KR20230052975A - Aerosol Delivery System - Google Patents

Abstract

The aerosol dispensing system (1) comprises a first component (4) comprising a reservoir (44) for storing an aerosolizable material, and a sensor (70) for detecting the level of the aerosolizable material within the reservoir (44). include The sensor is configured to output sensor information regarding the level of aerosolizable material in the reservoir 44 . The aerosol dispensing system 1 includes an evaporator 48 for evaporating an aerosolizable material; and a second consumable part 8 for holding the flavoring material 84, located downstream of the evaporator 48. The aerosol delivery system 1 processes the sensor information to determine the amount of aerosolizable material in the reservoir 44, and when it is determined that the amount of aerosolizable material reaches or falls below a predetermined amount, It is configured to generate a signal to replace the second consumable part 8 .

Description

Aerosol Delivery System

The present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, such as nicotine delivery systems (eg, electronic cigarettes, etc.).

Aerosol delivery systems, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), generally contain an aerosol precursor material/aerosolizable material, such as a reservoir of a liquid or source fluid that typically contains nicotine, or a tobacco-based product. solid material, from which an aerosol/vapor is generated, for example through thermal evaporation. Accordingly, an aerosol source for an aerosol providing system may include a vaporizer, for example a heating element, arranged to vaporize a portion of the aerosolizable material. As the user inhales on the device and the evaporator is energized, air is drawn into the device through inlet holes and into the vapor generation chamber, where it mixes with the evaporated aerosolizable material to form a condensed aerosol. form These devices are generally provided with one or more air inlet holes located away from the mouthpiece end of the system. When a user sucks on a mouthpiece connected to the mouthpiece end of the system, air is drawn through the inlet holes and past the aerosol source. There is a flow path connecting between the aerosol source and the mouthpiece opening such that air drawn past the aerosol source continues to travel along the flow path to the mouthpiece opening, carrying with it a portion of the aerosol from the aerosol source. The aerosol-carrying air exits the aerosol delivery system through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user.

Some aerosol delivery systems may also include a flavor component in the flow path through the system to impart additional flavors or otherwise modify the aerosol. Such systems may sometimes be referred to as hybrid systems, and the flavor component may include, for example, a portion of a cigarette arranged in the air path between the vapor generating chamber and the mouthpiece, thus inhaling through the devices. The vapor/condensed aerosol may pass through a portion of the cigarette before exiting the mouthpiece for user inhalation. In such hybrid devices, typically two components are consumed during use, such as the aerosol precursor material material/aerosolizable material and the flavor component. These ingredients can generally be consumed at different rates, which can increase complexity for the user maintaining the aerosol delivery system in a state of delivering the expected aerosol to the user.

Mechanisms already exist in these aerosol-dispensing systems to estimate the amount of aerosolizable material/aerosol precursor material consumed, which relies on monitoring the energy and/or time that the heating element from the aerosol-dispensing system is operated. In that respect, the longer the heating element runs, the more aerosolizable material is used up/evaporated. However, these mechanisms inherently involve some sort of estimation, which may introduce an element of conceptual inaccuracy in understanding the amount of aerosolizable material actually consumed by the system during use of the system.

Various approaches are being attempted to help address some of these issues, and include establishing more accurately the remaining amount of aerosolizable material that has not yet been consumed in the aerosol delivery system, such as how much aerosolizable material remains. are explained.

According to a first aspect of certain embodiments, an aerosol delivery system is provided, the aerosol delivery system comprising:

a first part comprising a reservoir for storing an aerosolizable material;

a sensor for detecting the level of aerosolizable material in the reservoir of the first part, the sensor configured to output sensor information relating to the level of aerosolizable material in the reservoir;

an evaporator located downstream of the reservoir for evaporating the aerosolizable material;

a second consumable part for holding a flavoring material, located downstream of the evaporator; and

Control circuitry - the control circuitry is configured to process sensor information from the sensor to determine the amount of aerosolizable material in the reservoir and to ensure that the amount of aerosolizable material reaches or falls below the predetermined amount. configured to generate a signal when determined to be

The signal is an indication for replacing the second consumable part.

According to a second aspect of certain embodiments, a method of generating a signal for use with an aerosol delivery system configured to generate vapor from an aerosolizable material using a vaporizer is provided, the method comprising:

detecting, using a sensor, the level of aerosolizable material in the reservoir from the first component of the aerosol delivery system;

outputting sensor information from the sensor to control circuitry of the aerosol delivery system, the sensor information relating to the level of aerosolizable material in the reservoir;

processing the sensor information in control circuitry to determine the amount of aerosolizable material in the reservoir; and

generating a signal in the control circuitry when it is determined that the amount of aerosolizable material reaches or falls below the predetermined amount;

The signal is an indication to replace a second consumable component for holding the flavoring material from the aerosol providing system, the second consumable component located downstream of the evaporator and configured to receive vapor produced by the evaporator.

The features and aspects of the present invention described above in relation to the first and other aspects of the present invention are equivalent to embodiments of the present invention according to the specific combinations described above, as appropriate, as well as other aspects of the present invention. It will be appreciated that these are applicable and may be combined with them.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings:
1 is a reusable component, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure; a first part comprising an aerosolizable material; a second part for holding the flavoring material; and a sensor.
2 is a reusable component, according to further aspects of the present disclosure; a first part comprising an aerosolizable material; a second part for holding the flavoring material; and an aerosol delivery system comprising a plurality of sensors.
3 is a reusable component, according to further aspects of the present disclosure; a first part comprising an aerosolizable material; a second part for holding the flavoring material; and a sensor.
4 illustrates a methodology for implementing the aerosol delivery system of FIGS. 1-3, in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed/described herein. Some aspects and features of specific examples and embodiments may be implemented routinely, and they are not discussed/explained in detail for brevity. Accordingly, it will be understood that aspects and features of the apparatus and methods discussed herein that are not described in detail may be implemented according to any of the prior art for implementing such aspects and features.

