KR20230110587A - Electronic Aerosol Delivery System - Google Patents

Abstract

An aerosol providing device for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material and a second aerosol generating material is described. The device may include a first user input mechanism for controlling a first aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material, and a second user input mechanism for controlling a second aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from a second aerosol generating material. The device also includes control circuitry configured to receive input from a user via the first user input mechanism or the second user input mechanism and to control characteristics of the individual aerosol generators; In response to the input, the control circuitry is configured to change a characteristic of the first aerosol generator by a first amount when an input is provided to the first user input mechanism, and the control circuitry is configured to change a characteristic of the second aerosol generator by a second amount different from the first amount when an input is provided to the second user input mechanism. An aerosol-dispensing system, a method of controlling an aerosol-dispensing device, and an aerosol-dispensing means are also provided.

Description

Electronic Aerosol Delivery System

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

Electronic aerosol delivery systems, such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), generally contain an aerosol (or vapor) precursor/forming material, such as a reservoir of source liquid holding a formulation that typically includes a solid material, such as a tobacco-based product, and/or a base liquid with additives, such as nicotine, and often flavoring agents, from which an aerosol is generated, for example through thermal evaporation. It becomes. Thus, an aerosol providing system will typically include an aerosol generation chamber, which has an atomizer (or vaporizer) such as a heating element, arranged to vaporize a portion of the precursor material to create an aerosol in the aerosol generation chamber. As the user inhales on the device and the heating element is energized, air is drawn into the device through inlet holes and into the aerosol generating chamber, where it mixes with the evaporated precursor material to form an aerosol. There is a flow path between the aerosol generating chamber and the opening of the mouthpiece, such that incoming air drawn through the aerosol generating chamber continues along the flow path to the mouthpiece opening, carrying with it some of the vapor and exiting through the mouthpiece opening for inhalation by the user.

Aerosol delivery systems may include a modular assembly comprising both a reusable cartridge portion and a replaceable cartridge portion. Typically, the cartridge portion will contain a consumable aerosol precursor material and/or vaporizer, while the reusable device portion will contain longer life items such as a rechargeable battery, device control circuitry, activation sensors and user interface features. A reusable part may also be referred to as a control unit or battery section, and replaceable cartridge parts containing both evaporator and precursor material may also be referred to as cartomizers.

Some aerosol delivery systems can include multiple aerosol sources that can be used to create a vapor/aerosol that is mixed and inhaled by a user. However, in some cases, a user may desire more consistent control over the delivery of an aerosol, regardless of the type of source and/or heater.

Various approaches are described that attempt to help address some of these problems.

According to a first aspect of certain embodiments, an aerosol providing device for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material and a second aerosol generating material is provided, the device comprising: a first user input mechanism for controlling the first aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material; a second user input mechanism for controlling a second aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from a second aerosol generating material; and control circuitry configured to receive input from a user via the first user input mechanism or the second user input mechanism and to control characteristics of the individual aerosol generators; In response to the input, the control circuitry is configured to change a characteristic of the first aerosol generator by a first amount when an input is provided to the first user input mechanism, and the control circuitry is configured to change a characteristic of the second aerosol generator by a second amount different from the first amount when an input is provided to the second user input mechanism.

According to a second aspect of certain embodiments, an aerosol providing system for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material and generating an aerosol from a second aerosol generating material is provided, the system comprising the aerosol providing device according to the first aspect, the first aerosol generating material, and the second aerosol generating material.

According to a third aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided a method of controlling an aerosol providing device for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material and a second aerosol generating material, the device comprising: a first user input mechanism for controlling a first aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material; a second user input mechanism for controlling a second aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from a second aerosol generating material; and control circuitry configured to receive input from a user via the first user input mechanism or the second user input mechanism and to control characteristics of the individual aerosol generators; The method includes identifying an input to a first user input mechanism or a second user input mechanism; changing a characteristic of the first aerosol generator by a first amount when input is provided to the first user input mechanism with the second user input mechanism; or when input is provided to the second user input mechanism, changing a characteristic of the second aerosol generator by a second amount; The second amount is different from the first amount.

According to a fourth aspect of certain embodiments, there is provided aerosol providing means for generating an aerosol from first aerosol generating material means and second aerosol generating material means, comprising: first user input means for controlling the first aerosol generator means configured to generate an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material means; second user input means for controlling second aerosol generator means configured to generate an aerosol from the second aerosol generating material means; and control means configured to receive input from a user via the first user input means or the second user input means and to control characteristics of the individual aerosol generator means; In response to the input, the control means is configured to change a characteristic of the first aerosol generator means by a first amount when an input is provided to the first user input means, and the control means is configured to change a characteristic of the second aerosol generator means by a second amount different from the first amount when an input is provided to the second user input means.

It will be appreciated that the features and aspects of the present invention described above in relation to the first and other aspects of the present invention are equally applicable to, and may be combined with, not only the specific combinations described above, but also to embodiments of the present invention according to other aspects of the present invention, as appropriate.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings:
1 schematically illustrates an aerosol delivery system in cross-section, the aerosol delivery system comprising a control portion, a mouthpiece portion and two aerosol generating materials and configured to deliver an aerosol from one or more of the aerosol generating materials to a user.
FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the aerosol delivery system of FIG. 1 in cross-section in an exploded form showing the individual components of the aerosol delivery system.
Figure 3 schematically shows an alternative control section in cross section, in which each receptacle is provided with a separate air flow path connected to a separate air inlet.
4 schematically illustrates an alternative aerosol delivery system in cross-section, comprising a control portion, a mouthpiece portion and two aerosol generating materials arranged in series and configured to deliver an aerosol from one or more of the aerosol generating materials to a user.
5 schematically illustrates an exemplary circuit layout with two aerosol generators electrically connected to the control section of FIGS. 1 , 2 and 4 .
6 schematically illustrates a method of controlling an aspect of an electronic aerosol providing device according to certain embodiments 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.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a device is described having control circuitry that allows a user to control the amount of aerosol generated from a first aerosol generating material and a second aerosol generating material by interacting with the first user input mechanism and/or the second user input mechanism by the user. Advantageously, the system can provide a user level of control over the composition of the aerosol to be inhaled based on a single input by the user to one of the user input mechanisms.

Accordingly, the present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems, which may also be referred to as vapor delivery systems, such as e-cigarettes. The term “aerosol delivery system” is intended to include systems that deliver at least one substance to a user, such as non-flammable aerosol delivery systems.

Non-combustible aerosol-provisioning systems, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems for generating an aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials release compounds from at least one aerosol-generating material without burning the aerosol-generating material. In this regard, atomization through means of generating aerosols other than through condensed aerosols, such as vibrational, photonic, irradiative, electrostatic means, and the like, is envisioned.

In accordance with the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol-provisioning system is a system that does not combust or burn the constituent aerosol-generating materials of the aerosol-provisioning system (or components thereof) to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.

In some embodiments, the non-flammable aerosol-delivery system may be an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it should be noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol providing system is an aerosol generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. One example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.

