aerosol-forming article (ie, to heat that part of the aerosol-forming article). In particular, the heating element may surround an aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article. That is, when an aerosol-forming article is coupled with the device, the aerosol-forming substrate of the aerosol-forming article may be positioned adjacent an inner surface of the (tubular) heating element. When the heating element is activated, heat can be transferred radially inward from the inner surface of the heating element to heat the aerosol-forming substrate.

The cavity may comprise a wall (or walls) (eg circumferential) and the heating element (tubular) may extend around at least a part of the wall or walls. In this way, the wall may be located between the inner surface of the heating element and an outer surface of the aerosol-forming article. The cavity wall(s) may be formed from a thermally conductive material (eg, metal) to allow heat conduction from the heating element to the aerosol-forming article. Thus, heat can be conducted from the heating element, through the cavity wall(s), to the aerosol-forming substrate of an aerosol-forming article received in the cavity.

In some embodiments, the device may comprise a cap arranged at the end of the body that is configured to mate with an aerosol-forming article. Where the device comprises a heater having a heating element, the lid may at least partially enclose the heating element. The lid is movable between an open position in which access to the heating element is provided and a closed position in which the lid at least partially encloses the heating element. The lid is slidably engageable with the body of the device, and can be slid between open and closed positions.

The cover may define at least a part of the cavity of the device. That is, the cavity may be completely defined by the lid, or the lid and body may each define a part of the cavity. Where the lid completely defines the cavity, the lid may comprise a slit to receive the heating element in the cavity (when the lid is in the closed position). The lid may comprise an opening to the cavity. The opening may be configured to receive at least a portion of an aerosol-forming article. That is, an aerosol-forming article can be inserted through the opening and into the cavity (to mate with the device).

The cap may be configured such that when an aerosol-forming article is engaged with the device (eg, received in the cavity), only a part of the aerosol-forming article is received in the cavity. That is, a portion of the aerosol-forming article (not received in the cavity) may protrude (ie, extend beyond) the opening. This (protruding) part of the aerosol-forming article may be a terminal end (eg, the mouth) of the aerosol-forming article, which can be received in the mouth of a user in order to inhale the aerosol formed by the aerosol-forming article. device.

The device may comprise a power source or may be connected to a power source (eg, a power source separate from the device). The power supply can be electrically connected to the heater. In that regard, altering (eg, toggling) the electrical connection from the power supply to the heater can affect the condition of the heater. For example, toggling the electrical connection from the power supply to the heater can toggle the heater between an on state and an off state. The power source may be an energy store. For example, the power source can be a battery or a rechargeable battery (eg, a lithium-ion battery).

The device may comprise an input connection (eg, a USB port, micro USB port, USB-C port, etc.). The input connection can be configured for connection to an external source of electrical power, such as an electrical outlet. The input connection can, in some cases, be used as a substitute for an internal power source (eg battery or rechargeable battery). That is, the input connection can be electrically connected to the heater (to provide power to the heater). Therefore, in some forms, the input connection may form at least part of the device's power supply.

Where the power source comprises a rechargeable power source (such as a rechargeable battery), the input connection can be used to charge and recharge the power source.

The device may comprise a user interface (Ul). In some embodiments, the UI may include input means for receiving operational commands from the user. The UI input means may allow the user to control at least one aspect of the operation of the device. In some embodiments, the input means may comprise a power button for switching the device between an on state and an off state.

In some embodiments, the UI may additionally or alternatively comprise output means for conveying information to the user. In some embodiments, the output means may comprise a light to indicate a condition of the device (and/or aerosol-forming article) to the user. The condition of the device (and/or aerosol-forming article) indicated to the user may comprise a condition indicative of the operation of the heater. For example, the condition may comprise whether the heater is in an off or on state. In some embodiments, the user interface unit may comprise at least one of a button, a display, a touch screen, a switch, a light, and the like. For example, the output means may comprise one or more (eg, two, three, four, etc.) light emitting diodes ("LEDs") that may be located in the body of the device.