As described above, the present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems such as e-cigarettes that include hybrid devices. Throughout the following description, it will be understood that although the terms "e-cigarette" or "electronic cigarette" may be used at times, these terms may be used interchangeably with vapor provision system/device and electronic vapor provision system/device. will be. Also, as commonly used in the art, the terms “vapor” and “aerosol” and related terms such as “vaporize”, “volatilize” and “aerosolize” are generally used interchangeably. can be used

Aerosol delivery systems often, but not always, include modular assemblies that include both reusable parts and replaceable (disposable) consumable parts. Often, replaceable parts will include aerosol precursor materials (also referred to as aerosolizable materials) and vaporizers, and reusable parts will include power supplies (eg, rechargeable batteries), activating mechanisms (eg, buttons). or a puff sensor), and control circuitry. However, it will be appreciated that these different parts may also include additional elements depending on their function. For example, in the case of a hybrid device, the cartridge part may also include an additional aerosol modifying element/aerosol flavoring material, such as a portion of a cigarette, provided as a second part or “pod”. In these cases, the element insert or flavoring material may itself be removed from the first disposable cartridge part, so that this is for example to change the flavor or to shorten the useful life of the element insert to that of the first cartridge part. It can be replaced separately from the first cartridge part because it is shorter than the usable life of the vapor generating components. A reusable device part will often also include additional components, such as a user interface for receiving user input and displaying operational status characteristics.

In the case of modular devices, consumable parts and control units are mechanically (and sometimes also electrically) are coupled together. When the cartridge's vapor precursor material is exhausted, or the user desires to switch to a different cartridge with a different aerosolizable material, the cartridge can be removed from the control unit and a replacement cartridge can be attached in its place. Devices conforming to this type of two-part modular construction may be generically referred to as two-part devices or multi-part devices.

It is relatively common for electronic cigarettes, including multi-component devices, to have a generally elongated shape, and to provide a specific example, certain embodiments of the disclosure described herein are common using disposable cartridges with a cigarette pod insert. will be considered to include a multi-component device that is elongated. However, the basic principles described herein apply to different electronic cigarette configurations, such as single-component devices or modular devices comprising more than two parts, rechargeable devices and single-use disposable devices. , and non-hybrid devices without additional flavor elements, as well as other overall shapes based on, for example, so-called box-mod high-performance devices that typically have a more box-like shape. It will be appreciated that it can be equally employed in More generally, certain embodiments of the present disclosure are based on electronic cigarettes configured to provide an activation function according to the principles described herein, and certain structural aspects of an electronic cigarette configured to provide the described activation function are important. It will be understood that there is no meaning.

1 is a cross-sectional view through an exemplary aerosol delivery system 1 according to certain aspects of the present disclosure. The aerosol delivery system 1 includes two main components: a reusable part 2 (sometimes referred to as a device part or aerosol providing device) and a replaceable/disposable consumable part.

Reusable parts 2 include components intended to have a longer life than consumable parts. In other words, the reusable part 2 is intended to be used sequentially with a number of consumable parts. Consumable parts include components that are consumed when forming an aerosol for delivery to a user during use of the aerosol dispensing system 1 .

In the example of FIG. 1 , the replaceable/disposable consumable part is a cartridge (4) which more generally forms a first part, and a removable pod (which more generally forms a second part (8)). 8) is formed. As described in more detail below, the first part/cartridge 4 comprises an aerosol precursor material/aerosol-able material, which may be a fluid, and more specifically an e-liquid (sometimes a source liquid) that evaporates to form an aerosol. The second part/removable pod 8 is a tobacco or tobacco-based product (hereinafter referred to as , referred to as tobacco material 84 (specifically, in the exemplary arrangement of FIG. 1 , the aerosol generated from the e-Liquid is drawn through the removable pod 8 and flavor and/or nicotine is imparted to the aerosol). In other words, the aerosol delivered to the user is created through the consumable part by first evaporating the aerosol-capable material to create the aerosol and secondly modifying the aerosol by passing the resulting aerosol through the tobacco pod 8, where the user What is delivered to is a modified aerosol. For specific example, the removable pod 8 is described as containing tobacco material 84, however, the removable pod 8 may also contain other materials that modify the properties or composition of the aerosol (herein sometimes referred to as an aerosol modifying material or referred to as aerosol flavoring materials), for example other plant-based materials or liquid-soaked matrices. For specific example, however, the removable pod 8 described herein retains tobacco material 84 and may sometimes be referred to as a tobacco pod 8 .

In normal use, the reusable part 2 and the cartridge/first part 4 are releasably coupled together at the first interface 6 . When the e-liquid in the cartridge (4) is exhausted or the user simply wants to switch to a different cartridge (4), the cartridge (4) is removed from the reusable part (2) and a replacement cartridge (4) is placed in its place. It can be attached to the reusable part (2). The interface 6 provides structural, electrical and air path connections between the reusable part 2 and the cartridge 4 and, for example, to properly establish an electrical connection and air path between the two parts. It can be set up according to existing techniques based on screw screws, latch mechanisms, or bayonet fixing, with electrical contacts and openings suitably arranged for The particular manner in which the cartridge 4 is mechanically mounted to the reusable component 2 is not critical to the principles described herein. It will also be appreciated that in some implementations interface 6 may not support an electrical connection between cartridge 4 and reusable component 2 . For example, in some implementations, the evaporator may be provided in the reusable part 2 rather than the cartridge 4, or the transfer of power from the reusable part 2 to the cartridge 4 may be wireless ( eg based on electromagnetic induction), no electrical connection between the reusable part 2 and the cartridge 4 is required.

