RU2821389C1 - Measurement of air flow, detection of puff and monitoring of ambient temperature using thermal anemometer - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: smoking accessories.

SUBSTANCE: group of inventions relates to the tobacco industry, in particular to devices simulating the tobacco smoking process. To implement the method for controlling a thermal anemometer (HWA) of a device for electronic vaping of nicotine, the power level supplied by the device for electronic vaping of nicotine on the HWA is controlled by a first PID controller, based on the temperature of the heated element HWA and the temperature setpoint. Puff detection signal is generated, indicating whether a puff is currently taking place relative to the device for electronic vaping of nicotine. While the puff detection signal indicates that the puff is not currently taking place relative to the electronic vaping device, ambient temperature change HWA is detected by means of the second PID controller. Second PID controller controls the temperature setpoint so that the temperature setpoint changes in response to the detected change in the ambient temperature of the HWA. Device for electronic vaping of nicotine contains part for storage of finished composition containing nicotine for steam, heater configured to generate steam, thermal anemometer (HWA). First PID controller is configured to control the level of power supplied by the device for electronic vaping of nicotine to the HWA. Puff detection signal generator is configured to generate a puff detection signal. Second PID controller is configured so that while the puff detection signal indicates that the puff is not currently taking place relative to the electronic vaping device, the second PID controller detects the change in the ambient temperature of the HWA and controls the temperature setpoint so that the temperature setpoint changes in response to the detected change in the ambient temperature of the HWA.

EFFECT: higher efficiency of control over heating temperature.

18 cl, 33 dwg

Description

The present invention relates to electronic nicotine vaping devices, including stand-alone products, including nicotine-containing pre-formulated vapor formulations.

Electronic nicotine vaping devices are used to vaporize nicotine-containing material of a ready-made vapor formulation into nicotine vapor. These electronic nicotine vaping devices may be called e-nicotine vaping devices. E-nicotine vaping devices contain a heater that vaporizes the nicotine-containing vapor formulation material to produce nicotine vapor. A nicotine e-vaping device may comprise multiple e-vaping elements, including a power source, an e-vaping cartridge or container including a heater, and a reservoir configured to hold the nicotine-containing material of the finished vapor formulation.

According to at least some exemplary embodiments, a method of controlling a hot-wire anemometer (HWA) of an e-nicotine vaping device includes controlling, by a first PID controller, a power level supplied by the e-nicotine vaping device to the HWA based on the temperature of a heated element of the HWA and temperature settings; generating a puff detection signal indicating whether or not a puff is currently being taken relative to the e-nicotine vaping device; and while the puff detection signal indicates that no puff is currently being taken relative to the nicotine e-vaping device, detecting, by the second PID controller, a change in the ambient temperature of the HWA; and controlling, by the second PID controller, the temperature setpoint such that the temperature setpoint changes in response to a detected change in the ambient temperature of the HWA.

Controlling the power level supplied by the e-nicotine vaping device to the HWA may include generating, by the first PID controller, a drive signal setpoint, wherein the power level supplied by the e-nicotine vaping device to the HWA is based on the drive signal setpoint. .

The method may further include, while the puff detection signal indicates that a puff is currently taking place relative to the nicotine e-vaping device, determining the speed of air flow flowing around the HWA based on the drive signal setpoint.

Generating the puff detection signal may include determining a gradient of the drive signal setpoint; and generating a puff detection signal based on the determined gradient of the drive signal set value.

The method may further include generating a pulse width modulated (PWM) drive signal based on a drive signal setting value; and supplying power to the HWA by supplying a PWM drive signal to the HWA.

Generating the PWM drive signal may include generating a PWM drive signal such that the PWM duty cycle is controlled based on a setting value of the drive signal.

Generating the drive signal setpoint may include generating, by the first PID controller, a drive signal setpoint based on a difference between the temperature of the HWA heated element and the temperature setpoint.

Detecting a change in the HWA ambient temperature may include detecting, by the second PID controller, a change in the HWA ambient temperature based on a difference between a drive signal setpoint and a drive signal setpoint.

Detecting a change in the HWA ambient temperature may include detecting, by the second PID controller, a change in the HWA ambient temperature based on a difference between a drive signal setpoint and a drive signal setpoint.

Controlling the temperature setpoint may include increasing, by the second PID controller, the temperature setpoint in response to detecting an increase in the HWA ambient temperature; and decreasing, by the second PID controller, the temperature setpoint in response to detecting a decrease in the HWA ambient temperature.

According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the nicotine e-vaping device comprises a nicotine-containing vapor formulation storage portion for storing a nicotine-containing vapor formulation; a heater configured to generate nicotine vapor by heating the nicotine-containing vapor formulation; hot-wire anemometer (HWA); a first PID controller configured to control the level of power supplied by the e-nicotine vaping device to the HWA based on the temperature of the HWA heated element and a temperature setpoint; a puff detection signal generator configured to generate a puff detection signal indicating whether or not a puff is currently being taken relative to the e-nicotine vaping device; and a second PID controller configured such that while the puff detection signal indicates that no puff is currently taking place relative to the e-nicotine vaping device, the second PID controller detects a change in the ambient temperature of the HWA and the second PID controller controls the temperature setpoint so that the temperature setpoint changes in response to a detected change in HWA ambient temperature.

The first PID controller may be configured to control a power level supplied by the e-nicotine vaping device to the HWA by generating a drive signal setpoint, wherein the power level supplied by the e-nicotine vaping device to the HWA is based on the drive signal setpoint. .

The second PID controller may be further configured to determine the rate of air flow flowing around the HWA based on the drive signal setpoint while the puff detection signal indicates that a puff is currently taking place relative to the e-nicotine vaping device.

The puff detection signal generator is configured to determine a gradient of the drive signal set value and generate a puff detection signal based on the determined gradient of the drive signal set value.

The e-nicotine vaping device may further comprise a drive signal generator configured to generate a pulse width modulated (PWM) drive signal based on the drive signal set value and supply power to the HWA by supplying the PWM drive signal to the HWA.

The drive signal generator may be configured to control the duty cycle of the PWM drive signal based on a drive signal setting value.

The first PID controller may be configured to generate a drive signal set value based on a difference between the temperature of the heated element HWA and the temperature set point.

The second PID controller may be configured to detect a change in the ambient temperature of the HWA based on a difference between the drive signal setpoint and the drive signal setpoint.

The second PID controller may be configured to detect a change in the ambient temperature of the HWA based on a difference between the drive signal setpoint and the drive signal setpoint.

The second PID controller may be configured to control the temperature setpoint by increasing the temperature setpoint in response to detecting an increase in the HWA ambient temperature and decreasing the temperature setpoint in response to detecting a decrease in the HWA ambient temperature.

Various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodiments herein may become more apparent when the detailed description is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying graphics are presented for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as limiting the scope of the claims. The accompanying graphics should not be considered to be to scale unless expressly indicated. Various image sizes may have been enlarged for clarity.

In fig. 1 is a front view of an e-nicotine vaping device according to an exemplary embodiment.

In fig. 2 is a side view of the e-nicotine vaping device of FIG. 1.

In fig. 3 shows a rear view of the e-nicotine vaping device of FIG. 1.

In fig. 4 is a view of the proximal end of the e-nicotine vaping device of FIG. 1.

In fig. 5 is a view of the distal end of the e-nicotine vaping device of FIG. 1.

In fig. 6 is a perspective view of the e-nicotine vaping device of FIG. 1.

In fig. 7 is an enlarged view of the inlet opening of the accommodating member shown in FIG. 6.

In fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the e-nicotine vaping device of FIG. 6.

In fig. 9 is a perspective view of the main part of the device representing the e-nicotine vaping device of FIG. 6.

In fig. 10 is a front view of the main part of the device of FIG. 9.

In fig. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the through hole of FIG. 10.

In fig. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the electrical connector of the device of FIG. 10.

In fig. 13 is a perspective view of the housing assembly of the e-nicotine vaping device of FIG. 6.

In fig. 14 is another perspective view of the housing assembly of FIG. 13.

In fig. 15 is a partial exploded view of the housing assembly of FIG. 13.

In fig. 16 is a perspective view of the connection module of FIG. 15.

In fig. 17 is another perspective view of the connection module of FIG. 15.

In fig. 18 is a perspective view of the connection module of FIG. 17 without wick and heater.

In fig. 19 is an exploded view of the connection module of FIG. 18.

In fig. 20 is another exploded view of the connection module of FIG. 18.

In fig. 21A is a diagram of an apparatus system of a main apparatus according to an example embodiment.

In fig. 21B illustrates an example of a microprocessor according to an example embodiment.

In fig. 22A is a diagram of a housing system for a housing assembly according to an example embodiment.

In fig. 22B illustrates an example of the containment system of FIG. 22A, in which the cryptographic coprocessor is omitted according to the example embodiment.

In fig. 23 shows a housing system coupled to a device system according to an example embodiment.

In fig. 24A-24D depict example implementations of a heated element included in the hot-wire anemometer (HWA) of the accommodating element systems of FIGS. 22A according to an example embodiment.

In fig. 25A is a diagram of an internal PID control loop according to an example embodiment.

In fig. 25B-25D illustrate example waveforms of the pulse width modulation (PWM) drive signal of FIG. 25A.

In fig. 26 is a diagram of an external PID control loop according to an example embodiment.

In fig. 27 is a block diagram showing an operation method of an HWA according to an example embodiment.

It should be understood that if an element or layer is designated as being "located on, connected to, connected to, or covering" another element or layer, it may be directly located on, connected to, or connected to another element or layer. , associated with it or may cover it, or intermediate elements or layers may be present. Conversely, if an element is designated as “directly located on, “directly connected to,” or “directly associated with” another element or layer, then there are no intervening elements or layers. Like numbers refer to like items throughout the description.

It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, elements, regions, layers or sections, these elements, elements, regions, layers or sections should not be limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one element, element, area, layer or section from another area, layer or section. Thus, the first element, element, region, layer or section described below may be referred to as the second element, element, region, layer or section without deviating from the ideas of the example embodiments.

Terms of relative spatial location (e.g., “below”, “under”, “lower”, “above”, “upper”, etc.) may be used herein for the purpose of simplifying description to reveal the relationship of one element or feature to another. element or feature as illustrated in the drawings. It should be understood that the terms of relative spatial arrangement are intended to cover various orientations of the device during use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawings. For example, if the device in the drawings is inverted, then elements described as being "under" or "below" other elements or features will appear to be located "above" the other elements or features. Therefore, the preposition “under” can imply a position either above or below. The device may be oriented differently (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and words used herein to define relative spatial arrangement will be interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is intended to describe various embodiments only and is not intended to limit exemplary embodiments. For the purposes of this document, it is intended that the use of singular forms does not exclude plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the terms “includes,” “comprising,” “contains,” and “comprising,” when used herein, indicate the presence of the claimed features, units, steps, operations, elements, or elements, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more than other characteristics, units, stages, operations, elements, elements and their groups.

Exemplary embodiments are described herein with reference to cross-sectional drawings, which are schematic representations of idealized embodiments (and intermediate structures) of exemplary embodiments. Thus, one should expect changes in the shapes of these images depending, for example, on manufacturing techniques or tolerances. Therefore, exemplary embodiments should not be considered limited to the shapes of the regions depicted herein, but should include variations in shape that are due, for example, to the manufacturing process. The areas illustrated in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes are not intended to illustrate the actual shape of a device area, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by one skilled in the art to which the exemplary embodiments relate. It will also be understood that terms, including those defined in generally accepted dictionaries, should be interpreted to have a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and should not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined herein .

The term “e-nicotine vaping device” as used herein may sometimes be referred to and considered synonymous with any of the terms “electronic nicotine vaping device,” “electronic nicotine vaping device,” and “e-nicotine vaping device.”

In fig. 1 is a front view of an e-nicotine vaping device according to an exemplary embodiment. In fig. 2 is a side view of the e-nicotine vaping device of FIG. 1. In FIG. 3 shows a rear view of the e-nicotine vaping device of FIG. 1. With reference to FIG. 1-3, the e-nicotine vaping device 500 includes a device body 100 configured to receive a housing assembly 300. The housing assembly 300 is a modular unit configured to hold a nicotine-containing vapor formulation. A “nicotine vapor preparation” is a material or combination of materials that can be converted into nicotine vapor. For example, the nicotine-containing vapor formulation may be at least one of a liquid, solid, or gel formulation including, but not limited to, water, granules, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol, plant extracts, natural or artificial flavors, vaporizers such as glycerin and propylene glycol, and combinations thereof. During vaping, the e-nicotine vaping device 500 is adapted to heat the nicotine-containing vapor formulation to generate nicotine vapor. As referred to herein, "vapor" is any substance generated or released from any e-nicotine vaping device according to any of the exemplary embodiments disclosed herein.

The device main body 100 includes a front cover 104, a frame 106, and a rear cover 108. The front cover 104, frame 106, and rear cover 108 form a device housing that encloses mechanical components, electronic components, and circuitry associated with the operation of the electronic device 500. nicotine vaping. For example, the device housing of the device main body 100 may include a power source configured to supply power to the e-nicotine vaping device 500, which may include supplying electrical current to the housing assembly 300. In addition, when assembled, the front cover 104, frame 106, and back cover 108 may comprise the majority of the visible portion of the main body 100 of the device.

A primary opening is formed in the front cover 104 (e.g., the first cover) configured to receive a landing structure 112. The landing structure 112 defines a through opening 150 configured to receive a housing assembly 300. The through opening 150 is discussed in more detail herein. combination, for example, with FIG. 9.

The front cover 104 also has a secondary opening configured to receive a light guide device. The secondary opening may resemble a groove (eg, a segmented groove), although other shapes are possible depending on the shape of the light guide fixture. In an exemplary embodiment, the light guide device includes a light guide lens 116. In addition, a tertiary opening and a quaternary opening are formed in the front cover 104 configured to receive a first button 118 and a second button 120. Each of the tertiary opening and the quaternary opening may resemble a rounded square, although Other shapes are possible depending on the shape of the buttons. The first button housing 122 is configured to expose the first button lens 124, while the second button housing 123 is configured to expose the second button lens 126.