The device may further comprise a puff sensor (eg airflow sensor), which is part of the input means of the UI. The puff sensor may be configured to detect a user drawing on one end (ie, a terminal end (mouth)) of the aerosol-forming article. The puff sensor can, for example, be a pressure sensor or a microphone. The puff sensor can be configured to produce a signal indicative of a puff condition. The signal may be indicative of the user's inhalation (an aerosol from the aerosol-forming article) so that, e.g. eg, have the form of a binary signal. Alternatively or additionally, the signal may be indicative of a characteristic of the aspiration (eg, a flow rate of the aspiration, duration of the aspiration, etc.).

The device may comprise a controller, or may be connected to a controller that may be configured to control at least one function of the device. The controller may comprise a microcontroller that e.g. For example, it can be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The controller can also comprise a memory, eg. eg, non-volatile memory. The memory may contain instructions, which, when implemented, may cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of a method. When the device comprises an input connection, the controller may be connected to the input connection.

The controller can be configured to control the operation of the heater (and eg the heating element). Thus, the controller can be configured to control the vaporization of an aerosol that is part of an aerosol-forming article coupled with the device. The controller can be configured to control the voltage applied by the power supply to the heater. For example, the controller can be configured to toggle between applying full output voltage (from the power supply) to the heater and applying no power to the heater. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit may implement a more complex heater control protocol.

The device may further comprise a voltage regulator for regulating the output voltage supplied by the power supply to form a regulated voltage. The regulated voltage can be subsequently applied to the heater.

In some embodiments, where the device comprises a UI, the controller may be operatively connected to one or more components of the UI. The controller can be configured to receive command signals from a UI input means. The controller can be configured to control the heater in response to command signals. For example, the controller can be configured to receive "on" and "off" command signals from the UI and, in response, can control the heater to be in a corresponding on or off state.

The controller can be configured to send output signals to a UI component. The UI may be configured to transmit information to a user, via output means, in response to such output signals (received from the controller). For example, where the device comprises one or more LEDs, the LEDs may be operatively connected to the controller. Therefore, the controller can be configured to control the illumination of the LEDs (eg, in response to an output signal). For example, the controller can be configured to control the lighting of the LEDs according to the state (eg, on or off) of the heater.

Where the device includes a sensor (eg, a puff/airflow sensor), the controller may be operatively connected to the sensor. The controller may be configured to receive a signal from the sensor (eg, indicative of a condition of the device and/or attached aerosol-forming article). The controller can be configured to control the heater, or an aspect of the outlet media, based on the sensor signal.

In some embodiments, the controller may be configured to change at least one device control action based on the selected mode. Therefore, the device may work differently in child-lock mode (CSM) and non-child-lock mode (N-CSM).

The device may comprise a wireless interface configured to communicate wirelessly (eg, via Bluetooth (eg, a Bluetooth Low Energy connection) or Wi-Fi) with an external device. Similarly, the input connection can be configured for wired connection to an external device to provide communication between the device and the external device.

The external device may be a mobile device. For example, the external device can be a smartphone, tablet, smart watch, or smart car. An application (eg, an app) can be installed on the external device (eg, a mobile device). The application can facilitate the communication between the device and the external device through the wired or wireless connection.

The wireless or wired interface can be configured to transfer signals between the external device and the device controller. In this sense, the controller can control an aspect of the device in response to a signal received from an external device. Alternatively or additionally, an external device may respond to a signal received from the device (eg, from the device driver).

The method further comprises modifying at least one control action of the device in response to the mode selection. The at least one control action of the device is to press a power button on a user interface of the device to activate the heater of the device.

Modifying the at least one control action comprises modifying the length of time for which the control action must be performed to activate the heater, in response to the mode selection.

Modifying the at least one control action comprises modifying the duration of time during which the power button must be pressed to activate the heater, between a first duration in Child Safety Mode (CSM) and a second duration in CSM mode. Non-Child Safety (N-CSM). The first duration is longer than the second duration.