Similarly, in normal use, the cartridge/first part 4 and the tobacco pod/second part 8 are releasably coupled together at the second interface 7 . The second interface 7 is generally at the opposite end of the cartridge 4 to the first interface 6 . As with the cartridge/first part 4, the tobacco pod/second part 8 can be replaced, for example, when the tobacco material no longer imparts flavor or nicotine to the aerosol produced from the cartridge 4. . Providing the tobacco pod 8 releasably coupled to the cartridge 4 allows the tobacco pod 8 to be switched independently of the cartridge 4 . In this example, interface 7 provides a structural and air path connection between cartridge 4 and tobacco pod 8 . Any suitable coupling mechanism, such as any of the foregoing, may be used to couple the tobacco pod 8 to the cartridge 4.

In Fig. 1, the first cartridge part 4 includes a cartridge housing 42 formed of a plastic material. The cartridge housing 42 supports the other components of the cartridge and provides the reusable part 2 to the mechanical interface 6 . The cartridge housing 42 is generally circularly symmetrical about the longitudinal axis along which the cartridge 4 is coupled to the reusable part 2 . In this example, the cartridge 4 has a length of about 4 cm and a diameter of about 1.5 cm. However, it will be appreciated that the specific geometry, and more generally the overall shapes and materials used, may differ in different implementations.

Within the cartridge housing 42, in the illustrated example, is a reservoir 44 that holds the liquid aerosol precursor material. The liquid aerosol precursor material may be conventional and may be referred to as an e-liquid. The source liquid may contain nicotine and/or other active ingredients, and/or one or more flavors. As used herein, the terms “flavour” and “flavourant” refer to a taste or aroma desired in a product for adult consumers, when permitted by local regulations. ) refers to materials that can be used to create In some implementations, the source liquid may not contain nicotine. Also, while the cartridge 4 described above includes a liquid aerosol precursor material, it should be understood that in other implementations the aerosol precursor material may be a solid or gel.

The liquid reservoir 44 in this example has an annular shape with an outer wall defined by the cartridge housing 42 and an inner wall defining the air path 52 through the cartridge 4 . Reservoir 44 is closed at each end with end walls 44A; 44B to retain the source liquid. Reservoir 44 may be formed according to conventional techniques, and may include, for example, a plastic material and may be integrally molded with cartridge housing 42 .

Cartridge 4 further includes an evaporator 48 configured to evaporate the source liquid and positioned downstream of reservoir 44 . In the example of FIG. 1 the evaporator includes a heater 48 provided with a wick 46 positioned towards the end of the reservoir 44 . In this example, the wick 46 extends transversely across the cartridge air path 52, with its ends extending into the reservoir 44 of the e-liquid through openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44. do. The apertures in the inner wall of the reservoir approximate the dimensions of the wick 46 to provide a reasonable seal against leakage from the liquid reservoir into the cartridge air path without excessive compression of the wick, which could be detrimental to its fluid transfer performance. They are sized to match.

The wick 46 and heater 48 are placed in the cartridge air path 52 such that the area of the cartridge air path 52 around the wick 46 and heater 48 substantially defines the vaporization area for the cartridge 4. are arranged The e-Liquid in reservoir 44 penetrates wick 46 through the ends of the wick extending into reservoir 44 and is drawn along the wick by surface tension/capillary action (i.e., wicking). . In this example, the heater 48 includes an electrically resistive wire wound around a wick 46 . In use, electrical power may be supplied to the heater 48 to vaporize a quantity of the e-liquid (vapor precursor material) drawn by the wick 46 into the vicinity of the heater 48 . In this example, heater 48 includes nickel chromium alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire and wick 46 includes a glass fiber bundle, although the specific evaporator configuration is not critical to the principles described herein. will be understood Indeed, in other implementations, alternative evaporators (eg, vibrating mesh, LED heater, etc.) may be used within the first part/cartridge 4 . The particular type of vaporizer will be selected based on a number of criteria including the type of aerosol precursor material to be vaporized. A cartridge containing an evaporator is sometimes referred to as a “cartomizer”.

The rate at which the e-liquid is evaporated by the vaporizer (heater) 48 will depend on the amount (level) of power supplied to the heater 48 during use. Thus, electrical power can be applied to the heater 48 to selectively generate vapor from the e-liquid in the first part/cartridge 4, furthermore, the rate of vapor production can be determined by, for example, the pulse width and or by changing the amount of power supplied to heater 48 via frequency modulation techniques.

In this example, the tobacco pod/second part 8 is coupled to the end of the first part/cartridge 4 opposite the interface 6 and is effectively positioned downstream of the vaporizer 48 . The tobacco pod 8 includes a pod housing 82 and tobacco material 84 held within the pod housing 82 . The tobacco pod housing 82 is formed from a plastic material. Although not shown, the cartridge 4 may include a recessed feature of the interface 7 into which a portion of the tobacco pod 8 is inserted and retained by a friction fit, or Or alternatively, the tobacco pod housing 82 may include engagement features for coupling to the cartridge 4 via the interface 7 (and equivalently, the cartridge 4 includes the tobacco pod housing 82). corresponding engagement features for coupling to are provided). It should be understood that the tobacco pod 8 is directly coupled to the cartridge 4 , but indirectly via the cartridge 4 to the reusable component 2 .

Housing 82 is formed to define an interior volume in which tobacco material 84 can be contained. The housing 82 has an inlet in the wall of the housing 82 that is in fluid communication with the air passage 52 of the cartridge 4 when the cigarette pod 8 is coupled to the cartridge 4 via the interface 7. (86), and an outlet (50) positioned opposite the inlet (86). Air flowing along the air path 52 (and entrained by the evaporated source liquid) passes into the interior volume of the tobacco pod 8 and interacts with the tobacco material 84 . As noted above, tobacco material 84 may impart some flavor and/or nicotine to an aerosol entering through inlet 86 and may subsequently modify the composition of the aerosol. The modified aerosol is delivered to the user through outlet 50. During use, the user can place their lips around or adjacent to the outlet 86 and draw air through the outlet 50, hence the outlet 50 is referred to as the mouthpiece outlet 50. It can be. The shape and dimensions of the tobacco pod 8 are set so that the housing 82 is generally flush with the housing 42 when the tobacco pod 8 and cartridge 4 are engaged. In some implementations, the housing 82 of the cigarette pod 8 is shaped to ergonomically fit the mouth of a typical user, while in other implementations it couples to the cigarette pod 8 and/or cartridge 4. A separate mouthpiece element that is ringed may be provided.