Operation of the e-nicotine vaping device 500 may be controlled by a first button 118 and a second button 120. For example, the first button 118 may be a power button and the second button 120 may be an intensity button. Although the graphics show two buttons in combination with a light guide fixture, it should be understood that more (or fewer) buttons may be provided depending on the available elements and the desired user interface.

The frame 106 (eg, the main frame) provides a central support structure for the main device body 100 (and the e-nicotine vaping device 500 as a whole). The frame 106 may be referred to as a base. Frame 106 includes a proximal end, a distal end, and a pair of side sections between the proximal end and the distal end. The proximal end and the far end may also be referred to as the downstream end and the upstream end, respectively. As used herein, the term "near" (and conversely, "far") is used to refer to an adult vaper while vaping, and "downstream" (and conversely, "upstream") refers to the flow nicotine vapor. A connecting section may be provided between opposing inner surfaces of the side sections (eg, approximately midway along the length of frame 106) for added strength and stability. The frame 106 may be formed as a single unit to be a monolithic structure.

In terms of material of construction, the frame 106 may be formed from an alloy or plastic. The alloy (eg, die-cast, machineable) may be an aluminum (Al) alloy or a zinc (Zn) alloy. The plastic may be polycarbonate (PC), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), or a combination of both (PC/ABS). For example, the polycarbonate may be LUPOY SC1004A. Moreover, the frame 106 may be provided with a surface finish for at least one of functional and aesthetic reasons (eg, to provide a high-quality appearance). In an exemplary embodiment, frame 106 (eg, when formed from an aluminum alloy) may be anodized. In another embodiment, the frame 106 (eg, when formed from a zinc alloy) may be hard enamel coated or painted. In another embodiment, the frame 106 (eg, when formed from polycarbonate) may be metallized. In yet another embodiment, the frame 106 (eg, when formed from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) may be provided with an electrolytic coating. It should be understood that the materials of construction specified with respect to the frame 106 may also be applicable to at least one of the front cover 104, the back cover 108, and other corresponding parts of the e-nicotine vaping device 500.

The rear cover 108 (eg, the second cover) also has an opening configured to receive the landing structure 112. The front cover 104 and the rear cover 108 may be configured to engage the frame 106 through a snap-on arrangement.

The device body 100 also includes a mouthpiece 102. The mouthpiece 102 may be attached to a proximal end of the frame 106.

In fig. 4 is a view of the proximal end of the e-nicotine vaping device of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of steam outlet holes are formed on the outlet surface of the mouthpiece 102. In a non-limiting embodiment, the outlet surface of the mouthpiece 102 may be elliptical in shape.

In fig. 5 is a view of the distal end of the e-nicotine vaping device of FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 5, the distal end of the e-nicotine vaping device 500 includes a port 110. The port 110 is configured to receive electrical current (eg, via a USB cable) from an external power source to charge an internal power supply within the e-nicotine vaping device 500. In addition, port 110 may also be configured to send data, receive data (eg, via a USB cable), or send or receive data to another e-nicotine vaping device or other electronic device (eg, phone, tablet, computer). data from it. In addition, the e-nicotine vaping device 500 may be configured to communicate wirelessly with another electronic device, such as a telephone, using an application program installed on the electronic device. In such a case, the adult vaper can control or otherwise interact with the e-nicotine vaping device 500 (e.g., locate the e-nicotine vaping device 500, check usage information, change operating parameters) through the application.

In fig. 6 is a perspective view of the e-nicotine vaping device of FIG. 1. In FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the inlet opening of the accommodating member shown in FIG. 6. With reference to FIG. 6-7 and as briefly discussed above, the e-nicotine vaping device 500 includes a housing assembly 300 configured to hold a nicotine-containing vapor formulation. The housing assembly 300 has an upstream end (which faces the light guide device) and a downstream end (which faces the mouthpiece 102). In a non-limiting embodiment, the upstream end is the opposite surface of the housing assembly 300 from the downstream end. A housing inlet 322 is formed at the upstream end of the housing assembly 300. A through hole is formed in the device body 100 (e.g., the through hole 150 of FIG. 9) configured to accommodate a housing assembly 300. In an exemplary embodiment, the seating structure 112 of the device body 100 defines a through hole and includes an upstream rim flow As shown in particular in FIG. 7, the upstream rim of the seating structure 112 is angled (eg, recessed) such that the accommodating member inlet 322 is visible when the accommodating member assembly 300 is seated within the through opening of the device body 100.

For example, rather than following the contour of the front cover 104 (to be relatively flush with the front surface of the accommodating element assembly 300 and therefore concealing the accommodating element inlet 322), the upstream rim of the seating structure 112 is shaped like a scoop adapted direct ambient air into the accommodating element inlet 322. This corner/scoop configuration may help reduce or prevent blockage of the air inlet (eg, accommodating member inlet 322) of the e-nicotine vaping device 500. The depth of the scoop may be such that less than half (eg, less than a quarter) of the upstream end surface of the accommodating element assembly 300 is visible. Additionally, in a non-limiting embodiment, the accommodating element inlet 322 is in the form of a groove. In addition, if the device body 100 is considered to extend in a first direction, then the groove may be considered to extend in a second direction, the second direction being transverse to the first direction.

In fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the e-nicotine vaping device of FIG. 6. In FIG. 8 the section is made along the longitudinal axis of the device 500 for e-nicotine vaping. As shown, the device body 100 and housing assembly 300 contain mechanical components, electronic components, and circuitry associated with the operation of the e-nicotine vaping device 500, which are discussed in more detail herein and are incorporated herein by reference. For example, the housing assembly 300 may include mechanical components operable to release a nicotine-containing vapor formulation from a sealed reservoir located within. The accommodating element assembly 300 may also have mechanical components configured to engage the device body 100 to facilitate insertion and seating of the accommodating element assembly 300.

Additionally, the housing assembly 300 may be a "smart housing" that contains at least one of electronic components and circuitry configured to store, receive, or transmit information to, from, or to the device main body 100. part 100 of the device and from it. Such information may be used to authenticate the housing assembly 300 for use with the device body 100 (eg, to prevent the use of an unapproved/counterfeit housing assembly). Additionally, the information may be used to identify the type of housing assembly 300, which is then correlated with a hover profile based on the identified type. A vaping profile may be designed to set general parameters for heating the nicotine-containing finished vapor formulation and may be tuned, refined, or otherwise adjusted by the adult vaper prior to vaping, during vaping, or before and during vaping.

The housing assembly 300 may also exchange other information with the device body 100 that may relate to the operation of the e-nicotine vaping device 500. Examples of relevant information may include at least one of the level of nicotine-containing vapor formulation within the housing assembly 300 and the amount of time that has elapsed since the housing assembly 300 was inserted into the device body 100 and activated.

The device body 100 may include mechanical components (e.g., complementary structures) configured to engage, retain, and activate the accommodating member assembly 300. In addition, the device body 100 may include at least one of electronic components and circuits configured to receive electrical current to charge an internal power source (eg, a battery), which in turn is configured to supply power to the housing assembly 300 during vaping. In addition, the device body 100 may include at least one of electronic components and circuitry configured to communicate with at least one of the housing assembly 300, other e-nicotine vaping devices, other electronic devices (e.g., phones, tablets, computers) and adult vapers.

In fig. 9 is a perspective view of the main part of the device representing the e-nicotine vaping device of FIG. 6. As shown in FIG. 9, the seat structure 112 of the device main body 100 defines a through hole 150. The through hole 150 is configured to receive a housing assembly 300. To facilitate insertion and seating of the housing assembly 300, an upstream rim of the seat structure 112 is located within the through hole 150. includes a first upstream projection 128a and a second upstream projection 128b.

A first downstream opening, a second downstream opening, and a third downstream opening may be formed in the downstream side wall of the landing structure 112. A retaining structure comprising a first downstream projection 130a and a second downstream projection 130b engages the seating structure 112 such that the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b protrude. respectively, through the first downstream opening and the second downstream opening of the landing structure 112 and into the through hole 150.

In fig. 10 is a front view of the main part of the device of FIG. 9. As shown in FIG. 10, the device body 100 includes an electrical device connector 132 located on the upstream side of the through hole 150. The device body connector 132 of the device body 100 is configured to be electrically connected to a housing assembly 300 that is seated within the through hole 150. As a result, power can be supplied from the device main body 100 to the housing assembly 300 through the device electrical connector 132 during vaping. In addition, data may be sent, received, or sent to and received from the device main body 100 and the housing assembly 300 through the device electrical connector 132.

In fig. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the through hole of FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 11, the first upstream protrusion 128a, the second upstream protrusion 128b, the first downstream protrusion 130a, the second downstream protrusion 130b, and the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 protrude into the through hole 150. In an example In an embodiment, the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b are stationary structures (eg, stationary hinges), while the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b are compliant structures (for example, retractable elements). For example, the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b may be configured (eg, spring-loaded) to default to the retracted state and also be configured to temporarily transition to the retracted state (and back to extended state) to facilitate insertion of the housing assembly 300.

In fig. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the electrical contacts of the device of FIG. 10. The electrical contacts of the device main body 100 are configured to engage with the electrical contacts of the accommodating member assembly 300 when the accommodating member assembly 300 is seated within the through hole 150 of the device main body 100. As shown in FIG. 12, the device electrical contacts of the device main body 100 include a device electrical connector 132. The device electrical connector 132 includes power contacts and data contacts. The power contacts of the device electrical connector 132 are configured to supply power from the device body 100 to the housing assembly 300. As depicted, the power contacts of the device electrical connector 132 include a first pair of power contacts and a second pair of power contacts (which are positioned to be closer to the front cover 104 than to the rear cover 108). The first pair of power contacts (eg, the pair adjacent to the first upstream projection 128a) may be a single integral structure that is distinct from the second pair of power contacts and which, when assembled, includes two projections that extend into the through hole 150 Likewise, the second pair of power contacts (eg, the pair adjacent to the second upstream protrusion 128b) may be a single integral structure that is distinct from the first pair of power contacts and which, when assembled, comprises two protruding portions that extend into the through portion. opening 150. The first pair of power contacts and the second pair of power contacts of the electrical device connector 132 may be movably mounted and offset to engage in the default through-hole 150 and retract (e.g., independently) from the through-hole 150 when subjected to a force. which overcomes the displacement.

In fig. 13 is a perspective view of the housing assembly of the e-nicotine vaping device of FIG. 6. In FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the housing assembly of FIG. 13.

In fig. 13 is a perspective view of the housing assembly of the e-nicotine vaping device of FIG. 6. In FIG. 14 is another perspective view of the housing assembly of FIG. 13. With reference to FIG. 13 and 14, the housing assembly 300 of the e-nicotine vaping device 500 includes a housing body portion configured to hold a nicotine-containing vapor formulation. Thus, the housing assembly 300 is an example of the nicotine-containing vapor formulation storage portion of the e-nicotine vaping device 500. The main body of the accommodating element has an upstream end and a downstream end. At the upstream end of the main body of the accommodating element, a accommodating element inlet 322 is formed. At the downstream end of the main body of the accommodating element, a accommodating element outlet 304 is formed, which is in fluid communication with the accommodating element inlet 322 at the upstream end. During vaping, air enters the accommodating element assembly 300 through the accommodating element inlet 322, and steam exits the accommodating element assembly 300 through the accommodating element outlet 304. The accommodating element inlet 322 is shown in the drawings in the form of a groove. However, it should be understood that the exemplary embodiments are not limited to this and that other forms are possible.

The housing assembly 300 includes a connection module 320 (eg, FIG. 16) that is located within the main body of the housing and is visible through openings at the upstream end. The outer surface of the connection module 320 contains at least one electrical contact. The at least one electrical contact may comprise multiple power contacts. For example, the multiple power contacts may include a first power contact 324a and a second power contact 324b. The first power contact 324a of the housing assembly 300 is configured to be electrically coupled to a first power contact (eg, a power contact adjacent to the first upstream protrusion 128a of FIG. 12) of the electrical device connector 132 of the device body 100. Likewise, the second power contact 324b of the housing assembly 300 is configured to be electrically coupled to a second power contact (eg, a power contact adjacent to the second upstream protrusion 128b of FIG. 12) of the electrical device connector 132 of the device body 100. In addition, at least one electrical contact of the housing assembly 300 contains multiple data contacts 326. A plurality of data contacts 326 of the accommodating element assembly 300 are configured to be electrically connected to the data contacts of the device electrical connector 132 (eg, the row of five raised portions of FIG. 12). Although two power contacts and five data contacts are shown in connection with the housing assembly 300, it should be understood that other variations are possible depending on the design of the device body 100.

In an exemplary embodiment, the housing assembly 300 includes a front surface, a rear surface opposite the front surface, a first side surface between the front surface and a rear surface, a second side surface opposite the first side surface, an upstream end surface, and a downstream end surface. in the flow direction, an end surface opposite to the end surface located earlier in the flow direction. Side and end surface angles (e.g., angle of first side surface and upstream end surface, angle of upstream end surface and second side surface, angle of second side surface and downstream end surface, angle of downstream end surface along the flow of the end surface and the first side surface) can be rounded. However, in some cases the corners may be sharp. In addition, the peripheral edge of the front surface may be in the form of a shoulder. The outer surface of the connection module 320 (which is visible through the main body of the housing) may be considered part of the upstream end surface of the housing assembly 300. The front surface of the housing assembly 300 may be wider and longer than the rear surface. In such a case, the first side surface and the second side surface may be inclined inwardly towards each other. The upstream end surface and the downstream end surface can also be inclined inwardly towards each other. Due to the angled surfaces, insertion of the housing assembly 300 will be unidirectional (eg, from the front side (the side associated with the front cover 104) of the device body 100). As a result, the possibility of incorrect insertion of the accommodating member assembly 300 into the device body 100 can be reduced or prevented.

