US20230189897A1

US20230189897A1 - Aerosol provision system

Info

Publication number: US20230189897A1
Application number: US17/655,346
Authority: US
Inventors: Sean Lukan
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2021-12-16
Filing date: 2022-03-17
Publication date: 2023-06-22
Also published as: WO2023111510A1; AU2022410466A1; US20230189896A1; CA3240930A1

Abstract

A feedback portion for a feedback provision system including an aerosol provision system. The feedback portion provides a first feedback and second feedback to a user of the aerosol provision system. The feedback provision system is configured to not allow the first feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion; and is configured to allow the second feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion. In this way, feedback relating, for example, to critical operating mechanisms of the aerosol provision system may be displayed in a mandatory manner in order to ensure safe operation of the aerosol provision system. On the other hand, feedback relating, for example, to useful but not critical information may be selectively provided by the feedback portion, such that the user has the option to decide whether this non-mandatory feedback is provided by the feedback portion.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of Application No. 17/644,710 filed Dec. 16, 2021, which is hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure relates to aerosol provision systems such as, but not limited to, nicotine delivery systems (e.g. electronic cigarettes and the like).

BACKGROUND

Electronic aerosol provision systems often employ an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or more generally an aerosol provision device. Such an aerosol provision device typically contains aerosolizable material, such as a reservoir of fluid or liquid containing a formulation, typically but not necessarily including nicotine, or a solid material such as a tobacco-based product, from which a vapor/aerosol is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporization. Thus, an aerosol provision system will typically comprise an aerosol provision device comprising a vaporizer, e.g. a heating element, arranged to vaporize a portion of aerosolizable material to generate a vapor.
Once a vapor has been generated, the vapor may be passed through flavoring material to add flavor to the vapor (if the aerosolizable material was not itself flavored), after which the (flavored) vapor may be then delivered to a user via a mouthpiece from the aerosol provision device.
A potential drawback of existing aerosol provision systems and associated aerosol provision devices is that they can often provide insufficient user feedback for indicating to the user a need to take action in response to an event occurring on, or relating to/around, the aerosol provision device. This can then cause problems through the aerosol provision device then being used in ways it should not, and/or used in instances which are not as optimal as they might otherwise be.
Various approaches are described herein which seek to help address or mitigate some of the issues discussed above.

SUMMARY

According to a first aspect of certain embodiments there is provided aerosol feedback provision system comprising an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, and a feedback portion for providing first feedback and second feedback to a user of the aerosol provision system, wherein the feedback provision system is configured to not allow the first feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion; and is configured to allow the second feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion.
According to a second aspect of certain embodiments there is provided an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises a feedback portion for providing first feedback and second feedback to a user of the aerosol provision system, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to not allow the first feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion; and is configured to allow the second feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion.
According to a third aspect of certain embodiments there is provided an aerosol provision device, for use in an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol comprising the aerosol provision device and a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material for aerosolizing, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises: a feedback portion for providing first feedback and second feedback to a user of the aerosol provision system, wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to not allow the first feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion; and is configured to allow the second feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion.
According to a fourth aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a method of controlling the provision of feedback in a feedback aerosol provision system comprising an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, wherein the method comprises: providing a feedback portion for providing first feedback and second feedback to a user of the aerosol provision system; not allowing the first feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion; and allowing the second feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion.
It will be appreciated that features and aspects of the disclosure described above in relation to the various aspects of the disclosure are equally applicable to, and may be combined with, embodiments of the disclosure according to other aspects of the disclosure as appropriate, and not just in the specific combinations described herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which

FIG. 1 schematically represents in perspective view an aerosol provision system comprising a cartridge and control unit/aerosol provision device (shown separated) in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 schematically represents in exploded perspective view of components of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 3A to 3C schematically represent various cross-section views of a housing part of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 4A and 4B schematically represent a perspective view and a plan view of a dividing wall element of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 5A to 5C schematically represent two perspective views and a plan view of a resilient plug of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 6A and 6B schematically represent a perspective view and a plan view of a bottom cap of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of FIG. 1 .

FIGS. 7A and 7B schematically represent a cartridge and aerosol provision device from an aerosol provisions system which is provided with a feedback portion, a user interface and a toggle indicator, and which is useable as part of a feedback provision system in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 8A and 8B schematically represent a cartridge and aerosol provision device provided with a feedback portion as in FIGS. 7A and 7B as well as a user interface with an integrated toggle indicator, and which is useable as part of a feedback provision system in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.

FIGS. 9A and 9B schematically illustrate a cartridge and aerosol provision device provided with a plurality of feedback portions in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 10 schematically represents an aerosol provision system employing sensors coupled to the reservoir, the aerosol generating material transport element/aerosol generator, and the power source (battery) in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 11 schematically represents a feedback provision system comprising an aerosol provision system, and a remote electrical device, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 schematically represents a feedback provision system comprising an aerosol provision system, and a remote electrical device, and which allows feedback from the feedback provision system to be customized, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed/described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed/described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.
The present disclosure relates to non-combustible aerosol provision devices (such as an e-cigarette) which are used as part of a wider aerosol provision system. According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision device is one where a constituent aerosolizable material of the aerosol provision device (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery to a user. Aerosolizable material, which also may be referred to herein as aerosol generating material or aerosol precursor material, is material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. The aerosolizable material may also be flavored, in some embodiments.
Throughout the following description the term “e-cigarette” or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with an aerosol provision device. An electronic cigarette may also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolizable material is not a requirement.
In some embodiments, the aerosol provision device is a hybrid device configured to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosolizable materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. In some embodiments, the hybrid device comprises a liquid or gel aerosolizable material and a solid aerosolizable material. The solid aerosolizable material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
Typically, the (non-combustible) aerosol provision system may comprise a cartridge/consumable part and a body/ aerosol provision device/reusable part, which is configured to releasably engage with the cartridge/consumable part.