The reusable component 2 comprises an outer housing 12 having an opening defining an air inlet 28 for the aerosol delivery system 1, a battery 26 for providing operating power for the aerosol delivery system 1 , a controller (or sometimes referred to as control circuitry) 20, a first user input button 14 and a second user input button 24 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1. The reusable component 2 further comprises a suction sensor (puff detector) 16 , which in this example comprises a pressure sensor located in the pressure sensor chamber 18 . However, the pressure sensor may be present and the pressure sensor chamber 18 may not be present in other implementations.

The outer housing 12 may be formed, for example, of a plastic or metal material, in this example generally in the shape and size of the cartridge 4 to provide a smooth transition between the two parts at the interface 6. It has a matching circular cross section. In this example, the reusable part has a length of about 8 cm, so the total length of the e-cigarette when the cartridge part and the reusable part are coupled together is about 12 cm. However, as already mentioned, it will be appreciated that the overall shape and scale of an electronic cigarette embodying embodiments of the present disclosure is not critical to the principles described herein.

Air inlet 28 is connected to air path 30 via reusable part 2 . Reusable part air path 30 connects in turn to cartridge air path 52 across interface 6 when reusable part 2 and cartridge 4 are connected together. Pressure sensor chamber 18, which holds pressure sensor 16, is in fluid communication with air path 30 of reusable part 2 (i.e., pressure sensor chamber 18 is in air path of reusable part 2). Branched from (30)). Thus, when the user inhales through the mouthpiece opening 50, there is a pressure drop in the pressure sensor chamber 18 that can be detected by the pressure sensor 16, and air is drawn through the air inlet 28, which can be reused. Along component air path 30, across interface 6, through vapor generating area near heater 48, where when the heater is active, evaporated e-liquid is entrained in the air flow. , along the cartridge air path 52 and out through the mouthpiece opening 50 for user inhalation.

Battery 26 in this example is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, such as a type commonly used in aerosol delivery systems and other applications requiring the provision of relatively high currents for relatively short periods of time, for example. there is. The battery 26 can be recharged via a charging connector in the reusable component housing 12, for example a USB connector. Battery 26 may be, for example, a lithium ion battery.

In this example, user input button 14 is a mechanical button and includes, for example, a spring-loaded component that can be depressed by a user to establish electrical contact. In this regard, the input button 14 may be considered to provide a manual input mechanism for the reusable part 2, although the specific manner in which the button is implemented is not critical. For example, different types of mechanical buttons or touch-sensitive buttons (eg, based on capacitive or optical sensing technologies) may be used in different implementations. can be selected in relation to

In the example of FIG. 1 , the user input button 14 provides a function to turn the device on and off. When in the on state, power from battery 26 is provided to control circuitry 20 and any other components of reusable part 2 as needed, but aerosol generation is not possible. not. Rather, the device is in a standby state with respect to aerosol generation. More specifically, the pressure sensor 16 and control circuitry 20 are provided with sufficient power to enable detection of pressure changes (meaning user inhalation). Upon detection of user inhalation, the control circuitry 20 is configured to energize the heater 48 to cause the source liquid to evaporate. Additionally, if user inhalation ceases to be detected (e.g., the pressure has dropped below a certain threshold), the control circuitry 20 is configured to stop supplying power to the heater/evaporator 48, resulting in reduced aerosol production. It is also discontinued. Such aerosol-generating activated devices are known, and devices using such devices are commonly referred to as “puff actuated” devices. In alternative configurations that do not use pressure sensor 16 (or other inhalation detectors), aerosol generation may be initiated via a user input button. For example, user input button 14 may provide dual functions of turning the device on and off, and enabling aerosol generation. For example, user input button 14 can be pressed for a first period of time (eg, 1 second) to turn the device on or off, and when the device is in the on state, user input button 14 triggers a heater 48. ) can be held down (can be held down) for a second time period longer than the first time period to power on. When the button is in the depressed state, the user can inhale the aerosol generated by inhaling at the mouthpiece opening 50 . Such aerosol-generating activated mechanisms are known, and devices using such mechanisms are generally referred to as "button operated" devices.

Control circuitry 20 is configured to provide functionality in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure as further described herein, as well as conventional operating functions of the aerosol delivery system in accordance with established techniques for controlling such systems. are suitably configured/programmed to control the operation of the aerosol dispensing system 1 in order to provide them. The control circuitry 20 may be considered to logically include various sub-units/circuitry elements related to different aspects of the operation of the aerosol delivery system, such as a (micro)controller, processor, ASIC or similar form of control. It can be implemented by providing a chip. Control circuitry 20 may be arranged to control any function associated with system 1 . By way of non-limiting example only, a function can be used to charge the battery 26, in addition to other functions such as controlling visual indicators (eg, LEDs)/displays, a communication function for communicating with external devices, and the like. or recharging, discharging of battery 26 (ie, to provide power to heater 48). The control circuit unit 20 may be mounted on a printed circuit board (PCB). Further, the functionality provided by the control circuitry 20 may be split across multiple circuit boards and/or across components not mounted on a PCB, and these additional components and/or PCBs may serve as an aerosol providing device. It should be noted that it can be properly positioned within. For example, the function of the control circuit 20 to control the (re)charging function of the battery 26 may be provided separately (eg on a different PCB) from the function to control the discharging of the battery 26. there is.

The aerosol dispensing system 1 is also provided with a sensor 70 for detecting the level of aerosolizable material in the reservoir 44 of the cartridge/first part 4 . As will be described, sensor 70 is configured to output sensor information regarding the level of an aerosolizable material, such as a source liquid, within reservoir 44 .

