NL2021360B1

NL2021360B1 - Waterpipe comprising a measurement and/or control module

Info

Publication number: NL2021360B1
Application number: NL2021360A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Rãjiv Ishvar Balsingh Virañca
Original assignee: Shishatech
Priority date: 2018-07-20
Filing date: 2018-07-20
Publication date: 2020-01-29

Abstract

The invention relates to a waterpipe (1), comprising: - a base (2), suitable for comprising a fluid, in particular water (3), - a heater body (4), suitable for heating, such as burning, herbal products, in particular tobacco (5), - a smoke supply duct (6), arranged between the heater body and the base, for supplying smoke from the heater body to the fluid in the base, - an inhalation member (7), connected to the base, allowing a person to inhale the smoke/fluid vapour mixture (8) created in the base due to the smoke passing through the fluid, wherein - a measurement and/or control module (9) for measuring and/or controlling the functioning of the base, the heater body, the smoke supply duct, the base and/or the inhalation member.

Description

DESCRIPTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a waterpipe, comprising:

a base, suitable for comprising a fluid, in particular water, a heater body, suitable for heating, such as burning, herbal products, in particular tobacco, a smoke supply duct, arranged between the heater body and the base, for supplying smoke from the heater body to the fluid in the base, and an inhalation member, connected to the base, allowing a person to inhale the smoke/fluid vapour mixture created in the base due to the smoke passing through the fluid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The most common form of consumed tobacco worldwide remains cigarettes. However, another old form that is re-gaining popularity is waterpipe smoking. The history of water pipe smoking goes back to around four centuries ago in India and its use has been a traditional habit in Asia and North Africa. While the use of water pipe smoking has decreased in these regions during the last century, this social habit is witnessing resurrection since the early 1990's, not only in Eastern Mediterranean countries and North Africa, but also in the United States, Europe, and some countries of South America, such as Brazil, and even among new populations like college students and youth.

A modern waterpipe is mainly made up of five parts: the heater body, also known as the “head”, the smoke supply duct or body, the base, usually comprising a water bowl, an inhalation member, often in the form of a hose, and a mouthpiece. Around 10-20 g of a herbal product, such as tobacco, for instance mixed with glycerine and flavourings, is placed in the heater body. Burning charcoal is then placed on the heater body, usually separated from the tobacco by a fenestrated aluminium foil. The smoke supply duct is normally formed of a metallic tube, often decorated with metal or wood, extending from the heater body to the base, half-immersed in water, while the hose emerges from the top of the water bowl and ends with a mouthpiece from which the user inhales. As the user inhales from the mouthpiece, vacuum is created in the water bowl, sucking smoke from the head through the body into water bowl. The passage of smoke through the water causes bubbles. Finally, the smoke will pass to the user via the hose.

A problem with the known waterpipes, however, is that the heating/burning, smoke supply and inhalation processes are hardly controllable by the user. For instance, if a strong form of tobacco is used, the only influence the user has on the burning, smoke supply and inhalation processes is to “suck less hard” on the inhalation member or hose.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is therefore to provide a waterpipe, wherein the heating/burning, smoke supply and inhalation processes are more controllable.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereto, the waterpipe according to the invention is characterized by a measurement and/or control module for measuring and/or controlling the functioning of the base, the heater body, the smoke supply duct, the base and/or the inhalation member.

The above measurement and/or control module allows improved control over the heating/burning, smoke supply and inhalation processes.

It should be understood that, within the context of this patent application, “measurement and/or control” means that the module, preferably an electronic module, may carry out measurements only, may carry out only controlling of the respective processes, but preferably comprises both measurement as well as control functionalities. Therein, the measurements, such as temperature or humidity measurements, are fed back (real-time) to the control functionality, wherein the control functionality adjusts certain process parameters in response to the measurements.

An embodiment relates to an aforementioned waterpipe, wherein the measurement and/or control module is arranged in between the heater body and the smoke supply duct, for measuring and/or controlling properties of the smoke supplied by the heater body to the fluid in the base. The Applicant has found from practice that the placement of the measurement and/or control module between the heater body and the smoke supply duct allows for measurement and/or control of a major aspect of the waterpipe smoking process, i.e. the quality and quantity of smoke being supplied by the heater body. The Applicant has also found that the above placement allows for retro-fitting of the measurement and/or control module on existing waterpipes, i.e. the heater body is normally easily removable from the smoke supply duct, provided the measurement and/or control module is arranged for suitable connection with the heater body and/or smoke supply duct.