The aerosol provision device may be provided with a means for powering a vaporizer (aerosol generator) therein, and there may be provided an aerosolizable material transport element for receiving the aerosolizable material that is to be vaporized. The aerosol provision device may also be provided with a reservoir for containing aerosolizable material, and in some embodiments a further reservoir for containing flavoring material for flavoring a generated vapor from the aerosol provision device.
In some embodiments, the vaporizer may be a heater/heating element capable of interacting with the aerosolizable material (also called aerosol generating material) so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosolizable material to form a vapor/aerosol. In some embodiments, the vaporizer is capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosolizable material without heating. For example, the vaporizer may be capable of generating a vapor/aerosol from the aerosolizable material without applying heat thereto, for example via one or more of vibrational, mechanical, pressurization or electrostatic means.
In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosolizable material which may comprise an active constituent, a carrier constituent and optionally one or more other functional constituents.
The active constituent may comprise one or more physiologically and/or olfactory active constituents which are included in the aerosolizable material in order to achieve a physiological and/or olfactory response in the user. The active constituent may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, and psychoactives. The active constituent may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active constituent may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, a vitamin such as B6 or B 12 or C, melatonin, a cannabinoid, or a constituent, derivative, or combinations thereof. The active constituent may comprise a constituent, derivative or extract of tobacco or of another botanical. In some embodiments, the active constituent is a physiologically active constituent and may be selected from nicotine, nicotine salts (e.g. nicotine ditartrate/nicotine bitartrate), nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, other alkaloids such as caffeine, or mixtures thereof.
In some embodiments, the active constituent is an olfactory active constituent and may be selected from a “flavor” and/or “flavorant” which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. In some instances such constituents may be referred to as flavors, flavorants, flavoring material, cooling agents, heating agents, and/or sweetening agents. They may include naturally occurring flavor materials, botanicals, extracts of botanicals, synthetically obtained materials, or combinations thereof (e.g., tobacco, cannabis, licorice (liquorice), hydrangea, eugenol, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, maple, matcha, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed (anise), cinnamon, turmeric, Indian spices, Asian spices, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, red berry, cranberry, peach, apple, orange, mango, clementine, lemon, lime, tropical fruit, papaya, rhubarb, grape, durian, dragon fruit, cucumber, blueberry, mulberry, citrus fruits, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, gin, tequila, rum, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, aloe vera, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, khat, naswar, betel, shisha, pine, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, orange blossom, cherry blossom, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, wasabi, piment, ginger, coriander, coffee, hemp, a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha, eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa, lemongrass, rooibos, flax, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, mate, orange skin, rose, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, juniper, elderflower, basil, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lemon peel, mint, beefsteak plant, curcuma, cilantro, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, limonene, thymol, camphene), flavor enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gasone or more of extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavor enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder.
In some embodiments, the flavoring material (flavor) may comprise menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavor comprises flavor components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavor may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucalyptol, WS-3.
The carrier constituent may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the carrier constituent may comprise one or more of glycerine, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.
The one or more other functional constituents may comprise one or more of pH regulators, coloring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.
As noted above, aerosol provision devices (e-cigarettes) may often comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable part (body) and a replaceable consumable (cartridge) part. Devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part devices. It is also common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure described herein may comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part device employing consumable parts. However, it will be appreciated the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for other electronic cigarette configurations, for example modular devices comprising more than two parts, as devices conforming to other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box-mod high performance devices that typically have a more boxy shape.
From the forgoing therefore, and with reference to FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example aerosol provision system / device (e-cigarette) 1 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure. Terms concerning the relative location of various aspects of the electronic cigarette (e.g. terms such as upper, lower, above, below, top, bottom etc.) are used herein with reference to the orientation of the electronic cigarette as shown in FIG. 1 (unless the context indicates otherwise). However, it will be appreciated this is purely for ease of explanation and is not intended to indicate there is any required orientation for the electronic cigarette in use.
The e-cigarette 1 comprises two main components, namely a cartridge 2 and a control unit 4. The control unit 4 and the cartridge 2 are shown separated in FIG. 1 , but are coupled together when in use.
The cartridge 2 and control unit 4 are coupled by establishing a mechanical and electrical connection between them. The specific manner in which the mechanical and electrical connection is established is not of primary significance to the principles described herein and may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, bayonet, latched or friction-fit mechanical fixing with appropriately arranged electrical contacts/electrodes for establishing the electrical connection between the two parts as appropriate. For example electronic cigarette 1 represented in FIG. 1 , the cartridge comprises a mouthpiece end 52 and an interface end 54 and is coupled to the control unit by inserting an interface end portion 6 at the interface end of the cartridge into a corresponding receptacle 8/receiving section of the control unit. The interface end portion 6 of the cartridge is a close fit to be receptacle 8 and includes protrusions 56 which engage with corresponding detents in the interior surface of a receptacle wall 12 defining the receptacle 8 to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the control unit. An electrical connection is established between the control unit and the cartridge via a pair of electrical contacts on the bottom of the cartridge (not shown in FIG. 1 ) and corresponding sprung contact pins in the base of the receptacle 8 (not shown in FIG. 1 ). As noted above, the specific manner in which the electrical connection is established is not significant to the principles described herein, and indeed some implementations might not have an electrical connection between the cartridge and a control unit at all, for example because the transfer of electrical power from the reusable part to the cartridge may be wireless (e.g. based on electromagnetic induction techniques). With respect to such embodiments, for instance, the aerosol provision device 4 and/or the receptacle 8 may comprise a coil which is configured to inductively heat a susceptor located in the consumable/cartridge, wherein the susceptor is configured to heat the aerosol generating material in the consumable/cartridge to generate the aerosol. In this way, the aerosol generator may comprise the susceptor.