Sensor 70 may include one or more sensors operable to detect the level of aerosolizable material in reservoir 44 . Thus, in that regard, and according to some embodiments, the sensor may include an optical sensor. In certain embodiments thereof, the optical sensor may include a light emitter configured to output a light source (eg, visible light, infrared light, and/or ultraviolet light) directed toward the surface of the aerosolizable material within reservoir 44, which light source is then detected by the corresponding optical receiver from the optical sensor 70. In such an embodiment, by comparing the detected light from the light receiver with the light source output from the light emitter, which will be affected by the level of aerosolizable material in the reservoir 44, the sensor 70 determines the current reservoir. 44, can output sensor information effectively related to the level of aerosolizable material, such as a source liquid.

The sensor 70 according to some embodiments may likewise include an acoustic sensor. In certain embodiments thereof, the acoustic sensor may include an audio emitter or speaker configured to output an audio source directed towards the surface of the aerosolizable material within the reservoir 44, which audio source may then be configured to output an audio source to the acoustic sensor ( 70) by a corresponding audio receiver or microphone. In such an embodiment, by comparing the detected audio from the audio receiver with the output light source from the audio emitter, which will be affected by the level of aerosolizable material in the reservoir 44, the sensor 70 determines the current reservoir. 44, can output sensor information effectively related to the level of aerosolizable material, such as a source liquid.

In some embodiments, sensor 70 may alternatively/additionally include a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, and a capacitive sensor for respectively outputting a capacitance/resistance/impedance value related to the level of aerosolizable material in reservoir 44. / or at least one of an inductive sensor. In that regard, any such capacitance/resistance/impedance value will be affected by the relative amount of aerosolizable material to the air present in reservoir 44.

If such sensor(s) 70 are present, they will allow the level of liquid inside the reservoir to be accurately determined, and sensor information effectively related to the remaining level of aerosolizable material in the reservoir 44 will be output therefrom. It will be appreciated that any number of sensor(s) may be provided to enable Similarly, the precise position of each sensor(s) 70 will depend on the type of sensor 70 being used to detect the level of aerosolizable material within the reservoir 44. According to some embodiments, each sensor may be located in or on a wall of reservoir 44, for example, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. It is shown as being located on the outer wall of the.

According to some embodiments, sensor 70 may at least partially cover an opening from a wall of reservoir 44 to deliver aerosolizable material from reservoir 44 to vaporizer 48 . According to some very specific embodiments, this wall may be the inner wall of reservoir 44 . By positioning the sensor 70 so that it at least partially covers the opening through which the aerosolizable material can be delivered from the reservoir 44 to the vaporizer 48, this allows the aerosol delivery system 1 to detect dry conditions (i.e., aerosol within the reservoir 44, which may exhibit conditions in which there is no/sufficient aerosolizable material operable to pass the ignitable material from the reservoir 44 to the vaporizer 48 - in such embodiments through the opening. This may allow more effective detection of small amounts of aerosolizable material.

In a very specific embodiment, a plurality of sensors (distributed along the length of the reservoir 44) located on a wall of the reservoir 44, such as extending between, for example, two end walls 44A; 44B. 70a; 70b ... 70n) may be provided. This embodiment is shown in FIG. 2 . By providing more sensors 70, this may serve to further increase the effectiveness of the sensors outputting accurate sensor information regarding the level of aerosolizable material in reservoir 44.

According to the above embodiments, any of the provided sensor(s) 70; 70a; 70b...70n may be any of the sensors described herein, such as an optical sensor; acoustic sensor; capacitive sensor; resistance sensor; and/or any of the inductive sensors as desired, and/or any other sensor(s) capable of outputting sensor information regarding the level of aerosolizable material in reservoir 44.

As noted above, each sensor 70 is configured to output sensor information regarding the remaining level of aerosolizable material in the reservoir 44 . The output sensor information is configured to be output to the control circuitry 20 of the aerosol providing system 1 . This may be accomplished using a wired or wireless connection between the control circuitry 20 and the sensor(s) 70, as desired. In the specific embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , an interface is provided between the sensor(s) 70 and the control circuitry 20 and between the first component 4 and the reusable component 2 ( 6) is provided with a wired connection extending across.

According to some of the foregoing embodiments, sensor 70 is shown positioned on first part 4 . However, according to other embodiments, reusable component 2 may include sensor(s) 70 , as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 3 , for example. In such embodiments, sensor(s) 70, while positioned on reusable part 2, are still operable to detect the level of aerosolizable material in reservoir 44. To achieve this, each sensor 70 according to these embodiments can be located, for example, at the interface 6 between the first part 4 and the reusable part 2 . In this way, each sensor 70 is still close enough to the first component 4 to detect the level of aerosolizable material in the reservoir 44 . For example, in very specific embodiments where sensor 70 is an optical sensor, first component 4 is a window to allow light from sensor 70 to enter and exit fluid reservoir 44. 72 , wherein window 72 faces reusable part 2 and the window is positioned adjacent to sensor 70 . This embodiment is shown in FIG. 3 . By locating the sensor(s) 70 within the reusable part 2, this eliminates the need for a sensor 70 to be provided in each first part 4, which first part 4 is consumable. Note that it may be the first part 4 .

However, sensor(s) 70 are arranged/located in aerosol delivery system 1 and, as noted above, each sensor 70 is a sensor relating to the level of aerosolizable material in reservoir 44. configured to output information. Control circuitry 20 is configured to process sensor information from sensor(s) 70 to determine the amount of aerosolizable material in reservoir 44, wherein the amount of aerosolizable material is equal to the predetermined amount. and generate a signal when it is determined to reach or fall below.

According to some embodiments, the generated signal may be an indication to replace the second consumable part 8 . In that respect, the amount of aerosolizable material provided in the first part 4 is chosen carefully, primarily with the aim of reducing the product cost as much as reasonably possible taking into account specific regulations. Likewise, the amount of flavoring material 84 in the second part 8 is selected based on similar considerations. In this respect as well, it has been found that the second part 8 generally requires more frequent replacement than the first part 4 in order to provide a satisfactory aerosol to the user. In other words, a predetermined number of second parts 8 may eventually be entirely consumed before the first part 4 with the reservoir 44 full of aerosolizable material is entirely consumed. According to some embodiments, this predetermined number may be 2, 3, 4 or 5.

