RU2817347C2 - Aerosol-generating device, aerosol-generating system and method of generating output signal in aerosol-generated device - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to an aerosol-generating device, an aerosol-generating system, and a method for generating an output signal in the aerosol-generated device. Aerosol generating device comprises a housing comprising an air inlet, an air outlet and an air flow passage extending therebetween, an aerosol generating element located within the air flow passage and configured to generate an aerosol, a sensor connected to the housing and configured to generate a time-dependent air flow signal corresponding to the time-dependent force exerted by the user puff on the air outlet, a tactile output element connected to the housing, and a circuit operably connected to the sensor to receive a time-dependent air flow signal during a puff by a user. Circuit is further operably connected to the tactile output element and is configured to be actuated based on the time-dependent air flow signal, tactile output element with time-dependent frequencies or time-dependent intervals during user puffing.

EFFECT: enhanced user feedback is provided by providing an interface in an aerosol-generating system comprising a tactile output element which is configured to transmit information to the user through the tactile sensations of the user.

15 cl, 15 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to an aerosol generating system, a device for use with such a system, and a method for generating an aerosol. In particular, the present invention relates to hand-held aerosol-generating systems and devices that vaporize an aerosol-generating substrate by heating to generate an aerosol that is inhaled or inhaled by a user, and that may include an interface element.

One type of aerosol generating system is an electrically heated smoking system that generates an aerosol for puffing or inhalation by the user. Electrically heated smoking systems can take many forms. Some types of electrically heated smoking systems are electronic cigarettes that vaporize a liquid or gel substrate to form an aerosol or release an aerosol from a solid substrate by heating it to a specific temperature below the combustion temperature of the solid substrate.

Hand-held aerosol-generating electrical devices and systems are known that consist of a device portion containing a battery and control electronics, a portion for holding or housing an aerosol-generating substrate, and an electrical heater for heating the aerosol-generating substrate to generate an aerosol. Also included is a mouthpiece portion on which a user can puff to draw the aerosol into his or her mouth.

Some devices and systems use a liquid or gel aerosol-forming substrate stored in a storage portion. Such devices may use a wick to transfer a liquid or gel aerosol-forming substrate from a storage portion to a heater where the substrate is aerosolized. Such devices may use a displacement means, such as a pump and piston, to force the liquid or gel aerosol-forming substrate from the storage portion to the heater. Aerosol-generating devices and other types of systems use a solid aerosol-forming substrate that contains tobacco material. Such devices may include a recess for receiving a cigarette-shaped rod containing a solid aerosol-forming substrate, such as folded sheets, that contain tobacco material. A blade-shaped heater located in said recess is inserted into the center of the rod while placing the rod in said recess. The heater is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol without significant combustion of the aerosol-forming substrate.

Electrically heated smoking systems can provide the user with an experience significantly different from that of conventional combustion-based cigarettes. For example, the user interacts with the device rather than lighting a cigarette. Depending on the particular electrically heated smoking system, the user may be provided with certain feedback in response to activation or use of the device, such as a vibration signal, an audible signal, or a light signal. However, the signal may convey limited information, may be misleading, or may disturb the user or others. This may result in decreased sensation experienced by the user.

For example, WO 2015009838 A2 presents an electronic smoking article configured to provide tactile feedback to the user. The smoking article may include a housing that includes a tactile feedback component, such as a vibration sensor. The haptic feedback component is configured to generate a signal that determines the state of the electronic smoking article. The disadvantage of this product is related to the lack of meaningful information provided to the user, in particular, it does not provide tactile feedback regarding the time-dependent tightening force performed by the user.

WO 2017205692 A1 presents electronic vaporizer devices that can be used both for medical purposes, for the delivery of drugs, and for the consumption of tobacco and other smoking materials of plant origin. Such devices are provided with a cartridge containing the vaporizable material and are configured to identify the cartridge and/or the vaporizable material in the cartridge, communicate (either one-way or two-way) with the cartridge, and the like. Another disadvantage of these devices is the lack of tactile feedback regarding the time-dependent tightening force applied by the user.

From RU 2711682 C1, an electronic vapor supply system is known, which implements the ability to detect the moments of the beginning and end of inhalation, while monitoring the total (cumulative) period of inhalation within a given window, and, if the duration of such a total period exceeds a given threshold value, the electronic system supply in pairs is switched to “sleep” mode. However, this system also does not provide feedback regarding the time-dependent tightening force applied by the user.

US 2013088438 A1 discloses a method and electronic device for providing haptic feedback, and more specifically, a method and electronic device for providing haptic/haptic feedback for an e-reader.

It is an object of the present invention to provide the user with easily understandable feedback that conveys meaningful information, preferably minimizing or reducing inconvenience to others. For example, some configurations of the present invention may enhance feedback to users by providing an interface to an aerosol generating system, such as a system containing an aerosol generating device that includes a haptic output element. The tactile output element is configured to convey information to the user through the user's tactile sensations. The tactile output element may be coupled to any suitable component or components of the aerosol generating system that a user may interact with during use of the system, for example, coupled to an aerosol generating device. The information provided to the user via the tactile output element may provide the user with feedback regarding the time-dependent tightening force of the user. Preferably, such information is provided to the user by changing the frequency or interval of the tactile output element, rather than by changing the intensity of the tactile output element. In this way, interference to others can be reduced or minimized, for example, by not necessarily increasing the intensity of actuation of the tactile output element (which may be audible to others) to provide the user with information about the force he or she is exerting. puffs. Additionally or alternatively, the user experience can be made more pleasant, for example, by not necessarily increasing the intensity of the tactile output element (which may be uncomfortable for the user) to provide the user with information about the strength of his or her tightening. However, even in configurations in which the intensity of the tactile output element is changed, such as increased, to provide the user with information about the force of his or her puff, changing the frequency or interval of the tactile output element can be used to provide the user with additional information about the force of his or her puff. This improves the user experience and control of the device.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, an aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating device includes a housing containing an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air flow passage extending therebetween. The aerosol generating device includes an aerosol generating element located in the air flow passage and configured to generate an aerosol. The aerosol generating device includes a sensor coupled to the housing and configured to generate a time-dependent air flow signal corresponding to the time-dependent force of a user's puff on the air outlet. The aerosol generating device includes a tactile output element connected to the housing. The aerosol generating device comprises circuitry operatively coupled to the sensor to receive a time-dependent air flow signal during a puff by the user. The circuitry is further operatively coupled to the tactile output element and configured to actuate, based on a time-dependent air flow signal, the tactile output element at time-dependent frequencies or at time-dependent intervals during a puff by the user.

In some configurations, the circuitry is optionally configured to actuate the tactile output element at a constant intensity during a user's tightening.

Additionally or alternatively, the circuitry is optionally further configured to calculate, based on the time-dependent air flow signal, the speed of air flow through the air flow passage during a puff by the user. For example, the circuitry is optionally configured to actuate the tactile output element based on the calculated speed of air flow through the air flow passage during a user's puff.

Additionally or alternatively, the circuitry is optionally configured to actuate the tactile output element at shorter intervals or at higher frequencies during a user's puff based on an increase in the time-dependent airflow signal.

Additionally or alternatively, the circuitry is optionally configured to actuate the tactile output element at longer intervals or at lower frequencies during a user's puff based on a decrease in the time-dependent airflow signal.

Additionally or alternatively, the tactile output element optionally includes a mechanical actuator or a piezoelectric actuator. By way of illustration, the mechanical actuator optionally comprises a linear resonant actuator or a rotating eccentric weight actuator.

Additionally or alternatively, the air flow sensor optionally includes a pressure sensor.

Additionally or alternatively, the tactile output element is optionally positioned such that the user's lips can sense actuation of the tactile output element.

Additionally or alternatively, the tactile output element is optionally positioned such that one or more of the user's fingers can sense activation of the tactile output element.

Additionally or alternatively, the device further includes an interface configured to allow a user to select a haptic feedback profile.

Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol generating element optionally includes a heater.

The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating device, such as that provided herein, and an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the aerosol generating substrate comprises nicotine.

As used herein, the term “aerosol generating system” refers to a system that interacts with one or more other elements. One such element with which the "aerosol generating system" may interact is an aerosol-generating substrate (eg, provided in an aerosol-generating article) to generate an aerosol.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-generating article” refers to an article containing an aerosol-generating substrate. Optionally, the aerosol generating article also includes one or more additional components, such as a reservoir, carrier material, wrapper, etc. The aerosol generating article may generate an aerosol that is directly inhaled into the user's lungs through the user's mouth. The aerosol generating article may be disposable. An aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate containing tobacco may be referred to as a tobacco stick.