In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol-provisioning system is a hybrid system that uses a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or more of which may be heated, to create an aerosol. Each of the aerosol generating materials may be in solid, liquid or gel form, for example, and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system includes a liquid or gel aerosol generating material and a solid aerosol generating material. The solid aerosol generating material may include, for example, tobacco or non-tobacco products.

Typically, a non-combustible aerosol-providing system may include a non-combustible aerosol-providing device and one or more consumables for use with the non-combustible aerosol-providing device.

In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to consumables comprising an aerosol generating material and configured for use with non-flammable aerosol providing devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout this disclosure.

In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol-providing system, such as a non-combustible aerosol-providing device thereof, may include a power source and a controller. The power source may be, for example, an electric power source.

In some embodiments, a non-combustible aerosol delivery system can include one or more areas for containing consumables, one or more aerosol generators, one or more aerosol generating areas, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter, and/or an aerosol modifier.

An aerosol generator is a device configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to apply thermal energy to the aerosol generating material to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to apply one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy to the aerosol generating material.

In some embodiments, consumables are items that contain or consist of an aerosol generating material, some or all of which are intended to be consumed during use by a user. The consumable may include one or more other components, such as an aerosol generating material storage area, aerosol generating material delivery component, aerosol generating area, housing, wrapper, mouthpiece, filter, and/or aerosol modifier. The consumable may also include an aerosol generator, such as a heater, which releases heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to produce an aerosol upon use. The heater may include, for example, a combustible material, a material capable of being heated by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.

A susceptor is a material that can be heated by penetration by a changing magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically conductive material, such that its penetration by a changing magnetic field causes inductive heating of the heating material. The heating material may be a magnetic material, such that penetration thereof by a changing magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor can be both electrically conductive and magnetic, so the susceptor can be heated by both heating mechanisms. A device configured to generate a changing magnetic field is referred to herein as a magnetic field generator.

The substance(s) to be delivered are aerosol generating materials. Where appropriate, a substance may include one or more active ingredients, one or more flavors, one or more aerosol former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes an active substance.

An active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. Active substances may be selected from, for example, nutraceuticals, nootropics, and psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or obtained synthetically. The active substance may include, for example, nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may include one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or other botanicals.

In some embodiments, the active substance includes nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance includes caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more herbal medicines or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof, and the herbal medicine is tobacco.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more herbal medicines or components, derivatives or extracts thereof, wherein the herbal medicine is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.

In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more herbal medicines or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof, wherein the herbal medicine is selected from rooibos and fennel.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered includes a flavor.

As used herein, the terms “flavour” and “flavourant” refer to ingredients that, where permitted by local regulations, can be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensory sensation in a product for adult consumers. These may include naturally occurring flavor materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained ingredients, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the flavor includes menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor includes flavor components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus and/or redberry.

In some embodiments, the flavor includes eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor includes flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor includes flavor components extracted from cannabis.

In some embodiments, flavor may include, in addition to or instead of smell or taste nerves, a sensation intended to achieve a somatosensory feeling that is generally chemically induced and perceived by stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), which may include agents that provide a fever, cold, tingling, or numbing effect. A suitable exothermic agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether, and a suitable cooling agent may be, but is not limited to, eucolyptol, WS-3.

An aerosol generating material is a material capable of generating an aerosol, for example when energized, irradiated or heated in any other way. The aerosol-generating material may be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel, which may or may not, for example, contain active substances and/or flavoring agents. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material may include an “amorphous solid,” which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (ie, non-fibrous). In some embodiments, an amorphous solid may be a dried gel. Amorphous solids are solid materials that can hold some fluids, such as liquids, inside them. In some embodiments, the aerosol generating material can include, for example, from about 50 wt %, 60 wt % or 70 wt % amorphous solids to about 90 wt %, 95 wt % or 100 wt % amorphous solids.

The aerosol generating material may include one or more active substances and/or flavors, one or more aerosol former materials, and optionally one or more other functional materials.

The aerosol former material may include one or more components capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol former material is glycerin, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-erythritol, ethyl vanillaate, ethyl laurate, diethyl subrate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributy one or more of phosphoric acid, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

The one or more other functional materials may include one or more of pH adjusters, colorants, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

The material may be on or in the support to form the substrate. The support may be or include, for example, paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, plastic material, ceramic material, composite material, glass, metal, or metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support includes a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded in a material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or both sides of the material.

An aerosol modifier is a material, typically located downstream of an aerosol-generating region, configured to modify the aerosol produced by, for example, altering the taste, flavor, acidity, or other characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol modifier may be provided to an aerosol modifier releasing component operable to selectively release the aerosol modifier.

Aerosol modifiers can be, for example, additives or adsorbents. Aerosol modifiers may include, for example, one or more of flavoring agents, coloring agents, water and carbon adsorbents. Aerosol modifiers can be, for example, solids, liquids or gels. Aerosol modifiers may be in powder, thread or granular form. The aerosol modifier may be free of filtering material.

According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, an aerosol providing device for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material and a second aerosol generating material includes a first user input mechanism, a second user input mechanism and control circuitry. A first user input mechanism allows control of a first aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material. A second user input mechanism allows control of a second aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from a second aerosol generating material.

The control circuitry is configured to receive input from the user via the first user input mechanism or the second user input mechanism and to control characteristics of the individual aerosol generator (ie, the first or second aerosol generator). In response to the input, the control circuitry is configured to change a characteristic of the first aerosol generator by a first amount when an input is provided to the first user input mechanism, and the control circuitry is configured to change a characteristic of the second aerosol generator by a second amount, different from the first amount, when an input is provided to the second user input mechanism. Advantageously, based on a single input by the user, the system can affect two different responses (ie, change the characteristics of the individual aerosol generator) based on the user input mechanism with which the user interacts. It will be appreciated that the control circuitry is configured to determine to which user input mechanism an input is to be provided.

In some examples, the first user input mechanism includes at least one user input mechanism selected from the group comprising a slider, a rotatable wheel, one or more buttons, one or more switches, and a touch screen. In some examples, the second user input mechanism includes at least one selected from the group comprising a slider, a dial, one or more buttons, one or more switches, and a touchscreen. In some examples, the first user input mechanism and the second user input mechanism are similarly configured (eg, both can be sliders, or both can be sliders displayed on a touchscreen). In some examples, a single touchscreen provides both first and second user input mechanisms. The control circuitry may be configured to display any of one or more virtual sliders, one or more virtual dials, one or more virtual buttons, and one or more virtual switches.

1 and 2 are highly schematic cross-sectional views of an exemplary aerosol delivery system 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, respectively. FIG. 1 shows the aerosol delivery system 1 in an assembled state, while FIG. 2 shows the aerosol delivery system 1 in an disassembled/partially disassembled state. As discussed below, portions of the exemplary aerosol delivery system 1 are provided to be removable/removable from other portions of the aerosol delivery system 1 .