In view of the above, it is invariably difficult to know the most optimal time for a user to switch the second part 8 to a replacement second part 8 . In practice, from the user's point of view, this only happens if the user responds to receiving an unsatisfying/ill-flavoured aerosol (ie, when the contents of the second part 8 have been completely consumed). Occurs. Depending on the user's perception levels, the user may not realize this until some time after the ideal time to switch the second component 8 has passed.

In recognition of the foregoing, the signal generated is an indication for replacing the second consumable part 8 when it is determined that the amount of aerosolizable material from the reservoir 44 has reached or fallen below a predetermined amount. can

According to some embodiments, the predetermined amount of the reservoir 44 from the first part 4 is 3/4 of the aerosolizable material; 2/3; 1/2; 1/3; or corresponding to being 1/4 full. Obviously, these fractions may depend on a predetermined number of second parts 8 that can be consumed before the first part 4 having a reservoir 44 full of aerosolizable material is consumed in its entirety. . (For example, the fraction that is 3/4 filled corresponding to the four second parts 8 is consumed for every single total consumption of the first part 4).

Regarding the signal generated in the above examples, according to some embodiments, the signal may be at least one of an optical signal, an acoustic signal, and a tactile signal, which provides an indication to the user that the second part 8 needs to be changed. can be used to provide

To implement the above, if necessary and according to some embodiments, the aerosol delivery system 1 may include an optical element (eg LED), an acoustic element (eg speaker) and a tactile feedback element (eg vibrator). ) may further include any one or combination of Clearly, in some specific embodiments of those presented above, any such optical/acoustic/tactile feedback element(s) may most conveniently be placed on the reusable component 2 .

According to some embodiments, the predetermined amount can be a first predetermined amount, and the signal can be a first signal. In such embodiments, the control circuitry 20 may be further configured to generate a second signal when it is determined that the amount of aerosolizable material reaches or falls below a second predetermined amount, wherein: The second predetermined amount is less than the first predetermined amount.

In the above embodiments, the second signal may be responsive to another second part (8) in which the aerosol delivery system (1) is nominally consumed after the previous second part (8) is consumed, and/or the reservoir ( 44) to allow the aerosolizable material within to react to reaching or falling below a low/empty amount.

The above is an example, but according to some specific embodiments thereof, the second signal may be a second indication to (again) replace the second consumable part. In that regard, in some embodiments, for example, the predetermined second amount is such that the reservoir 44 is at least one half or one third full (which is equal to four or three second amounts) with an aerosolizable material. It may correspond to which parts 8 may be in each embodiment consumed for every single total consumption of the first part 4 .

Any such second signal for replacing the second consumable part 8 may also, if necessary, be at least one of an optical signal, an acoustic signal and a tactile signal, which indicates that the second part 8 requires a change. It can be used to provide an indication to the user that

In some embodiments, for example when reservoir 44 is empty or nearly empty, the second signal may be a command to disable operation of aerosol delivery system 1 and/or vaporizer 48 . In some particular embodiments of this, operation of aerosol-providing system 1 and/or vaporizer 48 is then controlled by control circuitry 20 (from sensor information from sensor 70) of the aerosolizable material in the reservoir. may become infeasible until it determines that the amount of β reaches or exceeds a predetermined minimum amount and/or determines that reservoir 44 is full of aerosolizable material.

In even narrower embodiments, when it is determined that the amount of aerosolizable material reaches or falls below a second predetermined amount, in addition to generating a second signal, the control circuitry 20 may further control the aerosolizable material. It may be further configured to generate a third signal when it is determined that β reaches or falls below a third predetermined amount, the third predetermined amount being less than the second predetermined amount.

In such a third signal, according to some particular embodiments thereof, the third signal commands (such as again, or for a third time) to replace the second consumable part 8 and/or to activate the evaporator. Can contain commands to disable.

As an example of an embodiment methodology for using/operating the aerosol delivery systems 1 described herein, reference is made to FIG. 4 . In the method 400 of FIG. 4 , the method first uses the sensor(s) 70; 70a; 70b...70n to aerosol in the reservoir 44 from the first component 4 of the aerosol dispensing system 1. and detecting the level of burnable material (step 402).

Sensor information is then output from the sensor(s) 70 to the control circuitry 20 of the aerosol dispensing system 1, where the sensor information relates to the level of aerosolizable material in the reservoir 44 (step 404).

The sensor information is then processed in control circuitry 20 to determine the amount of aerosolizable material in reservoir 44 (step 406). Such processing of sensor information may result in additional information about the physical dimensions of reservoir 44 and/or each sensor 70 in reservoir 70 to determine the amount of aerosolizable material in reservoir 44. It will be appreciated that additional information regarding the position of . According to some embodiments, such additional information regarding the physical dimensions of reservoir 44 and/or the position of each sensor 70 within reservoir 70 is pre-stored in the memory of control circuitry 20 . Alternatively, or obviously in some embodiments, additional information may be output from the sensor 70 along with the sensor information.

Then, based on this determined amount of remaining aerosolizable material remaining in reservoir 44, control circuitry 20 determines that the amount of aerosolizable material has reached or falls below a predetermined amount, when 2 is configured to generate a signal for replacing the consumable part 8 (step 408).

As mentioned above, and according to some embodiments, the predetermined amount, the reservoir 44 from the first part is 3/4 of the aerosolizable material; 2/3; 1/2; 1/3; Or it may correspond to being filled with at least one of 1/4. Obviously, these fractions may depend on a predetermined number of second parts 8 that can be consumed before the first part 4 having a reservoir 44 full of aerosolizable material is consumed in its entirety. (For example, the fraction filled by 3/4 corresponding to the four second parts 8 is consumed for every single total consumption of the first part 4).