As used herein, the term “aerosol-forming substrate” refers to a substrate capable of releasing one or more volatile compounds that can form an aerosol. Such volatile compounds are released by heating the aerosol-forming substrate to produce steam. The vapor may condense to form an aerosol, such as a suspension of small solid particles or liquid droplets in a gas such as air. The aerosol-generating substrate may conveniently be part of an aerosol-generating device or system. In some configurations, the aerosol-forming substrate contains a gel or liquid, while in other configurations, the aerosol-forming substrate contains a solid. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain both liquid and solid components.

As used herein, the term “connected” refers to an arrangement of elements that can directly or indirectly contact each other. Elements that are "directly" connected to each other touch each other. Elements that are "indirectly" connected to each other do not touch each other directly, but are attached to each other through one or more intermediate elements. Depending on the specific arrangement, elements that are part of the same device or system as others may be in “direct” contact with each other or “indirectly” in contact with each other.

As used herein, the term “interface” refers to an element through which information can be transmitted, through which information can be received, or through which information can be both transmitted and received. An exemplary interface provided herein includes a tactile output element for conveying information.

As used herein, the term “haptic output element” refers to an element configured to convey information to a user through the user's tactile sensations. As an example, a tactile output element is configured such that when the element is activated, the user can sense and recognize said activation through his or her tactile sensations. Typically, the user can sense the actuation of the tactile output element through their tactile sensations when the user touches a specific part of the device or system, such as with their finger, palm, or lip. Such specific portion of the device or system upon which said actuation is felt may be or comprise, for example, a specific outer (peripheral) portion of the device or system casing, or a tactile output element, or any other suitable interface, device or system element, which is connected to the tactile output element. The haptic output element may be actuated to convey information to the user through such actuation. The haptic output elements may be configured to convey information to the user through, for example, vibration, tapping, force, temperature change (eg, a heat pulse or a cold pulse), or an electrical signal. Tactile output elements may include, but are not limited to, mechanical actuators, piezoelectric actuators, electrical actuators, and thermal output elements.

As used herein, the term “thermal output element” refers to an element that provides information to the user by creating a temperature change perceived by the user.

As used herein, the term “user-perceived temperature change” refers to a change in temperature that a user can feel and recognize. Typically, a user-perceived temperature change can be sensed through the sense of touch when the user touches a specific part of the device or system, such as with a finger, palm, or lip. The portion of the device or system at which the user-perceived temperature change is generated may initially be at a first temperature, such as ambient (room) temperature or warmer than ambient temperature, for example due to heat transferred to such element by an aerosol generating element, or due to heat transferred from the user's skin, such as a finger or lip. Activation of the thermal output element causes the temperature at a specific portion of the device or system to rise or fall to a second temperature that is perceptibly or perceptibly different from the first temperature.

The aerosol generating system or device may include a gel, liquid or solid aerosol-forming substrate and may include a suitably configured aerosol generating element configured to generate an aerosol therefrom.

In configurations in which the aerosol-forming substrate comprises a gel or liquid, the aerosol-generating system or device may comprise a reservoir for holding the aerosol-forming substrate, which reservoir may optionally include a carrier material for holding the aerosol-forming substrate. The carrier material may optionally be or include foam, sponge, or a collection of fibers. The carrier material may optionally be formed from a polymer or copolymer. In one embodiment, the carrier material is or contains a twisted polymer.

In some configurations, the aerosol generating system optionally includes a cartridge and a mouthpiece configured to be coupled to the cartridge. The cartridge optionally contains at least one of a reservoir and an aerosol generating element. Additionally or alternatively, the aerosol generating system housing optionally further comprises an air inlet, an air outlet, and an air flow path therebetween, wherein the vapor is optionally partially condensed into an aerosol within the air flow path.

For example, in various configurations provided herein, the cartridge may include a housing having a connection end and a mouthpiece end remote from the connection end, wherein the connection end is configured to connect to a control unit of the aerosol generating system. The aerosol generating element may be located entirely within the cartridge or located entirely within the control unit, or may be partially located within the cartridge and partially located within the control unit. Power may be supplied to the aerosol generating element from the attached control unit through the connecting end of the housing. In some configurations, the aerosol generating element is not necessarily located closer to the connection end than to the opening at the mouthpiece end. This allows for a simple and short electrical connection path between the power supply in the control unit and the aerosol generating element.

The aerosol generating element, which optionally constitutes or contains a heating element, may be substantially flat. The heating element may comprise a resistive material, such as a material that produces heat in response to electrical current flowing through it. In one configuration, the heating element includes one or a plurality of electrically conductive filaments. The term "filament" refers to the electrical path located between two electrical contacts. The heating element may be or contain an array of filaments or wires, for example, arranged parallel to each other. In some configurations, the threads or wires may form a mesh. However, it should be understood that any suitable heating element configuration and material may be used.

For example, the heating element may comprise or be formed from any material with suitable electrical properties. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to: semiconductors such as doped ceramics, electrically conductive ceramics (such as, for example, molybdenum disilicide), carbon, graphite, metals, metal alloys, and composite materials made from ceramic material and metal material . Such composite materials may contain alloyed or unalloyed ceramics. Examples of suitable doped ceramics include doped silicon carbides. Examples of suitable metals include titanium, zirconium, tantalum and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, constantan, nickel, cobalt, chromium, aluminum, titanium, zirconium, hafnium, niobium, molybdenum, tantalum, tungsten, tin, gallium, manganese - and iron-containing alloys, as well as superalloys based on nickel, iron, cobalt, stainless steel, Timetal®, iron-aluminum alloys and iron-manganese-aluminum alloys. Timetal® is a registered trademark of Titanium Metals Corporation. Examples of materials are stainless steel and graphite, more preferably 300 series stainless steel such as AISI 304, 316, 304L, 316L. In addition, the heating element may contain combinations of the materials described above. In one non-limiting configuration, the heating element comprises or is made of wire. More preferably, the wire is made of metal, most preferably made of stainless steel.

The heater assembly may include electrical contact portions electrically coupled to the heating element. The electrical contact portions may comprise or comprise two electrically conductive contact pads. In configurations containing a housing, the contact portions may be exposed through the connecting end of the housing to provide contact with electrical contact pins in the control unit.

The reservoir may include a reservoir casing. The aerosol generating element, a heating assembly containing the aerosol generating element, or any suitable component thereof may be attached to the reservoir casing. The reservoir casing may include a molded component or fixture, wherein the molded component or fixture is molded over the aerosol generating element or heating assembly. The molded component or fixture may cover all or part of the aerosol generating element or heating assembly, and may partially or completely isolate electrical contact areas from one or both of the air flow path and the aerosol generating substrate. The molded component or fixture may include at least one wall forming a portion of the reservoir casing. The molded component or fixture may define a flow path from the reservoir to the aerosol generating element.

The casing may be made of a moldable plastic material such as polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The casing may partially or completely form the wall of the container. The casing and reservoir can be made in one piece. Alternatively, the reservoir may be separate from the housing and assembled within the housing.

In configurations in which the aerosol generating system or device includes a cartridge, the cartridge may include a removable mouthpiece through which the aerosol can be drawn by a user. A removable mouthpiece may cover an opening at the mouthpiece end. Alternatively, the cartridge may be configured to allow the user to draw directly through an opening in the mouthpiece end.

The cartridge can be configured to be refilled with a liquid or gel aerosol-forming substrate. Alternatively, the cartridge may be designed for disposal when the liquid or gel aerosol-forming substrate in the reservoir is used up.

In configurations in which the aerosol generating system or device further includes a control unit, the control unit may include at least one electrical contact element configured to provide electrical communication with the aerosol generating element when the control unit is coupled to the cartridge. The electrical contact element may not necessarily be elongated. The electrical contact element may not necessarily be spring-loaded. The electrical contact element may optionally contact an electrical contact pad in the cartridge. Optionally, the control unit may include a connecting portion for interaction with the connecting end of the cartridge. Optionally, the control unit may include a power source. Optionally, the control unit may include control circuitry configured to control the supply of power from the power source to the aerosol generating element.

The control circuit may optionally include a microcontroller. The microcontroller is preferably a programmable microcontroller. The control circuit may contain additional electronic components. The control circuit may be configured to actuate the proposed tactile output element. The aerosol generating device or system may include a pressure sensor configured to generate a time-dependent airflow signal corresponding to a time-dependent puff force applied by a user on the air outlet, and the control circuit may be configured to receive the time-dependent airflow signal and actuation operating the tactile output element in a time-dependent manner based on such signal. The control circuit may further be configured to regulate the supply of power to the aerosol generating element. Power may be supplied to the aerosol generating element continuously after activation of the system, or may be supplied intermittently, for example from puff to puff. Power can be supplied to the aerosol generating element in the form of electrical current pulses.