As depicted, the housing main body for the housing assembly 300 includes a first housing section 302 and a second housing section 308. The first housing section 302 has a downstream end at which a housing outlet 304 is formed. The rim of the accommodating member outlet 304 may optionally be a recessed or depressed area. In such a case, this area may resemble a vault, wherein the side of the rim adjacent to the rear surface of the housing assembly 300 may be open, while the side of the rim adjacent to the front surface may be surrounded by a raised portion of the downstream end of the first sections 302 of the casing. The raised portion may function as a stop for the distal end of the mouthpiece 102. As a result, this configuration of the accommodating member outlet 304 may facilitate positioning and alignment of the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 (e.g., FIG. 11) through the open side of the rim and its subsequent seating on the raised portion of the distal portion. along the flow path of the end of the first casing section 302. In a non-limiting embodiment, the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 may also comprise (or be formed from) an elastic material that helps create a seal around the accommodating member outlet 304 when the accommodating member assembly 300 is properly inserted within the through opening 150 of the device body 100.

At the downstream end of the first housing section 302, at least one downstream recess is further formed. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one downstream recess is in the form of a first downstream recess 306a and a second downstream recess 306b. The accommodating member outlet 304 may be located between the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b. The first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b are configured to engage, respectively, the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b of the main body 100 of the device. As shown in FIG. 11, the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b of the device body 100 may be positioned at adjacent corners of the downstream side wall of the through hole 150. Each of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b may be in the form of a V-shaped recess. In such a case, each of the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b of the device body 100 may be in the form of a wedge-shaped structure configured to engage a corresponding V-shaped recess of the first downstream protrusion recess 306a and a second downstream recess 306b. The first downstream recess 306a may be adjacent to the corner of the downstream end surface and the first side surface, while the second downstream recess 306b may be adjacent to the corner of the downstream end surface and the second side surface. As a result, the edges of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b adjacent the first side surface and the second side surface, respectively, can be opened. In such a case, as shown in FIG. 14, each of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b may be a 3-sided recess.

The second housing section 308 has an upstream end that also includes (in addition to the accommodating member inlet 322) a plurality of holes (e.g., a first power contact hole 325a, a second power contact hole 325b, a data contact hole 327) formed such that the connection module 320 (FIGS. 15-16) is visible within the housing assembly 300. At least one upstream recess is also formed at the upstream end of the second housing section 308. In an exemplary embodiment, the at least one upstream recess is in the form of a first upstream recess 312a and a second upstream recess 312b. The accommodating member inlet 322 may be located between the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b. The first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b are configured to engage, respectively, the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b of the device body 100. As shown in FIG. 12, the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b of the device body 100 may be positioned at adjacent corners of the upstream side wall of the through hole 150. The depth of each of the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b may be greater than the depth of each of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b. The edge of each of the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b may also be more rounded than the edge of each of the first downstream recess 306a and the second downstream recess 306b. For example, the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b may also be U-shaped. In such a case, each of the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b of the main body 100 of the device may be in the form of a rounded convex configured to engage a corresponding U-shaped cutout of the first upstream protrusion. recess 312a and a second upstream recess 312b. The first upstream recess 312a may be adjacent to the corner of the upstream end surface and the first side surface, while the second upstream recess 312b may be adjacent to the corner of the upstream end surface and the second side surface. As a result, the edges of the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b adjacent the first side surface and the second side surface, respectively, can be opened.

The first housing section 302 may internally define a reservoir configured to hold a nicotine-containing vapor formulation. The reservoir may be configured to seal the nicotine-containing vapor formulation prior to activating the housing assembly 300 to release the nicotine-containing vapor formulation from the reservoir. By hermetically sealing, the nicotine-containing vapor formulation can be isolated from the environment as well as internal elements of the housing assembly 300 that could potentially react with the nicotine-containing vapor formulation, thereby reducing or preventing the possibility of adverse events. effects on at least one of the shelf life and organoleptic characteristics (eg, taste) of the nicotine-containing finished vapor formulation. The second housing section 308 may include structures configured to activate the housing assembly 300 and accommodate and heat a nicotine-containing vapor formulation released from the reservoir upon activation.

The housing assembly 300 may be manually activated by an adult vaper prior to inserting the housing assembly 300 into the device body 100. Alternatively, the housing assembly 300 may be activated as part of the insertion of the housing assembly 300 into the device body 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the second housing main body section 308 includes a punching device adapted to release the nicotine-containing vapor formulation from a reservoir in the first housing section 302 during activation of the housing assembly 300. The punching device may be in the form of a first activation punch 314a and a second activation punch 314b, which will be discussed in more detail herein.

To manually activate the housing assembly 300, an adult vaper may press inward the first activation punch 314a and the second activation punch 314b (e.g., simultaneously or sequentially) before inserting the housing assembly 300 into the through hole 150 of the device body 100. For example, the first activation punch 314a and the second activation punch 314b may be manually pressed until their ends are substantially aligned with the upstream end surface of the housing assembly 300. In an exemplary embodiment, movement of the first activation punch 314a and the second inward activation punch 314b causes a puncture or other breach of the reservoir to release the nicotine-containing vapor formulation.

Alternatively, to activate the accommodating element assembly 300 as part of the insertion of the accommodating element assembly 300 into the device main body 100, the accommodating element assembly 300 is initially positioned such that the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b engage with a first upstream protrusion 128a and a second upstream protrusion 128b, respectively (eg, upstream engagement). Because each of the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b of the device body 100 may be in the form of a rounded convexity configured to engage a corresponding U-shaped cutout of the first upstream recess 312a and of the second upstream recess 312b, the accommodating member assembly 300 can subsequently be relatively easily rotated around the first upstream protrusion 128a and the second upstream protrusion 128b and into the through hole 150 of the device body 100.

With respect to rotation of the housing assembly 300, the axis of rotation can be viewed as passing through the first upstream projection 128a and the second upstream projection 128b and oriented orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the device body 100. During initial position setting and subsequent rotation of the accommodating member assembly 300, the first activation punch 314a and the second activation punch 314b will contact the upstream side wall of the through hole 150 and transition from the extended state to the retracted state as the first activation punch 314a and the second activation punch 314b are pushed (e.g., simultaneously) into the second housing section 308 while the housing assembly 300 is advanced into the through hole 150. When the downstream end of the housing assembly 300 reaches the vicinity of the downstream along the downstream side wall of the through hole 150 and comes into contact with the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b, the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b will move away , and then elastically extend (eg, spring back) when the position of the accommodating member assembly 300 allows the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b of the device body 100 to engage, respectively, with the first downstream protrusion flow recess 306a and a second downstream recess 306b of the accommodating element assembly 300 (eg, a downstream clutch).

As noted above, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment, the mouthpiece 102 is attached to a holding structure 140 (of which the first downstream projection 130a and the second downstream projection 130b are part). In such a case, retracting the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b from the through hole 150 will simultaneously cause the mouthpiece 102 to move a corresponding distance in the same direction (eg, the downstream direction). In contrast, the mouthpiece 102 will spring back simultaneously with the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b when the accommodating member assembly 300 is sufficiently inserted to facilitate downstream engagement. In addition to elastic engagement by the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130b, the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 is configured to be biased toward the accommodating element assembly 300 (and aligned with the accommodating element outlet 304 to form a relatively vapor seal) when the housing assembly 300 is properly seated within the through hole 150 of the device body 100.

In addition, the downstream engagement may provide at least one of an audible click and tactile feedback to indicate that the housing assembly 300 is properly seated within the through hole 150 of the device body 100. When properly seated, the accommodating member assembly 300 will be mechanically, electrically, and fluidly connected to the device body 100. Although in non-limiting embodiments herein, upstream engagement of the accommodating member assembly 300 is described as occurring before downstream engagement, it should be understood that suitable coupling, activation, and electrical arrangements may be reversed such that downstream engagement occurs before the clutch earlier in the flow.

In fig. 15 is a partial exploded view of the housing assembly of FIG. 13. With reference to FIG. 15, the first casing section 302 includes a steam passage 316. The steam passage 316 is configured to receive steam generated during vaping and is in fluid communication with the accommodating member outlet 304. In an exemplary embodiment, the steam passage 316 may gradually increase in size (eg, diameter) as it extends toward the accommodating member outlet 304. In addition, the steam passage 316 may be integrally formed with the first casing section 302. An insert 342 and a seal 344 are positioned at the upstream end of the first housing section 302 to form a reservoir of the housing assembly 300. For example, the insert 342 may be seated within the first housing section 302 such that a peripheral surface of the insert 342 engages an internal surface of the first housing section 302. housing section 302 along the rim (eg, by an interference fit) such that the interface of the peripheral surface of the insert 342 and the inner surface of the first housing section 302 is fluid-tight (eg, at least one of liquid-tight and air-tight). In addition, a seal 344 is attached to the upstream side of the insert 342 to seal off the reservoir outlets in the insert 342 to provide fluid-tight (e.g., at least one of liquid-tight and air-tight) containment of the containing material in the reservoir. ready-made nicotine for vapor.

At the upstream end of the second housing section 308, a housing inlet 322, a first power contact opening 325a, a second power contact opening 325b, a data contact opening 327, a first upstream recess 312a, and a second upstream recess are formed. along the flow path, a recess 312b, a first punch hole 315a, and a second punch hole 315b. As noted above, the accommodating element inlet 322 allows air to flow into the accommodating element assembly 300 during vaping, while the first power contact opening 325a, the second power contact opening 325b, and the data contact opening 327 are configured so that the first one is visible, respectively. a power contact 324a, a second power contact 324b, and data pins 326 of the connection module 320. In an exemplary embodiment, the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b are mounted on the module housing 354 of the connection module 320. In addition, the data contacts 326 may be placed on a printed circuit board ( PCB) 362. In addition, the accommodating member inlet 322 may be located between the first upstream recess 312a and the second upstream recess 312b, while the contact openings (eg, the first power contact opening 325a, the opening 325b for the second power contact, opening 327 for the data contact) may be located between the opening 315a for the first punch and the opening 315b for the second punch. The first punch opening 315a and the second punch opening 315b are configured to accommodate the first activation punch 314a and the second activation punch 314b, respectively, extending therethrough.

In fig. 16 is a perspective view of the connection module of FIG. 15. In FIG. 17 is another perspective view of the connection module of FIG. 16. With reference to FIG. 16-17, the overall frame of the connection module 320 contains a module housing 354. In addition, the connection module 320 has multiple surfaces, including an outer surface and side surfaces adjacent to the outer surface. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer surface of the connection module 320 consists of the upstream surfaces of the module housing 354, the first power contact 324a, the second power contact 324b, the data contacts 326, and the printed circuit board (PCB) 362. The side surfaces of the connection module 320 may be integral. parts of the module housing 354 and generally orthogonal to the outer surface.

Within the housing assembly 300, a flow path is formed from the housing inlet 322 to the housing outlet 304. The flow path through the housing assembly 300 includes a first divergent portion, a second divergent portion, and a convergent portion. The accommodating member inlet 322 is located upstream of the first divergent portion and the second divergent portion of the flow path. In particular, as shown in FIG. 16, a side surface (eg, an inlet side surface) of the module housing 354 (and connection module 320) above the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b is recessed to form a spacer 329 along with the initial segments of the first divergent portion and the second divergent portion of the flow path. In an exemplary embodiment in which the spacer 329 is depressed relative to the outer surface of the module housing 354 (e.g., FIG. 16), the side surface of the module housing 354 above the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b may also be considered to define an inlet portion of the flow path that located downstream of the accommodating member inlet 322 and located upstream of the first divergent portion and the second divergent portion of the flow path.

A pair of longer side surfaces (eg, vertical side surfaces) of the module housing 354 are also recessed so as to define subsequent segments of the first divergent portion and the second divergent portion of the flow path. As used herein, the pair of longer side surfaces of the module housing 354 may alternatively be referred to as lateral surfaces. A sector of module housing 354 covered by printed circuit board (PCB) 362 in FIG. 16 (but shown in FIG. 20) defines additional segments of the first divergent portion and the second divergent portion along with the convergent portion of the flow path. The additional segments of the first divergent portion and the second divergent portion comprise a first curved segment (eg, first curved path 330a) and a second curved segment (eg, second curved path 330b), respectively. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the first divergent portion and the second divergent portion converge to form a convergent portion of the flow path.

When the connection module 320 is seated within the receiving cavity in the downstream side of the second housing section 308, the non-recessed side surfaces of the module housing 354 are in contact with the side walls of the receiving cavity of the second housing section 308, while the recessed side surfaces of the module housing 354 are in contact with the side walls of the receiving cavity. the cavities form a first divergent portion and a second divergent portion of the flow path. The fit of the coupling module 320 within the receiving cavity of the second housing section 308 may be accomplished using a press-fit arrangement such that the coupling module 320 remains substantially stationary within the housing assembly 300.

As shown in FIG. 17, the connection module 320 includes a wick 338 that is configured to transfer the nicotine-containing vapor formulation to a heater 336. The heater 336 is configured to heat the nicotine-containing vapor formulation during vaping to generate nicotine vapor. The heater 336 is electrically coupled to at least one electrical contact of the connection module 320. For example, one end (e.g., a first end) of the heater 336 may be connected to the first power contact 324a while the other end (e.g., a second end) of the heater 336 may be connected to the second power pin 324b. In an exemplary embodiment, heater 336 includes a folded heating element. In such a case, the wick 338 may have a flat shape adapted to be held by a folded heating element. When the accommodating element assembly 300 is assembled, the wick 338 is adapted to be in fluid communication with the absorbent material such that the nicotine-containing vapor formulation present in the absorbent material (when the accommodating element assembly 300 is activated) will be transferred to the absorbent material. wick 338 by capillary action. In the present description, the heater may also be referred to as a heating unit.