The electronic cigarette 1 (aerosol provision device) has a generally elongate shape extending along a longitudinal axis L. When the cartridge is coupled to the control unit, the overall length of the electronic cigarette in this example (along the longitudinal axis) is around 12.5 cm. The overall length of the control unit is around 9 cm and the overall length of the cartridge is around 5 cm (i.e. there is around 1.5 cm of overlap between the interface end portion 6 of the cartridge and the receptacle 8 of the control unit when they are coupled together). The electronic cigarette has a cross-section which is generally oval and which is largest around the middle of the electronic cigarette and tapers in a curved manner towards the ends. The cross-section around the middle of the electronic cigarette has a width of around 2.5 cm and a thickness of around 1.7 cm. The end of the cartridge has a width of around 2 cm and a thickness of around 0.6 mm, whereas the other end of the electronic cigarette has a width of around 2 cm and a thickness of around 1.2 cm. The outer housing of the electronic cigarette is in this example is formed from plastic. It will be appreciated the specific size and shape of the electronic cigarette and the material from which it is made is not of primary significance to the principles described herein and may be different in different implementations. That is to say, the principles described herein may equally be adopted for electronic cigarettes having different sizes, shapes and/or materials.
The control unit 4 may in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure be broadly conventional in terms of its functionality and general construction techniques. In the example of FIG. 1 , the control unit 4 comprises a plastic outer housing 10 including the receptacle wall 12 that defines the receptacle 8 for receiving the end of the cartridge as noted above. The outer housing 10 of the control unit 4 in this example has a generally oval cross section conforming to the shape and size of the cartridge 2 at their interface to provide a smooth transition between the two parts. The receptacle 8 and the end portion 6 of the cartridge 2 are symmetric when rotated through 180° so the cartridge can be inserted into the control unit in two different orientations. The receptacle wall 12 includes two control unit air inlet openings 14 (i.e. holes in the wall). These openings 14 are positioned to align with an air inlet 50 for the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the control unit. A different one of the openings 14 aligns with the air inlet 50 of the cartridge in the different orientations. It will be appreciated some implementations may not have any degree of rotational symmetry such that the cartridge is couplable to the control unit in only one orientation while other implementations may have a higher degree of rotational symmetry such that the cartridge is couplable to the control unit in more orientations.
The control unit further comprises a battery 16 for providing operating power for the electronic cigarette, control circuitry 18 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette, a user input button 20, an indicator light 22, and a charging port 24.
The battery 16 in this example is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, for example of the kind normally used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods. The battery 16 may be recharged through the charging port 24, which may, for example, comprise a USB connector.
The input button 20 in this example is a conventional mechanical button, for example comprising a sprung mounted component which may be pressed by a user to establish an electrical contact in underlying circuitry. In this regard, the input button may be considered an input device for detecting user input, e.g. to trigger aerosol generation, and the specific manner in which the button is implemented is not significant. For example, other forms of mechanical button or touch-sensitive button (e.g. based on capacitive or optical sensing techniques) may be used in other implementations, or there may be no button and the device may rely on a puff detector for triggering aerosol generation.
The indicator light 22 is provided to give a user with a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the electronic cigarette, for example, an indication of an operating state (e.g. on/off/standby), and other characteristics, such as battery life or fault conditions. Different characteristics may, for example, be indicated through different colors and/or different flash sequences in accordance with generally conventional techniques.
The control circuitry 18 is suitably configured/programmed to control the operation of the electronic cigarette to provide conventional operating functions in line with the established techniques for controlling electronic cigarettes. The control circuitry (processor circuitry) 18 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units/circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the electronic cigarette’s operation. For example, depending on the functionality provided in different implementations, the control circuitry 18 may comprises power supply control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from the battery/power supply to the cartridge in response to user input, user programming circuitry for establishing configuration settings (e.g. user-defined power settings) in response to user input, as well as other functional units/circuitry associated functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and conventional operating aspects of electronic cigarettes, such as indicator light display driving circuitry and user input detection circuitry. It will be appreciated the functionality of the control circuitry 18 can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s) and/or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s)/circuitry/chip(s)/chipset(s) configured to provide the desired functionality.
FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic perspective view of the cartridge 2 (exploded along the longitudinal axis L). The cartridge 2 comprises a housing part 32, an air channel seal 34, a dividing wall element 36, an outlet tube 38, a vaporizer/heating element 40, an aerosolizable material transport element 42, a plug 44, and an end cap 48 with contact electrodes 46. FIGS. 3 to 6 schematically represents some of these components in more detail.
FIG. 3A is a schematic cut-away view of the housing part 32 through the longitudinal axis L where the housing part 32 is thinnest. FIG. 3B is a schematic cut-away view of the housing part 32 through the longitudinal axis L where the housing part 32 is widest. FIG. 3C is a schematic view of the housing part along the longitudinal axis L from the interface end 54 (i.e. viewed from below in the orientation of FIGS. 3A and 3B).
FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view of the dividing wall element 36 as seen from below. FIG. 4B is a schematic cross-section through an upper part of the dividing wall element 36 as viewed from below.
FIG. 5A is a schematic perspective view of the plug 44 from above and FIG. 5B is a schematic perspective view of the plug 44 from below. FIG. 5C is a schematic view of the plug 44 along the longitudinal axis L seen from the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (i.e. viewed from above for the orientation in FIGS. 1 and 2 ).
FIG. 6A is a schematic perspective view of the end cap 48 from above. FIG. 6B is a schematic view of the end cap 48 along the longitudinal axis L seen from the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (i.e. from above).