The control unit may include a power source configured to supply power to at least one of a control system, a tactile output element, a sensor, and an aerosol generating element. The aerosol generating element may contain an independent power source. The aerosol generating system or device may comprise a first power supply configured to supply power to the control circuit, a second power supply configured to supply power to the aerosol generating element, and a third power supply configured to supply power to the tactile output element and the sensor. , or may comprise a smaller number of power supplies, which are suitably configured to supply power to any suitable combination of control circuitry, aerosol generating element, tactile output element and sensor.

Each such power supply may be or comprise a DC power supply. The power source may be or contain a battery. The battery may be or comprise a lithium battery, such as a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium polymer battery. The battery may be or comprise a nickel-metal hydride battery or a nickel-cadmium battery. The power source may be or contain another type of charge storage device, such as a capacitor. Optionally, the power supply may need to be recharged and may be designed for multiple charge and discharge cycles. The power source may have a capacity that allows sufficient energy to be stored for one or more sessions of use by the user; for example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to enable continuous generation of the aerosol for a period of approximately six minutes, which corresponds to the typical time spent smoking a conventional cigarette, or for a period of time that is a multiple of six minutes. In another example, the power source may have sufficient capacity to allow a predetermined number of puffs or individual activations of the heating unit to occur. Preferably, the power supply may further have sufficient capacity to provide any suitable number of activations of the tactile output elements.

The aerosol generating system or device may be or comprise a hand held aerosol generating system. The hand-held aerosol generating system may be configured to allow a user to puff the mouthpiece to draw the aerosol through an opening at the mouthpiece end. The aerosol generating system may be of a size comparable to that of a conventional cigar or cigarette. The aerosol generating system may optionally have an overall length of from about 30 mm to about 150 mm. The aerosol generating system may have an outer diameter of from about 5 mm to about 30 mm.

Optionally, the casing can be oblong. The housing may comprise any suitable material or combination of materials. Examples of suitable materials include metals, alloys, plastics or composite materials containing one or more of such materials, or thermoplastic materials suitable for food or pharmaceutical applications, for example polypropylene, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) and polyethylene. The material can be light and non-fragile. The tactile output element and the sensor, respectively, can be connected to any suitable part of the housing. For example, the tactile output element may be connected to a cartridge or to a control unit. Independently, the sensor can be connected to the cartridge or to the control unit.

Additionally or alternatively, the cartridge, control unit, or aerosol generating system may include a temperature sensor in communication with the control circuitry. The cartridge, control unit, or aerosol generating system or device may include a user input means such as a switch or button. The user input facility may provide the user with the ability to turn the system on and off. Additionally or alternatively, the cartridge, control unit, or aerosol generating system or device may optionally include indicating means to indicate to the user a specific amount of aerosol-forming substrate present in the reservoir. The control circuit may be configured to actuate the indicating means upon determining the amount of aerosol-forming substrate held in the reservoir. The indicating means may optionally include one or more of the following: light indicators such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), a display such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), audible indicating means such as a speaker or buzzer, and vibration means. The control circuitry may be configured to do one or more of the following: turn on the indicator lights, display the quantity on a display, output sounds through a speaker or buzzer, and provide vibration to the vibrating means.

The aerosol-forming substrate may have any suitable composition. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine. The nicotine-containing aerosol-forming substrate may be or comprise a nicotine salt matrix. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain material of plant origin. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain tobacco. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the aerosol-forming substrate when heated. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise homogenized tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may comprise non-tobacco material. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain homogenized material of plant origin.

The aerosol-forming substrate may contain one or more aerosol-forming agents. An aerosolizing agent is any suitable known compound or mixture of compounds which, when used, produces a dense and stable aerosol and is substantially resistant to thermal decomposition at system operating temperature. Examples of suitable aerosol formers include glycerin and propylene glycol. Suitable aerosol formers are well known in the art and include, but are not limited to: polyhydric alcohols such as triethylene glycol, 1,3-butanediol and glycerol; polyhydric alcohol esters such as glycerol mono-, di- or triacetate; and aliphatic esters of mono-, di- or polycarboxylic acids, such as dimethyl dodecanedioate and dimethyl tetradecanedioate. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain water, solvents, ethanol, plant extracts, and natural or artificial flavors. The aerosol-forming substrate may contain nicotine and at least one aerosolizing agent. The aerosol former can be glycerin or propylene glycol. The aerosolizer may contain both glycerin and propylene glycol. The concentration of nicotine in the aerosol-forming substrate may range from about 0.5% to about 10%, such as about 2%.

It should be understood that the proposed tactile output element is not limited to use with aerosol generating systems or devices intended for use with liquid or gel aerosol-generating substrates. For example, in other configurations, the proposed haptic output element may be used with or included in aerosol generating systems or devices that are intended for use with a solid aerosol-generating substrate. One type of aerosol generating element that can be used with a solid aerosol-generating substrate includes a heater configured to be inserted into the solid aerosol-generating substrate, such as a tobacco plug.

In some configurations, the heater is substantially blade-shaped for insertion into the aerosol-generating substrate and optionally has a length of 10 mm to 60 mm, a width of 2 mm to 10 mm, and a thickness of 0.2 mm to 1 mm. A preferred length may be from 15 mm to 50 mm, for example from 18 mm to 30 mm. A preferred length may be about 19 mm or about 20 mm. A preferred width may be from 3 mm to 7 mm, for example from 4 mm to 6 mm. A preferred width may be approximately 5 mm. A preferred thickness may be from 0.25 mm to 0.5 mm. A preferred thickness may be about 0.4 mm. The heater may include an electrically insulating heater substrate and an electrically resistive heating element supported by the heater substrate. A through hole may optionally be formed along the thickness of the heater. The heater mount may provide structural support for the heater and may allow the heater to be located within the aerosol generating device. The heater mount may optionally be formed from a moldable material that is molded around a portion of the heater and which may extend through a through hole to connect the heater to the heater mount. The heater may optionally have a tapered or pointed end to facilitate insertion into the aerosol-forming substrate.

The heater mount is preferably molded to a portion of the heater whose temperature does not rise significantly during operation. This portion may be called a support portion, and the heating element may have a lower resistivity in this portion so that it does not heat up significantly when operating current flows. Said through hole may be located in the support portion. The through hole, if present, may be formed in the heater before or after the electrical resistive heating element is formed on the heater substrate. The device may be formed by attaching or attaching a heating assembly to or within an enclosure. The through hole may be formed by machining, such as laser cutting or drilling.

The heater mount may provide structural support for the heater and allow it to be securely secured within the aerosol generating device. By using a moldable material, such as a moldable polymer, the heater mount can be molded around the heater and therefore can be securely supported by the heater. This also allows the heater mount to be manufactured to the desired external shape and dimensions in an inexpensive manner.

Advantageously, the heating element can be formed from various materials. The first portion, or heating portion, of the heating element (i.e., that portion which is supported by insertion, or the heating portion of the heater) may be formed from a first material, and the holding portion of the heating element (i.e., that portion which is supported the heater support) may be formed from a second material, the first material having a higher electrical resistivity coefficient than the second material. For example, the first material may be Ni-Cr (nickel-chromium), platinum, tungsten or alloy wire, and the second material may be gold, silver or copper. The dimensions of the first and second portions of the heating element may also be different to provide lower electrical resistance per unit length in the second portion.

The heater substrate is formed from an electrically insulating material and may be a ceramic material such as zirconia or alumina. The heater substrate may provide mechanically stable support for the heating element over a wide temperature range and may provide a rigid structure suitable for insertion into an aerosol-forming substrate. The heater substrate includes a flat surface on which the heating element is located and may include a tapered end configured to be inserted into the aerosol-generating substrate. The heater substrate advantageously has a thermal conductivity of less than or equal to 2 watts per meter kelvin.

The aerosol generating device preferably includes a housing defining a cavity surrounding the insertion portion of the heater. Said cavity is configured to accommodate an aerosol-forming article containing an aerosol-forming substrate. The heater mount may define a surface covering one end of said cavity.

In some configurations, the device is preferably a portable or hand-held device that is conveniently held between the fingers of one hand.

The device's power source may be any suitable power source, for example a DC voltage source such as a battery. In one embodiment, the power supply is a lithium-ion battery. Alternatively, the power source may be a nickel metal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, or a lithium battery, such as a lithium cobalt battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a lithium titanate battery, or a lithium polymer battery.

The device preferably includes a control element. The control element may be a regular switch. Alternatively, the control element may be electrical circuitry and may include one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers that may be configured to control the heater, as well as control the tactile output element and receive a time-dependent air flow signal from a sensor located at any suitable place inside the device.