In an exemplary embodiment, the incoming air flow entering the accommodating element assembly 300 through the accommodating element inlet 322 is directed by the separator 329 into the first divergent portion and the second divergent portion of the flow path. The separator 329 may be wedge-shaped and configured to separate the incoming air flow in opposite directions (eg, at least initially). The divided air stream may comprise a first air stream (which passes through the first divergent portion of the flow path) and a second air stream (which passes through the second divergent portion of the flow path). After separation by the separator 329, the first air flow passes along the lateral surface of the inlet and is directed further around the corner to and along the first lateral surface to the first curved path 330a. Likewise, the second air flow flows along the side surface of the inlet and is further directed around the corner to and along the second lateral surface to the second curved path 330b (eg, FIG. 20). The converging portion of the flow path is located downstream of the first diverging portion and the second diverging portion. Heater 336 and wick 338 are located downstream of the converging portion of the flow path. Thus, the first air stream combines with the second air stream at a converging portion (eg, converging path 330c in FIG. 20) of the flow path to form a combined flow before passing through the module outlet 368 (eg, designated in FIG. 18) in the housing 354 module to heater 336 and wick 338.

According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the wick 338 may be a fibrous spacer or other structure with pores/voids provided for capillary action. In addition, the wick 338 may be rectangular in shape, although exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. For example, the wick 338 may have the alternative shape of an irregular hexagon, with two of the sides angled inward and toward the heater 336. The wick 338 may be shaped into a desired shape, or it may be cut into such a shape from a larger sheet of material. If the bottom section of the wick 338 tapers toward the winding section of the heater 336 (e.g., in a hexagon shape), the likelihood that the nicotine-containing vapor formulation located in the portion of the wick 338 that continually avoids evaporation (due to its distance from the heater 336) , can be reduced or eliminated. Additionally, as noted above, heater 336 may include a folded heating element configured to engage a wick 338. The folded heating element may also include at least one pin configured to extend into the wick 338.

In an exemplary embodiment, heater 336 is configured to undergo Joule heating (which is also known as ohmic/resistive heating) when electrical current is applied to it. In more detail, heater 336 may be formed from one or more conductors and configured to generate heat when electric current passes through it. Electrical current may be supplied from a power source (eg, a battery) within the device body 100 and transferred to the heater 336 through the first power contact 324a or the second power contact 324b.

Suitable conductors for heater 336 include at least one of an iron-based alloy (eg, stainless steel) and a nickel-based alloy (eg, nichrome). Heater 336 may be made of a conductive sheet (eg, metal, alloy) that is stamped to be cut into a winding pattern. The winding pattern may have curved segments alternately arranged with horizontal segments to allow the horizontal segments to zigzag back and forth while extending parallel. In addition, the width of each of the horizontal winding pattern segments may be substantially equal to the distance between adjacent horizontal winding pattern segments, although exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. To obtain the shape of the heater 336 shown in the drawings, the winding pattern may be folded to capture the wick 338. Additionally, when the pins are part of the heater 336, the protruding portions corresponding to the pins are bent (for example, in at least one of the directions inward and orthogonal) until the winding pattern is folded. Thanks to the pins, the possibility of the wick 338 slipping out of the heater 336 will be reduced or eliminated. The heater and related structures are discussed in more detail in US Patent Application No. 15/729,909, entitled "Folded Heater For Electronic Vaping Device", filed October 11, 2017, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

With reference to FIG. 15, the first casing section 302 includes a steam passage 316. The vapor passage 316 is configured to receive nicotine vapor generated by the heater 336 and is in fluid communication with the accommodating member outlet 304. In an exemplary embodiment, the steam passage 316 may gradually increase in size (eg, diameter) as it extends toward the accommodating member outlet 304. In addition, the steam passage 316 may be integrally formed with the first casing section 302. An insert 342 and a seal 344 are positioned at the upstream end of the first housing section 302 to form a reservoir of the housing assembly 300. For example, the insert 342 may be seated within the first housing section 302 such that a peripheral surface of the insert 342 engages an internal surface of the first housing section 302. housing section 302 along the rim (eg, by an interference fit) such that the interface of the peripheral surface of the insert 342 and the inner surface of the first housing section 302 is fluid-tight (eg, at least one of liquid-tight and air-tight). In addition, a seal 344 is attached to the upstream side of the insert 342 to seal off the reservoir outlets in the insert 342 to provide fluid-tight (e.g., at least one of liquid-tight and air-tight) containment of the containing material in the reservoir. ready-made nicotine for vapor. Herein, the first housing section 302, insert 342, and seal 344 may collectively be referred to as the first section. As will be discussed in more detail herein, the first section is configured to hermetically seal the nicotine-containing vapor formulation prior to activation of the housing assembly 300.

In at least some exemplary embodiments, insert 342 includes a holder portion that projects from an upstream side and a connector portion that projects from a downstream side. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the insert holder portion 342 is configured to hold absorbent material while the insert connector portion 342 is configured to engage the steam passage 316 of the first housing section 302. The insert connector portion 342 may be configured to fit within the steam passage 316 and thereby engage the interior of the steam passage 316. Alternatively, the connector portion of the insert 342 may be configured to receive the steam passage 316 and therefore engage with the outer portion of the steam passage 316. The insert 342 also includes reservoir outlets through which the nicotine-containing vapor formulation flows when the seal 344 is pierced during activation of the housing assembly 300. A holder portion and a connector portion of the insert 342 may be located between the reservoir outlets. (eg, the first and second reservoir outlets), although the exemplary embodiments are not limited thereto. In addition, a steam line is formed in the insert 342 extending through the holder portion and the connector portion. As a result, when the insert 342 is seated within the first housing section 302, the vapor line of the insert 342 will be aligned and in fluid communication with the steam passage 316, forming a continuous path through the reservoir to the accommodating element outlet 304 for the nicotine vapor generated by the heater 336. soaring time.

A seal 344 is attached to the upstream side of the insert 342 to close the reservoir outlets in the insert 342. In an exemplary embodiment, an opening (e.g., a central opening) is formed in the seal 344, configured to provide a suitable clearance to accommodate the holder portion. (protruding from the upstream side of the insert 342) when the seal 344 is attached to the insert 342. When the seal 344 is pierced by the first activation punch 314a and the second activation punch 314b of the housing assembly 300, the two pierced sections of the seal 344 will be pushed into the reservoir as valves thereby creating two pierced openings (e.g., one on each side of the center opening) in the seal 344. The size and shape of the pierced openings in the seal 344 may match the size and shape of the reservoir outlets in the insert 342. In contrast, in the unpierced condition seal 344 may have a flat shape and only one opening (eg, a central opening). The seal 344 is designed to be strong enough to remain intact during normal movement and handling of the housing assembly 300 to avoid premature or inadvertent breakage. For example, seal 344 may be a coated foil (eg, aluminum-based Tritan).

The second housing section 308 may be configured to contain various components configured to release, accommodate, and heat the nicotine-containing vapor formulation. For example, the first activation punch 314a and the second activation punch 314b are configured to pierce the reservoir in the first housing section 302 to release the nicotine-containing vapor formulation. Each of the first activation punch 314a and the second activation punch 314b has a distal end that extends through a respective one of the first punch opening 315a or the second punch opening 315b in the second housing section 308. In an exemplary embodiment, the distal ends of the first activation punch 314a and the second activation punch 314b are visible after assembly (e.g., FIG. 13), while the remainder of the first activation punch 314a and the second activation punch 314b are hidden from view within the housing assembly 300 In addition, each of the first activation punch 314a and the second activation punch 314b has a proximal end that is positioned to be adjacent to and upstream of the seal 344 prior to activation of the housing assembly 300. When the first activation punch 314a and the second activation punch 314b is pushed into the second housing section 308 to activate the housing assembly 300, the proximal end of each of the first activation punch 314a and the second activation punch 314b will be pushed forward through the insert 342 and will result in piercing the seal 344, resulting in the release of the nicotine containing ready-made composition for steam from the tank. The movement of the first activation punch 314a may be independent of the movement of the second activation punch 314b (and vice versa).

The absorbent material may be located downstream of and in fluid communication with the wick 338. In addition, as noted above, the absorbent material may be configured to engage the holder portion of the insert 342 (which may protrude from the upstream side of the insert 342). The absorbent material may be in a ring shape, although exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. For example, the absorbent material may resemble a hollow cylinder. In such a case, the outer diameter of the absorbent material may be substantially equal to (or slightly longer than) the length of the wick 338. The inner diameter of the absorbent material may be smaller than the average outer diameter of the insert holder portion 342, resulting in an interference fit. To facilitate engagement with the absorbent material, the tip of the insert holder portion 342 may be tapered. The absorbent material may be configured to receive and retain an amount of nicotine-containing vapor formulation released from the reservoir when the accommodating member assembly 300 is activated. The wick 338 may be positioned within the accommodating member assembly 300 to be in fluid communication with the absorbent material so that the nicotine-containing vapor formulation can be drawn from the absorbent material onto the heater 336 by capillary action. The wick 338 may physically contact the upstream side of the absorbent material. In addition, the wick 338 may be aligned with the diameter of the absorbent material, although exemplary embodiments are not limited to this.

As shown in FIG. 17, heater 336 may be configured to be folded to engage and establish thermal contact with opposing surfaces of wick 338. Heater 336 is configured to heat wick 338 during vaping to generate nicotine vapor. To facilitate such heating, the first end of the heater 336 may be electrically coupled to the first power terminal 324a (FIGS. 16 and 18), while the second end of the heater 336 may be electrically coupled to the second power terminal 324b (FIGS. 16 and 18). As a result, electric current may be supplied from a power source (eg, a battery) within the device main body 100 and transferred to the heater 336 through the first power contact 324a or the second power contact 324b. Relevant details of other aspects of connection module 320 that have already been discussed above (eg, in connection with FIGS. 16-17) will not be repeated in this section for the sake of brevity. In an exemplary embodiment, the second housing section 308 includes a receiving cavity for the connection module 320. Collectively, the second housing section 308 and the components contained therein discussed above may be referred to as the second section. During vaping, nicotine vapor generated by heater 336 is drawn through the steam line of the insert 342, through the steam passage 316 of the first housing section 302, from the accommodating element outlet 304 in the accommodating element assembly 300, and through the vapor passage 136 of the mouthpiece 102 into the vapor outlet 302. pair.

In fig. 18 is a perspective view of the connection module of FIG. 17 without wick and heater. In fig. 19 is an exploded view of the connection module of FIG. 18. In FIG. 20 is another exploded view of the connection module of FIG. 18. With reference to FIG. 18-20, the module housing 354 defines the frame of the connection module 320. The module housing 354 defines the separator 329 and the flow path for air drawn into the accommodating element assembly 300. The heating chamber is in fluid communication with the flow path located upstream side of the module housing 354 through the module outlet 368.

As noted above, the flow path for air drawn into the housing assembly 300 includes a first divergent portion, a second divergent portion, and a convergent portion formed by the module housing 354. In an exemplary embodiment, the first divergent portion and the second divergent portion are symmetrical portions bisected by an axis corresponding to the convergent portion of the flow path. For example, as shown in FIG. 20, the first divergent portion, the second divergent portion, and the convergent portion may comprise a first curved path 330a, a second curved path 330b, and a convergent path 330c, respectively. The first curved path 330a and the second curved path 330b may be substantially U-shaped paths, while the converging path 330c may be a substantially linear path. Based on an axis corresponding to the convergent path 330c and aligned with the ridge of the divider 329, the first divergent portion of the flow path may be a mirror image of the second divergent portion of the flow path. During hovering, air drawn through the accommodating element inlet 322 may be separated by the separator 329 and initially flow in opposite directions from the separator 329, followed by a parallel flow before each air stream makes a U-turn (along the first curved path 330a and the second curved path 330b) and converge (along the converging path 330c) for the combined flow, which moves back to the separator 329 before passing through the module outlet 368 into the heating chamber. Heater 336 and wick 338 may be positioned such that both sides are substantially equally exposed to the combined flow of air passing through module outlet 368. During vaping, the generated nicotine vapor is carried by the combined air flow passing through the heating chamber into the vapor passage 316.

As shown in FIG. 19-20, each of the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b may include a contact surface and a contact leg. The contact leg (which may have an elongated configuration) may be oriented orthogonal to the contact surface (which may be square-shaped), although exemplary embodiments are not limited to this. A pair of shallow recesses and a pair of holes may be formed in the module housing 354 to facilitate mounting of the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b. During assembly, the contact surface of each of the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b may be seated in a respective one of a pair of shallow recesses so as to be substantially flush with the outer surface of the module housing 354 (eg, FIG. 16). In addition, a contact leg of each of the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b may extend through a respective one of the pair of holes so as to protrude from the downstream side of the module housing 354 (eg, FIG. 18). The heater 336 may subsequently be connected to a terminal leg of each of the first power terminal 324a and the second power terminal 324b.

Printed circuit board (PCB) 362 includes multiple data pins 326 on its upstream side (e.g., FIG. 20) and various electronic components, including a sensor 364, on its downstream side (e.g., FIG. 19) . Sensor 364 may be located on printed circuit board (PCB) 362 such that sensor 364 is located within a convergent path 330c formed in module housing 354. In an exemplary embodiment, the printed circuit board (PCB) 362 (and associated components mounted thereon) is an independent structure that is initially inserted into a receiving cavity on the downstream side of the second housing section 308 such that the data pins 326 are visible through the data contact opening 327 of the second housing section 308. Thereafter, the module housing 354 (with the first power contact 324a, the second power contact 324b, the heater 336, and the wick 338 mounted thereon) can be inserted into the receiving cavity so that the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324b, respectively, are visible through the opening 325a for a first power contact and an opening 325b for a second power contact of the second housing section 308. Alternatively, to simplify the two-step insertion process described above to a one-step insertion process, it should be understood that the printed circuit board (PCB) 362 (and associated components secured thereto) may be attached to the module housing 354 (e.g., to form a single integrated structure ) so as to cover the first curved path 330a, the second curved path 330b, the converging path 330c, and the module outlet 368.