The housing part 32 in this example comprises a housing outer wall 64 and a housing inner tube 62 which in this example are formed from a single molding of polypropylene. The housing outer wall 64 defines the external appearance of the cartridge 2 and the housing inner tube 62 defines a part the air channel through the cartridge. The housing part is open at the interface end 54 of the cartridge and closed at the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge except for a mouthpiece opening/aerosol outlet 60 in fluid communication with the housing inner tube 62. The housing part 32 includes an opening in a sidewall which provides the air inlet 50 for the cartridge. The air inlet 50 in this example has an area of around 2 mm². The outer surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 includes the protrusions 56 discussed above which engage with corresponding detents in the interior surface of the receptacle wall 12 defining the receptacle 8 to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the control unit. The inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing part includes further protrusions 66 which act to provide an abutment stop for locating the dividing wall element 36 along the longitudinal axis L when the cartridge is assembled. The outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 further comprises holes which provide latch recesses 68 arranged to receive corresponding latch projections 70 in the end cap to fix the end cap to be housing part when the cartridge is assembled.
The outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 includes a double-walled section 74 that defines a gap 76 in fluid communication with the air inlet 50. The gap 76 provides a portion of the air channel through the cartridge. In this example the doubled-walled section 74 of the housing part 32 is arranged so the gap defines an air channel running within the housing outer wall 64 parallel to the longitudinal axis with a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of around 3 mm². The gap/portion of air channel 76 defined by the double-walled section of the housing part extends down to the open end of the housing part 32.
The air channel seal 34 is a silicone molding generally in the form of a tube having a through hole 80. The outer wall of the air channel seal 34 includes circumferential ridges 84 and an upper collar 82. The inner wall of the air channel seal 34 also includes circumferential ridges, but these are not visible in FIG. 2 . When the cartridge is assembled the air channel seal 34 is mounted to the housing inner tube 62 with an end of the housing inner tube 62 extending partly into the through hole 80 of the air channel seal 34. The through hole 80 in the air channel seal has a diameter of around 5.8 mm in its relaxed state whereas the end of the housing inner tube 62 has a diameter of around 6.2 mm so that a seal is formed when the air channel seal 34 is stretched to accommodate the housing inner tube 62. This seal is facilitated by the ridges on the inner surface of the air channel seal 34.
The outlet tube 38 comprises a tubular section, for instance made of ANSI 304 stainless steel or polypropylene, with an internal diameter of around 8.6 mm and a wall thickness of around 0.2 mm. The bottom end of the outlet tube 38 includes a pair of diametrically opposing slots 88 with an end of each slot having a semi-circular recess 90. When the cartridge is assembled the outlet tube 38 mounts to the outer surface of the air channel seal 34. The outer diameter of the air channel seal is around 9.0 mm in its relaxed state so that a seal is formed when the air channel seal 34 is compressed to fit inside the outlet tube 38. This seal is facilitated by the ridges 84 on the outer surface of the air channel seal 34. The collar 80 on the air channel seal 34 provides a stop for the outlet tube 38.
The aerosolizable material transport element 42 comprises a capillary wick and the vaporizer 40 comprises a resistance wire heater wound around the capillary wick. In addition to the portion of the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick, the vaporizer comprises electrical leads 41 which pass through holes in the plug 44 to contact electrodes 46 mounted to the end cap 54 to allow power to be supplied to the vaporizer via the electrical interface the established when the cartridge is connected to a control unit. The vaporizer leads 41 may comprise the same material as the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick, or may comprise a different material (e.g. lower-resistance material) connected to the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick. In this example the heater coil 40 comprises a nickel iron alloy wire and the wick 42 comprises a glass fiber bundle. The vaporizer and aerosolizable material transport element may be provided in accordance with any conventional techniques and is may comprise different forms and/or different materials. For example, in some implementations the wick may comprise fibrous or solid a ceramic material and the heater may comprise a different alloy. In other examples the heater and wick may be combined, for example in the form of a porous and a resistive material. More generally, it will be appreciated the specific nature aerosolizable material transport element and vaporizer is not of primary significance to the principles described herein.
When the cartridge is assembled, the wick 42 is received in the semi-circular recesses 90 of the outlet tube 38 so that a central portion of the wick about which the heating coil is would is inside the outlet tube while end portions of the wick are outside the outlet tube 38.
The plug 44 in this example comprises a single molding of silicone, may be resilient. The plug comprises a base part 100 with an outer wall 102 extending upwardly therefrom (i.e. towards the mouthpiece end of the cartridge). The plug further comprises an inner wall 104 extending upwardly from the base part 100 and surrounding a through hole 106 through the base part 100.
The outer wall 102 of the plug 44 conforms to an inner surface of the housing part 32 so that when the cartridge is assembled the plug in 44 forms a seal with the housing part 32. The inner wall 104 of the plug 44 conforms to an inner surface of the outlet tube 38 so that when the cartridge is assembled the plug 44 also forms a seal with the outlet tube 38. The inner wall 104 includes a pair of diametrically opposing slots 108 with the end of each slot having a semi-circular recess 110. Extended outwardly (i.e. in a direction away from the longitudinal axis of the cartridge) from the bottom of each slot in the inner wall 104 is a cradle section 112 shaped to receive a section of the aerosolizable material transport element 42 when the cartridge is assembled. The slots 108 and semi-circular recesses 110 provided by the inner wall of the plug 44 and the slots 88 and semi-circular recesses 90 of the outlet tube 38 are aligned so that the slots 88 in the outlet tube 38 accommodate respective ones of the cradles 112 with the respective semi-circular recesses in the outlet tube and plug cooperating to define holes through which the aerosolizable material transport element passes. The size of the holes provided by the semi-circular recesses through which the aerosolizable material transport element passes correspond closely to the size and shape of the aerosolizable material transport element, but are slightly smaller so a degree of compression is provided by the resilience of the plug 44. This allows aerosolizable material to be transported along the aerosolizable material transport element by capillary action while restricting the extent to which aerosolizable material which is not transported by capillary action can pass through the openings. As noted above, the plug 44 includes further openings 114 in the base part 100 through which the contact leads 41 for the vaporizer pass when the cartridge is assembled. The bottom of the base part of the plug includes spacers 116 which maintain an offset between the remaining surface of the bottom of the base part and the end cap 48. These spacers 116 include the openings 114 through which the electrical contact leads 41 for the vaporizer pass.