The present invention provides an aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device as described above and one or more aerosol generating articles configured to be accommodated within a cavity of the aerosol generating device.

During a use session, an aerosol-generating article containing an aerosol-forming substrate may be partially contained within the aerosol-generating device. The aerosol generating article may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The aerosol generating article may be substantially oblong. The aerosol generating article may have a length and a circumferential surface substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol-forming substrate may have a substantially cylindrical shape. The aerosol-forming substrate may be substantially oblong. The aerosol-forming substrate may also have a length and a circumferential surface substantially perpendicular to the length. The aerosol generating article may have an overall length of from about 30 mm to about 100 mm. The aerosol generating article may have an outer diameter of from about 5 mm to about 12 mm.

The solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a tobacco-containing material containing volatile tobacco flavor compounds that are released from the substrate upon heating. Alternatively, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may comprise a non-tobacco material. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may further comprise an aerosolizing agent that promotes the formation of a dense and stable aerosol. Examples of suitable aerosol formers are glycerin and propylene glycol.

The solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain, for example, one or more of the following: powder, granules, beads, chips, thin tubes, strips or sheets containing one or more of the following: grass leaves, tobacco leaves, tobacco stem fragments, reconstituted tobacco, homogenized tobacco, extruded tobacco, molded leaf tobacco and blasted tobacco. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be in loose form or may be provided in a suitable container or cartridge. Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may contain additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds designed to be released upon heating of the substrate. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may also contain capsules that, for example, include additional tobacco or non-tobacco volatile flavor compounds, and such capsules may melt when the solid aerosol-forming substrate is heated.

As used herein, the term “homogenized tobacco” refers to the material formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco. Homogenized tobacco may be in sheet form. The aerosol-forming agent content of homogenized tobacco material may be more than 5% on a dry weight basis. Alternatively, the aerosol former content of the homogenized tobacco material may range from 5% to 30% on a dry weight basis. Sheets of homogenized tobacco material may be formed by agglomerating particulate tobacco obtained by grinding or otherwise combining one or both of tobacco leaf blades and tobacco leaf stems. Alternatively or additionally, the sheets of homogenized tobacco material may contain one or more of tobacco dust, tobacco fines and other particulate tobacco by-products generated, for example, during the processing, handling and shipping of tobacco. Sheets of homogenized tobacco material may contain one or more internal binders, i.e. tobacco endogenous binders, one or more external binders, i.e. tobacco exogenous binders, or a combination thereof, to promote agglomeration of tobacco into particles; Alternatively or in addition, the sheets of homogenized tobacco material may contain other additives, including, but not limited to, tobacco and non-tobacco fibers, aerosol formers, humectants, plasticizers, flavoring agents, fillers, aqueous and non-aqueous solvents, and combinations thereof.

Optionally, the solid aerosol-forming substrate may be provided on or embedded in a thermally stable carrier. The carrier may take the form of powder, granules, beads, chips, thin tubes, strips or sheets. Alternatively, the support may be a tubular support with a thin layer of solid substrate deposited on its inner surface or on its outer surface, or on its inner and outer surfaces. Such a tubular carrier may be formed, for example, from paper or paper-like material, non-woven carbon fiber mat, lightweight open cell metal mesh, or perforated metal foil, or any other thermally stable polymer matrix.

In some configurations, the aerosol-forming substrate comprises an assembled corrugated sheet of homogenized tobacco material. As used herein, the term “corrugated sheet” means a sheet having a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations. Preferably, when the aerosol generating article is assembled, substantially parallel ridges or corrugations extend along or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article. This advantageously facilitates the assembly of the corrugated sheet of homogenized tobacco material to form an aerosol-forming substrate. However, it should be appreciated that the corrugated sheets of homogenized tobacco material for inclusion in an aerosol generating article may alternatively or additionally have a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations that are located at an acute or obtuse angle to the longitudinal axis of the aerosol generating article when the aerosol generating article has been collected. In some embodiments, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an assembled sheet of homogenized tobacco material that is substantially uniformly textured over substantially the entire surface. For example, the aerosol-forming substrate may comprise an assembled corrugated sheet of homogenized tobacco material containing a plurality of substantially parallel ridges or corrugations that are substantially evenly spaced across the width of the sheet.

The solid aerosol-forming substrate can be applied to the surface of the carrier in the form of, for example, a sheet, foam, gel or suspension. The solid aerosol-forming substrate may be applied to the entire surface of the carrier or, alternatively, may be applied in a pattern to provide non-uniform delivery of flavoring agents during use.

It should be understood that while some of the configurations described herein include aerosol generating elements that generate aerosol through resistive heating, any suitable aerosol generating element, such as an induction heating device, can be used.

In a second embodiment of the invention, a method for generating an output signal in an aerosol generating device is provided. The aerosol generating system includes a housing containing an air inlet, an air outlet, an air flow passage extending therebetween, and an aerosol generating element located within the housing and configured to generate an aerosol in the air flow passage. The method includes generating a time-dependent air flow signal corresponding to a user's time-dependent puffing force on an air outlet. The method includes actuating, based on a time-dependent air flow signal, a tactile output element at time-dependent frequencies or at time-dependent intervals during a puff being performed by the user.

Features of the aerosol generating system of the first embodiment of the invention may be applicable to the second embodiment of the invention.

The configurations of the invention will now be described in detail by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional representation of an aerosol generating system comprising a tactile output element in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another aerosol generating system comprising a tactile output element in accordance with the invention;

Fig. 3A is a schematic diagram of an example of a user's time-dependent tightening force;

Fig. 3B is a schematic diagram of an example of a time-dependent airflow signal corresponding to a user's time-dependent puff force shown in FIG. 3A;

Fig. 4A is a schematic diagram of an example of a time-dependent haptic output element actuation signal based on the time-dependent air flow signal shown in FIG. 3B;

Fig. 4B is a schematic diagram of an example of a time-dependent output signal of a haptic output element based on a time-dependent actuation signal such as that shown in FIG. 4A;

Fig. 4C is a schematic diagram of another example of a time-dependent output signal of a haptic output element based on a time-dependent actuation signal such as that shown in FIG. 4A;

Fig. 5A is a schematic diagram of another example of a time-dependent haptic output element actuation signal based on the time-dependent air flow signal shown in FIG. 3B;

Fig. 5B-5G are schematic diagrams of various examples of time-dependent haptic output element outputs based on a time-dependent actuation signal such as that shown in FIG. 5A; And

Fig. 6 illustrates the sequence of operations in an example of the method in accordance with the invention.

The configurations provided in this document relate to an improved interface to the aerosol generating system. The interface preferably includes a tactile output element configured to convey information to the user through the user's tactile sensations. Information about the time-varying force of a user's tightening may be transmitted to the user by actuating the tactile output element at time-varying frequencies, at time-varying intervals, or at time-varying frequencies and time-varying intervals during the tightening.

The proposed tactile output element can be used in any suitable device in an aerosol generating system, for example, an aerosol generating device. For example, Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of an aerosol generating system 100 including a tactile output element 30 in accordance with the invention. The system 100 includes a cartridge 20 containing a liquid or gel aerosol-forming substrate, and a control unit 10. The connecting end of the cartridge 20 is detachably connected to the corresponding connecting end of the control unit 10.

The control unit 10 includes a housing 11, within which is located a battery 12, which in one example is a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and a control circuit 13.

At least the cartridge 20 and the control unit 10 of the system 100 are portable. For example, when connected to each other, the cartridge 20 and the control unit 10 of the system 100 may have a size comparable to that of a conventional cigar or cigarette. For example, when connected to each other, the cartridge 20 and the control unit 10 of the system 100 are preferably sized and shaped to be held by the hand, and preferably sized and shaped to be held with one hand, such as between the fingers of a user.

The cartridge 20 includes a housing 21 containing a heating assembly 25 and a reservoir 24. The reservoir 24 holds the liquid or gel aerosol-forming substrate. The upper portion of the reservoir 24 is connected to the lower portion of the reservoir 24 shown in FIG. 1. Heating assembly 25 receives substrate from reservoir 24 and heats the substrate to generate steam, for example, comprising a resistive heating element coupled to controller 13 via electrical interconnections 26, 14 with the ability to receive power from battery 12. One side of heating assembly 25 is in communication fluidly with reservoir 24 (eg, via fluid passages 27) to receive the aerosol-forming substrate from reservoir 24, eg, by capillary action. The heating unit 25 is configured to heat the aerosol-forming substrate to generate an aerosol.