The module outlet 368 may be a resistive torque release (RTD) port. In such a configuration, the draw resistance of the e-nicotine vaping device 500 can be adjusted by changing the size of the module outlet 368 (instead of changing the size of the accommodator inlet 322). In an exemplary embodiment, the size of the module outlet 368 may be selected such that the draw resistance is 25-100 millimeters of water (eg, 30-50 millimeters of water). For example, a diameter of 1.0 millimeters for the module outlet 368 could result in a draw resistance of 88.3 millimeters of water. Alternatively, a diameter of 1.1 millimeters for the module outlet 368 would result in a draw resistance of 73.6 millimeters of water column. Alternatively, a diameter of 1.2 millimeters for the module outlet 368 could result in a draw resistance of 58.7 millimeters of water column. In yet another case, a diameter of 1.3 millimeters for the module outlet 368 may result in a draw resistance of approximately 40-43 millimeters of water column. Notably, the size of the module outlet 368, due to its internal layout, can be adjusted without affecting the aesthetic appearance of the housing assembly 300, thereby providing a more standardized product design for housing assemblies with different torque resistance (RTD), in while reducing the likelihood of unintentionally blocking incoming air.

In fig. 21A illustrates an apparatus system of the apparatus main body 100 according to an exemplary embodiment. The device system 2100 may be a system within the main body 100 of the e-nicotine vaping device 500.

The device system 2100 includes a controller 2105, a power supply 2110, actuator controls 2115, an electrical/containing element data interface 2120, device sensors 2125, input/output (I/O) interfaces 2130, evaporator indicators 2135, and at least one antenna. 2140 and storage medium 2145. The device system 2100 is not limited to the components shown in FIG. 21A. For example, device system 2100 may include additional elements. However, for the sake of brevity, additional elements are not described. In other exemplary embodiments, the device system 2100 may not include an antenna.

The controller 2105 may be hardware, firmware, hardware, execution software, or any combination thereof. When controller 2105 is hardware, such existing hardware may comprise one or more central processing units (CPUs), microprocessors, processor cores, multiprocessors, digital signal processors (DSPs), special purpose integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable computers gate arrays (FPGAs) or similar devices configured as special-purpose machines to perform the functions of the controller 2105. CPUs, microprocessors, processor cores, multiprocessors, DSPs, ASICs, and FPGAs may generally be referred to as processing devices.

In the case where the controller 2105 is or includes a processor that executes software, the controller 2105 is configured as a special purpose machine (e.g., a processing device) for executing software stored in memory accessible to the controller 2105 (e.g., storage medium 2145 or other storage device) to perform the functions of controller 2105. The software may be implemented as program code that includes instructions to perform or control any or all of the operations described herein as performed by controller 2105 or controller 2105A (FIG. 21B).

As disclosed herein, the term "storage media", "computer-readable storage media" or "non-volatile computer-readable storage media" may represent one or more data storage devices, including at least one of read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic RAM, magnetic core memory, magnetic disk media, optical media, flash memory devices and other tangible computer-readable media for storing information. The term "machine readable media" may include, but is not limited to, removable or non-removable storage devices, optical storage devices, and various other media capable of storing, containing, or carrying at least one of instructions and data.

In fig. 21B depicts an example of a controller 2105A according to an exemplary embodiment. According to an exemplary embodiment, controller 2105A shown in FIG. 21B is an example implementation of the controller 2105 shown in FIG. 21A. The 2105A controller may include a microprocessor. In addition, the controller 2105A may include input/output interfaces such as general purpose input/output (GPIO), integrated circuit (I ² C) interfaces, serial peripheral interface (SPI) bus interfaces, or the like; multichannel analog-to-digital converter (ADC); and a synchronization input terminal, as shown in FIG. 21B. However, exemplary embodiments should not be limited to this example. For example, controller 2105A may further include a digital-to-analog converter and an arithmetic circuit or circuits.

Returning to FIG. 21A, controller 2105 communicates with power supply 2110, actuator control means 2115, electrical/containing element data interface 2120, device sensors 2125, input/output (I/O) interfaces 2130, evaporator indicators 2135, product built-in means 2150 controls and at least one antenna 2140. In at least some exemplary embodiments, product-integrated controls 2150 may include any device or devices that can be manually operated by an adult vaper to indicate a value selection. Example implementations include, but are not limited to, one or more buttons, a dial, a capacitive sensor, and a slider.

The controller 2105 communicates with a cryptographic coprocessor with non-volatile memory (CC-NVM) or non-volatile memory (NVM) in the host assembly 300 through the electrical/data interface 2120 of the host. The term CC-NVM may refer to one or more hardware modules, including a processor for encryption and related processing, and an NVM. More specifically, the controller 2105 may use encryption to authenticate the housing assembly 300. As will be described, the controller 2105 communicates with a CC-NVM or NVM package to authenticate the housing assembly 300. More specifically, the non-volatile memory may be encrypted at the time of manufacture with product information and other authentication information.

The memory device may be encoded with an electronic identifier to allow at least one of authenticating the accommodating element assembly 300 and pairing operating parameters specific to the type of accommodating element assembly 300 (or physical structure, such as a type of heating unit) when the accommodating element the assembly 300 is inserted into the main body 100 of the device. In addition to authenticating based on the electronic identifier of the accommodating element assembly 300, the controller 2105 may authorize use of the accommodating element assembly 300 based on the expiration date of the stored nicotine-containing vapor formulation encoded in the NVM or non-volatile memory CC-NVM. If the controller determines that the expiration date encoded in the non-volatile memory has expired, the controller may not authorize use of the housing assembly 300 and disable the e-nicotine vaping device 500.

Controller 2105 (or storage medium 2145) stores key material and proprietary algorithm software for encryption. For example, encryption algorithms are based on the use of random numbers. The security of these algorithms depends on how truly random these numbers are. These numbers are usually pre-generated and encoded in the processor or memory devices. Exemplary embodiments may increase the randomness of the numbers used for encryption by using vapor drawing parameters, such as durations of vapor drawing events, intervals between vapor drawing events, or combinations thereof, to generate numbers that are more random and vary more from person to person. than pre-generated random numbers. All communications between controller 2105 and housing assembly 300 may be encrypted.

Moreover, the housing assembly 300 may be used as a common payload carrier for other information, such as software patches for the e-nicotine vaping device 500. Because encryption is used in all communications between the housing assembly 300 and the controller 2105, such information is more secure and the e-nicotine vaping device 500 is less susceptible to malware or viruses being installed on it. Using the CC-NVM as a storage medium for information such as data and software updates allows the e-nicotine vaping device 500 to be updated without connecting it to the Internet and the adult vaper to go through the download process of most other consumer electronics devices that require periodic updates. software.

The controller 2105 may also include a cryptographic accelerator that allows the controller 2105 resources to perform functions other than authentication-related encoding and decoding. The controller 2105 may also include other security features, such as preventing unauthorized use of communication channels and preventing unauthorized access to data if the host or adult vaper is not authenticated.

In addition to the cryptographic accelerator, controller 2105 may include other hardware accelerators. For example, controller 2105 may include a floating point unit (FPU), a separate DSP core, digital filters, and fast Fourier transform (FFT) modules.

The controller 2105 is configured to control a real-time operating system (RTOS), manage the device system 2100, and may be updated by communicating with an NVM or CC-NVM, or when the device system 2100 is connected to other devices (e.g., a smartphone) through at least one of I/O interfaces 2130 and antenna 2140. I/O interfaces 2130 and antenna 2140 allow the device system 2100 to connect to a variety of external devices such as smartphones, tablets, and PCs. For example, I/O interfaces 2130 may include a micro-USB connector. The micro-USB connector may be used by the device system 2100 to charge the power supply 2110b.

The controller 2105 may include on-chip RAM and flash memory for storing and executing code, including analytics, diagnostics, and software updates. Alternatively, storage medium 2145 may store code. Additionally, in another exemplary embodiment, the storage medium 2145 may be an embedded controller 2105.

The controller 2105 may further include built-in clock, switching, and power management modules to reduce the printed circuit board footprint of the device body 100.

Device sensors 2125 may include a number of transducer sensors that provide measurement information to controller 2105. Device sensors 2125 may include a power supply temperature sensor, an external host temperature sensor, a heater current sensor, a power supply current sensor, an air flow sensor, and an accelerometer for motion and orientation tracking. The power supply temperature sensor and the external host temperature sensor may be a thermistor or thermocouple, and the current sensor for the heater and the power supply current sensor may be a resistive sensor or other type of sensor adapted to sense current. The air flow sensor may be a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) flow sensor or another type of sensor adapted to measure air flow, such as a hot-wire anemometer. Additionally, as will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 22A-26, in lieu of or in addition to measuring air flow using a flow sensor included in device sensors 2125 of device system 2100 of device body 100, air flow may be measured using a hot-wire anemometer 2220A located in the housing assembly system 2200. 300.

Data generated by one or more device sensors 2125 may be sampled at a sampling rate appropriate to the parameter being measured using a discrete multichannel analog-to-digital converter (ADC).

The controller 2105 may adapt heater profiles for the nicotine vapor formulation and other profiles based on measurement information received from the controller 2105. For convenience, these are commonly referred to as vaping or vapor profiles. The heater profile determines the profile of power that must be supplied to the heater during the few seconds that steam is drawn in. For example, the heater profile may provide maximum power to the heater when a steam draw event is initiated, but then, after about a second, may immediately reduce the power to half or a quarter. In at least some exemplary embodiments, modulation of the electrical power supplied to the heater may be implemented using pulse width modulation.

In addition, the heater profile can also be changed based on the negative pressure applied to the e-nicotine vaping device 500. The use of a MEMS flow sensor allows the steam draw force to be measured and used as feedback to the controller 2105 to adjust the power supplied to the containment element heater, which may be referred to as heating or power delivery.

According to at least some exemplary embodiments, when controller 2105 recognizes that an enclosure is currently installed (eg, via a SKU), controller 2105 matches the associated heating profile designed for that particular enclosure. The controller 2105 and storage medium 2145 will store data and algorithms to generate heating profiles for all SKUs. In another exemplary embodiment, controller 2105 may read the heating profile from the housing element. Adult vapers can also customize the heating profiles to suit their preferences.

As shown in FIG. 21A, controller 2105 sends data to and receives data from power supply 2110. The power supply 2110 includes a power supply 2110b and a power controller 2110a for controlling the output power of the power supply 2110b.

The power source 2110b may be a lithium-ion battery or one of its variations, such as a lithium-ion polymer battery. Alternatively, power supply 2110b may be a nickel-metal hydride battery, a nickel-cadmium battery, a lithium-manganese battery, a lithium-cobalt battery, or a fuel cell. Alternatively, the power supply 2110b may be rechargeable and include circuitry that allows the battery to be charged using an external charger. In this case, the circuit, once charged, supplies power for the required (or alternatively a predetermined) number of vapor pulls, after which the circuit must be reconnected to the external charger.

The power controller 2110a provides commands to the power source 2110b based on commands from the controller 2105. For example, the power unit 2110 may receive a command from the controller 2105 to supply power to the host element (via the host element electrical/data interface 2120) when the host element is authenticated and the adult vaper activates the device system 2100 (e.g., by activating a switch such as a toggle button, capacitive sensor, IR sensor). When the host element is not authenticated, the controller 2105 may either not send a command to the power unit 2110 or send a command to the power unit 2110 not to supply power. In another exemplary embodiment, the controller 2105 may disable all operations of the device system 2100 if the enclosing element is not authenticated.

In addition to providing power to the accommodating element, the power unit 2110 also supplies power to the controller 2105. Moreover, the power controller 2110a may provide feedback to the controller 2105 indicating the performance of the power source 2110b.

Controller 2105 sends data to and receives data from at least one antenna 2140. At least one antenna 2140 may include at least one of a near field communication (NFC) modem, a Bluetooth low energy (LE) modem, and other modems for other wireless technologies (for example, Wi-Fi). In an exemplary embodiment, the communication stacks are in the modems, but the modems are under the control of the controller 2105. A Bluetooth LE modem is used to communicate data and control signals with an application on an external device (eg, a smartphone). An NFC modem may be used to pair the e-nicotine vaping device 500 with the application and retrieve diagnostic information. Moreover, the Bluetooth LE modem can be used to provide location information (so that an adult vaper can locate the e-nicotine vaping device 500) or for authentication at the time of purchase.

As described above, the device system 2100 can generate and configure various vaping profiles. The controller 2105 uses the power supply 2110 and the actuator controls 2115 to regulate the profile of the adult vaper.

The actuator controls 2115 include passive and active actuators to control the desired steam profile. For example, the device body 100 may include an inlet port within a mouthpiece. The actuator controls 2115 may control the inlet port based on commands from the controller 2105 associated with a desired steam profile.

Moreover, the actuator controls 2115 are used to supply power to the heater in conjunction with the power supply 2110. More specifically, the actuator controls 2115 are configured to generate an excitation waveform associated with a desired hover profile. As described above, each possible profile is associated with an exciting waveform. Upon receiving a command from controller 2105 indicating the desired hover profile, actuator controls 2115 may generate an appropriate modulating waveform for power supply 2110.

The controller 2105 provides information to the vaper indicators 2135 to indicate conditions and ongoing operations to the adult vaper. The vaper indicators 2135 include a power indicator (e.g., an LED) that can be activated when the controller 2105 detects a button press by an adult vaper. The vaper indicators 2135 may also include a vibrator, a speaker, an indicator of the current state of a vaping parameter controlled by the adult vaper (eg, nicotine vapor volume), and other feedback mechanisms.

Once the housing assembly 300 is authenticated, the controller 2105 operates the power supply 2110, the actuator controls 2115, the vaper indicators 2135, and the antenna 2140 in accordance with the adult vaper's use of the e-nicotine vaping device 500 and information stored by the NVM or CC-NVM in the containing element. Moreover, controller 2105 may include logging functions and be able to implement algorithms for calibrating the e-nicotine vaping device 500. Logging functions are performed by the controller 2105 to record usage data as well as any unexpected events or failures. Recorded usage data can be used for diagnostics and analytics. The controller 2105 may calibrate the e-nicotine vaping device 500 using buttonless vaping (i.e., vaping without pressing a button, such as generating nicotine vapor when negative pressure is applied to the mouthpiece), configuration from an adult vaper, and stored information in the CC-NVM or NVM including vapor draw detection, the level of the nicotine-containing vapor formulation, and the composition of the nicotine-containing vapor formulation. For example, the controller 2105 may instruct the power unit 2110 to supply power to a heater in the housing element based on the vaping profile associated with the composition of the nicotine-containing vapor formulation in the housing element. Alternatively, the hover profile may be encoded in CC-NVM or NVM and used by the 2105 controller.