Accordingly, in accordance with the above methodology, the aerosol delivery system uses the sensor(s) 70 to detect the level of aerosolizable material in the reservoir 44 to ultimately determine the remaining amount of aerosolizable material in the reservoir 44. Provides an accurate indication. This contrasts with other systems that use techniques that estimate the amount of aerosolizable material consumed by monitoring the energy and/or time the heating element is operated. Accordingly, it is noted that such estimation techniques are only estimates, and their indication of how much aerosolizable material has actually been consumed may be less accurate, which may be important in the context of an aerosol delivery system.

Accordingly, an aerosol delivery system is described, which aerosol delivery system comprises:

a first part comprising a reservoir for storing an aerosolizable material;

a sensor for detecting the level of aerosolizable material in the reservoir of the first part, the sensor configured to output sensor information relating to the level of aerosolizable material in the reservoir;

an evaporator located downstream of the reservoir for evaporating the aerosolizable material;

a second consumable part for holding the flavoring material, located downstream of the evaporator; and

Control Circuitry - The control circuitry is configured to process sensor information from the sensor to determine the amount of aerosolizable material in the reservoir, and signal when it is determined that the amount of aerosolizable material reaches or falls below the predetermined amount. configured to generate - includes;

The signal is an indication for replacing the second consumable part.

Also described is a method of generating a signal for use with an aerosol delivery system configured to generate vapor from an aerosolizable material using a vaporizer, the method comprising:

detecting, using a sensor, the level of aerosolizable material in the reservoir from the first component of the aerosol delivery system;

outputting sensor information from the sensor to control circuitry of the aerosol delivery system, the sensor information relating to the level of aerosolizable material in the reservoir;

processing the sensor information in control circuitry to determine the amount of aerosolizable material in the reservoir; and

generating a signal in the control circuitry when it is determined that the amount of aerosolizable material reaches or falls below the predetermined amount;

The signal is an indication to replace a second consumable component for holding the flavoring material from the aerosol providing system, the second consumable component located downstream of the evaporator and configured to receive vapor produced by the evaporator.

Aerosol delivery system (1) comprising a first component (4) comprising a reservoir (44) for storing the aerosolizable material, and a sensor (70) for detecting the level of the aerosolizable material in the reservoir (44). ) is also described. Sensor 70 is configured to output sensor information regarding the level of aerosolizable material in reservoir 44 . The aerosol dispensing system includes an evaporator 48 for evaporating the aerosolizable material; and a second consumable part 8 for holding the flavoring material, located downstream of the evaporator 48 . The aerosol delivery system 1 processes the sensor information to determine the amount of aerosolizable material in the reservoir 44, and when it is determined that the amount of aerosolizable material reaches or falls below a predetermined amount, It is configured to generate a signal to replace the second consumable part 8 .

Although the embodiments described above have focused on some specific example aerosol delivery systems, it will be appreciated that the same principles may be applied to aerosol delivery systems using other technologies. That is, the various aspects of the aerosol delivery system function in a specific manner not directly related to the basic principles of the examples described herein.

For example, although first component 4 has been described as being releasably coupled to reusable component 2 , in some implementations first component 4 may be integrated with reusable component 2 . For example, the cartridge housing 42 of the first part 4 may, in some embodiments, be formed with or identical to the outer housing 12 of the reusable part 2 . In such implementations, reservoir 44 may be refilled with an aerosolizable material when reservoir 44 is depleted, for example via a closable opening into reservoir 44 . In such implementations, a signal from control circuitry 20 may indicate to the user that reservoir 44 is depleted or nearly depleted and requires recharging.

In some embodiments, also, although not explicitly required, to further improve the accuracy of the aerosol delivery system 1 for detecting the amount of aerosolizable material in the reservoir 44, the aerosol delivery system 1 , eg its first part 4 and/or reusable part 2 is an orientation sensor for determining the orientation of the first part 4 and thus the orientation of the level of aerosolizable material in the reservoir 44 ( orientation sensor) 74 may be further included. For example, according to a particular embodiment, such an orientation sensor 74 may include one or more accelerometers. Referring to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-3 , orientation sensor 74 is shown positioned on reusable part 2 , however, as noted above, any such orientation sensor 74 may It may be suitably positioned anywhere within the aerosol delivery system 1 .

If such an orientation sensor 74 is present, the orientation sensor 74 will be configured to output orientation sensor information regarding the orientation of the aerosolizable material within the reservoir 44 to the control circuitry 20 . Then, in that manner, control circuitry 20 is configured to process sensor information from each sensor 70 and orientation sensor information from orientation sensor 74 to determine the amount of aerosolizable material in the reservoir. It will be.

For completeness, note again that the presence of any such orientation sensors 74 is not explicitly required, the orientation of the liquid inside reservoir 44 is dependent on the need for an appropriate number of sensors inside reservoir 44. It is noted that may additionally/alternatively be determined by positioning the sills 70, which may detect the orientation of the liquid inside the reservoir 44 at any desired angle/orientation.

To address various problems and advance the art, the present disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced. The advantages and features of the present disclosure are merely a representative sample of embodiments, and are not limited to and/or exclusive. These advantages and features are presented only to aid in understanding and teaching the claimed invention(s). Advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are limited to the disclosure as defined by the claims, or equivalents of the claims. It should be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments suitably include, consist of, or consist of various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, instrumentalities, etc., other than those specifically described herein. Or they may consist essentially of, and thus it will be understood that the features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly recited in the claims. The disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims (31)