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , an exemplary aerosol delivery system 1 includes a control/device (or battery/reusable) portion 2, a removable mouthpiece (or lid) portion 3, and, in this example, two aerosol-generating components 4a and 4b, collectively referred to herein as aerosol-generating components 4. In use, the aerosol provision system 1 is configured to generate an aerosol from the aerosol generating components 4 (by evaporating the aerosol precursor material) and deliver/provide the aerosol to the user through the mouthpiece portion 3 as the user inhales through the mouthpiece portion 3. It should be understood that the aerosol dispensing system 1 comprises aerosol generating components 4 in addition to the control part 2 and the mouthpiece part 3 . In this example, the term aerosol providing device refers to the control/device part 2 and the mouthpiece part 3 without the aerosol generating components 4 . However, to facilitate general description of the disclosed system, the terms "system" and "device" are used interchangeably herein to refer to either a device comprising aerosol generating components and a device excluding aerosol generating components.

One aspect of an exemplary aerosol delivery system is the ability to provide consistent control of the delivery of an aerosol to a user, regardless of the state/configuration of the aerosol delivery system. By this, and as will be clear from below, this means that a consistent (or near-consistent) control experience will be provided to the user whether the user interacts with the control of the first input mechanism (which controls aspects related to the generation of aerosols from the first aerosol-generating component 4a) or the user interacts with the controls of the second input mechanism (which controls aspects related to the generation of aerosols from the second aerosol-generating component 4b). In other words, the operating characteristics associated with generating an aerosol from each of the aerosol-generating components 4 are different (based on the aerosol precursor material and the mechanism for generating the aerosol); A user can experience equal control of aerosol generation when interacting with any of the input mechanisms.

This may relate to the amount of aerosol generated (ie, amount/volume of aerosol inhaled). That is, the user can adjust the amount of aerosol generated in the same proportion or amount (or approximately the same, within 10%) for equivalent interactions with either the first input mechanism or the second input mechanism.

For reference only, the following discussion will refer to the top, bottom, left and right sides of the system. This will generally refer to the corresponding directions in the associated figures; That is, they are natural directions in the plane of the drawings. However, these orientations are not intended to impart a specific orientation of the system 1 during normal use. For example, the top of an assembled system refers to the part of the system that contacts the user's mouth when in use, while the bottom refers to the opposite end of the system. The selection of directions is only meant to illustrate the relative positions of various features described herein.

Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the control portion 2 comprises a housing 20 configured to house a power source 21 for providing operating power to the aerosol providing device 1 and control circuitry 22 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the aerosol delivery device 1. In this example, the power supply 21 includes a battery that may be of a rechargeable and conventional type, which may be, for example, the type commonly used in electronic cigarettes and other applications that require the provision of relatively high currents for relatively short periods of time.

The control part 2 also comprises a first user input mechanism 25a and a second user input mechanism 25b (collectively, user input mechanisms 25). User input mechanism 25 may be provided on or through housing 20 to be accessible (i.e., capable of being interacted with) by a user during normal use of the device (i.e., without the need to disassemble the device). The user input mechanisms 25 are in electronic communication with the control circuitry 22, such that interaction with any one of the user input mechanisms 25 is communicated to the control circuitry 22 as a signal. User input mechanism 25 means that a mechanism is provided with which a user can interact to provide input to control circuitry 22 . The user input mechanism 25 includes a physical input mechanism; For example, it may be a slider, wheel, switch(s), or button(s). Alternatively, the user input mechanism may be a virtual input mechanism; For example, the user input mechanisms 25 may be displayed on a single touchscreen, provided on the side of the control portion 2, or on separate touchscreens. For example, a touch screen may depict a slider or wheel depicting a value associated with a parameter, and a user may interact with the slider or wheel to change the value (e.g., by placing their finger on the slider or wheel and moving their finger along the screen).

The outer housing 20 may be formed of, for example, a plastic or metallic material, and in this example has a generally rectangular cross-section with a width (in the plane of FIG. 1 ) about 1.5 to 2 times its thickness (perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 1 ). For example, an electronic cigarette may have a width of about 5 cm and a thickness of about 3 cm. In this example, the control portion 2 takes the form of a box/cuboid, but it should be understood that the control portion 2 may have other shapes desired.

The control portion 2 includes an air inlet 23 provided on/on the outer surface of the housing 20, two separate aerosol-generating regions, e.g. receptacles 24a and 24b, each defining a space/volume for accommodating one of the aerosol-generating components, e.g. the first aerosol-generating component 4a or the second aerosol-generating component 4b, respectively, into the housing 20. It further includes an air channel 26 extending and fluidly connecting the air inlet 23 with the receptacles 24a and 24b. As will be understood below, these features form part of the air or aerosol pathway through the aerosol providing device 1, where air is passed from outside the aerosol providing device 1 through the air inlet 23, through the aerosol generating areas/receptacles 24a and 24b that hold the aerosol generating components 4 and into the mouth of the user.

Referring now to aerosol-generating components 4, the term refers to a consumable from which an aerosol can be generated. In some embodiments, consumables are items comprising or consisting of an aerosol generating material 46, some or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user. In its simplest form, the consumable consists of only the aerosol generating material; For example, it may be a plant-based material such as tobacco material. Such an aerosol-generating component may be formed in a variety of ways; For example, it can be formed as a loose material or as a rigid “plug” of material. An aerosol generating component may be inserted into one or both of the receptacles 24a and 24b. The device then includes an aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating material held in one of the receptacles 24 . In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to apply thermal energy to the aerosol generating material to release one or more volatile substances from the aerosol generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to apply one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy to the aerosol generating material. In some examples, control portion 2 includes a heating element 47a configured to heat the aerosol generating material by conduction (ie the aerosol generator).

In some examples, consumable 4 may include one or more other components, such as a housing or wrapper 40 . Additionally, the housing and/or aerosol generating material may define one or more of an aerosol generating material storage area, an aerosol generating material delivery component, an aerosol generating area, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifier. For example, as shown in consumable 4a, it includes an aerosol generating material 46a and a housing or wrapper 40a. For the consumable 4a, the housing or wrapper 40a provides an outer barrier layer that at least partially protects the aerosol generating material 46a. The housing or wrapper 40a includes or defines an inlet and outlet to allow air flow through the consumable 4a during use (e.g., when a user puffs on the device, air may flow through the inlet into the consumable 4a and out the outlet).

Where the consumable 4a includes a housing or wrapper 40a and the control portion 2 includes a heating element 47a configured to heat the aerosol-generating material by conduction, the housing or wrapper 40a may be formed from a material that does not inhibit heat transfer to the aerosol-generating material 46a. In some examples, the aerosol generating material 46a may also have a susceptor material interspersed therein, and/or the housing or wrapper 40a may include or consist of the susceptor material. In some examples, control portion 2 includes a heating element 47a configured to generate a changing magnetic field that acts to heat the susceptor material.

In some examples, consumable 4b includes a liquid reservoir 41b that stores the source liquid for vaporization (i.e., aerosol generating material 46b) and an aerosol generator formed of a housing 40b defining a cartomizer channel 44b, and in this example a wicking element 42b and a heating element 43b coiled around the wicking element 42b. Wicking elements 42b are configured to wick/transport source liquid (using capillary motion) from individual liquid reservoirs 41b to individual heating elements 43b.