In fig. 22A is a diagram of a housing system according to an exemplary embodiment. The accommodating element system 2200 may be a system within the accommodating element assembly 300.

As shown in FIG. 22A, the host system 2200 includes a CC-NVM 2205, an electrical/body data interface 2210, a heater 2215, and host sensors 2220. The accommodating element system 2200 communicates with the device system 2100 via an electrical/body data interface 2210 and an electrical/accommodating element data interface 2120. The CC-NVM 2205 includes a cryptographic coprocessor 2205a and non-volatile memory 2205b. Controller 2105 may access information stored in non-volatile memory 2205b for purposes of authentication and control of housing assembly 300 by communicating with cryptographic coprocessor 2205a.

In another exemplary embodiment, the housing assembly 300 may not have a cryptographic coprocessor. For example, in FIG. 22B illustrates an example of the containment system of FIG. 22A, in which the cryptographic coprocessor 2205a is eliminated, according to an exemplary embodiment, and FIG. 23 depicts an example of a housing system 22B coupled to the device system of FIG. 21A according to an exemplary embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 22B, the accommodating element system 2200 may include a non-volatile memory 2205b in place of the CC-NVM 2205, and the cryptographic coprocessor 2205a is eliminated. When the housing system 2200 does not have a cryptographic coprocessor, the controller 2105 can read data from the nonvolatile memory 2205b without using the cryptographic coprocessor for profile control/heating profile determination.

Non-volatile memory 2205b may be encoded with an electronic identifier to allow at least one of accommodating element authentication and accommodating element type-specific operating parameter pairing when the accommodating element assembly is inserted into a through-hole of the device body 100. In addition to authenticating based on the electronic identifier of the container, controller 2105 may authorize use of the container based on the expiration date of the stored nicotine-containing vapor formulation encoded in non-volatile memory 2205b. If the controller determines that the expiration date encoded in the non-volatile memory 2205b has expired, the controller may not authorize use of the container and disable the e-nicotine vaping device 500.

Moreover, non-volatile memory 2205b may store information such as the nicotine vapor formulation stock keeping unit (SKU) in the nicotine vapor formulation compartment (including the composition of the nicotine vapor formulation), software patches for the device system 2100 , product usage information such as the number of vapor inhalation incidents, the duration of vapor inhalation incidents, and the nicotine level of the finished vapor formulation. Non-volatile memory 2205b may store operating parameters specific to the type of container and composition of the nicotine-containing vapor formulation. For example, non-volatile memory 2205b may store a design of the electrical and mechanical design of the housing element for use by controller 2105 to determine commands corresponding to the desired hover profile.

The level of nicotine-containing vapor preparation in the housing element can be determined in one of two ways, for example. In one exemplary embodiment, one of the housing element sensors 2220 directly measures the level of a nicotine-containing vapor formulation in the housing element.

In another exemplary embodiment, non-volatile memory 2205b stores a count of vapor draw occurrences from the accommodating member, and controller 2105 uses the count of vapor draw occurrences as a proxy for the amount of nicotine-containing vapor formulation vaporized.

At least one of the controller 2105 and the storage medium 2145 may store nicotine-containing vapor formulation calibration data that identifies an operating point for the nicotine-containing vapor formulation composition. Nicotine vapor formulation calibration data includes data describing how the flow rate of the nicotine vapor formulation changes depending on the remaining level of the nicotine vapor formulation or how volatility changes with the age of the nicotine vapor formulation and may be used for calibration by controller 2105. Calibration data for the nicotine-containing vapor formulation may be stored by at least one of controller 2105 and storage medium 2145 in a table format. The nicotine vapor formulation calibration data allows the 2105 controller to equate the vapor draw count to the amount of nicotine vapor formulation vaporized.

The controller 2105 records the level of the nicotine-containing vapor formulation and the count of the occurrences of the nicotine-containing vapor formulation being drawn back into the non-volatile memory 2205b in the accommodating element, so that if the accommodating element is removed from the device main body 100 and then reinserted, the controller 2105 will The exact level of nicotine-containing finished vapor composition of the accommodating element will still be known.

Operating parameters (eg power supply, power supply duration, air channel control) are called the vaping profile. Moreover, the non-volatile memory 2205b may record information transmitted by the controller 2105. The non-volatile memory 2205b may retain the recorded information even when the device main body 100 is detached from the housing member.

In an exemplary embodiment, non-volatile memory 2205b may be a programmable read only memory.

Heater 2215 is actuated by controller 2105 and transfers heat to at least a portion of the nicotine-containing vapor formulation in accommodating element assembly 300, for example, according to a predetermined profile (volume, temperature (based on power profile), and flavor) from the controller 2105.

The heater 2215 may be a flat body, a ceramic body, a single wire, a cage of resistance wire, a wire wrap surrounding a wick, a mesh, a surface, or any other suitable shape, for example. Examples of suitable electrically resistive materials include titanium, zirconium, tantalum and platinum group metals. Examples of suitable metal alloys include stainless steel, 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. For example, the heater may be made of nickel aluminides, material with a layer of aluminum oxide on the surface, iron aluminides and other composite materials, and the electrically resistive material may optionally be embedded in, encapsulated or covered with the insulating material, or vice versa, depending on the kinetics of energy transfer and the required external physicochemical properties. In one embodiment, heater 2215 comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of stainless steel, copper, copper alloys, nickel-chromium alloys, superalloys, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, heater 2215 is formed from nickel-chromium alloys or iron-chromium alloys. In one embodiment, heater 2215 may be a ceramic heater having an electrically resistive layer on its outer surface.

In another embodiment, heater 2215 may be made of iron aluminide (eg, FeAl or Fe ₃ Al), such as those described in a co-owned US patent. No. 5595706, issued to Sikka et al., filed December 29, 1994, or from nickel aluminides (eg, Ni.sub.3Al), the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Heater 2215 may determine the amount of nicotine vapor formulation to be heated based on feedback from sensors of the housing element or controller 2105. The flow of nicotine vapor formulation may be adjusted by microcapillary or capillary action. Moreover, the controller 2105 may send commands to the heater 2215 to adjust the air inlet to the heater 2215.

The data generated by the containment element sensors 2220 may be sampled at a sampling rate corresponding to the parameter being measured using a discrete multichannel analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The accommodating element sensors 2220 may include, for example, a heater temperature sensor, a nicotine vapor formulation flow rate monitor, an air flow sensor, and a puff sensor. According to at least one example embodiment, the heater temperature sensor may be a thermistor or thermocouple, and measurement of the flow rate of the nicotine-containing vapor formulation may be performed by the accommodating element system 2200 using electrostatic interference or an integrated rotator of the nicotine-containing vapor formulation.

The accommodating element sensors 2220 may also include a hot-wire anemometer (HWA) 2220A. The HWA 2220A provides air flow measurement functionality and may also be referred to herein as the 2220A flow sensor. Additionally, as described in more detail below in FIG. 24A-27, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, a hot-wire anemometer (HWA) 2220A may use a single heated element in combination with a dual control loop architecture to facilitate any or all of (i) air velocity measurement, (ii) puff detection, and (iii) monitoring ambient temperature. For example, in at least some conventional systems including HWA, the HWA is designed to measure a continuous flow, and therefore two or more sensing elements are used: one to measure the ambient temperature, and the other to measure the rate of heat transfer from some heated element. Therefore, by performing air velocity measurement and ambient temperature monitoring using a single heated element, the complexity of hardware (eg, circuitry) required to perform both air velocity measurement and ambient temperature monitoring can be advantageously reduced. Additionally, the HWA 2220A's ability to monitor ambient temperature is also useful because it allows the influence of a nearby heating unit to be taken into account when estimating the temperature of the HWA 2220A's heated element.

As used herein, the term “ambient temperature” when used in relation to an HWA or flow sensor may refer to the temperature of the air in the immediate vicinity of the HWA or flow sensor. For example, when at least the heated element HWA (or flow sensor) 2220A is located within the accommodating element assembly 300, the ambient temperature of the HWA (or flow sensor) 2220A may refer to the temperature of the air inside the accommodating element assembly 300 surrounding the heated element HWA ( or 2220A flow sensor). According to at least some exemplary embodiments, if the temperature of the air inside the accommodating element assembly 300 is substantially uniform (for example, when nicotine vapor is not currently being drawn through the outlets of the e-nicotine vaping device 500 or when the heater 2215 is not currently actuated), reference to the “ambient temperature” of the HWA (or flow sensor) 2220A herein may refer to the temperature of the air inside the accommodating element assembly 300, generally.

As will be described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 24A-26, the HWA 2220A contains a heated element that is heated by applying power to the heated element. In addition, the temperature of the heated element affects the resistance (Ω) of the heated element. Therefore, the voltage of the heated element can be used to estimate the temperature of the heated element. Additionally, if there is air flow, heat will be carried away from the HWA 2220A heated element by the flowing air, and therefore the power level required for the HWA 2220A heated element to maintain a certain temperature can be used to estimate the speed of air flow flowing around the HWA heated element 2220A. As used herein, air flowing through the space in close proximity to the heated element HWA (or flow sensor) 2220A may simply be referred to as air flowing around the HWA (or flow sensor) 2220A, or air flowing around the heated element HWA (or flow sensor) 2220A. flow sensor) 2220A. Examples of the HWA 2220A heated element will now be described in more detail below with reference to FIGS. 24A-24D.

According to at least some exemplary embodiments, HWA 2220A may be (or be included in) the sensor 364 shown in FIG. 19. Therefore, as noted above with reference to sensor 364 and FIG. 19 and 20, HWA 2220A may be located within the converging path 330c. Additionally, as described above with reference to FIG. 19 and 20, the converging path 330c is a portion of the air flow path that is drawn into the housing assembly 300 through the housing inlet 322 and exits the module outlet 368 on which the heater 336 is located (FIG. 17). Thus, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the air that flows around the HWA 2220A is air flowing from the accommodating element inlet 322 to the module outlet 368 along a converging path 330c (eg, during a puff).

In fig. 24A-24D depict example implementations of a heated element included in the HWA 2220A. With reference to FIG. 24A, the heated element HWA 2220A may be implemented by a first etched serpentine element 2402A or a second etched serpentine element 2402B. As shown in FIG. 24A, the first etched serpentine element 2402A includes a first serpentine wire 2408A suspended between a first support 2404A and a second support 2406A, and a second etched serpentine element 2402B includes a second serpentine wire 2408B suspended between a third support 2404B and a fourth support 2406B . With reference to FIG. 24B, heated element HWA 2220A may be implemented by solid wire element 2402C. As shown in FIG. 24B, the single wire member includes one wire 2408C vertically suspended between a fifth support 2404C and a sixth support 2406C. With reference to FIG. 24C, the heated element HWA 2220A may be implemented by a wire wound element 2410. For example, wire wound element 2410 may be a Coilcraft surface mount (SMT) wire wound inductor. With reference to FIG. 24D, the heated element HWA 2220A may be implemented by a thin film resistive temperature sensor (RTD) 2412. The dual loop control architecture of at least some exemplary embodiments will now be described below with reference to FIG. 25A-25D and 26.

In fig. 25A is a diagram of the internal PID control loop 2500, FIG. 25B-25D illustrate first to third examples of waveforms 2526-1-2526-3 of the pulse width modulation (PWM) drive signal 2526 of FIG. 25A, and in FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram of the 2600 external PID control loop.

As shown in FIG. 25A, the internal PID control loop 2500 calculates the internal error Error_I based on the difference between the internal setpoint SP_I and the internal process variable PV_I, which is output from the internal process 2520. For example, the controller 2105 or the controller included in the housing system 2200 of the housing assembly 300, may determine the difference between the internal setpoint SP_I and the internal process variable PV_I by performing a summation operation 2518. In the example depicted in FIG. 25A, sum operation 2518 involves calculating, as internal error Error_I, the sum of internal setpoint SP_I and an inverted (ie, negative (-)) version of internal process variable PV_I. Based on the internal error Error_I, the internal PID controller 2510 applies an adjustment to the internal control variable CV_I, which is then applied as an input to the internal process 2520 such that the internal error Error_I is reduced or, alternatively, minimized. The internal PID controller 2510 is configured to generate a control variable CV_I using the internal error Error_I to determine the proportional term (P), integral term (I) and derivative term (D) in accordance with known methods. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the internal PID controller 2510 may be implemented by a controller 2105 within the device system 2100 of the device body 100 or as a separate controller within the housing system 2200 of the housing assembly 300. The internal process 2520 will now be discussed in more detail. described below.

With reference to FIG. 25A, internal process 2520 is a process for running flow sensor 2220A. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the internal process 2520 includes a drive signal generation function 2522, a flow sensor 2220A, and a voltage-to-temperature conversion function 2524. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the drive signal generation function 2522 and the voltage-to-temperature conversion function 2524 may be implemented by the controller. For example, operations described herein as being performed by the drive signal generation function 2522 or the voltage-to-temperature conversion function 2524 may be performed by or under the control of the controller 2105. As another example, the operations described herein as being performed by the drive signal generation function 2522 or the voltage-to-temperature conversion function 2524 may be performed by or under the control of a separate controller included in the housing system 2200 of the housing assembly 300 300.