An embodiment relates to an aforementioned waterpipe, wherein the measurement and/or control module comprises a temperature sensor to measure the temperature of the heater body and/or smoke supplied by the heater body to the fluid in the base. The temperature sensor allows a user (or an automated controller) to act on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor. It should be noted that smoke can reach a temperature of 450 °C, and contains genotoxic and clastogenic components such as tar and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which may pose health risks. The temperature sensor allows to keep an eye on the smoke temperature, both in view of the user experience (smoke quality), as well as the health risks posed by (too high) temperatures.

An embodiment relates to an aforementioned waterpipe, wherein the temperature sensor extends into the heater body. As described above, the burn or smoke temperature has a great influence on the user experience, i.e. the taste of the smoke being inhaled by the user, as well as health risks posed by hot smoke. Especially when the measurement and/or control module is placed directly next to, or underneath, the heater body, the temperature sensor can thus advantageously measure the temperature of the smoke as close as possible to the heated/burning herb product/charcoal.

An embodiment relates to an aforementioned waterpipe, wherein the measurement and/or control module comprises a humidity sensor to measure the humidity of the heater body and/or the smoke supplied by the heater body to the fluid in the base. Measuring humidity can be important for controlling the burn process of the tobacco and/or charcoal. A relatively high humidity could, for instance, indicate that the charcoal is relatively moist and the burn process therefore may not be optimal.

An embodiment relates to an aforementioned waterpipe, wherein the humidity sensor extends into the heater body. Analogous to the temperature sensor, the humidity sensor can thus advantageously measure the humidity of the smoke at the place where it matters most, i.e. as close as possible to the heated/burning herb product/charcoal.

An embodiment relates to an aforementioned waterpipe, wherein the measurement and/or control module comprises a smoke density sensor for measuring the density of the smoke supplied by the heater body to the fluid in the base. The smoke density is an important indicator of smoke quality, and can be advantageously used to establish whether the composition of the supplied smoke is optimal and the heating/burning takes place in a satisfactory manner.

An embodiment relates to an aforementioned waterpipe, wherein the smoke density sensor comprises a light intensity measurement device. Such a light intensity measurement device can be relatively small, allowing effective incorporation in the measurement and/or control module as a smoke density sensor.

An embodiment relates to an aforementioned waterpipe, wherein the measurement and/or control module comprises a valve to control the flow rate of smoke supplied by the heater body to the fluid in the base. Such a valve can be advantageously used to control the flow rate of the smoke, for instance, to decrease the flow rate when the smoke temperature is too high, when too many undesirable substances are present in the smoke or when the taste is too intense for the user (for example when relatively strong type of tobacco is used).

An embodiment relates to an aforementioned waterpipe, wherein the valve comprises a rotary valve connected to a rotary actuator. Such a rotary actuator can also be suitably small for implementation as valve actuator, and furthermore allows accurate control of the valve’s position. Such a rotary actuator is also relatively easy to control electronically. The valve can preferably also be adjusted “manually” via e.g. a communicative connection with e.g. a smartphone, i.e. the user then sets his or her preferred valve position manually, taking into account that individual users may have differing preferences regarding flow rate.

An embodiment relates to an aforementioned waterpipe, wherein the valve is connected to a processing unit configured for adjusting the flow rate of the smoke by adjusting the position of the valve, based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, the humidity measured by the humidity sensor and/or the smoke density measured by the smoke density sensor. Ideally, the processing unit is arranged on the measurement and/or control module itself, such as on a small PCB or motherboard.

An embodiment relates to an aforementioned waterpipe, wherein the measurement and/or control module comprises a communications module for allowing wireless communication of measurement and/or control data with other communications devices, such as a smartphone. This advantageously allows the user to control the waterpipe smoking process by means of, for instance, an app or other software program installed on his smartphone.

An embodiment relates to an aforementioned waterpipe, wherein the communications module is arranged for communication via Bluetooth or NFC. Because the user usually is with relatively short range of the waterpipe, a Bluetooth or NFC connection is very suitable for communication with the communications module. Furthermore, most smartphones are nowadays provided with Bluetooth or NFC functionality.