In the example shown, the aerosol generator is provided in a channel 44b defined by the housing 40b of the consumable 4b. Such consumables are sometimes referred to as cartomizers. The channels 44b are arranged such that when the consumable 4b is installed or provided in its respective receptacles, the channels 44a and 44b are in fluid communication with the air channel 26 and the air inlet 23, so that air drawn in through the air inlet 23 passes along the air channel 26 and along the cartomizer channels 44a and 44b of the cartomizer 4.

The term “aerosol-generating region” refers to an area/region within a system in which an aerosol is or can be generated. For example, in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the aerosol generating area includes receptacles 24a and 24b configured to receive consumables 4 . In other words, the consumables are considered to be the components responsible for generating the aerosol, while the receptacles 24 house the consumables 4 and thus define the area in which the aerosol is generated.

The mouthpiece part 3 includes a housing 30 comprising two openings 31a, 31b at one end (top end); That is, the mouthpiece openings are located at the same end of the mouthpiece portion 3 and are generally arranged such that a user can place his or her mouth over both of the openings. Mouthpiece portion 3 also includes receptacles 32a, 32b at opposite ends (bottom end) and individual mouthpiece channels 33a, 33b extending between receptacles 32a, 32b and openings 31a, 31b.

The mouthpiece portion 3 has a generally tapered or pyramidal external profile that tapers toward the uppermost end of the mouthpiece portion 3 . The lowermost end of the mouthpiece portion 3 is where the mouthpiece portion 3 and the control unit 2 meet or interface, in a width direction (i.e., in a direction horizontal to the plane of FIGS. 1 and 2) and in a thickness direction (i.e., perpendicular to the plane of FIGS. 1 and 2) corresponding broadly to equivalent dimensions of the control portion 2 to provide a flush external profile when the control portion 2 and the mouthpiece portion 3 are coupled together. of) are sized to have dimensions. The end (uppermost end) of the mouthpiece portion 3 at which the openings 31 are located is smaller than the lowermost end by about 1/3 (eg, about 2 cm wide) in the width direction. That is, the mouthpiece portion 3 tapers in the width direction toward the uppermost end. This end forms the part of the aerosol dispensing device 1 that is received in the user's mouth (in other words, this is the end through which the user normally places his or her lips and inhales).

The mouthpiece portion 3 is formed as a separate, removable component from the control portion 2, and the mouthpiece portion 3 is provided with any suitable coupling/mounting mechanism, such as snap-fitting, screw threads, etc., that allows the mouthpiece portion 3 to be coupled to the control portion 2. When the mouthpiece portion 3 is coupled to the control portion 2 to form the assembled aerosol-providing device 1 (eg as shown generally in FIG. 1 ), the assembled aerosol-providing device 1 is about 10 cm in length. However, it will be appreciated that the overall shape and scale of an aerosol providing device 1 embodying the present disclosure is not critical to the principles described herein.

Receptacles 32a, 32b are arranged to be fluidly connected to air passages (e.g., channel 44b) in consumables 4a and 4b (specifically, at opposite ends of the consumables to the end connected to and received by receptacles 24a, 24b), respectively. Receptacles 32a, 32b are fluidly connected to mouthpiece channels 33a, 33b, and Channels 33a and 33b are in turn fluidly connected to openings 31a and 31b.Therefore, it should be understood that when device 1 is fully assembled (e.g. as shown in Figure 1), openings 31a and 31b of mouthpiece part 3 are fluidly connected to air inlet 23 of control part 2.

Thus, the exemplary aerosol providing device 1 generally provides two routes through which air/aerosol can pass through the device. For example, a first route starts from the air inlet 23, passes along the air channel 26, then into the receptacle 24a and through the first aerosol-generating component 4a (eg, through the aerosol-generating material 46a in the aerosol-generating component 4a between the inlet and the outlet), into the receptacle 32a, and along the mouthpiece channel 33a of the mouthpiece portion 3. It passes through sphere 31a. Similarly, the second route starts from the air inlet 23, passes along the air channel 26, then passes into the receptacle 24b and through the second aerosol generating component 4b (e.g., through the channel 44b), into the receptacle 32b, and along the mouthpiece channel 33b of the mouthpiece portion 3 to the opening 31b. In this example, the first route and the second route each share a common component upstream of the aerosol-generating components 4 (i.e. air channel 26 coupled to air inlet 23), but branch off from this common component. In the following, the cross section of the routes is described as circular; It should be understood that the cross section may be non-circular (eg, any regular polygon), and that the cross section need not be of constant size or shape along the length of the two roots.

It should be understood from the foregoing that the exemplary aerosol providing device 1 includes a number of components, such as 24a, referred to as having a letter followed by a number. Components designated by the letter "a" are components connected to or defining the first air/aerosol pathway associated with the first aerosol-generating component 4a, while components designated by the letter "b" are components connected to or defining the second air/aerosol pathway associated with the second aerosol-generating component 4b. Components will have the same function and configuration as each other unless otherwise indicated. In general, elements will be referred to collectively below by their corresponding number, and unless otherwise indicated, description applies to both elements “a” and “b” referred to by that number.

It will be appreciated that in other examples according to other embodiments of the present disclosure, the aerosol delivery system 1 may include different configurations of aerosol generating components. For example, a system (not shown) may include multiple aerosol-generating components, each with a consumable 4a. In some of these examples, the aerosol generating material and/or aerosol generator have different properties or properties. In another example, a system (not shown) may include multiple aerosol-generating components, each according to a consumable 4b. In some of these examples, the aerosol generating material and/or aerosol generator have different properties or properties. In another example, one or both of consumables 4 may be replaced with a consumable having a different configuration (eg, a consumable intended to be heated by optical illumination or by vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy). In these examples, the control portion 2 can be modified for use with different types of consumables. In another example, a system may have more than two aerosol generating components.

Turning to Figures 1 and 2; In use, a user inhales (and specifically through openings 31) onto mouthpiece portion 3 of exemplary device 1, allowing air to pass from the outside of housing 20 of reusable portion 2, through individual routes through the device through which the air/aerosol passes, and ultimately into the user's mouth. The aerosol generators (e.g., heating elements 47a and 43b) are activated to vaporize the aerosol-generating material (e.g., the source liquid held in the wicking element 42b) so that air passing through the consumables 4 collects or mixes the aerosol (e.g., the evaporated source liquid). For example, in consumables such as consumable 4b, the source liquid may pass from liquid reservoir 41b into/along wicking elements 42b via surface tension/capillary action.

Power is supplied to the heating elements 43b and 47a from the battery 21 which is controlled/regulated by the control circuitry 22. Control circuitry 22 is configured to control power supply from battery 21 to heating elements 43b, 47a to generate vapor from aerosol generating components 4 for inhalation by a user. In some instances where the consumable includes an aerosol generator, power is supplied via electrical contacts (not shown) established across the interface between the individual aerosol-generating component 4b and the control portion 2, for example sprung/pogo pin connectors or any other configuration of electrical contacts that engage when the aerosol-generating component 4b is received within and/or connected to the receptacles 24b of the control portion 2. Through it, it is supplied to the individual heating elements 43b in the aerosol-generating component 4b. Of course, the individual heating elements 43 b could be energized via other means, such as induction heating, in which case no electrical contacts interfacing between the control portion 2/receptacles 24 and the aerosol generating components 4 are needed.