The flow sensor 2220A is triggered by a pulse width modulation (PWM) drive signal 2526, which is generated by a drive signal generation function 2522. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the drive signal generating function 2522 generates the PWM drive signal 2526 and supplies the PWM drive signal 2526 to the flow sensor 2220A by controlling the power supply 2110 to generate the PWM drive signal 2526 and supply the PWM drive signal to the flow sensor 2220A (e.g. , via the electrical/containing element data interface 2120). Applying a PWM drive signal 2526 to flow sensor 2220A causes the heated element of flow sensor 2220A to accumulate heat, thereby increasing the temperature of the heated element. For example, in FIG. 25B-25D illustrate first to third examples of waveforms 2526-1-2526-3 of the PWM drive signal 2526. Examples of the first through third waveforms 2526-1 through 2526-3 depict how the current magnitude of the PWM drive signal 2526 varies as a function of time. In the examples shown in FIGS. 25B-25D, the vertical axes of the first to third example waveforms 2526-1 to 2526-3 indicate the current magnitude of the PWM drive signal 2526, which may be expressed, for example, in amperes (A) or milliamps (mA). In the examples shown in FIGS. 25B-25D, the horizontal axes of the first to third example waveforms 2526-1 to 2526-3 indicate time, which may be expressed, for example, in seconds (s) or milliseconds (ms). As shown in FIG. 25B-25D, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the PWM drive signal 2526 is a periodic signal that oscillates between a high value (H) and a low value (L). In the examples shown in FIGS. 25B-25D, the first to third example waveforms 2526-1 to 2526-3 have the same period, a total period of 2540, while the duty cycles 2550-1 to 2550-3 of the first to third example waveforms 2526-1 -2526-3 from the first to the third are respectively different from each other.

Returning to FIG. 25A, the drive signal set value 2514 specifies the level of power supplied to the heated element of the flow sensor 2220A (and thus the amount of heat generated by it) by controlling the duty cycle of the PWM drive signal 2526 generated by the drive signal generation function 2522. For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the drive signal generation function 2522 generates the PWM drive signal 2526 such that the duty cycle of the PWM drive signal 2526 increases as the drive signal set value 2514 output from the internal PID controller 2510 increases. to the drive signal generation function 2522, and the duty cycle of the PWM drive signal 2526 decreases as the drive signal set value 2514 output from the internal PID controller 2510 to the drive signal generation function 2522 decreases.

For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the internal PID controller 2510 may generate a drive signal set value 2514 such that it is between an upper limit and a lower limit, and a drive signal generation function 2522 may generate a PWM drive signal 2526 such that the duty cycle of the PWM drive signal 2526 is proportional to the drive signal setting value 2514. For example, as shown in FIG. 25B-25D, the first duty cycle 2550-1 of the first exemplary waveform 2526-1 of FIG. 25B corresponds to approximately 50 percent of the total period 2540, the second duty cycle 2550-2 of the second exemplary waveform 2526-2 of FIG. 25C corresponds to approximately 25 percent of the total period 2540, and the third duty cycle 2550-3 of the third exemplary waveform 2526-3 of FIG. 25C corresponds to approximately 75 percent of the total period 2540. Therefore, in an exemplary scenario in which the upper limit and lower limit of the drive signal setting value 2514 are 10.0 and 0.0, respectively, the drive signal generation function 2522 may generate the first duty cycle 2550-1 the first exemplary waveform 2526-1 of FIG. 25B, in response to the drive signal set value 2514 of 5.0, generate a second duty cycle 2550-2 of the second example waveform 2526-2 of FIG. 25C in response to the drive signal set value 2514 of 2.5, and generate a third duty cycle 2550-3 of the third example waveform 2526-3 of FIG. 25C in response to the drive signal setting 2514 of 7.5. Although 10.0 and 0.0 are provided as examples of the upper limit and lower limit of the drive signal setting value 2514, respectively, the upper and lower limits of the drive signal setting value 2514 are not limited to 10.0 and 0.0, and can be set to any value.

Returning to FIG. 25A, when the level of the PWM drive signal 2526 is high, the voltage of the flux sensor 2220A, the voltage of the flux sensor 2528, can be measured. For example, in each of FIGS. 25B-25D show samples 2530. According to at least some example embodiments, each sample 2530 depicts the approximate timing of the flow sensor voltage sampling operation 2528. According to at least some example embodiments, sampling of the flow sensor voltage 2528 may be performed or controlled by either a controller 2105 or a controller included in the housing system 2200 of the housing assembly 300. According to at least some example embodiments, as depicted in FIG. . 25B-25D, samples 2530 may occur periodically while the level of the PWM drive signal 2526 is high (H), and samples 2530 may not occur while the level of the PWM drive signal 2526 is low (L). According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the current of the PWM drive signal 2526 when the level is high (H) is known, and the relationship between the temperature and the resistance of the heated element of the flow sensor 2220A is also known. Therefore, in accordance with known techniques (eg, using Ohm's law), the voltage-to-temperature conversion function 2524 converts the flow sensor voltage 2528 to the flow sensor temperature 2516.

Therefore, the process under control of internal PID control loop 2500 is internal process 2520, internal setpoint SP_I is temperature setpoint 2512, internal control variable CV_I is drive signal setpoint 2514, and internal process variable PV_I is flow sensor temperature 2516 .

Therefore, the internal PID control loop 2500 of FIG. 25A operates to continuously adjust the drive signal set value 2514 (thus changing the duty cycle of the PWM drive signal 2526, and thus the amount of heat generated by the heated element of the flow sensor 2220A) to reduce or, alternatively, minimize the difference between the temperature of the flow sensor 2516 and temperature setpoint 2512. As the speed of air flowing through or past the heating element of flow sensor 2220A increases, the rate at which heat is removed from the heating element by the flowing air increases. As the rate at which heat is removed from the heating element by the flowing air increases, so does the level of power that must be supplied to the heating element to maintain the temperature of the heating element at the temperature set point 2512. Therefore, by measuring or estimating the level of power supplied to the heated element of the flow sensor 2220A, the e-nicotine vaping device 500 (e.g., at least one of the controller 2105 and the holder system controller 2200) can measure or estimate the speed of air flow passing through around the heating element of the flow sensor 2220A, thereby measuring or estimating the flow rate of air passing through at least one of the e-nicotine vaping device 500 and the accommodating element assembly 300.

However, the operation of the flow sensor 2220A may be adversely affected by changes in the ambient temperature of the flow sensor 2220A while the temperature setpoint 2512 remains fixed. For example, in a scenario in which the ambient temperature of flow sensor 2220A increases, the temperature of the heated element of flow sensor 2220A may also increase, for example, due to the heated element receiving heat from the air in the vicinity of the heated element. As the temperature of the heated element increases, so does the resistance (Ω) of the heated element. Therefore, the values of both the flow sensor voltage 2528 measured from the flow sensor 2220A and the flow sensor temperature 2516 generated by the voltage-to-temperature conversion function 2524 also increase. Additionally, if, for example, the flow sensor temperature 2516 exceeds the temperature setpoint 2512, the resulting internal error value Error_I will cause the internal PID controller 2510 to attempt to reduce the flow sensor temperature 2516 by reducing the level of power supplied to the flow sensor heated element 2220A (i.e., by decreasing the flow sensor temperature 2516). drive signal values 2514 to reduce the duty cycle of the PWM drive signal 2556). Accordingly, if the internal error Error_I is large enough to cause the internal PID controller 2510 to attempt to reduce the level of power supplied to the heated element below the level necessary for reliable operation of the flow sensor 2220A, the flow sensor 2220A may become unresponsive due to lack of power and therefore , stop performing the flow measurement function. For example, if the internal PID controller 2510 reduces the drive signal set value 2514 to the point where the resulting duty cycle of the PWM drive signal 2556 becomes too low to supply sufficient power to the flow sensor 2220A, the flow sensor 2220A may become unresponsive due to lack of power. and therefore cease to perform the flow measurement function.

Therefore, to avoid the scenario described above in which flow sensor 2220A ceases to function correctly, it may be advantageous to change the temperature setpoint 2512 of the internal PID control loop 2500 of FIG. 25A according to the change in ambient temperature of the 2220A flow sensor. One solution would be to use a separate temperature sensor specifically designed to sense the ambient temperature of the 2220A Flow Sensor.

However, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, a dual control loop architecture that includes an external PID control loop 2600 of FIG. 26 in combination with the internal PID control loop 2500 of FIG. 25A described above is capable of monitoring changes in the ambient temperature of the flow sensor 2220A and adjusting the temperature setpoint 2512 accordingly. External PID control loop 2600 of FIG. 26 will now be described in more detail below.

With reference to FIG. 26, external PID control loop 2600 calculates external error Error_O based on the difference between external setpoint SP_O and external process variable PV_O, which is output from external process 2620. For example, controller 2105 or a controller included in the enclosure system 2200 of enclosure assembly 300, may determine the difference between the external setpoint SP_O and the external process variable PV_O by performing a summation operation 2618. In the example depicted in FIG. 26, sum operation 2618 involves calculating, as external error Error_O, the sum of internal setpoint SP_I and an inverted (ie, negative (-)) version of external process variable PV_O. Based on the external error Error_O, the external PID controller 2610 applies an adjustment to the external control variable CV_O, which is then applied as an input to the external process 2620 such that the external error Error_O is reduced or, alternatively, minimized. As described above with reference to the internal PID controller 2510 of the internal PID control loop 2500 of FIG. 25A, the external PID controller 2610 is configured to generate an external control variable CV_O using the external error Error_O to determine the proportional term (P), integral term (I) and derivative term (D) in accordance with known methods. According to at least some example embodiments, the external PID controller 2610 may be implemented by a controller 2105 within the device system 2100 of the device body 100 or as a separate controller within the housing system 2200 of the housing assembly 300. According to at least some example embodiments implementation, the internal PID controller 2510 and the external PID controller 2610 may both be implemented by a controller 2105 within the device system 2100 of the device body 100, both may be implemented by the same single controller within the housing system 2200 of the housing assembly 300, or each of these may be implemented as a separate controller, for example, as two controllers within the housing element system 2200 of the housing assembly 300.

As shown in FIG. 26, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the process controlled by the external PID control loop 2600, the external process 2620, is the internal PID control loop 2500 of FIG. 25A. For example, as shown in FIG. 26, the external setpoint SP_O of the external PID control loop 2600 represents the drive signal setpoint 2612, the external control variable CV_O of the external PID control loop 2600 represents the temperature setpoint 2512 of the internal PID control loop 2500, and the external process variable PV_O of the external PID control loop 2600 represents is the drive signal set value 2514 of the internal PID control loop 2500.

Therefore, the external PID control loop 2600 of FIG. 26 operates to continuously adjust the temperature setpoint 2512 input to the internal PID control loop 2500 to reduce or, alternatively, minimize the difference between the drive signal setpoint 2514 output by the internal PID control loop 2500 and the drive signal setpoint 2612. Additionally, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the external PID control loop 2600 does not adjust the temperature setpoint 2512 input to the internal PID control loop 2500 during a tightening. For example, as shown in FIG. 26, external PID control loop 2600 may include a multiplexer 2650. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the functions of the multiplexer 2650 may be performed by a controller 2105 or a controller included in the housing system 2200 of the housing assembly 300. Additionally, as depicted in FIG. . 26, when the puff detection signal 2640 has a first logic value (e.g., logic high) indicating that a puff is occurring (i.e., indicating that nicotine vapor is currently being drawn through the outlets of the e-nicotine vaping device 500 or housing member into assembly 300, or that negative pressure is currently applied to the outlets of the e-nicotine vaping device 500 or accommodating element assembly 300), the current value of the temperature setpoint 2512 input to the multiplexer 2650 becomes fixed as the value provided to the internal PID loop 2500 control until the puff detection signal 2640 transitions to a second logic value (e.g., logic low) indicating that a puff is not currently taking place (i.e., indicating that nicotine vapor is not currently being drawn through the outlets of the nicotine device 500 nicotine e-vaping device or housing assembly 300, or that negative pressure is not currently applied to the outlets of the nicotine e-vaping device 500 or housing assembly 300). When the puff detection signal 2640 goes to a second logic value (eg, logic low) indicating that a puff is not currently occurring, the multiplexer 2650 simply outputs the temperature setpoint 2512, which is output by the external PID controller 2610 as an input to the internal PID loop. 2500 control. Therefore, the internal setpoint SP_I of the internal PID control loop 2500 (ie, the temperature setpoint 2512) has a fixed value while puffing is occurring and a variable value while puffing is not occurring. The method by which the temperature setpoint 2512 is changed when no puffing occurs will now be described in more detail below. As described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 27, a puff detection signal 2640 may be generated by a puff detection signal generator. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the puff detection signal generator is a controller (eg, controller 2105 or a controller within the housing system 2200 of the housing assembly 300).

As the ambient temperature of the flow sensor 2220A increases, the drive signal set value 2514 may, according to the method described above with reference to FIG. 25A. However, the external PID controller 2610 may prevent the drive signal setpoint 2514 from falling to a level at which flow sensor 2220A may become unresponsive. For example, with reference to FIG. 26, as the drive signal set value 2514 falls relative to the drive signal set value 2612, the external error amount Error_O increases. In response, the external PID controller 2610 operates to reduce the external error Error_O by increasing the temperature setpoint 2512 in accordance with the change in the ambient temperature of the flow sensor 2220A, thereby causing the drive signal setpoint 2514 to increase. For example, the internal PID controller 2510 will increase the drive signal setpoint 2514 in response to the increased temperature setpoint 2512 because additional power will need to be applied to the heated element of the flow sensor 2220A to raise the heated element temperature to the newly increased temperature setpoint 2512.

In addition to increasing the temperature setpoint 2512 in response to an increase in the ambient temperature of the flow sensor 2220A, as described in the example scenario above, the external PID control loop 2600 may also decrease the temperature setpoint 2512 in response to a decrease in the ambient temperature of the flow sensor 2220A. For example, in a scenario in which the ambient temperature of flow sensor 2220A decreases, the temperature of the heated element of flow sensor 2220A may also decrease, for example, due to the heated element losing heat to the air in the vicinity of the heated element. As the temperature of the heated element decreases, the resistance of the heated element decreases. Therefore, the values of both the flow sensor voltage 2528 measured from the flow sensor 2220A and the flow sensor temperature 2516 generated by the voltage-to-temperature conversion function 2524 are also reduced. Additionally, if, for example, the flow sensor temperature 2516 is below the temperature setpoint 2512, the resulting internal error value Error_I will cause the internal PID controller 2510 to attempt to raise the flow sensor temperature 2516 by increasing the power level supplied to the flow sensor heated element 2220A (then is by increasing the drive signal set value 2514 to increase the duty cycle of the PWM drive signal 2556). In addition, as the drive signal set value 2514 increases relative to the drive signal set value 2612, the magnitude of the external error Error_O increases. In response, the external PID controller 2610 operates to reduce the magnitude of the external error Error_O by lowering the temperature setpoint 2512 in accordance with the change in the ambient temperature of the flow sensor 2220A, thereby causing the drive signal setpoint 2514 to drop. For example, the internal PID controller 2510 will reduce the drive signal setpoint 2514 in response to the reduced temperature setpoint 2512 because the level of power supplied to the heated element of the flow sensor 2220A will need to be reduced to lower the temperature of the heated element to the newly reduced temperature setpoint 2512.