Optionally, modifying the at least one control action comprises modifying the at least one control action such that two or more different control actions must be performed when in CSM in a predefined pattern to activate the heater.

The invention includes the combination of the described aspects and preferred features except where such a combination is clearly inadmissible or is expressly avoided.

The person skilled in the art will appreciate that, except when they are mutually exclusive, a characteristic or parameter described in relation to any one of the previous aspects can be applied to any other aspect. Also, except where mutually exclusive, any feature or parameter described herein may be applied to any aspect and/or combined with any other feature or parameter described herein.

Summary of the figures

In order that the invention may be understood, and in order that other aspects and features thereof may be appreciated, the embodiments illustrating the principles of the invention will now be discussed in greater detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Figure 1A is a schematic of a tobacco substitute system;

Figure 1B is a schematic of a variation of the tobacco substitute system of Figure 1A;

Figure 2A is a front view of a first embodiment of a tobacco substitute system with the consumable attached to the device;

Figure 2B is a front view of the first embodiment of the tobacco substitute system with the consumable disengaged from the device;

Figure 2C is a detailed end view of the device of the first embodiment of the tobacco substitute system;

Figure 2D is a sectional view of the first embodiment of the tobacco substitute system; and

Fig. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the method for switching the tobacco substitute device between child-safety mode (CSM) and non-child-safety mode (N-CSM).

Detailed description of the invention

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All documents mentioned in this text are incorporated herein by reference.

Figure 1A is a schematic providing a general description of a tobacco substitute system 100. System 100 includes a substitute smoking device 101 and an aerosol-forming article in the form of a consumable 102, comprising an aerosol former 103. The The system is configured to vaporize the aerosol former by heating the aerosol former 103 (to form a vapor/aerosol for inhalation by the user).

In the illustrated system, heater 104 is part of consumable 102 and is configured to heat aerosol former 103. In this variation, heater 104 can be electrically connected to power source 105, for example, when consumable 102 is powered off. it mates with device 101. Heat from heater 104 vaporizes aerosol former 103 to produce a vapor. The vapor is then condensed to form an aerosol, which is ultimately inhaled by the user.

The system 100 further comprises a power supply 105 that is part of the device 101. In other embodiments, the power supply 105 may be external (but pluggable) to the device 101. The power supply 105 may be electrically connected to the heater 104 of so that the power supply 105 can supply power to the heater 104 (ie, in order to heat the aerosol former 103). Therefore, control of the electrical connection of the power source 105 to the heater 104 provides control of the state of the heater 104. The power source 105 can be an energy store, for example, a battery or rechargeable battery (eg ., a lithium-ion battery).

System 100 further comprises an I/O module comprising a connector 106 (eg, in the form of a USB port, micro USB port, USB-C port, etc.). Connector 106 is configured to connect to an external source of electrical power, e.g. For example, an electrical outlet. Connector 106 can be used instead of power supply 105. That is, connector 106 can be electrically connected to heater 104 to supply electricity to heater 104. In such embodiments, the device may not include a power source, and the system power source may instead comprise connector 106 and an external source of electrical power (to which connector 106 provides Electric connection).

In some embodiments, connector 106 can be used to charge and recharge power supply 105 where power supply 105 includes a rechargeable battery.

System 100 also comprises a user interface (UI) 107. Although not shown, UI 107 may include input means for receiving commands from a user. The input means of the UI 107 allows the user to control at least one aspect of the operation of the system 100. The input means may, for example, be in the form of a button, touch screen, switch, microphone, etc. In one embodiment, the UI 107 may allow the user to choose the mode of operation, between child-safety mode (CSM) and non-child-safety mode (N-CSM) using one of the input means.

The UI 107 also comprises output means for transmitting information to the user. The output means may, for example, comprise lights (eg, LEDs), a display screen, speaker, vibration generator, etc.