The control circuitry 22 is suitably configured/programmed to provide functionality according to embodiments of the present disclosure as described herein, as well as to provide conventional operating functions of the aerosol providing device 1 according to techniques established for controlling conventional e-cigarettes. Control circuitry 22 is therefore logically composed of a number of different functional blocks, for example, a functional block for controlling the supply of power from the battery 21 to the heating element 47a to heat the first aerosol-generating component 4a, a functional block for controlling the supply of power from the battery 21 to the heating element 43b in the second aerosol-generating component 4b, operation of the device 1 in response to user input (eg to initiate power supply). As well as functional blocks for controlling aspects, eg, configuration settings, it may be considered to include functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and other functional blocks associated with normal operation of electronic cigarettes. It will be appreciated that the functionality of these logical blocks may be provided in a variety of different ways, for example using a single suitably programmed general purpose computer or suitably configured application specific integrated circuit(s)/circuitry. As will be appreciated, the aerosol providing device 1 will generally include various other elements related to its operational functionality, for example a port for charging the battery 21 such as a USB port, which may be conventional and not shown in the figures or discussed in detail for brevity.

Power may be supplied to the heating elements 43 and 47 based on actuation of a button (or equivalent user driven mechanism) that is provided on the surface of the housing 20 and supplies power when the user presses the button. Alternatively, power may be supplied based on detection of user inhalation using, for example, an airflow sensor or pressure sensor, such as a diaphragm microphone connected to and controlled by control circuitry 22 that sends a signal to control circuitry 22 when a change in pressure or airflow is detected. It should be understood that the principles of the mechanism for initiating power delivery are not critical to the principles of the present disclosure.

As previously mentioned, one aspect of the present disclosure is an aerosol delivery device 1 configured to provide consistent control of aerosol delivery to a user, regardless of the configuration of the device 1 (e.g., the number and type of aerosol generating components 4). In the exemplary aerosol delivery device 1 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 , the aerosol generating components 4 are provided separately from the control portion 2 and the mouthpiece portion 3, and thus can be inserted into or removed from the receptacles 24. Aerosol generating components 4 may be replaced/removed for a variety of reasons. For example, if desired, aerosol-generating components 4 can be provided with differently flavored source liquids, and a user can insert two aerosol-generating components 4 of different flavors (e.g., strawberry flavored and menthol/mint flavored) into respective receptacles 24 to create differently flavored aerosols. Alternatively, the aerosol-generating components 4 may be removed/replaced when the aerosol-generating components 4 are operating dry (i.e., when the source liquid in the liquid reservoir 41 is depleted).

Referring in more detail to the aerosol-generating components 4 , each of the consumables 4 includes a housing 40 , in this example formed of a plastic material. The housing 40 is generally in the form of a hollow cylinder having an outer diameter. For the consumable 4b, the housing 40b also defines an inner diameter, the walls of which define the limits of the cartomizer channel 44b. Housing 40b supports other components of cartomizer 4b, such as the aerosol generator mentioned above, and also provides a mechanical interface (described in more detail below) with receptacle 24b of control portion 2.

In this example, the consumables 4 have a length of about 1 to 1.5 cm, an outer diameter of 6 to 8 mm and an inner diameter of about 2 to 4 mm. However, it will be appreciated that the specific geometries, and more generally the overall shapes involved, may differ in different implementations.

As mentioned, the consumable 4b includes a source liquid reservoir 41b taking the form of a cavity between the outer and inner walls of the housing 40b. The source liquid reservoir 41b holds the source liquid. A source liquid for an electronic cigarette will typically include a base liquid formulation comprising a majority of the liquid, along with additives to provide the base liquid with the desired flavor/odor/nicotine delivery properties. For example, a typical base liquid may include a mixture of propylene glycol (PG) and vegetable glycerol (VG). In this example, the liquid reservoir 41b contains most of the internal volume of the cartomizer 4b. Reservoir 41b may be formed according to conventional techniques, including, for example, a molded plastic material.

The aerosol generator of the consumable 4b includes a heating element 43b, in this example comprising an electrically resistive wire coiled around a wicking element 42b. In this example, the heating element 43b comprises a nickel chromium alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire and the wicking element 42b comprises a glass fiber bundle, although it will be appreciated that the specific atomizer configuration is not critical to the principles described herein.

The receptacles 24 formed in the control portion 2 are approximately cylindrical and generally have a shape (inner surface) matching the outer shape of the aerosol-generating components 4 . As noted, the receptacles 24 are configured to receive at least some of the aerosol generating components 4 . The depth of the receptacles (i.e., the dimension along the longitudinal axis of the receptacles 24) is slightly less than the length of the aerosol-generating components 4 (e.g., 0.8 to 1.3 cm), such that when the aerosol-generating components 4 are received in the receptacles 24, the exposed ends of the aerosol-generating components 4 protrude slightly from the surface of the housing 20. The outer diameter of the aerosol-generating components 4 is slightly smaller than the diameter of the receptacles 24 (e.g., about 1 mm or less), allowing the aerosol-generating components 4 to slide into the receptacles with relative ease, but to fit reasonably well within the receptacles 24 to reduce or prevent movement in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol-generating components 4. In this example, the aerosol generating components 4 are mounted in a generally side-by-side configuration to the body of the control part 2 .

To insert, replace or remove aerosol generating components 4, a user will typically disassemble device 1 (eg, to a state generally shown in FIG. 2 ). The user will remove mouthpiece portion 3 from control portion 2 by pulling mouthpiece portion 3 away from control portion 2, remove any previous aerosol-generating components 4 located in the receptacles (if applicable) by pulling aerosol-generating components 4 away from control portion 2, and insert new aerosol-generating component 4 into receptacle 24. With the aerosol generating component(s) 4 inserted in the receptacles 24, the user reassembles the device 1 by coupling the mouthpiece part 3 to the control part 2. While the assembled device 1 is shown schematically in FIG. 1 , it should be noted that certain features are not drawn to scale and exaggerated for clarity purposes, for example the gap between the mouthpiece portion 3 and the housing 20 of the control portion 2.

Figure 3 schematically shows an alternative arrangement of control parts in cross section. Figure 3 depicts a control portion 2' identical to control portion 2, except that the control portion 2' includes two air inlets 23a' and 23b' and two air channels 26a' and 26b'. As can be seen in Figure 3, the air channels 26' are separate from each other - ie they are not fluidically connected within the control section 2'. Each air channel 26' is connected to a receptacle 24 and an air inlet 23'. In essence, FIG. 3 depicts the same implementation as the implementations described above with respect to FIGS. 1 and 2 , except that there is no shared (or common) component of the flow paths through the device. That is, the air channel 26a' connects the air inlet 23a' only to the receptacle 24a, and the air channel 26b' connects the air inlet 23b' only to the receptacle 24b.