As an aerosol delivery system,
a first part comprising a reservoir for storing an aerosolizable material;
a sensor for detecting the level of aerosolizable material in the reservoir of the first part, the sensor configured to output sensor information relating to the level of aerosolizable material in the reservoir;
an evaporator located downstream of the reservoir for evaporating the aerosolizable material;
a second consumable part for holding a flavoring material, located downstream of the evaporator; and
Control circuitry - the control circuitry is configured to process sensor information from the sensor to determine the amount of aerosolizable material in the reservoir, and if the amount of aerosolizable material reaches or falls below a predetermined amount configured to generate a signal when determined to be falling;
The signal is an indication for replacing the second consumable part,
Aerosol Delivery System. According to claim 1,
The sensor includes an optical sensor,
Aerosol delivery system. According to claim 1 or 2,
The sensor includes an acoustic sensor,
Aerosol delivery system. According to any one of claims 1 to 3,
wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a capacitive sensor, a resistive sensor, and/or an inductive sensor;
Aerosol delivery system. According to any one of claims 1 to 4,
wherein the sensor is located within the reservoir or on a wall of the reservoir;
Aerosol Delivery System. According to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The aerosol delivery system includes a reusable part;
the first component is connectable to the reusable component; and
The second consumable part is connectable to the first part,
Aerosol delivery system. According to claim 6,
The reusable part includes the sensor,
Aerosol delivery system. According to any one of claims 1 to 7,
wherein the first component includes the sensor;
Aerosol delivery system. According to any one of claims 1 to 8,
wherein the first component is removable from the aerosol delivery system independently of the second consumable component;
Aerosol delivery system. According to any one of claims 1 to 9,
The signal is at least one of an optical signal, an acoustic signal, and a tactile signal,
Aerosol delivery system. According to any one of claims 1 to 10,
The predetermined amount is such that the reservoir from the first part is 3/4 of the aerosolizable material; 2/3; 1/2; 1/3; corresponding to being filled with at least one of or 1/4;
Aerosol Delivery System. According to any one of claims 1 to 11,
an orientation sensor configured to output orientation sensor information regarding the orientation of the aerosolizable material within the reservoir to the control circuitry;
wherein the control circuitry is further configured to process orientation sensor information from the orientation sensor, along with sensor information from the sensor, to determine an amount of aerosolizable material in the reservoir.
Aerosol delivery system. According to claim 12,
When further subject to paragraph 6,
wherein the reusable component includes the orientation sensor;
Aerosol delivery system. According to any one of claims 1 to 13,
the predetermined amount is a first predetermined amount, and the signal is a first signal;
the control circuitry system is further configured to generate a second signal when it is determined that the amount of the aerosolizable material reaches or falls below a second predetermined amount;
the second predetermined amount is less than the first predetermined amount;
Aerosol delivery system. According to claim 14,
the second predetermined amount corresponds to the reservoir being filled to at least one half or one third with an aerosolizable material;
Aerosol delivery system. According to claim 14 or 15,
The second signal is a second indication for replacing the second consumable part,
Aerosol delivery system. According to any one of claims 14 to 16,
wherein the second signal comprises a command to disable operation of the aerosol delivery system;
Aerosol delivery system. According to any one of claims 14 to 17,
the control circuitry is further configured to generate a third signal when it is determined that the amount of the aerosolizable material reaches or falls below a third predetermined amount;
the third predetermined amount is less than the second predetermined amount;
Aerosol delivery system. According to claim 18,
wherein the third signal comprises a command to replace the second consumable part and/or to disable the evaporator.
Aerosol delivery system. According to any one of claims 1 to 19,
the wall of the reservoir includes an opening for conveying the aerosolizable material from the reservoir to the vaporizer;
the sensor at least partially covers the opening;
Aerosol Delivery System. 21. The method of any one of claims 1 to 20,
The first part is a first consumable part,
Aerosol delivery system. According to any one of claims 1 to 21,
The evaporator includes a heater,
Aerosol delivery system. 23. The method of any one of claims 1 to 22,
wherein the flavoring material comprises or consists of tobacco;
Aerosol delivery system. 24. The method of any one of claims 1 to 23,
wherein the aerosolizable material comprises a fluid;
Aerosol delivery system. 25. The method of any one of claims 1 to 24,
The sensor includes a plurality of sensors,
Aerosol delivery system. A method of generating a signal for use with an aerosol delivery system configured to generate vapor from an aerosolizable material using a vaporizer, the method comprising:
detecting, using a sensor, the level of aerosolizable material in the reservoir from the first component of the aerosol delivery system;
outputting sensor information from the sensor to control circuitry of the aerosol delivery system, the sensor information relating to the level of aerosolizable material in the reservoir;
processing the sensor information in control circuitry to determine the amount of aerosolizable material in the reservoir; and
generating a signal in the control circuitry when it is determined that the amount of aerosolizable material reaches or falls below the predetermined amount;
the signal is an indication to replace the second consumable part for retaining the flavoring material from the aerosol dispensing system;
the second consumable part is located downstream of the evaporator and configured to receive vapor produced by the evaporator;
How to generate a signal. 27. The method of claim 26,
detecting, using an orientation sensor, orientation of the aerosolizable material within the reservoir;
outputting orientation sensor information from the orientation sensor to control circuitry, the orientation sensor information relating to orientation of the aerosolizable material within the reservoir;
The control circuitry further processes orientation sensor information to determine the amount of aerosolizable material in the reservoir, as well as to process the sensor information.
How to generate a signal. According to claim 26 or 27,
the predetermined amount is a first predetermined amount, the signal is a first signal,
After generating the first signal, the method comprises:
replacing the second consumable part with another second consumable part;
generating a second signal in control circuitry when it is determined that the amount of aerosolizable material reaches or falls below a second predetermined amount, wherein the second predetermined amount is less than the first predetermined amount; further includes;
The second signal is an indication for replacing another second consumable part,
How to generate a signal. 29. The method of claim 28,
After generating the second signal, the method comprises:
replacing another second consumable part with another second consumable part;
generating a third signal in control circuitry when it is determined that the amount of aerosolizable material reaches or falls below a third predetermined amount, wherein the third predetermined amount is less than the second predetermined amount; Including more,
How to generate a signal. According to claim 29,
The third signal is an indication for replacing the another second consumable part,
How to generate a signal. According to claim 29,
The third signal is an indication for disabling the operation of the evaporator,
How to generate a signal.

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