The end cap 48 comprises a polypropylene molding with a pair of gold-plated copper electrode posts 46 mounted therein.
The ends of the electrode posts 44 on the bottom side of the end cap are close to flush with the interface end 54 of the cartridge provided by the end cap 48. These are the parts of the electrodes to which correspondingly aligned sprung contacts in the control unit connect when the cartridge is assembled and connected to the control unit. The ends of the electrode posts on the inside of the cartridge extend away from the end cap 48 and into the holes 114 in the plug 44 through which the contact leads 41 pass. The electrode posts are slightly oversized relative to the holes 114 and include a chamfer at their upper ends to facilitate insertion into the holes 114 in the plug where they are maintained in pressed contact with the contact leads for the vaporizer by virtue of the plug.
The end cap has a base section 124 and an upstanding wall 120 which conforms to the inner surface of the housing part 32. The upstanding wall 120 of the end cap 48 is inserted into the housing part 32 so the latch projections 70 engage with the latch recesses 68 in the housing part 32 to snap-fit the end cap 48 to the housing part when the cartridge is assembled. The top of the upstanding wall 120 of the end cap 48 abuts a peripheral part of the plug 44 and the lower face of the spacers 116 on the plug also abut the base section 124 of the plug so that when the end cap 48 is attached to the housing part it presses against the resilient part 44 to maintain it in slight compression.
The base portion 124 of the end cap 48 includes a peripheral lip 126 beyond the base of the upstanding wall 112 with a thickness which corresponds with the thickness of the outer wall of the housing part at the interface end of the cartridge. The end cap also includes an upstanding locating pin 122 which aligns with a corresponding locating hole 128 in the plug to help establish their relative location during assembly.
The dividing wall element 36 comprises a single molding of polypropylene and includes a dividing wall 130 and a collar 132 formed by projections from the dividing wall 130 in the direction towards the interface end of the cartridge. The dividing wall element 36 has a central opening 134 through which the outlet tube 38 passes (i.e. the dividing wall is arranged around the outlet tube 38). In some embodiments, the dividing wall element 36 may be integrally formed with the outlet tube 38. When the cartridge is assembled, the upper surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44 engages with the lower surface of the dividing wall 130, and the upper surface of the dividing wall 130 in turn engages with the projections 66 on the inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing part 32. Thus, the dividing wall 130 prevents the plug from being pushed too far into the housing part 32 - i.e. the dividing wall 130 is fixedly located along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge by the protrusions 66 in the housing part and so provides the plug with a fixed surface to push against. The collar 132 formed by projections from the dividing wall includes a first pair of opposing projections / tongues 134 which engage with corresponding recesses on an inner surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44. The protrusions from the dividing wall 130 further provide a pair of cradle sections 136 configured to engage with corresponding ones of the cradle sections 112 in the part 44 when the cartridge is assembled to further define the opening through which the aerosolizable material transport element passes.
When the cartridge is assembled an air channel extending from the air inlet 50 to the aerosol outlet 60 through the cartridge is formed. Starting from the air inlet 50 in the side wall of the housing part 32, a first section of the air channel is provided by the gap 76 formed by the double-walled section 74 in the outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 and extends from the air inlet 50 towards the interface end 54 of the cartridge and past the plug 44. A second portion of the air channel is provided by the gap between the base of the plug 44 and the end cap 48. A third portion of the air channel is provided by the hole 106 through the plug 44. A fourth portion of the air channel is provided by the region within the inner wall 104 of the plug and the outlet tube around the vaporizer 40. This fourth portion of the air channel may also be referred to as an aerosol/aerosol generation region, it being the primary region in which aerosol is generated during use. The air channel from the air inlet 50 to the aerosol generation region may be referred to as an air inlet section of the air channel. A fifth portion of the air channel is provided by the remainder of the outlet tube 38. A sixth portion of the air channel is provided by the outer housing inner tube 62 which connects the air channel to the aerosol outlet 60. The air channel from the aerosol generation region to be the aerosol outlet may be referred to as an aerosol outlet section of the air channel.
Also, when the cartridge is assembled a reservoir 31 for aerosolizable material is formed by the space outside the air channel and inside the housing part 32. This may be filled during manufacture, for example through a filling hole which is then sealed, or by other means. The specific nature of the aerosolizable material, for example in terms of its composition, is not of primary significance to the principles described herein, and in general any conventional aerosolizable material of the type normally used in electronic cigarettes may be used. The present disclosure may refer to a liquid as the aerosolizable material, which as mentioned above may be a conventional e-liquid. However, the principles of the present disclosure apply to any aerosolizable material which has the ability to flow, and may include a liquid, a gel, or a solid, where for a solid a plurality of solid particles may be considered to have the ability to flow when considered as a bulk.
The reservoir is closed at the interface end of the cartridge by the plug 44. The reservoir includes a first region above the dividing wall 130 and a second region below the dividing wall 130 within the space formed between the air channel and the outer wall of the plug. The aerosolizable material transport element (capillary wick) 42 passes through openings in the wall of the air channel provided by the semi-circular recesses 108, 90 in the plug 44 and the outlet tube 38 and the cradle sections 112, 136 in the plug 44 and the dividing wall element 36 that engage with one another as discussed above. Thus, the ends of the aerosolizable material transport element extend into the second region of the reservoir from which they draw aerosolizable material through the openings in the air channel to the vaporizer 40 for subsequent vaporization.