In the configuration shown, air flow path 23 passes through cartridge 20 from air inlet 15 (which may optionally be located between control unit 10 and cartridge 20), through heating assembly 25, and along path 23 through reservoir 24 to port 22 (air outlet) at the mouthpiece end. There are 21 cartridges in the casing. The system 100 is configured such that a user can puff through an opening 22 on the mouth end of the cartridge 20 to draw the aerosol into their mouth. In operation, when the user takes a puff through the mouth end opening 22, air is drawn into and through the air flow path 23 from the air inlet 15 and through the heating assembly 25, as shown by the dotted arrows in FIG. 1, and to hole 22 (air outlet) at the mouthpiece end. The control circuit 13 controls the supply of electrical power from the battery 12 to the cartridge 20 through electrical interconnections 14 (in the control unit 10) connected to electrical interconnections 26 (in the cartridge 20) when the system is activated. This, in turn, controls the amount and properties of steam produced by heating assembly 25. Control circuitry 13 may provide power to heating assembly 25 when a user takes a puff on cartridge 20, as detected by sensor 32. This type of control arrangement is common in aerosol generating devices. systems such as inhalers and electronic cigarettes. When the user takes a puff through the opening 22 at the mouth end of the cartridge 20, the heating assembly 25 is activated and generates steam that is entrained in the air flow passing through the air flow path 23. Optionally, the vapor is at least partially cooled within the airflow path 23 to form an aerosol within the airflow path, which is then drawn into the user's mouth through the mouthpiece end opening 22. In some configurations, the vapor is at least partially cooled in the user's mouth to form an aerosol in the user's mouth.

The tactile output element 30 may be connected to the cartridge 20 (as shown) or may be connected to the control unit 10. The tactile output element may be coupled to the control circuit 13 via an electrical interconnect 31. The sensor 32 may be coupled to the cartridge 20 or may be coupled to the control unit 10 (as shown). The sensor 32 may be coupled to the control circuit 13 via an electrical interconnect 33. The control circuit 13 may be configured to receive from the sensor 32 a time-dependent air flow signal that corresponds to a user's time-dependent tightening force on the air outlet 22 of the cartridge 20, and actuating the tactile output element 30 based on the time-dependent air flow signal. For example, the control circuit 13 may be configured to actuate, based on this time-dependent air flow signal, the tactile output element 30 at time-dependent frequencies or at time-dependent intervals during the user's puff.

The tactile output element 30 is configured to provide information to the user through the user's tactile sensations. In some configurations, the tactile output element 30 is selected from the group consisting of a mechanical actuator, a piezoelectric actuator, an electrical actuator, or a thermal output element. An example of a mechanical actuator is a vibration actuator. Examples of vibration actuators that may be suitably included in the tactile output element 30 include, but are not limited to, rotating eccentric weight actuators and linear resonant actuators. An example of an actuator with a rotating weight is an actuator with a brushless rotating eccentric weight. Examples of piezoelectric actuators that may be suitably included in the tactile output element 30 include, but are not limited to, piezoelectric disks, flexible piezoelectric elements, piezoelectric resonant elements, and electrovibratory elements. Examples of thermal output elements that may be suitably included in the tactile output element 30 include, but are not limited to, resistive heaters and thermoelectric elements (such as Peltier elements). It should be understood that the tactile output elements 30 may be located at any suitable portion of the aerosol generating system 100. For example, the tactile output element(s) 30 may be located at any suitable location of the control unit 10 or cartridge 20. for example, may be coupled to any suitable portion of the housing 11 or housing 21 so as to provide user perception on any suitable external portion of the cartridge 20 or control unit 10 or any other suitable portion of the system 100 that the user may touch , for example, with your lip, finger or palm during application.

Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of an alternative aerosol generating system 200 including a tactile output element 50, which accordingly may be configured similarly to the tactile output element 30 described with reference to FIG. 1, and a sensor 52, which may be configured similar to the sensor 32 described with reference to FIG. 1.

System 200 includes an aerosol generating device 30 having a housing 31 and an aerosol generating article 40, such as a tobacco stick. The aerosol-forming article 40 contains an aerosol-forming substrate 41 that is pressed into the housing 31 into thermal proximity with a portion of the heater 36. In response to heating by the heater 36, the aerosol-forming substrate 41 will release a number of volatile compounds at various temperatures.

Inside the housing 31 is a power source 32, such as a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The controller (control circuit) 33 is connected to the heater 36 via an electrical interconnect 34, to a power supply 32, to the tactile output element 50 via an electrical interconnect 51, and to the sensor 52 via an electrical interconnect 53. The controller 33 controls the power supplied to the heater 36 to regulate its temperature and actuates the tactile output element 50 at a time-dependent frequency or a time-dependent intensity, or both a time-dependent frequency and a time-dependent intensity, based on the time-dependent flow signal air from sensor 52 in the manner described elsewhere in this document. Typically, the aerosol-forming substrate is heated to a temperature of 250 to 450 degrees Celsius.

The aerosol generating device housing 31 defines a cavity open at the proximal end (or mouthpiece end) to accommodate the aerosol generating article 40 for consumption. Optionally, system 200 includes cavity element(s) 37 that, together with housing 31, form air inlet passages 38. The distal end of the cavity is covered by a heating unit containing a heater 36 and a heater mount 35. Heater 36 is held by heater mount 35 such that the active heating zone (heating portion) of heater 36 is located within the cavity. In one example, heater 36 has a through hole (not shown separately) through which heater mounting material 35 passes to further secure heater 36 in place. The active heating zone of the heater 36 is located within the distal end of the aerosol generating article 40 when the aerosol generating article 40 is completely located within the cavity. The heater support 35 may optionally be formed from polyetheretherketone and may be molded around the heater support portion. The heater 36 is optionally in the form of a blade ending in a point. That is, the heater 36 is optionally larger in length than its width, which in turn is larger than its thickness. The first and second faces of the heater 36 may be specified by the width and length of the heater.

An example of an aerosol generating article 40 shown in FIG. 2 can be described as follows. The aerosol generating article 40 includes three or more elements: an aerosol-generating substrate 41, an intermediate element 42, and a mouthpiece filter 43. These elements are arranged in series and in coaxial alignment and are assembled by cigarette paper (not shown separately) to form a rod. In one non-limiting configuration, when assembled, aerosol generating article 40 may be 45 millimeters in length and have a diameter of 7 millimeters, although it should be understood that any other suitable combination of sizes may be used.

The aerosol-forming substrate 41 optionally comprises a tow of corrugated molded sheet tobacco wrapped in filter paper (not shown) to form a rod. Molded leaf tobacco contains one or more aerosol formers, such as glycerin. The intermediate element 42 may be positioned directly adjacent to the aerosol-forming substrate 41. The intermediate element 42 may be configured to position the aerosol-forming substrate 41 toward the distal end of the article 40 so that it can be brought into contact with the heater 36. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate element 42 may be configured to suppress or prevent forced displacement of the aerosol-forming substrate 41 along the article 40 toward the mouthpiece when the heater 36 is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 41. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate member 42 may be configured to allow volatiles to be released from the aerosol-forming substrate 41 pass along the product to the mouthpiece filter 43. Volatile substances can cool inside the transfer section to form an aerosol. In one non-limiting configuration, intermediate member 42 may comprise or be formed from a cellulose acetate tube directly coupled to the aerosol-forming substrate. In one non-limiting configuration, the tube forms an opening with a diameter of 3 millimeters. Additionally or alternatively, the intermediate element 42 may comprise or be formed from an 18 millimeter long thin-walled tube directly connected to the mouthpiece filter 43. In one example configuration, intermediate member 42 contains both such tubes. The mouthpiece filter 43 is a conventional mouthpiece filter, for example formed from cellulose acetate and having a length of approximately 7.5 millimeters. The members 41, 42 and 43 are optionally assembled by tightly wrapping them in cigarette paper (not shown separately), such as standard cigarette paper of standard properties or classification. The paper in one particular embodiment is conventional cigarette paper. The boundary between the paper and each of the elements 41, 42, 43 defines the location of the elements and delimits the aerosol generating article 40.

When the aerosol-generating article 40 is pressed into the cavity, the wedge-shaped tip of the heater 36 is brought into contact with the aerosol-generating substrate 41. As a result of applying force to the aerosol-generating article 40, the heater 36 penetrates into the aerosol-generating substrate 41. When the aerosol-generating article 40 is properly installed, the heater 36 is inserted into the aerosol-forming substrate 42. When the heater 36 is activated, the aerosol-forming substrate 41 is heated and volatile substances are formed or released. As the user puffs through the mouthpiece filter 43, air is drawn into the aerosol generating article 40 through the air inlet ports 38 and volatiles condense to form a respirable aerosol. This aerosol passes through the mouthpiece filter 43 of the aerosol generating article 40 and enters the user's mouth.