4 schematically illustrates an alternative tandem arrangement of aerosol delivery systems in cross section, in which air flows through each consumable 4 in turn. Figure 4 depicts a control portion 2" identical to control portion 2, except that control portion 2" includes only a single receptacle 24b for receiving consumables 4b. Figure 4 also depicts a mouthpiece 3" identical to mouthpiece 3, except that mouthpiece 3" includes only a cavity 51 for receiving consumables 4a. As can be seen in FIG. 4 , the exemplary aerosol providing device 1″ generally provides a single route through which air/aerosol can pass through the device. For example, the route starts from the air inlet 23, passes along the air channel 26, then into the receptacle 24b and through the second aerosol generating component 4b (e.g., through the channel 44b of the second aerosol generating component 4b). through) into the receptacle 32a, then through the mouthpiece channel 33 into the cavity 51 and through the first aerosol-generating component 4a (e.g., through the aerosol-generating material 46a in the aerosol-generating component 4a between the inlet and outlet), along the aperture 31 of the mouthpiece portion 3".

Essentially, Figure 4 depicts an implementation that operates identically to the implementations described above with respect to Figures 1 and 2, except that the aerosol generated in the second aerosol-generating component 4b must travel through the first aerosol-generating component 4a before being inhaled by the user. It will be appreciated that the mouthpiece 3" according to the above example includes an aerosol generator such as a heating element 47 for generating an aerosol from the aerosol-generating material 46a. In these examples, the mouthpiece 3" may include contacts for forming an electrical connection with the control portion 2". In other examples, the mouthpiece 3" may not include an aerosol generator, and instead the aerosol generator may include an aerosol-generating component or control Part (2) may be provided. Where the aerosol-generating component comprises an aerosol generator, the mouthpiece 3" may include contacts for making electrical contact with both the control portion 2" and the aerosol-generating component 4.

In some instances, the control portion 2" may receive both consumables 4 in series with the mouthpiece 3" forming a fluid air flow connection with the last consumable in the series.

In some instances, the mouthpiece 3" and the consumable 4b are provided as a single integrally formed component. In other words, the two components are not intended to be separate, but may have a common housing material formed as a single piece. Aspects of the present disclosure relate to power distribution between the consumables 4a and 4b for effecting aerosol generation.

As mentioned, the control circuitry 22 is configured to control the supply of power to the heating elements 47a, 47b of the different aerosol-generating components 4; Thus, one function of the control circuitry 22 is power distribution. As used herein, the term “power distribution circuitry” refers to the power distribution function/functionality of control circuitry 22 .

5 is an exemplary schematic circuit diagram showing electrical connections between battery 21 and heating elements 47a and 43b of two aerosol generating components 4a and 4b installed in device 1 . FIG. 4 shows heating element 47a and heating element 43b connected in parallel with battery 21 via control circuitry 22 . Control circuitry 22 may be a single chip/electronic component configured to perform the described functionality. The control circuitry block 22 is a power control mechanism for controlling the power supplied to the heating element 47a and for controlling the power supplied to the heating element 43b. The power control mechanism may implement, for example, a pulse width modulation (PWM) control technique for powering individual heating elements 47a, 43b.

In Figure 5, as identified by the presence of two heating elements 43b, 47a, two aerosol generators are installed within the device. Heating element 43b is depicted as a single resistance wire, while heating element 47a is depicted as two vertical wires. Although not shown, the two depicted wires of heating element 47a may be provided on alternate sides of consumable 4a to provide heating to both sides of the aerosol generating material. Moreover, instead of the wires of the heating elements 43b and 47a, other resistive materials such as conductive plates or mesh materials may be used. As previously discussed, it will be further appreciated that heating elements 43b, 47a may be replaced in some embodiments with different types of aerosol generators (e.g., optical aerosol generators or vibration-based aerosol generators).

The control circuitry 22 is configured to identify the presence of both aerosol-generating components 4 in the device and then to supply power to both aerosol-generating components 4 .

The control circuitry 22 is electrically connected to the first user input mechanism 25a and the second user input mechanism 25b. Although not shown, the user input mechanisms 25 may be directly connected to the power source 21 or may be indirectly connected to the power source 21 through the control circuitry 22 .

The control circuitry 22 is configured to receive input from the first user input mechanism 25a or the second user input mechanism 25b indicating that a user has interacted with or actuated the respective user input mechanism 25 and to control the characteristics of the respective aerosol generators 43a, 47b. Control circuitry 22 is configured to control characteristics of the individual aerosol generators based on inputs. Characteristics may be characteristics of how individual aerosol generators operate. For example, the characteristic may include power supplied to the individual aerosol generator, a target operating temperature, a target resistance of the individual aerosol generator, a target current through the individual aerosol generator, or a period of time for powering the individual aerosol generator during use (e.g., during a puff action). In some examples, control circuitry 22 may receive an input during or at the beginning of a puff action and may control a characteristic for the puff action. In some examples, the control circuitry may receive input prior to a puff action and may control a characteristic for use in the next puff action or for use in subsequent puff actions (until user input and/or device is turned off).

By puff action is meant the action of one or both of the aerosol generators in response to a user inhalation or puff (such inhalation may be detected directly through the use of a puff sensor, or indirectly by a user interacting with (e.g., driving) user input).

In examples, in response to an input, the control circuitry 22 is configured to change a characteristic of the first aerosol generator 47a by a first amount when an input is provided to the first user input mechanism 25a, and the control circuitry 22 is configured to change a characteristic of the second aerosol generator 43b by a second amount, different from the first amount, when an input is provided to the second user input mechanism 25b. For example, if the characteristic is target power, the first amount may be a smaller change in power (eg, 0.5W) than the second amount (eg, 1.0W).

In response to providing input to the first or second user input mechanism 25a, 25b, the characteristics of the aerosol generated by the first and second aerosol generators are changed, e.g., an increase in power or temperature causes an increase in the level of aerosol generated from the modified aerosol generator, changes the average size of aerosol particles generated by the modified aerosol generator (e.g., the median mass aerodynamic diameter of the particles), or The sol temperature can be increased. However, the magnitude of the effect will at least depend on the aerosol generator and the aerosol generating material. For example, the same power increase (as a result of user input) will result in a greater effect for a more efficient aerosol generator.

Moreover, if the aerosol generator acts on a greater mass or surface area of the aerosol generating material, its effect will be diminished because the increased energy supplied to the aerosol generating material is distributed over a larger volume of material (i.e. less specific). Thus, the effect resulting from a change to the characteristics of the aerosol generator is highly dependent on the configuration of the device 1 .

In some instances, the first and second amounts may be selected to cause equal or nearly equal effects. Thus, changing a characteristic of the first aerosol generator by a first amount causes a first change in the amount of aerosol produced by the first aerosol generator, and changing a characteristic of the second aerosol generator by a second amount causes a first change in the amount of aerosol produced by the second aerosol generator, the first change and the second change being approximately equal.

For example, if changing a characteristic of a first aerosol generator by a first amount (e.g., increasing power by 20%) results in an increase in aerosol production of about 10%, then a second amount may be selected such that changing a characteristic of a second aerosol generator by a second amount (e.g., increasing power by 5%) increases aerosol production by about 10%. Advantageously, a user using such an exemplary system will interpret that the systems are causing an equivalent effect based on their input (a 10% increase in aerosol generation), regardless of a change to the characteristics of the first or second aerosol generator.