In normal use, the cartridge 2 is coupled to the control unit 4 and the control unit activated to supply power to the cartridge via the contact electrodes 46 in the end cap 48. Power then passes through the connection leads 41 to the vaporizer 40. The vaporizer is thus electrically heated and so vaporizes a portion of the aerosolizable material from the aerosolizable material transport element in the vicinity of the vaporizer. This generates aerosol in the aerosol generation region of the air path. Aerosolizable material that is vaporized from the aerosolizable material transport element is replaced by more aerosolizable material drawn from the reservoir by capillary action. While the vaporizer is activated, a user inhales on the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge. This causes air to be drawn through whichever control unit air inlet 14 aligns with the air inlet 50 of the cartridge (which will depend on the orientation in which the cartridge was inserted into the control unit receptacle 8). Air then enters the cartridge through the air inlet 50, passes along the gap 76 in the double-walled section 74 of the housing part 32, passes between the plug 44 and the end cap 48 before entering the aerosol generation region surrounding the vaporizer 40 through the hole 106 in the base part 100 of the plug 44. The incoming air mixes with aerosol generated from the vaporizer to form a condensation aerosol, which is then drawn along the outlet tube 38 and the housing part inner 62 before exiting through the mouthpiece outlet/aerosol outlet 60 for user inhalation.
From the above FIG. 1-6B, it can be seen a possible embodiment construction of aerosol provision system 1 which is configured for generating an aerosol, which is suitable for use in the context of the present disclosure.
Turning now to FIG. 7A-12 , the present disclosure also provides for a feedback provision system comprising an aerosol provision system 1 for generating an aerosol, and a feedback portion for providing first feedback and second feedback to a user of the aerosol provision system 1, wherein the feedback provision system is configured to not allow the first feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion; and is configured to allow the second feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion.
In this way, feedback relating, for example, to critical operating mechanisms of the aerosol provision system may be displayed in a mandatory manner in order to ensure safe operation of the aerosol provision system. On the other hand, feedback relating, for example, to useful but not critical information may be selectively provided by the feedback portion, such that the user has the option to decide whether this non-mandatory feedback is provided by the feedback portion.
As will be described in further detail below, by allowing selective prevention of a second (not mandatory) feedback but not a first (mandatory) feedback, the feedback provision system may ensure that important first feedback is displayed regardless of the user’s preference so that the system can continue to operate safely. This may be of particular advantage when the first feedback relates to whether the device is operating within acceptable parameters, for example a temperature parameter of the aerosol provision system, such as its aerosol generator 40 for instance.
As illustrated in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the feedback portion 702 a, 702 b may be located on either of the cartridge/consumable 2 of the aerosol provision system, or on the aerosol provision device 4 in various embodiments. In some embodiments, more than one feedback portion may be used, such that a first feedback portion 702 a is located on the cartridge and a second feedback portion 720 b is located on the aerosol provision device 4.
The feedback portion may take a number of different forms. For example, the feedback portion may comprise a light indicator (e.g. LED), a visual display screen (e.g. LCD, LED, etc.), an acoustic device (e.g. a speaker, buzzer, etc.), a haptic device, a thermal device, or any other suitable means of conveying information to a user. It should also be understood that the feedback portion may comprise any number and combination of feedback mechanisms needed to convey the required information.
Furthermore, in some very particular embodiments, a specific feedback mechanism may be reserved for a specific ‘type’ of feedback. For example, an acoustic type feedback may be reserved for the first feedback described herein. In this way, when the user receives acoustic feedback, they would immediately understand that the feedback relates to the mandatory first feedback - as opposed to another type of feedback, such as haptic and/or visual type feedback, which might be instead reserved for the second, optional, feedback (and/or any third, optional, feedback). Thus, more efficient communication of feedback may be achieved in this way.
With respect to how the feedback portion may be made to selectively prevent the second feedback from being provided to the feedback portion, the feedback provision system may comprise a user interface portion 252; 704 a, 704 b for allowing a user of the aerosol provision system to toggle between a first mode of operation in which the second feedback is configured to be provided by the feedback portion, and a second mode of operation in which the second feedback is configured to be prevented from being provided by the feedback portion. In this way, the user is advantageously able to enable or disable optional feedback according to their desire. For example, the user may wish to check the power level of a power source of the aerosol provision system. This feedback may then be selectively enabled to toggle the device into first mode of operation, the feedback observed by the user, and then selectively disabled to toggle the device into the second mode of operation.
There may also be provided a toggle indicator 706 a, 706 b which indicates whether the second feedback has been enabled or disabled. For example, the toggle indicator may comprise an LED indicator light, an acoustic element, a haptic element, or any other means suitable for providing an indication to the user that the second feedback is enabled or disabled.
In certain particular embodiments, the toggle indicator may be integral to the user interface portion. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B, the user interface portion may comprise a sliding switch 804 a, 804 b wherein the toggle indicator 806 a, 806 b forms part of the user interface portion 804 a, 804 b. In this example, the second feedback has been enabled, and the dashed line indicates the position of the sliding switch when the second feedback is disabled. As before, this configuration may equally be located on the cartridge/ consumable 2 or the aerosol provision device 4. It should also be noted that the sliding switch illustrated in FIGS. 8A and 8B are examples only, and that other toggle mechanisms may be used. For example, a button switch may be provided as the user interface wherein the button switch is able to be selectively moved between two positions with different heights corresponding to whether the second feedback is enabled or disabled. Non-mechanical means may equally be provided as the user interface, such as a touchpad.
Appreciably, in accordance with some embodiments, there may well be provided more than two positions for the user interface portion, such that (and put differently), the feedback provision system may be configured for allowing a user of the feedback provision system to toggle between the first mode of operation M1, the second mode of operation M2, and a third mode of operation in which third feedback is configured to be provided by the feedback portion. With respect to any such third feedback, this third feedback (like the second feedback) may be configured to be disabled, and/or to prevented from being provided by the feedback portion, by toggling the user interface portion to the second mode of operation. However, the level of the third feedback may be configured to be different from (such as more than, or less than) the level of the second feedback.