System 100 further comprises a controller 108 that is configured to control at least one function of device 101. In an illustrative embodiment, controller 108 is configured to switch between Child Safety Mode (CSM) and Child Safety Mode (CSM). children (N-CSM) in response to user mode selection. In another illustrative embodiment, controller 108 is configured to modify at least one control action, to operate the device, in response to the mode selected by the user. In the illustrated embodiment, controller 108 is a component of device 101, but in other embodiments it may be separate from (but connectable to) device 101. Controller 108 is configured to control the operation of heater 104 and, for example, can be configured to control the voltage applied from power supply 105 to heater 104. Controller 108 may be configured to toggle the power supply to heater 104 between an on state, in which the full output voltage of power supply 105 is applied to heater 104, and an off state, in which no voltage is applied to heater 104. In one illustrative embodiment, controller 108 may be configured to include a delay while supplying power to heater 104. In another illustrative embodiment, controller 108 may configured to include the delay while power is supplied to the heater 104 when the user selects child safety mode (CSM) via the user interface (Ul) 107. Although not shown, the controller 108 may include an internal clock which is used to introduce a time delay while power is supplied to the heater 104 when the child safety mode (CSM) is selected.

Although not shown, system 100 may also comprise a voltage regulator for regulating the output voltage of power supply 105 to form a regulated voltage. The regulated voltage can then be applied to heater 104.

In addition to being connected to heater 104, controller 108 is operatively connected to UI 107. Thus, controller 108 can receive an input signal from UI 107 input means. Similarly, controller 108 can transmit output signals to the UI 107. In response, the output means of the UI 107 may transmit information, based on the output signals, to a user. The controller also comprises a memory 109, which is a non-volatile memory. Memory 109 includes instructions, which, when implemented, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of a method. Memory also allows the current selected mode to be retained for e.g. For example, a shutdown or battery depletion.

Figure 1B is a schematic showing a variation of the system 100 of Figure 1A. In system 100' of Figure 1B, heater 104 is part of device 101, rather than consumable 102. In this variation, heater 104 is electrically connected to power supply 105.

Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a tobacco substitute system 200 with heated tobacco (HT). System 200 is an example of systems 100, 100' described in connection with Figures 1A or 1B. System 200 includes a device HT 201 and a consumable HT 202. The description of Figures 1A and 1B above is applicable to the system 200 of Figures 2A and 2B and will therefore not be repeated.

Device 201 and consumable 202 are configured so that consumable 202 can be coupled with device 201. Figure 2A shows device 201 and consumable 202 in a coupled state, while Figure 2B shows device 201 and consumable 202. consumable 202 in an uncoupled state.

The device 201 comprises a body 209 and a cap 210. In use, the cap 210 engages one end of the body 209. Although not apparent from the figures, the cap 210 can be moved relative to the body 209. In particular , the cover 210 is slidable and can slide along a longitudinal axis of the body 209.

The device 201 comprises an output means (forming part of the UI of the device 201) in the form of a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) 211 arranged linearly along the longitudinal axis of the device. 201 and on an outer surface of the body 209 of the device 201. A button 212 is also disposed on an outer surface of the body 209 of the device 201 and is spaced axially (i.e., along the longitudinal axis) from the plurality of LEDs 211. .

Device 201 optionally comprises an indicator unit (not shown) coupled to controller 108. The indicator unit (not shown) is configured to provide an indication to the user of the current mode. In an illustrative embodiment, the indicator unit may be configured to provide indication of the current mode to the user through a visual, haptic, audio, etc. signal.

Turning now to device 201, Figure 2C illustrates a detailed end view of device 201 that is configured to mate with consumable 202. Cover 210 of device 201 includes an opening 221 to an internal cavity 222 (most evident in Figure 2C ) defined by the cap 210. The opening 221 and the cavity 222 are formed to receive at least a part of the consumable 202. During the coupling of the consumable 202 with the device 201, a part of the consumable 202 is received through the opening 221 and into cavity 222. After mating (see Figure 2B), downstream end 218 of consumable 202 protrudes from opening 221 and thus also protrudes from device 201. Opening 221 includes notches 226 disposed laterally. When a consumable 202 is received in opening 221, these notches 226 remain open and could, for example, be used to retain a cover to cover the end of device 201.