It should be understood that in the aerosol generating systems provided herein, of which non-limiting examples include the aerosol generating system 100 described with reference to FIG. 1, and the aerosol generating system 200 described with reference to FIG. 2, the tactile output element may be coupled to any suitable element(s) of such a system. For example, in some configurations, the tactile output element 30 is optionally coupled to the housing 11 or to the housing 21 of the system 100. Additionally or alternatively, the tactile output element 30 is optionally located sufficiently close to the mouthpiece end opening 22 such that when the tactile output element is actuated by the user can feel this actuation with his lip(s) and, optionally, cannot feel this actuation with his palm or finger(s). For example, the tactile lead element 30 is optionally connected to the housing 21 at a position at or adjacent to the opening 21 at the mouthpiece end. Alternatively, the tactile output element 30 is not necessarily located far enough from the mouthpiece end opening 22 such that when the tactile output element is actuated, the user can feel the actuation with their palm or finger(s) and cannot feel the actuation. with your lip(s). For example, the tactile output element 30 is not necessarily located along the housing 11 or 21 in such a position. In other configurations, the tactile output element 30 is optionally positioned such that when the tactile output element is actuated, the user can feel the actuation with their palm or finger(s) and their lip(s). The tactile output element 50 may likewise be located at any suitable position of the system 200, such as connected to any suitable portion of the housing 31.

It is further understood that any suitable number of such tactile output elements may suitably be coupled to any suitable portion(s) of the aerosol generating system. For example, one tactile output element may be coupled to the housing of the aerosol generating system. As another example, more than one tactile output element may be coupled to the housing of the aerosol generating system. In various example configurations, two or more, three or more, four or more, five or more, or even ten or more tactile output elements may be coupled to the aerosol generating system housing.

By way of illustration, the proposed aerosol generating systems may be configured to actuate the tactile output element(s) so as to convey to the user an indication of the user's tightening force. For example, Fig. 3A is a schematic representation of an example of the time-dependent force of a user's puff on the air inlet of an aerosol generating system, such as at port 22 on the mouthpiece end of system 100 or at mouthpiece filter 43 of system 200. During a period of time t1 beginning when the user initiates his puff , the user's tightening force changes (eg increases) from zero to the first value. During each of the subsequent times t2, t3, t4, t5, t6, t7 and t8, the user's tightening force continues to increase. In the example shown, the user's tightening force reaches a maximum during time t8, after which the user's tightening force decreases in each of the subsequent times t9, t10. During the period of time t10, the user's tightening force decreases to zero, which corresponds to the user stopping his tightening.

Based on the time-dependent force of a particular puff, the air flow rate through the aerosol generating system may also be time-dependent. The air flow rate may, but does not necessarily have to, be linearly related to the user's tightening force. A sensor provided in the aerosol generating system may generate a signal corresponding to the air flow rate of the system, which in turn may correspond to a time-dependent puff force applied by the user. The circuitry is optionally configured to calculate, based on the time-dependent air flow signal, the speed of air flow through the air flow passage during a puff by the user. For example, the circuitry is optionally configured to actuate the tactile output element based on the calculated speed of air flow through the air flow passage during a user's puff.

By way of illustration, sensor 32 of system 100 or sensor 52 of system 200 may be configured to generate a time-dependent airflow signal corresponding to the time-dependent force of a user's puff on the air outlet of the aerosol generating system, such as at port 22 at the mouth end of the system. 100 or on the mouthpiece filter 43 of the system 200. As one example, sensor 32 or 52 is or includes a pressure sensor. Fig. 3B is a schematic diagram of an example of a time-dependent airflow signal corresponding to a user's time-dependent puff force shown in FIG. 3A. It is understood that the specific time-dependent shape and specific values of the time-dependent puff force and the time-dependent airflow signal may vary, and that FIG. 3A and 3B are for illustration purposes only. In the example shown, during a period of time t1 beginning when the user initiates his puff, the air flow signal changes (eg, increases) from zero to a first value. During each of the subsequent time periods t2, t3, t4, t5, t6, t7 and t8, the airflow signal continues to increase. In the example shown, the airflow signal reaches a maximum during time t8 (corresponding to the user's maximum draw force), after which the airflow signal decreases at each of the subsequent times t9, t10. During the period of time t10, the air flow signal decreases to zero, which corresponds to the user stopping his puff.

It should be noted that each puff performed by the user does not necessarily have the same time-dependent puff force and associated air flow signal as other puffs. For example, the time-dependent puff force and associated airflow signal may vary from puff to puff for a given user, e.g., may vary in one or both of the time-dependent puff force profile and associated airflow signal or the maximum puff force and associated signal air flow. Likewise, the time-dependent tightening force and the corresponding airflow signal may be different from the time-dependent tightening force and the corresponding airflow signal for other users. Typically, the time-dependent puff force and corresponding airflow signal may start at zero, increase to a maximum, and then decrease to zero. The increase to a maximum from zero may be monotonic or may be non-monotonic. Likewise, the decrease from maximum to zero may be monotonic or may be non-monotonic.

The aerosol generating system may include circuitry operatively coupled to a sensor, such as a pressure sensor, capable of receiving a time-dependent air flow signal during a puff being taken by the user. For example, control circuit 13 of system 100 may be operably coupled to sensor 32, or control circuit 33 of system 200 may be operably coupled to sensor 52 so as to respectively receive a time-dependent airflow signal from them. The circuitry may further be operatively coupled to the tactile output element and configured to actuate, based on a time-dependent air flow signal, the tactile output element at time-dependent frequencies or time-dependent intervals during a puff being performed by the user. For example, the circuitry may be configured to generate a time-dependent haptic output element actuation signal based on a time-dependent airflow signal received from the sensor.

Fig. 4A is a schematic diagram of an example of a time-dependent haptic output element actuation signal based on the time-dependent airflow signal shown in FIG. 3B. The time-dependent actuation signal shown in FIG. 4A may include or consist of a train of pulses 400, such as square wave voltage pulses, each of the pulses actuating the tactile output element in a predetermined manner. For example, each square wave may comprise a rising edge 402 and a falling edge 403. However, it should be understood that the time-dependent driving signal may have any suitable shape, for example, may include or consist of a train of sine wave pulses, each of the sine wave pulses actuates the tactile output element in a predetermined manner, similar to the square wave pulses 400 described with reference to FIG. 4A. The circuitry may generate time-dependent actuation signal pulses 400 based on the time-dependent airflow signal so as to actuate the tactile output element at time-dependent frequencies or time-dependent intervals during a user's puff. For example, the circuitry may be configured to actuate the tactile output element at shorter intervals or at higher frequencies during a user's puff based on an increase in the time-dependent airflow signal. Additionally or alternatively, the circuitry may be configured to actuate the tactile output element at longer intervals or at lower frequencies during a user's puff based on a decrease in the time-dependent airflow signal.

In a non-limiting example shown in FIG. 4A, pulses 400 are separated from each other by intervals 401 (eg, periods of sufficiently low voltage, such as zero voltage, that the tactile output element is not driven) that may vary in a time-dependent manner based on the time-dependent airflow signal. For example, the time-dependent length of the intervals 401 between pulses 400 may be inversely related (eg, linearly inversely) to the value of the time-dependent airflow signal. As such, increases in the time-dependent airflow signal cause decreases in the intervals 401, resulting in shorter times between pulses 400. As a non-limiting example, as the value of the time-dependent airflow signal shown in FIG. 3B, sequentially increases from t1 to t8, the length of the intervals 401 in the time-dependent actuation signal accordingly, and sequentially decreases from t1 to t8, resulting in sequentially shorter time intervals between pulses 400 from t1 to t8; likewise, as the value of the time-dependent airflow signal shown in FIG. 3B, sequentially decreases from t8 to t10, the length of the intervals 401 in the time-dependent actuation signal accordingly and sequentially increases from t8 to t10, resulting in sequentially longer time intervals between pulses 400 from t8 to t10.

The time-dependent actuation signal generated by the circuitry may actuate the tactile output element at time-dependent frequencies or time-dependent intervals during a user's puff. For example, Fig. 4B is a schematic diagram of an example of a time-dependent output signal of a tactile output element based on the time-dependent actuation signal shown in FIG. 4A. In a non-limiting example shown in FIG. 4B, the tactile output element is actuated based on a time-dependent actuation signal at time-dependent intervals during the user's tightening. For example, in response to the falling edge 403 of pulse 400 in the time-dependent actuation signal, the haptic output element may be actuated 410 for a predetermined period of time, for example, as in FIG. 4B is represented by a rising edge 412 followed by a falling edge 413. Actuations 410 are separated from each other by intervals 411 (eg, periods of inactivity) that may vary in a time-dependent manner based on a time-dependent actuation signal, and thus may vary in a time-dependent manner based on the time-dependent airflow signal.