By the ‘level’ of the feedback, this may comprise the frequency of the feedback, and/or the amount of the feedback (e.g. the brightness of the feedback in the case of visual feedback, or the loudness of the feedback in the case of acoustic feedback), the magnitude of the feedback (e.g. the brightness of the feedback in the case of visual feedback, or the strength of the feedback in the case of haptic feedback), or even the prominence of the feedback (e.g. the brightness of the feedback in the case of visual feedback, or the strength of the feedback in the case of haptic feedback, or the loudness of the feedback in the case of acoustic feedback). Appreciably as well, where such a level is employed, this could also comprise an average level, or a maximum level, in accordance with some narrower embodiments.
It should also be appreciated that not only the level of the feedback, but also the type of the feedback that is provided in conjunction with the different modes may be different. For example, the first mode may enable feedback to be provided via a haptic element while the second mode may enable feedback to be provided via an audio element.
From the foregoing therefore, it may be seen that there may be provided more than two modes of operation in some cases, such as there being the second mode of operation for only providing the (mandatory) first feedback, and there then being at least two other modes of operation (e.g. the first mode of operation and a third mode of operation) in which different levels of other additional (non-mandatory) feedback can also be provided.
For completeness as well, it is to be noted that any such employed feedback portion, and/or other device for controlling the provision of the second (optional) feedback, may be located on or in the aerosol provision system 1, such as in either a consumable 2 or aerosol provision device 4 therefrom (where such a consumable 2/aerosol provision device 4 arrangement is employed). Appreciably however, in accordance with some embodiments, any such feedback portion and/or other device for controlling the provision of the second (optional) feedback may be located in an electrical device 250, as part of a wider feedback provision comprising the aerosol provision system 1 and the electrical device 250, wherein the electrical device 250 is operable to wirelessly communicate with the aerosol provision system 1, e.g. via a wireless connection protocol, such as Bluetooth. Such an embodiment is illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 11 and 12 , for instance.
As to what such an electrical device 250 might be, it is envisaged that this may comprise any form of electrical device 250 which might operably communicate with the aerosol provision system 1, such as (and certainly not limited to) any of a portable device, such as a tablet computer, smartphone 250A, portable computer, which might be carried by a user of the aerosol provision system 1.
As will be appreciated, being able to selectively enable/disable certain feedback provides a number of technical advantages. For example, by selectively providing certain feedback, the aerosol provision system may operate more efficiently from a power consumption perspective. In addition, the user is not presently with an overwhelming amount of optional feedback which may distract from more critical feedback, while keeping the optional feedback easily accessible via the user interface portion if needed.
In some embodiments, the first feedback and second feedback may be provided on/by different sections or parts of the feedback portion, or by separate feedback portions. As illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B, multiple feedback portions 902, 904, 906 are provided on the aerosol provision system 1, though could in other embodiments (as noted above) be located on some other electrical device (for instance a portable device, such as a tablet computer, smartphone, in some embodiments).
In this way, the user may more easily and efficiently identify more important mandatory feedback information as compared to optional feedback information. As an example, the mandatory first feedback may be provided by feedback portion 902 and optional second feedback provided by feedback portions 904 and 906.
In accordance with some embodiments, the first feedback F1 is configured to be provided in response to a first predetermined criterion being satisfied. For example, the predetermined condition may be detected using a sensor comprised in the aerosol provision system. Such a sensor may be configured to detect parameters relating to critical operations of the aerosol provision system, such as operational condition of the aerosol provision system and/or a temperature of the aerosol provision system which may reflect a level of safety of the aerosol provision system’s operation. The user may therefore be notified of this change in operational state of the aerosol provision system via the first feedback which, as explained above, may not be selectively prevented from being provided to the feedback portion.
As discussed briefly above, the first predetermined criterion may relate to an operational state of the aerosol provision system 1. In some embodiments, the first predetermined criterion comprises a determination being made that the aerosol provision system is faulty. This determination may be made based on a measurement made by a sensor comprised in the aerosol provision system. For example, the determination may be made based on detecting properties of the device components, such as the aerosol generating material transport element 42 (where employed), power source 16, etc. If properties of any of these components falls outside of predetermined normal operating ranges, it may be determined that the aerosol provision system is not operating at a safe standard and is therefore found to be faulty.
The aforementioned determinations may be made by control circuitry 18 from the aerosol provision system based on sensor measurements received by the control circuitry 18. As illustrated in FIG. 10 , sensors 1002 a, 1002 b and 1002 c may be positioned to measure properties of the reservoir 31, aerosol generator 40/aerosol generating material transport element 42, and power source (battery) 16 respectively. Each of the sensors 1002 a, 1002 b, 1002 c according to this embodiment may be electronically connected to the control circuitry 18 as indicated by the connecting lines in FIG. 10 .
In some embodiments, the first predetermined criterion may comprise a temperature value exceeding a predetermined temperature (as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 11 , for instance). This predetermined temperature may relate to a temperature of a aerosol generating material transport element 42 as described above with reference to FIG. 1-6B. In this case, if the temperature of the aerosol generating material transport element rises above a certain temperature, there may be a risk of the aerosol generating material transport element igniting. The temperature of the aerosol generating material transport element may rise in this way if the wick has dried out due to an insufficient amount of aerosol generating material remaining in a reservoir 31 of the aerosol provision system 1, or if the aerosol generating material transport element has been consistently heated for a long duration without an opportunity to cool down, for example. The predetermined temperature may be configured to be lower than the ignition temperature of the aerosol generating material transport element by a predetermined margin such that the first feedback is provided (and any remedial action taken) before the aerosol generating material transport element 42 can ignite and cause damage to the aerosol provision system 1 and/or user.
In another embodiment, the temperature may be the temperature of a power supply 16 or battery from the aerosol provision system 1 (or from the aerosol provision device 4, where such a device 4 is employed) as described above with reference to FIG. 1-6B. In this case, if the temperature of the power source 16 rises above a certain temperature, there may be a significant risk of the power source igniting. Malfunctioning batteries are at risk of such overheating, and therefore sensing the temperature of the power source may simultaneously indicate whether the aerosol provision system 1 is faulty.