An embodiment relates to an aforementioned waterpipe, wherein the measurement and/or control module is detachably connected to the heater body and/or the smoke supply duct. This allows the measurement and/or control module to be retro-fitted to the waterpipe without damaging the waterpipe.

An embodiment relates to an aforementioned waterpipe, wherein the detachable connection comprises a magnetic connection. Because the heater body is often made of metal (to withstand the relatively high temperatures created by burning the charcoal), the Applicant has found from practice that a magnetic connection is highly advantageous for connection with the heater body. The same, by the way, applies to the smoke supply duct. Preferably, the temperature sensor as such is magnetically detachably connected to the heater body and/or control module, to prevent the temperature sensor from breaking off when the heater body is removed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be explained hereafter with reference to exemplary embodiments of the waterpipe according to the invention and with reference to the drawings. Therein:

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of the waterpipe according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows an exploded, perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the measurement and/or control module according to the invention; and

Figure 3 shows an exploded, cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the measurement and/or control module according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Figures 1 - 3 will be discussed in conjunction. Figure 1 shows a waterpipe 1, also known as hookah or shisha, comprising a base 2, such as in the form of a bowl, suitable for comprising a fluid, in particular water 3. A heater body 4, for instance having an egg shape, is located in the top portion of the waterpipe 1. The heater body 4 is suitable for heating, such as burning, herbal products, in particular tobacco 5. Thereto, one or more pieces of charcoal 18 are set on fire in the heater body 4. The piece of charcoal 18 may be arranged on a grating or the like. A schematically indicated piece of tobacco 5 then comes into contact with the hot charcoal 18 and starts to burn, generating smoke. The waterpipe 1 comprises a smoke supply duct 6, arranged between the heater body 4 and the base 2, for supplying smoke from the heater body 4 to the fluid/water 3 in the base 2. An inhalation member 7 is provided, such as a hose with a mouthpiece, connected to the base 2, allowing a person to inhale the smoke/fluid vapour mixture 8 created in the base 2 due to the smoke passing through the fluid 3. A measurement and/or control module 9 is shown for measuring and/or controlling the functioning of the base 2, the heater body 4, the smoke supply duct 6, the base 2 and/or the inhalation member 7.

As shown in figure 1, the measurement and/or control module 9 can be arranged in between the heater body 4 and the smoke supply duct 6, for measuring and/or controlling properties of the smoke supplied by the heater body 4 to the fluid in the base 2. Preferably, the measurement and/or control module is arranged directly underneath the heater body 4. Depending on the process properties to be measured or controlled, the measurement and/or control module 9 can also be arranged at other positions in or on the waterpipe 1. The measurement and/or control module may comprises a housing 20 that can be screwed onto a tubular part 25 of the measurement and/or control module 9 (the tubular part 25 being arranged for transporting smoke from the heater body 4 to the smoke supply duct 6). The housing 20 may have a hole in its upper part, wherein or whereon a (conical) connecting piece 19 can be arranged for detachable connection with the heater body

4. The connecting piece 19 preferably is made of a flexible material, such as rubber.

As shown in figures 2 and 3, the measurement and/or control module 9 preferably may comprise a temperature sensor 10 to measure the temperature of the heater body and/or smoke supplied by the heater body 4 to the fluid 3 in the base 2. The temperature sensor 10 preferably extends (upwardly) into the heater body 4. The measurement and/or control module 9 may further comprise a humidity sensor 11 to measure the humidity of the heater body and/or the smoke supplied by the heater body 4 to the fluid 3 in the base 2. The humidity sensor 11 preferably also extends (upwardly) into the heater body 4.

The measurement and/or control module may comprise a smoke density sensor 12 for measuring the density of the smoke supplied by the heater body 4 to the fluid 3 in the base 2. The smoke density sensor 12 preferably comprises a light intensity measurement device 13 (for instance comprising a transmitter on one side of the tubular part 25 and a receiver on an opposite side of the tubular part 25).

The measurement and/or control module 9 preferably comprises a valve 14 to control the flow rate of smoke supplied by the heater body 4 to the fluid 3 in the base 2. The valve 14 may comprise a rotary valve 14 arranged in the tubular part 25 with a bearing 23 and connected to a rotary actuator 15. The valve 14 preferably is connected to a processing unit 16 configured for adjusting the flow rate of the smoke by adjusting the position of the valve 14, based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 10, the humidity measured by the humidity sensor 11 and/or the smoke density measured by the smoke density sensor 12.