Figure 2D shows a cross section along a central longitudinal plane through device 201. Device 201 is shown with consumable 202 attached thereto.

The device 201 comprises a heater 204 comprising a heating element 223. The heater 204 forms part of the body 209 of the device 201 and is rigidly mounted to the body 209. In the illustrated embodiment, the heater 204 is a rod heater with an element heater 223 having a circular cross section. In other embodiments, the heater may be in the form of a vane heater (eg, a heating element with a rectangular cross section) or a tube heater (eg, a tubular-shaped heating element). .

The heating element 223 of the heater 204 projects from an internal base of the cavity 222 along a longitudinal axis toward the opening 221. As is clear from the figure, the length (that is, along the longitudinal axis) of the heating element is less than the depth of the cavity 222. In this way, the heating element 223 does not protrude or extend beyond the opening 221.

When the consumable 202 is received in the cavity 222 (as shown in Fig. 2D), the heating element 223 penetrates the aerosol-forming substrate 213 of the consumable 202. In particular, the heating element 223 extends over almost the entire the axial length of the aerosol-forming substrate 213 when inserted therein. Thus, when heater 204 is activated, heat is transferred radially from an outer circumferential surface of heating element 223 to aerosol-forming substrate 213.

The device 201 further comprises an electronics cavity 224. A power source, in the form of a rechargeable battery 205 (a lithium ion battery), is located in the electronics cavity 224.

The device 201 includes a connector (ie, forming part of an I/O module of the device 201) in the form of a USB port 206. The connector may alternatively be, for example, a micro-USB port or a USB-port. C, for example. USB port 206 can be used to recharge rechargeable battery 205.

Device 201 includes a controller (not shown) located in electronics cavity 224. The controller comprises a microcontroller mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). The USB port 206 is also connected to the controller 208 (ie, connected to the PCB and the microcontroller).

Controller 208 is configured to control at least one function of device 202. For example, controller 208 is configured to control operation of heater 204. Such control of operation of heater 204 can be accomplished by the controller toggling the electrical connection of the battery. battery 205 to heater 204. For example, controller 208 is configured to control heater 204 in response to the mode selected by the user via UI 107 of device 201.

Controller 208 is configured to determine the mode of operation selected by the user, based on which controller 208 is configured to modify at least one control action of device 201, such as pressing power button 212 on a user interface. user of the device 201 to activate the heater 204. In embodiments, in response to the mode selection, the controller 208 is configured to modify the length of time during which the control action must be performed to activate the heater 204. Precisely , in response to the mode selection, the controller 208 of the device 201 is configured to modify the duration of time during which the control action must be performed to activate the heater, between a first duration when the device 201 is in the mode child-lock mode (CSM) and a second duration when device 201 is in non-child-lock mode (N-CSM). For example, if it is determined that the mode selected by the user is Child Lock Mode (CSM), controller 208 is configured to modify the length of time that the control action must be performed in order for power to be supplied to heater 204. In a specific embodiment, The user may be required to press the power button 212 for a first, longer duration, in the Child Safety Mode (CSM) to activate the heater 204. In a specific embodiment, the user is required to press the power button 212 when in CSM for twice the time that power button 212 is required to be pressed in non-child-safety (N-CSM) mode. In another example embodiment, when in child lock mode, the user is required to press power button 212 one or more times in a predefined pattern to activate heater 204. It should be appreciated that pressing power button 212 may cause controller 208 to allow a voltage (from rechargeable battery 205) to be applied to heater 204 to cause heating element 223 to heat up.