According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the drive signal setpoint level 2612 may be set in accordance with the preferences of the designer or manufacturer of at least one of the e-nicotine vaping device 500 and the accommodating member assembly 300. According to at least some exemplary embodiments In embodiments, the drive signal setpoint level 2612 may be maintained in accordance with the preferences of the designer or manufacturer of the e-nicotine vaping device 500 (eg, at least one of the device body 100 and the accommodating member assembly 300). For example, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the drive signal setpoint level 2612 may be set in accordance with a desired tolerance limit between the ambient temperature of the HWA 2220A and the heated element temperature of the HWA 2220A (that is, when no puffing is occurring).

Therefore, the external PID control loop 2600 may advantageously use the flow sensor 2220A to control the temperature setpoint 2512 to change in accordance with changes in the ambient temperature of the flow sensor 2220A without the need to implement a separate temperature sensor (for example, inside the housing assembly 300) to sense the ambient temperature. 2220A flow sensor environment. An exemplary method of operating an HWA according to at least some exemplary embodiments will now be explained below with reference to FIG. 27.

In fig. 27 is a block diagram showing a method of operating an HWA according to at least some exemplary embodiments.

With reference to FIG. 27, in step S2710, the temperature of the heating element HWA is determined. For example, as described above with reference to FIG. 25A, a controller (e.g., a controller 2105 or a controller included in the accommodating element system 2200 of the accommodating element assembly 300) may perform or control the operation of measuring the flow sensor voltage 2528, and the voltage-to-temperature conversion function 2424 may convert the measured flow sensor voltage 2528 to flow sensor temperature 2516, which represents the temperature of the HWA 2220A heated element.

In step S2720, the power level supplied by the nicotine e-vaping device to the HWA is controlled based on the determined temperature of the heating element of the HWA and the temperature setpoint. For example, as described above with reference to FIG. 25A, the internal PID controller 2510 generates a drive signal setpoint 2514 (i.e., the internal control variable CV_I) based on the difference between the temperature setpoint 2512 (i.e., the internal set point SP_I) and the flow sensor temperature 2516 (i.e., the internal process variable PV_I). In addition, the drive signal set value 2514 controls the level of power level supplied to the heated element of the flow sensor 2220A, for example, by controlling the duty cycle of the PWM drive signal 2526.

In step S2730, a puff detection signal is generated. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, a puff detection signal 2640 may be generated by a controller (e.g., a controller 2105 or a controller included in the housing system 2200 of the housing assembly 300) by monitoring at least one of the drive signal set value 2514 and gradient of the excitation signal set value 2514. For example, at step S730, while the puff detection signal 2640 has a value indicating that puffing is not currently occurring (e.g., a low logic value, or 0), the controller may change the value of the puff detection signal 2640 to a value indicating that that a pull is currently occurring (e.g., a logic high, or 1), in response to at least one of determining that the current level (or average level across a sliding window of levels) of the drive signal setpoint 2514 has exceeded the start level threshold puff, and determining that the current gradient (or the average gradient over the sliding window of gradients) of the drive signal set value 2514 has exceeded the puff start gradient threshold value. In addition, in step S730, while the puff detection signal has a value indicating that puffing is currently occurring (eg, a high logic value, or 1), the controller may change the value of the puff detection signal 2640 to a value indicating that no puff is currently occurring (e.g., a logic low, or 0), in response to at least one of determining that the current level (or the average level across a sliding window of levels) of the drive signal set value 2514 has fallen below a level threshold value the end of the puff, and determining that the current gradient (or the average gradient over the sliding window of gradients) of the drive signal set value 2514 has fallen below the end of puff gradient threshold value.

In step S2740, a determination is made whether a puff is detected or not. For example, if the level of the puff detection signal 2640 generated in step S2730 indicates that a puff is not detected (N), then the method proceeds to step S2750.

In step S2750, a determination is made as to whether or not a change in the ambient temperature of the HWA is detected. For example, in the manner described above with respect to FIG. 26, the external PID controller 2610 may determine that the ambient temperature of the HWA 2220A has changed based on detecting an increase in the external error value Error_O. Additionally, the external error sign Error_O can indicate to the external PID controller 2610 the direction (eg, increase or decrease) of the HWA 2220A ambient temperature change. If at step S2750 no change in the ambient temperature of the HWA 2220A is detected (N), then the method ends. If, in step S2750, a change in the ambient temperature of HWA 2220A is detected (Y), then the method proceeds to step S2760.

In step S2760, the temperature setpoint is controlled such that the temperature setpoint is changed in response to a detected change in the ambient temperature of the HWA. For example, as described above with respect to FIG. 26, the external PID controller 2610 may respond to a change in the ambient temperature of the HWA 2220A detected in step S2750 by changing the value of the temperature set point 2512 in accordance with the ambient temperature of the HWA 2220A. For example, the external PID controller 2610 may increase the temperature setpoint 2512 in response to detecting an increase in the ambient temperature of the HWA 2220A, and the external PID controller 2610 may decrease the temperature setpoint 2512 in response to detecting a decrease in the ambient temperature of the HWA 2220A. According to at least some exemplary embodiments, after step S2760, the method ends.

Returning to step S2750, if the level of the puff detection signal 2640 generated in step S2730 indicates that a puff is detected (Y), then the method proceeds to step S2770.

In step S2770, the speed of the air flowing around the HWA is determined based on the power level supplied to the HWA. For example, at step S2770, a controller (eg, a controller 2105 or a controller included in the housing system 2200 of the housing assembly 300) may determine the speed of air flowing around the HWA based on the current drive signal setpoint 2514. Namely, as described above, the heated element HWA 2220A is heated by applying power to the heated element via the PWM drive signal 2526. In addition, the temperature of the heated element affects the resistance (Ω) of the heated element. Therefore, the heated element voltage (eg, flow sensor voltage 2528) can be used to estimate the temperature of the heated element (eg, flow sensor temperature 2516). Additionally, if there is air flow, heat will be carried away from the HWA 2220A heated element by the flowing air, and therefore the power level required for the HWA 2220A heated element to maintain a certain temperature can be used to estimate the speed of air flow flowing around the HWA heated element 2220A. In addition, the power level required for the HWA 2220A heated element to maintain a particular temperature can be determined or estimated based on the current drive signal setpoint 2514, which controls the current level of power supplied to the HWA 2220A heated element through duty cycle control. PWM excitation signal 2526 supplied to the HWA 2220A. Therefore, the controller 2105 or a controller included in the housing element system 2200 may use the current drive signal setpoint 2514 to determine or estimate the velocity of air flowing around the heated element HWA 2220A. In addition, the rate of air flow flowing around the heated element HWA 2220A may indicate the rate of air flow flowing through at least one of the accommodating element assembly 300 and the e-nicotine vaping device 500. For example, as noted above with reference to FIG. 13 and 14, during vaping, air enters the accommodating element assembly 300 through the accommodating element inlet 322 and exits the accommodating element assembly through the accommodating element outlet 304. Additionally, as noted above with reference to FIG. 18-20, sensor 364 may be or include HWA 2220A, and therefore HWA 2220A may be located within convergent path 330c. Moreover, as also described above with reference to FIG. 18-20, the converging path 330c is a portion of the flow path of air that is drawn into the accommodating element assembly 300 through the accommodating element inlet 322, passes through the heating chamber (for example, enters from the module outlet 368 and exits into the steam passage 316). and exits the housing assembly 300 through the housing outlet 304. Therefore, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, the air that flows around the HWA 2220A is air flowing from the accommodating member assembly 300 of the e-nicotine vaping device 500 through the accommodating member inlet 322 and the accommodating member outlet 304 ( e.g., during a puff), and therefore the rate of air flow flowing around the heated element HWA 2220A may be indicative of the rate of air flow flowing through at least one of the accommodating element assembly 300 and the e-nicotine vaping device 500.

Thus, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, a single HWA (eg, HWA 2220A) in combination with a dual control loop architecture that includes an internal PID control loop 2500 of FIG. 25A and external PID control loop 2600 of FIG. 26 can facilitate any or all of (i) air flow rate sensing, (ii) puff detection, and (iii) ambient temperature monitoring to improve air flow rate measurement, without the need to implement an additional temperature sensor to measure the HWA's ambient temperature.

Although a number of exemplary embodiments are disclosed herein, it should be understood that other variations may be possible. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the scope of the present invention, and all such modifications, as will be apparent to one skilled in the art, are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (48)

1. A method for controlling a hot-wire anemometer (HWA) of a device for electronic nicotine vaping, comprising: controlling, by a first PID controller, the level of power supplied by the nicotine vaping device to the HWA based on the temperature of the HWA heated element and a temperature setpoint; generating a puff detection signal indicating whether or not a puff is currently being taken relative to the nicotine e-vaping device; And, while the puff detection signal indicates that no puff is currently being taken relative to the nicotine vaping device, detection, using the second PID controller, of changes in the HWA ambient temperature; And controlling, by a second PID controller, the temperature setpoint such that the temperature setpoint changes in response to a detected change in the HWA ambient temperature. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein controlling the level of power supplied by the electronic nicotine vaping device to the HWA includes generating, using the first PID controller, a drive signal setpoint, wherein the level of power supplied by the nicotine vaping device to the HWA is based on the drive signal setting value. 3. The method according to claim 2, additionally including, while the puff detection signal indicates that a puff is currently being taken relative to the nicotine vaping device, determining the speed of air flow flowing around the HWA based on the drive signal setting value. 4. The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein generating the puff detection signal comprises: determining the gradient of the excitation signal setting value; And generating a puff detection signal based on the determined gradient of the drive signal setting value. 5. The method according to claim 2, 3 or 4, additionally including: generating a pulse width modulated (PWM) drive signal based on a drive signal setting value; And supplying power to the HWA by supplying a PWM drive signal to the HWA. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein generating the PWM drive signal includes generating a PWM drive signal such that the PWM duty cycle is controlled based on a setting value of the drive signal. 7. Method according to any one of paragraphs. 2-6, in which generation of the drive signal set value includes generating, by the first PID controller, a drive signal setpoint based on the difference between the temperature of the HWA heated element and the temperature setpoint. 8. Method according to any one of paragraphs. 2-7, in which HWA ambient temperature change detection turns on detecting, by the second PID controller, a change in the HWA ambient temperature based on the difference between the drive signal setpoint and the drive signal setpoint. 9. A method according to any of the previous paragraphs, in which control of the temperature setpoint includes: increasing, by the second PID controller, a temperature setpoint in response to detecting an increase in the HWA ambient temperature; And decreasing, by the second PID controller, the temperature setpoint in response to detecting a decrease in the HWA ambient temperature. 10. A device for electronic nicotine vaping, containing: a nicotine-containing vapor formulation storage portion for storing the nicotine-containing vapor formulation; a heater configured to generate nicotine vapor by heating the nicotine-containing finished vapor composition; hot-wire anemometer (HWA); a first PID controller configured to control the level of power supplied by the electronic nicotine vaping device to the HWA based on the temperature of the HWA heated element and a temperature setpoint; a puff detection signal generator configured to generate a puff detection signal indicating whether or not a puff is currently being taken relative to the nicotine e-vaping device; And a second PID controller configured such that while the puff detection signal indicates that a puff is not currently taking place relative to the nicotine vaping device, the second PID controller detects the HWA ambient temperature change and a second PID controller controls the temperature setpoint such that the temperature setpoint changes in response to a detected change in the HWA ambient temperature. 11. The nicotine vaping device of claim 10, wherein the first PID controller is configured to control a power level supplied by the nicotine vaping device to the HWA by generating a drive signal set value, wherein the power level supplied by the nicotine vaping device is nicotine on HWA, is based on the excitation signal setpoint. 12. The electronic nicotine vaping device of claim 11, wherein the second PID controller is further configured to determine the speed of air flow flowing around the HWA based on the drive signal set value, while the puff detection signal indicates that a puff is currently being taken. moment regarding the device for electronic nicotine vaping occurs. 13. A device for electronic nicotine vaping according to claim 11 or 12, in which the puff detection signal generator is configured to: determining the gradient of the excitation signal setting value and generating a puff detection signal based on the determined gradient of the drive signal set value. 14. A device for electronic nicotine vaping according to claim 11, 12 or 13, additionally containing an excitation signal generator configured to: generating a pulse width modulated (PWM) drive signal based on the drive signal setting value, and supplying power to the HWA by supplying a PWM drive signal to the HWA. 15. The electronic nicotine vaping device according to claim 14, wherein the drive signal generator is configured to control the duty cycle of the PWM drive signal based on a setting value of the drive signal. 16. A device for electronic nicotine vaping according to any one of paragraphs. 11-15, wherein the first PID controller is configured to generate a drive signal set value based on a difference between the temperature of the heated element HWA and the temperature set point. 17. A device for electronic nicotine vaping according to any one of paragraphs. 11-16, wherein the second PID controller is configured to detect a change in the HWA ambient temperature based on a difference between a drive signal setpoint and a drive signal setpoint. 18. A device for electronic nicotine vaping according to any one of paragraphs. 10-17, in which the second PID controller is configured to control the temperature setpoint by: increasing the temperature setpoint in response to detection of an increase in HWA ambient temperature and decrease the temperature setpoint in response to detection of a decrease in the HWA ambient temperature.