For example, the time-dependent length of the intervals 411 between activations 410 may be directly related (eg, linear) to the intervals 401 between pulses of the time-dependent actuation signal. Essentially, increases in the time-dependent actuation signal cause increases in the intervals 401, resulting in shorter periods of time between actuations 410. For example, as the length of the time-dependent actuation signal intervals 401 shown in FIG. . 4A, sequentially decreases from t1 to t8, the length of the intervals 411 between actuations of the tactile output element respectively and sequentially decreases from t1 to t8, resulting in sequentially shorter time intervals between activations 410 from t1 to t8; likewise, as the length of the time-dependent actuation signal intervals 401 shown in FIG. 4A, sequentially decreases from t8 to t10, the lengths of the intervals 411 between activations 420 respectively and sequentially increase from t8 to t10, resulting in successively longer intervals between activations 410 from t8 to t10. In this example, the rates of activations 410 are constant. As such, more intense tightening by the user may result in shorter time intervals between activations 410 to provide feedback to the user about the strength of his or her tightening while tightening without increasing the intensity of the tactile feedback, thereby providing improved user sensations.

It should be noted that, in some circumstances, a particular actuation of a tactile output element may not necessarily overlap with a subsequent actuation of the tactile output element. For example, during the approximate interval t8, the tactile output element is actuated such that the first actuation 400' and the second actuation 400" overlap with each other, resulting in continued actuation 400', 400", the duration of which exceeds each individual of such activations.

Although in Fig. 4B, each actuation of a haptic output element 410 is shown as a square wave, it should be understood that each actuation of a given haptic output element may have any suitable time-dependent shape. That is, the rising edge 412 and falling edge 413 may have any suitable linear or non-linear shape. For example, certain types of haptic output elements, such as electrical, mechanical, or piezoelectric actuators configured to transmit information to a user via vibration, tapping, force, or electrical signal, may be actuated instantly or nearly instantaneously in response to a time-dependent signal. actuation and may cease actuation instantly or nearly instantaneously in response to a time-dependent actuation signal, providing actuation 410 which is a square wave. However, actuation and deactivation of other types of tactile output elements, such as thermal output elements configured to convey information to the user through a change in temperature (such as a heat pulse or a cold pulse), may occur more slowly, providing actuation 410. which is not a square wave.

In practice, any suitable type of tactile output element may be actuated using any suitable time-dependent actuation signal. For example, Fig. 4C is a schematic diagram of another example of a time-dependent output signal of a haptic output element based on a time-dependent actuation signal such as that shown in FIG. 4A. In the example shown in FIG. 4C, the tactile output element comprises a mechanical actuator or piezoelectric actuator that, when actuated 420 by a time-dependent actuating signal pulse 400, generates a predetermined number of vibration cycles 424. Actuations 420 are separated from each other by intervals 421 (eg, periods of inactivity) that may vary in a time-dependent manner based on a time-dependent actuation signal. For example, the time-dependent length of the intervals 421 between activations 420 may be directly related (eg, linear) to the intervals 401 between pulses of the time-dependent actuation signal. As such, increases in the time-dependent actuation signal cause increases in the intervals 401, resulting in shorter periods of time between actuations 420. For example, as the length of the time-dependent actuation signal intervals 401 shown in FIG. . 4A, sequentially decreases from t1 to t8, the length of the intervals 421 between actuations of the tactile output element respectively and sequentially decreases from t1 to t8, resulting in sequentially shorter time intervals between activations 420 from t1 to t8; likewise, as the length of the time-dependent actuation signal intervals 401 shown in FIG. 4A, sequentially decreases from t8 to t10, the lengths of the intervals 421 between activations 420 respectively and sequentially increase from t8 to t10, resulting in successively longer intervals between activations 420 from t8 to t10. In this example, the rates of actuations 420 are constant. As such, more intense tightening by the user may result in shorter time intervals between activations 420 to provide feedback to the user about the strength of his or her tightening while tightening without increasing the intensity of the tactile feedback, thereby providing improved user sensations. In one example configuration, the circuitry may be configured to begin actuating the tactile output element in response to a time-dependent airflow signal varying from zero to another value, which may correspond to a pressure drop. Additionally or alternatively, the circuitry may be configured to vary the actuation intervals of the tactile output element in response to a time-dependent airflow signal changing by or to a certain value, which may correspond to a change in the amount of pressure drop.

It should be understood that differences in timing between the time-dependent actuation signal pulses 400 provide only one example of how the actual actuation of a haptic output element may vary in a time-dependent manner. Other examples include changes in intensity or frequency, or intensity and frequency. For example, in non-limiting examples such as those described with reference to FIGS. 4A-4C, the intensity of each actuation 410, 420 of the haptic output element may optionally be based on the intensity of the corresponding time-dependent actuation signal pulse 400. For example, in FIG. 4A, each pulse 400 has the same or approximately the same intensity as any other pulse 400, and as a result, each actuation of the haptic output element 410, 420 has the same or approximately the same intensity as any other actuation 410 420. However, in other configurations, one or more of the pulses in the time-dependent actuation signal may have different intensities from each other. Optionally, at least some of the intensities of the pulse 400 may correspond to the values of the time-dependent airflow signal. Some or all of the actuations 410, 420 of the tactile output element may have different intensities from each other. Optionally, at least some of the actuation rates may correspond to the values of the time-dependent airflow signal.

For example, in FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of another example of a time-dependent actuation signal for a tactile output element based on the time-dependent air flow signal shown in FIG. 3B, and FIG. 5B-5G are schematic diagrams of various examples of time-dependent haptic output element outputs based on a time-dependent actuation signal such as that shown in FIG. 5A. In FIG. 5A, pulses 500 in the time-dependent actuation signal are spaced apart from each other by intervals 501 in the manner described above with reference to FIG. 4A. Additionally, the corresponding pulse intensities 500 may be based on the value of the time-dependent airflow signal. By way of illustration, the intensities of the pulses 500 may vary in a direct relationship (e.g., linear) with the value of the time-dependent airflow signal, such that increases in the time-dependent airflow signal cause corresponding increases in the pulses 500.

In some configurations, variations in the intensity of the time-dependent actuation signal, such as the intensities of successive pulses 500, may cause variations in the intensity of the time-dependent actuation of the haptic output element. In a non-limiting example shown in FIG. 5B, the tactile output element is actuated based on a time-dependent actuation signal at time-dependent intervals and at time-dependent intensities during a user's puff. For example, activations 510 may be separated from each other by intervals 511 (eg, periods of inactivity), which may vary in a time-dependent manner based on the time intervals in the time-dependent actuation signal as described above with reference to FIG. 4A and 4B. Additionally or alternatively, the actuators 510 may have intensities that may optionally vary in a time-dependent manner based on the intensities of the time-dependent actuation signal. For example, the intensities of the actuations 510 may be directly related (eg, in a linear direct relationship) with the intensities of the corresponding time-dependent actuation signal pulses 500. Essentially, increases in the time-dependent actuation signal cause increases in the intervals 501, resulting in shorter periods of time between activations 510. In FIG. 5B, both the interval 511 and the intensity of subsequent activations 510 vary based on corresponding variations in the interval 501 and the intensity of the pulses 500 in the time-dependent actuation signal. However, it should be understood that it is possible to vary any of such parameters (interval or intensity) of actuation of the tactile output element without varying any other of such parameters. In a non-limiting example shown in FIG. 5C, the tactile output element includes a mechanical actuator or piezoelectric actuator that, when actuated 520 by a time-dependent actuator signal pulse 500, generates a predetermined number of vibration cycles with an intensity corresponding to the intensity of said pulse 500. The interval 521 and the intensity of subsequent actuators in the action 520 of the tactile output element is based on the intervals 501 and intensities of subsequent pulses 500.