In other words, in some examples, the second amount is set such that changing a characteristic of the second aerosol generator by a second amount causes a change in the amount of aerosol generated by the second aerosol generator that is approximately equal to a change in the amount of aerosol produced by the first aerosol generator when a characteristic of the first aerosol generator is changed by the first amount. In some instances, the first and second amounts are different because the first and second aerosol generators are of different types. For example, the first aerosol generator can be selected from the group comprising resistive heaters, piezo-electric atomizers, optical aerosol generators (e.g., lasers), and induction heaters, and the second aerosol generator can be selected from the group comprising resistive heaters, piezo-electric atomizers, optical aerosol generators (e.g., lasers), and induction heaters. The effect of changing the parameters has a different effect for each type of aerosol generator. By way of example only, and simply to illustrate the principles of the present disclosure, a 20% increase in power to a resistive heater may result in a 10% increase in aerosol production, while a 20% increase in power to an optical aerosol generator (such as a laser) may result in, for example, a 15% increase.

In some examples, the first and second aerosol generators are the same type of aerosol generator, but have different configurations. For example, one of the first and second aerosol generators may be larger than the other of the first and second aerosol generators. In an example, one of the first and second aerosol generators may be configured to operate with a higher power rating. In a further example, one of the first and second aerosol generators may be configured to generate an aerosol from a smaller volume (e.g., the first and second aerosol generating materials may be different sizes, and the aerosol generators may be configured to match). In these examples, the resulting change in aerosol production due to a change to the characteristics of the first or second aerosol generator depends on the configuration of the individual aerosol generator.

In some examples, the first and second amounts are different because the first and second aerosol generating materials are different. In some of these examples, the first and second aerosol generators can be substantially similar in construction (e.g., they can be of the same type), while in other of these examples, the first and second aerosol generators can be substantially different in construction (e.g., they can be of different types). In some examples, the first and second aerosol generating materials are selected from the group comprising a liquid, gel or solid, and the second aerosol generating material is different from the first aerosol generating material. The amount of aerosol produced from each aerosol generating material will depend on the type of material and the nature of the aerosol generator.

In some examples, the first aerosol generating material has a different evaporation temperature than the second aerosolizable material. An aerosol generating material with a lower evaporation temperature will evaporate at a lower temperature than an aerosol generating material with a higher evaporation temperature. Thus, the effect of changing the properties by the first or second amount is different for each individual aerosol generating material. In some examples, the first aerosol generating material has a different specific heat capacity than the second aerosolizable material. Aerosol generating materials with lower specific heat capacity require less energy to heat to the target temperature. Thus, the effect of changing the properties by the first or second amount is different for each individual aerosol generating material.

In some examples, the input is a selection of one of a plurality of values for a characteristic of the first or second aerosol generator. The control circuitry 22 is configured to change the characteristic of the first aerosol generator 47a by a first amount when input to select a different one of the plurality of values for the characteristic of the first aerosol generator is provided to the first user input mechanism 25a. Similarly, the control circuitry 22 is configured to change the characteristic of the second aerosol generator 47b by a second amount when input to select a different one of the plurality of values for the characteristic of the second aerosol generator is provided to the second user input mechanism 25b. It will be appreciated that for each potential change between a first value of the plurality of values and a second value of the plurality of values there will be corresponding first and second quantities.

In some examples, the input is a selection of a boost mode for the first or second aerosol generator. Boost mode means that the generation of aerosol is increased. In some examples, the plurality of values consist of first and second values, wherein the default or normal mode corresponds to a first value of the plurality of values, and the boost mode corresponds to a second value of the plurality of values. The control circuitry 22 is configured to change a characteristic of the first aerosol generator 47a by a first amount when input to select a boost mode for the first aerosol generator is provided to the first user input mechanism 25a. Similarly, control circuitry 22 is configured to change a characteristic of second aerosol generator 47b by a second amount when input to select a boost mode for the second aerosol generator is provided to second user input mechanism 25b.

In some examples, changing a characteristic of the second aerosol generator by a second amount causes a change in the amount of aerosol generated by the second aerosol generator to be approximately equal to a change in the amount of aerosol generated by the first aerosol generator when a characteristic of the first aerosol generator is changed by the first amount. Thus, whether the input is to the first or second user input mechanism 25 (thereby selecting the boost mode of the first or second aerosol generator), the user experiences approximately the same increase in the amount of aerosol generated.

6 schematically illustrates a method of controlling an aspect of an electronic aerosol providing device for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material and a second aerosol generating material, in accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure. The device includes a first user input mechanism for controlling a first aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material, a second user input mechanism for controlling a second aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from a second aerosol generating material, and control circuitry configured to receive input from a user via the first or second user input mechanism and control characteristics of the individual aerosol generator.

The method includes a first step (S1) of identifying an input to a first user input mechanism or a second user input mechanism; a second step (S2) of changing a characteristic of the first aerosol generator by a first amount when an input is provided to the first user input mechanism; or a control unit that performs a third step (S3) of changing a characteristic of the second aerosol generator to a second amount when an input is provided to the second user input mechanism. The second amount is different from the first amount.

In some examples, changing a characteristic of the second aerosol generator by a second amount causes a change in the amount of aerosol generated by the second aerosol generator to be approximately equal to a change in the amount of aerosol generated by the first aerosol generator when a characteristic of the first aerosol generator is changed by the first amount. Thus, whether the input is to the first or second user input mechanism 25, the user experiences approximately the same increase in the amount of aerosol generated. This allows the user to change the characteristics (eg flavors) of the aerosol in an intuitive manner (eg independently of the flavor source or aerosol generator).

Accordingly, an aerosol providing device for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material and a second aerosol generating material is described, the device comprising: a first user input mechanism for controlling a first aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material; a second user input mechanism for controlling a second aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from a second aerosol generating material; and control circuitry configured to receive input from a user via the first user input mechanism or the second user input mechanism and to control characteristics of the individual aerosol generators; In response to the input, the control circuitry is configured to change a characteristic of the first aerosol generator by a first amount when an input is provided to the first user input mechanism, and the control circuitry is configured to change a characteristic of the second aerosol generator by a second amount different from the first amount when an input is provided to the second user input mechanism.

Accordingly, an aerosol-provisioning system for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol-generating material and generating an aerosol from a second aerosol-generating material is also described, comprising a first aerosol-generating material, a second aerosol-generating material, and an aerosol-providing device for generating an aerosol from the first aerosol-generating material and the second aerosol-generating material, the device comprising a first aerosol-generating material configured to generate an aerosol from the first aerosol-generating material. a first user input mechanism for controlling the aerosol generator; a second user input mechanism for controlling a second aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from a second aerosol generating material; and control circuitry configured to receive input from a user via the first user input mechanism or the second user input mechanism and to control characteristics of the individual aerosol generators; In response to the input, the control circuitry is configured to change a characteristic of the first aerosol generator by a first amount when an input is provided to the first user input mechanism, and the control circuitry is configured to change a characteristic of the second aerosol generator by a second amount different from the first amount when an input is provided to the second user input mechanism.