The measurement and/or control module 9 may further comprise a communications module 17 for allowing wireless communication of measurement and/or control data with other communications devices, such as a smartphone (not shown). The communications module 17 is preferably arranged for communication via Bluetooth or NFC and can be arranged on a motherboard or PCB-board 24. The processing unit 16 preferably is also arranged on the motherboard 24.

The measurement and/or control module 9 is preferably detachably connected 21 to the heater body 4 and/or the smoke supply duct 6, such as by means of a magnetic connection 21. The temperature sensor 10 preferably is detachably, magnetically connected to the heater body 4, to prevent the temperature sensor 10 from breaking off when the heater body 4 is removed.

It should be clear that the description above is intended to illustrate the operation of preferred embodiments of the invention, and not to reduce the scope of protection of the invention. Starting from the above description, many embodiments will be conceivable to the skilled person within the inventive concept and scope of protection of the present invention.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

1. Waterpipe

2. Base

3. Water

4. Heater body

5. Tobacco

6. Smoke supply duct

7. Inhalation member

8. Smoke/fluid vapour mixture

9. Measurement and/or control module

10. Temperature sensor

11. Humidity sensor

12. Smoke density sensor

13. Light intensity measurement device

14. Rotary valve

15. Rotary actuator

16. Processing unit for adjusting the position of the valve

17. Bluetooth or NFC module

18. Charcoal

19. Connecting element

20. Housing

21. Magnetic connector

22. Screw thread

23. Bearing for rotary valve

24. Motherboard

25. Tubular part

Claims

CONCLUSIONS

Water pipe (1), comprising:

- a base (2) suitable for containing a liquid, in particular water (3),

- a heating body (4) suitable for heating, such as burning, herbal products, in particular tobacco (5),

- a smoke supply line (6), arranged between the heating body and the base, for supplying smoke from the heating body to the liquid in the base,

- an inhalation device (7) connected to the base, allowing a person to inhale the smoke / liquid vapor mixture (8) formed in the base by the smoke passing through the liquid, characterized by a measuring and / or control module (9) for measuring and / or controlling the functioning of the base, the heating body, the smoke supply line, the base and / or the inhaler.

A water pipe according to claim 1, wherein the measuring and / or control module is arranged between the heating body and the smoke supply line, for measuring and / or controlling properties of the smoke supplied by the heating body to the liquid in the base.

A water pipe according to claim 2, wherein the measuring and / or control module comprises a temperature sensor (10) for measuring the temperature of the heating body and / or the smoke supplied by the heating body to the liquid in the base.

Water pipe according to claim 3, wherein the temperature sensor extends in the heating body.

Water pipe according to any of claims 2-4, wherein the measuring and / or control module comprises a humidity sensor (11) for measuring the humidity of the heating body and / or the smoke supplied by the heating body to the liquid in the base.

The water pipe of claim 5, wherein the moisture sensor extends into the heating body.

Water pipe according to any of claims 2-6, wherein the measuring and / or control module comprises a smoke density sensor (12) for measuring the density of the smoke supplied by the heating body to the liquid in the base.

The water pipe of claim 7, wherein the smoke density sensor comprises a light intensity measuring device (13).

Water pipe according to any of claims 2-8, wherein the measuring and / or control module comprises a valve (14) for controlling the flow rate of smoke supplied by the heating body to the liquid in the base.

The water pipe of claim 9, wherein the valve comprises a rotary valve (14) connected to a rotary actuator (15).

A water pipe according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the valve is connected to a processing unit (16) configured to adjust the flow rate of the smoke by adjusting the position of the valve based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor , the humidity measured by the humidity sensor and / or the smoke density measured by the smoke density sensor.

A water pipe according to any of claims 2-9, wherein the measuring and / or control module comprises a communication module (17) that allows wireless communication of measurement / or control data with other communication devices, such as a smartphone.

The water pipe of claim 12, wherein the communication module is adapted for communication via Bluetooth or NFC.

Water pipe according to one of claims 2-13, wherein the measuring and / or control module is releasably connected (21) to the heating body and / or the smoke supply line.

The water pipe of claim 14, wherein the releasable connection comprises a magnetic connection (21).