It should be understood that it is possible to vary any suitable parameter of the tactile output element over time based on the time-dependent airflow signal, without being limited by interval and intensity. It is further understood that it is possible to vary any such haptic output element actuation parameter with or without varying other such parameters. In a non-limiting example shown in FIG. 5D, the tactile output element is actuated based on a time-dependent actuation signal at a time-dependent frequency during a user's puff. In the example shown in FIG. 5D, the tactile output element comprises a mechanical actuator or piezoelectric actuator that, when actuated 530 by a time-dependent actuating signal pulse 500, generates vibration cycles at a time-dependent frequency. For example, the circuit may be configured to sequentially drive the haptic output element 530 at frequencies that are based on any suitable combination of one or more of the respective widths, shapes, or intensities of the sequential time-dependent actuation signal pulses 500. In one example configuration, the circuitry may be configured to begin actuating the tactile output element in response to a time-dependent airflow signal varying from zero to another value, which may correspond to a pressure drop. Additionally or alternatively, the circuitry may be configured to vary any suitable combination of intensity, frequency, and actuation intervals of the tactile output element in response to a time-dependent airflow signal changing by or changing to a certain value, which may correspond to a change in magnitude pressure drop. In FIG. 5D, the frequencies of the respective actuations 530 may be in a direct relationship (eg, a linear direct relationship) with the pulse intensities 500 of a time-dependent actuation signal, such as that shown in FIG. 5A. As such, increases in the intensity of the pulses 500 in the time-dependent actuation signal can cause higher frequency actuations 530. For example, as the intensity of the pulses 500 of the time-dependent actuation signal shown in FIG. 5A, increases sequentially from t1 to t8, the driving frequency of the tactile output element 530 respectively and increases sequentially from t1 to t8; likewise, as the intensity of the time-dependent actuation signal pulses 500 shown in FIG. 5A, is sequentially decreased from t8 to t10, the driving frequency of the tactile output element 530 is correspondingly decreased sequentially from t8 to t10. In this example, the intensities of the activations 530 are constant. As such, more intense tightening by the user may result in shorter time intervals between activations 530 to provide feedback to the user about the strength of his or her tightening while tightening without increasing the intensity of the tactile feedback, thereby providing an improvement. user sensations.

In other examples, any suitable combination of haptic output element actuation parameters may be varied. For example, in FIG. 5E, the circuit is configured to drive the tactile output element 540 with time-dependent intensities in the manner described with reference to FIG. 5B-5C, and at time-dependent frequencies in the manner described with reference to FIGS. 5D. As another example, in FIG. 5F, the circuit is configured to actuate the tactile output element 550 at time-dependent intervals in a manner as described with reference to FIG. 4B-4C, and at time-dependent frequencies in the manner described with reference to FIGS. 5D. In this example, the actuation rates 550 are constant. As such, more intense tightening by the user may result in shorter time intervals between activations 550 to provide feedback to the user about the strength of his or her tightening while tightening without increasing the intensity of the tactile feedback, thereby providing an improvement. user sensations. As another example, in FIG. The 5G circuit is configured to actuate the tactile output element 560 at time-dependent intervals in a manner as described with reference to FIG. 4B-4C, with time-dependent intensities in the manner described with reference to FIGS. 5B-5C, and at time-dependent frequencies in the manner described with reference to FIGS. 5D.

In some configurations, the proposed aerosol generating systems store multiple different profiles for driving the haptic output element. For example, the control circuit 13 or 33 may comprise or be coupled to a suitable computer readable memory configured to store such profiles. Each such profile may contain one or more different values, which, accordingly, may describe the parameter(s) for driving the tactile output element 30 or 50. As one example, one or more profiles may describe different intensities or different maximum intensities with which the tactile output element can be actuated. As another example, one or more profiles may describe different ratios between wait times. By way of illustration, the apparatus may be configured to determine specific wait times based on the detected puff intensity, which means that the wait time may be set by multiplying the detected puff intensity by a stored factor (such as a factor greater than one). A higher ratio means that the wait time will be changed by a larger amount based on a given intensity change. As another example, one or more profiles may describe different detected puff intensities. By way of illustration, the device may store a first profile for a relatively weak puff and a second, different profile for a relatively strong puff. The device may be configured to distinguish a relatively weak puff from a relatively strong puff based on the detected rate of change in the intensity of the puff. Other suitable profiles can be readily imagined based on the disclosure herein.

In some configurations, the proposed aerosol generating systems include an interface configured to allow a user to select from a number of different profiles for actuating the haptic output element. For example, the aerosol generating system 100 or 200 may optionally include a suitable wired or wireless communication interface (not shown separately) with which the system can communicate with another device, such as a smartphone. System 100 or 200 or a smartphone may include an interface allowing a user to select from a number of different profiles for actuating the haptic output element. The profiles may be stored in a smartphone or in computer readable memory (not shown separately) of the system 100 or 200. In one non-limiting example, the interface allows the user to set the intensity of actuation of the haptic output element, such as the intensity of vibration of the haptic output element. By way of illustration, the interface allows the user to enable or disable the tactile output element.

Additionally or alternatively, in some configurations, the proposed aerosol generating systems are optionally configured to download various profiles for driving the haptic output element from a remote server, for example, via a smartphone. The profiles may be stored in a smartphone or computer readable memory (not shown separately) of the system 100 or 200. The profiles may be stored in the smartphone or computer readable memory (not shown separately) of the system 100 or 200.

In FIG. 6 shows the flow of operations in an example method 60. Although the operations of method 60 are described with reference to elements of systems 100 and 200, it should be understood that these operations may be implemented by any other suitably designed systems.

Method 60 includes generating a time-dependent air flow signal corresponding to the time-dependent force of a user's puff on the air outlet of the aerosol generating device (61). The aerosol generating system may comprise an aerosol generating element configured to generate an aerosol using any suitable aerosol-forming substrate, such as a liquid, gel or solid. The time-dependent air flow signal may be generated by a sensor, such as a pressure sensor, located at any suitable location relative to the air outlet of the aerosol generating system. Non-limiting examples of aerosol generating devices that may include sensors are described herein, for example with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

Method 60 shown in FIG. 6 includes activating, based on a time-dependent airflow signal, a tactile output element at time-dependent frequencies or at time-dependent intervals during a puff (62) by the user. For example, in some configurations, such as those described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the tactile output element may be coupled to control circuitry of the aerosol generating system via a suitable communication channel. Any other suitable circuitry coupled to the tactile output element may be provided.

Although some configurations of the invention have been described in relation to a system comprising a control unit and a separate but attachable cartridge, it should be understood that the elements may suitably be provided in an integral aerosol generating system.

It should also be clear that alternative configurations are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, the proposed haptic output elements may be suitably incorporated into any type of device or system and are not limited to use in aerosol generating devices and systems. By way of illustration, the proposed haptic output elements may be included in medical devices, smartphones, or the like.

Claims (15)

1. An aerosol generating device comprising a casing containing an air inlet, an air outlet and an air flow passage extending between them, an aerosol generating element located inside the air flow passage and configured to generate an aerosol, a sensor connected to the casing and configured to generate a time-dependent air flow signal corresponding to a user's time-dependent puff force on the air outlet, a tactile output member coupled to the housing, and circuitry operably coupled to the sensor to receive the time-dependent air flow signal during a user puff, wherein the circuitry is further operably coupled to the tactile output element and configured to actuate, based on the time-dependent airflow signal, the tactile output element at time-dependent frequencies or at time-dependent intervals during a puff by the user. 2. The aerosol generating device of claim 1, wherein the circuitry is configured to actuate the tactile output element at a constant intensity during a puff by the user. 3. The aerosol generating device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the circuitry is further configured to calculate, based on the time-dependent air flow signal, the speed of air flow through the air flow passage during a puff by the user. 4. The aerosol generating device of claim 3, wherein the circuitry is configured to actuate the tactile output element based on a calculated velocity of air flow through the air flow passage during a user's puff. 5. The aerosol generating device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the circuitry is configured to actuate the tactile output element during a puff by the user so as to shorten the intervals between successive activations of the tactile output element or increase the frequency of actuation of the tactile output element with increasing time-dependent airflow signal. 6. An aerosol generating device according to any one of paragraphs. 1-4, in which the circuit is configured to actuate the tactile output element during a user's tightening so as to increase the intervals between successive activations of the tactile output element or reduce the frequency of actuation of the tactile output element with a decrease in the time-dependent flow signal air. 7. The aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the tactile output element comprises a mechanical actuator or a piezoelectric actuator. 8. The aerosol generating device according to claim 7, wherein the mechanical actuator comprises a linear resonant actuator or an actuator with a rotating eccentric weight. 9. The aerosol generating device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air flow sensor comprises a pressure sensor. 10. The aerosol generating device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tactile output element is positioned such that the user's lips can sense actuation of the tactile output element. 11. The aerosol generating device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tactile output element is located such that one or more of the user's fingers can sense activation of the tactile output element. 12. The aerosol generating device of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an interface configured to allow a user to select a haptic feedback profile. 13. An aerosol generating device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the aerosol generating element comprises a heater. 14. An aerosol generating system comprising an aerosol generating device according to any of the preceding claims and an aerosol generating substrate, wherein the aerosol generating substrate contains nicotine. 15. A method of generating an output signal in an aerosol generating device comprising a housing comprising an air inlet, an air outlet and an air flow passage extending therebetween, and an aerosol generating element located within the housing and configured to generate an aerosol, the method including generating a time-dependent an air flow signal corresponding to a time-dependent puffing force of the user on the air outlet, and activating, based on the time-dependent air flow signal, a tactile output element at time-dependent frequencies or at time-dependent intervals during the user's puffing.