Accordingly, a method of controlling an aerosol providing device for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material and a second aerosol generating material is provided, the device comprising: a first user input mechanism for controlling a first aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material; a second user input mechanism for controlling a second aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from a second aerosol generating material; and control circuitry configured to receive input from a user via the first user input mechanism or the second user input mechanism and to control characteristics of the individual aerosol generators; The method includes identifying an input to a first user input mechanism or a second user input mechanism; with a second user input mechanism; changing a characteristic of the first aerosol generator by a first amount when input is provided to the first user input mechanism; or changing a characteristic of the second aerosol generator by a second amount when input is provided to the second user input mechanism; The second amount is different from the first amount.

Accordingly, aerosol providing means for generating an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material means and the second aerosol generating material means are provided, the aerosol providing means comprising: first user input means for controlling the first aerosol generator means configured to generate an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material means; second user input means for controlling second aerosol generator means configured to generate an aerosol from the second aerosol generating material means; and control means configured to receive input from a user via the first user input means or the second user input means and to control characteristics of the individual aerosol generator means; In response to the input, the control means is configured to change a characteristic of the first aerosol generator means by a first amount when an input is provided to the first user input means, and the control means is configured to change a characteristic of the second aerosol generator means by a second amount different from the first amount when an input is provided to the second user input means.

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. 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). It is to be understood that the advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered as limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims, or as limitations on equivalents of the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. It will be appreciated that the various embodiments may suitably include, consist of, or consist essentially of various combinations of the disclosed elements, elements, features, parts, steps, means, etc., those specifically described herein and others, and thus features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims in combinations other than those expressly recited in the claims. The disclosure may include other inventions that are not currently claimed but may be claimed in the future.

Claims (19)

An aerosol providing device for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material and a second aerosol generating material, comprising:
a first user input mechanism for controlling a first aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material;
a second user input mechanism for controlling a second aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from a second aerosol generating material; and
control circuitry configured to receive input from a user via the first user input mechanism or the second user input mechanism and to control characteristics of the individual aerosol generators;
In response to an input, the control circuitry is configured to change a characteristic of the first aerosol generator by a first amount when an input is provided to the first user input mechanism, and wherein the control circuitry is configured to change a characteristic of the second aerosol generator by a second amount, different from the first amount, when an input is provided to the second user input mechanism.
Aerosol delivery device. According to claim 1,
wherein the characteristic is selected from the group comprising a power setting of the individual aerosol generator, a temperature setting of the individual aerosol generator, a target resistance of the individual aerosol generator, a target current of the individual aerosol generator, and a time period for powering the individual aerosol generator during puff operation.
Aerosol delivery device. According to claim 1 or 2,
changing the characteristic of the first aerosol generator by the first amount causes a first change in the amount of aerosol produced by the first aerosol generator; and
changing the characteristic of the second aerosol generator by the second amount causes a second change in the amount of aerosol produced by the second aerosol generator;
The first change and the second change are approximately the same,
Aerosol delivery device. According to any one of claims 1 to 3,
the first aerosol-generating material has a different evaporation temperature than the second aerosolizable material; and/or
wherein the first aerosol-generating material has a different specific heat capacity than the second aerosolizable material;
Aerosol delivery device. According to any one of claims 1 to 4,
wherein the first user input mechanism comprises at least one of a type selected from the group comprising a slider, a dial, one or more buttons, one or more switches, and a touch screen.
Aerosol delivery device. According to any one of claims 1 to 5,
wherein the second user input mechanism comprises at least one of a type selected from the group comprising a slider, a dial, one or more buttons, one or more switches, and a touch screen.
Aerosol delivery device. According to any one of claims 1 to 6,
wherein the first user input mechanism is of the same type as the second user input mechanism;
Aerosol delivery device. According to any one of claims 1 to 7,
wherein the input is a selection of one of a plurality of selectable states for the characteristics of the individual aerosol generator;
Aerosol delivery device. According to claim 8,
wherein the characteristic has the same number of selectable states for the first aerosol generator and the second aerosol generator;
Aerosol delivery device. According to claim 8 or 9,
the plurality of selectable states includes a default state and a boost state; and
In response to the input, the control circuitry is configured to select a boost state for a characteristic of the first aerosol generator when the input is provided to the first user input mechanism, and/or the control circuitry is configured to select a boost state for a characteristic of the second aerosol generator when the input is provided to the second user input mechanism.
Aerosol delivery device. According to any one of claims 1 to 10,
wherein the first aerosol generating material is selected from the group comprising liquids, gels and solids;
Aerosol delivery device. According to any one of claims 1 to 11,
the second aerosol generating material is selected from the group of liquids, gels and solids; the second aerosol generating material is different from the first aerosol generating material;
Aerosol delivery device. According to any one of claims 1 to 12,
wherein the first aerosol generator is selected from the group comprising resistive heaters, piezoelectric atomizers, lasers and induction heaters;
Aerosol delivery device. According to any one of claims 1 to 13,
wherein the second aerosol generator is selected from the group comprising resistive heaters, piezoelectric atomizers, lasers and induction heaters;
Aerosol delivery device. According to any one of claims 1 to 14,
the device comprises a first receptacle for holding the first aerosolizable material; and/or
wherein the device comprises a second receptacle for holding the second aerosolizable material.
Aerosol delivery device. An aerosol providing system for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material and generating an aerosol from a second aerosol generating material, comprising:
An aerosol providing device according to any one of claims 1 to 15;
a first aerosol generating material; and
comprising a second aerosol generating material;
Aerosol delivery system. According to claim 16,
The system,
a first cartridge for holding a first aerosol generating material, the first cartridge configured to be removably attached to the aerosol providing device; and/or
a second cartridge for holding a second aerosol generating material, the second cartridge configured to be removably attached to the aerosol providing device;
Aerosol delivery system. A method of controlling an aerosol providing device for generating an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material and a second aerosol generating material comprising:
The device includes a first user input mechanism for controlling a first aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from a first aerosol generating material; a second user input mechanism for controlling a second aerosol generator configured to generate an aerosol from a second aerosol generating material; and control circuitry configured to receive input from a user via the first user input mechanism or the second user input mechanism and to control characteristics of the individual aerosol generators;
The method,
identifying an input to the first user input mechanism or the second user input mechanism;
changing a characteristic of the first aerosol generator by a first amount when input is provided to the first user input mechanism; or
changing a characteristic of a second aerosol generator by a second amount when input is provided to the second user input mechanism;
the second amount is different from the first amount;
A method of controlling an aerosol delivery device. An aerosol providing means for generating an aerosol from the first aerosol generating material means and the second aerosol generating material means, comprising:
The aerosol providing means,
first user input means for controlling first aerosol generator means configured to generate an aerosol from said first aerosol generating material means;
second user input means for controlling second aerosol generator means configured to generate an aerosol from said second aerosol generating material means; and
control means configured to receive an input from a user via said first user input means or said second user input means and to control characteristics of the individual aerosol generator means;
In response to an input, the control means is configured to change a characteristic of the first aerosol generator means by a first amount when an input is provided to the first user input means, and the control means is configured to change a characteristic of the second aerosol generator means by a second amount different from the first amount when an input is provided to the second user input means.
Aerosol delivery means.