Furthermore, in another embodiment, if the mode selected by the user is determined to be a non-child-safety mode (N-CSM), controller 208 is configured to modify the length of time during which the action is to be performed. of control by reducing the time during which the button must be pressed to activate the heater 2014 relative to CSM. In a specific embodiment, the user may be prompted to press power button 212 for a second duration, eg, a shorter duration than when in CSM, to activate heater 204 in non-child safety mode ( N-CSM). In an exemplary embodiment, the user may be required to press the power button 212 when in N-CSM for half the time that the button press is required when in child lock mode (CSM). In an illustrative embodiment, the first duration can be configured to be longer compared to the second duration.

Controller 208 is further configured to remain in a selected mode at all times until a user selects a different mode. For example, the controller will ensure that the device remains in CSM until positive input from the user dictates a mode change to N-CSM. Thus the device remembers the current mode via e.g. eg, shutdown operations or battery depletion. Controller 208 is also configured to control LEDs 211 in response to a condition (eg, detected) from device 201 or consumable 202. For example, the controller may control LEDs to indicate whether device 201 is in a on or off state (eg, one or more of the LEDs may be illuminated by the controller when the device is in an on state).

Device 201 comprises other input means (i.e., in addition to button 212) in the form of a puff sensor 225. Puff sensor 225 is configured to detect a user's aspiration (i.e., inhalation) at the downstream end. 218 of consumable 202. Puff sensor 225 may, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor, flowmeter, or microphone. Puff sensor 225 is operatively connected to controller 208 in electronics cavity 224 such that a signal from puff sensor 225, indicative of a puff state (ie, draw or no draw), forms an input to controller 208 ( and therefore can be answered by the controller 208).

Fig. 3 illustrates the flowchart of the method for switching the device between child-safety mode (CSM) and non-child-safety mode (N-CSM).

As illustrated in Figure 3, method 300 includes one or more blocks implemented by driver 208 of device 201. Method 300 can be described in the general context of driver executable instructions. Typically, executable controller instructions may include routines, programs, objects, components, data structures, procedures, modules, and functions, which perform particular functions or implement particular abstract data types.

The order in which method 300 is described is not intended to be construed as limiting, and any number of described method blocks can be combined in any order to implement method 300. Additionally, individual blocks can be removed from method 300 without deviating from of the scope of the subject matter described in this document. Also, method 300 may be implemented in any suitable hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

At block 301, controller 208 determines the mode selected by the user. It should be noted, before the step of determining the mode selected by the user, that the method must include a step (not shown) of selecting an operating mode, between the child safety mode (CSM) and the security mode Not for Children (N-CSM), by the user.

At block 302, controller 208 further determines whether the mode selected by the user at block 301 is different from the current mode, ie, the last mode selected by the user, or not. If controller 208 determines that the mode selected by the user is different from the current mode, ie, the one the device is currently operating in, then the method continues to block 303 along the "YES" path. Otherwise, the method continues to block 304 along the "NO" path.

At block 303, controller 208 changes from the current mode to the selected mode. In one example, if the mode of current operation of device 201 is non-child-safety mode (N-CSM) and the mode selected by the user is child-safety mode (CSM), then the method in block 303 reports the change of safety mode not for children (N -CSM) to child safety mode (CSM). In embodiments, when the device switches from non-child-safety mode (N-CSM) to child-safety mode (CSM), controller 208 is configured to modify the length of time during which the child-safety action is to be performed. control to activate the heater.

Thus, in embodiments, when device 201 switches to Child Lock Mode (CSM), the user must press power button 212 for the first, longer duration to activate heater 204. In a specific embodiment , the user is required to press the power button 212 for twice as long as the button is pressed in the non-child-safety mode (N-CSM). In particular, the controller increases the length of time during which the control action must be performed to activate the heater, from 3 seconds when in N-CSM to 6 seconds when in CSM. In another example embodiment, when the device 201 switches to child lock mode, the user is required to press the power button 212 one or more times in a predefined pattern to activate the heater 204 of the device, i.e., to allow that a voltage (from the rechargeable battery 205) is applied to the heater 204 (to cause the heating element 223 to heat up).

In another example, if the current operating mode of the device 201 is child-safety mode (CSM) and the user-selected mode is non-child-safety mode (N-CSM), then the method in the block 303 switches from child lock mode (CSM) to non-child lock mode (N-CSM). In an exemplary embodiment, when device 201 is switched from child-safety mode (CSM) to non-child-safety mode (N-CSM), controller 208 is configured to increase the length of time during which the performing the control action to activate the heater 204.

Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, when device 201 is switched to non-child-safety (N-CSM) mode, the user must press power button 212 for the second shorter duration, to activate heater 204. In particular, the controller increases the length of time during which the control action must be performed to activate the heater, from 6 seconds when in CSM to 3 seconds when in N-CSM.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description or in the following claims, or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for carrying out the disclosed function, or a method or process for achieving the disclosed results, as where appropriate, they may, singly, or in any combination of such features, be used to carry out the invention in various forms thereof.

While the invention has been described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon viewing this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments of the invention set forth above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Various changes can be made to the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention.

For the avoidance of doubt, any theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purpose of enhancing a reader's understanding. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

Any section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter described.

Throughout this specification, including the claims that follow, unless the context otherwise requires, the words "have", "comprising" and "include", and variations such as "having", "comprising", "comprising" and "including" shall be understood as implying the inclusion of an established constituent element or stage or group of constituent elements or stages, but not the exclusion of any other constituent element or stage or group of constituent elements or stages.

It should be noted that, as used in the specification and appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" a particular value and/or to "about" another particular value. When expressing such a range, another embodiment includes from the particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent "approximately", it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term "about" in relation to a numeric value is optional and means, for example, /-10%.

The words "preferred" and "preferably" are used herein to refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits in some circumstances. It should be noted, however, that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. Therefore, the The listing of one or more preferred embodiments does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure or the scope of the claims.

Claims (7)

1. A tobacco substitute device (201), comprising: a controller (208), configured to detect a mode selected by a user and switch between a child-safety mode (CSM) and a non-child-safety mode (N-CSM), in response to mode selection, in wherein the controller (208) is configured to modify at least one device control action in response to the mode selection and the length of time the control action must be performed in order to activate a heater (204). , in response to mode selection, the controller (208) of the device being configured to modify the duration of time during which the control action must be performed to activate the heater (204), between a first duration in child safety mode (CSM) and a second duration in non-child safety mode (N-CSM), characterized in that the first duration is longer than the second duration. The device (201) according to claim 2, wherein the at least one control action of the device (201) is to press a power button on a user interface of the device (201) to activate the heater ( 204) of the device. The device (201) according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the controller (208) is configured to modify the at least one control action so that two or more control actions must be performed. different, when in CSM in a predefined pattern to activate the heater. The device (201) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the device controller (201) is configured to remain in a selected mode at all times until a user selects a different mode. 5. A method of switching a tobacco substitute device (201) between child-safety mode (CSM) and non-child-safety mode (N-CSM), the method comprising: detect a selected mode; and switch between child-lock mode (CSM) and non-child-lock mode (N-CSM) in response to mode selection modifying the at least one control action of the device in response to the mode selection, wherein modifying the at least one control action comprises modifying the length of time during which the control action must be performed to activate a heater (204) , in response to mode selection, wherein modifying the at least one control action comprises modifying the duration of time during which the power button must be pressed to activate the heater (204), between a first duration in child safety mode (CSM) and a second duration in non-child safety mode (N-CSM), characterized in that the first duration is longer than the second duration. The method according to claim 5, wherein the at least one control action of the device (201) is to press a power button on a user interface of the device (201) to activate the heater (204) of the device. device (201). The method according to claim 5, wherein modifying the at least one control action comprises modifying the at least one control action such that two or more different control actions must be performed, when it is in CSM in a predefined pattern to activate the heater (204).