In accordance with some embodiments, the second feedback F2 may be configured to be provided in response to a second predetermined criterion being satisfied. Similarly to the first criterion, the second criterion may also be detected using a sensor comprised in the aerosol provision system 1. Such a sensor may be configured to detect parameters relating to ancillary properties of the aerosol provision system 1. In other words, the second predetermined criterion may relate to properties that are not as a high a priority as the first predetermined criterion in terms of aspects such as safety. In this way, the second feedback is configured to be provided in relation to useful auxiliary information pertaining to the operation of the device where such feedback is not essential to the safe operation of the device but is nonetheless useful to know when required.
For example, in some embodiments, the second criterion comprises a determination being made that a power supply from the aerosol provision system 1 comprises less than a predetermined amount of remaining power. This advantageously triggers the second feedback to indicate that the aerosol provision system 1 requires charging. However, as the power level may not necessarily be critical to the safe operation of the device, this feedback can be selectively prevented by the user as explained above.
In a more particular embodiment, the second feedback may additionally be configured to indicate the amount of power remaining in the power source 16 (as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 11 , for instance). This indication may, for example, be provided via the user interface mentioned above. Alternatively, this indication may be provided by a separate display means.
In some embodiments, the second criterion comprises a determination being made that an amount of aerosol generating material comprises less than a predetermined amount. For example, the aforementioned user interface portion may be configured to indicate the remaining amount of aerosol generating material once the predetermined amount has been reached, or alternatively indicate that the predetermined amount has been reached without also indicating the precise amount of remaining aerosol generating material.
The amount of aerosol generating material remaining in the aerosol, provision system may be measured in a number of different ways. As a specific example, an optical sensor in the reservoir 31 may be configured to detect the remaining amount of aerosol generating material by sensing the distance to the surface of the aerosol generating material contained in the reservoir 31. As will be appreciated, this distance may change depending on the orientation of the aerosol provision system 1, such that in some embodiments the optical sensor may be configured to only measure the distance when it is determined that the aerosol provision system is in a particular orientation (e.g. as determined by a gyroscopic device comprised in the aerosol provision system).
In some embodiments, the second criterion comprises a determination being made that an aerosol generator from the aerosol provision system has not been operated for generating an aerosol for a period of time which exceeds a predetermined period of time. This may be advantageous as an optional feedback to remind the user to operate the aerosol provision system in the interest of avoiding inefficient use of the power source 16 in idle periods. As a further particular embodiment, the feedback provision system may be configured to turn off the power source upon determining that a second predetermined period of time has passed since the aerosol provision system was used to generate aerosol, the second predetermined period of time being greater than the first predetermined period of time. This may be further advantageous in improving the efficiency of the aerosol provision system 1 by reducing wasteful use of the power source 16.
As will be appreciated from the foregoing, a number of different types of first and second feedback may be provided based on a number of different first criterion and second criterion. It should be noted that these feedbacks may be either individually provided to the feedback portion or simultaneously provided to the feedback portion in any combination.
With respect to any provided first feedback, second feedback, and/or further feedback (such as any provided third feedback F3, as noted above in some embodiments), it will be noted in some embodiments that the feedback F1;F2;F3 may be provided, visually, as part of display 252 from the feedback provision system, e.g. through the feedback portion comprising a display 252, and/or as part of any required modes of operation M1;M2 from the feedback provision system (or aerosol provision system 1). With respect to such embodiments, the outputted feedback may in some cases take the form of an appropriate visual indication on the display 252, as required.
As to what such a visual indication might be, it will be appreciated that this visual indication may take the form of any appropriate (visual) indicia, as required. For instance, the indicia 254 in accordance with some embodiments may comprise a symbol, such as a warning symbol 256 (e.g. an exclamation point 258, and/or a warning triangle 260), a string of text 262, an error message, or some other graphical symbol 264. In this way, the indicia may be representative of the underlying purpose of the feedback which is being provided.
In accordance with some embodiments, to better distinguish between the (in some cases, more important) first feedback, and the second (in some cases, potentially optional) feedback, in so far as the first feedback F1 comprises a first indicia 254A on the display 252, and the second feedback F2 comprises a second indicia 264B on the display 252, in some of these embodiments the first indicia may comprise a first color, with the second indicia comprising a second color which is different from the first color. In this way, through the provision of the different colors, the user may be able to discern more readily when a particular type of feedback is being provided. For instance, in embodiments where the first feedback F1 is provided, which may be indicative of safety critical information, the first color for the first indicia may comprise may be a color more associated with danger, such as a color comprising at least one of black; purple; red; orange; amber; or yellow. In this way, and where the second feedback F2 (or even third feedback F3) is provided - which may be indicative of less safety critical information, the second color (or a third color for the third feedback, where employed) may be a color less associated with danger than the first color, such as a color comprising at least one of blue; green; orange; amber; yellow; or white. Such embodiments are illustrated in the particular embodiment of FIG. 11 for instance, where the first indicia 254A comprises a red color; the second indicia 254B comprises an amber/orange color, and the third indicia 254C (relating to the third feedback F3) comprising a green color.
Whatever the type of any of the provided first feedback F1 or second feedback F2 (or even third feedback in some embodiments where the third mode of operation is employed) such as the feedback being haptic/visual/acoustic type feedback, it will be appreciated that in accordance with some of these embodiments, the first feedback F1 may be configured to be provided more prominently (such as louder; longer; brighter; and/or stronger) than the second (or third) feedback F2, to better emphasize to the user the more important nature of the first feedback over the second (or third) feedback F2:F3 .This is shown in the embodiment of FIG. 11 , for instance.
Particularly in embodiments where feedback is configured to be displayed on a display 252, such as on a display 252 from a remote electrical device 250 from the feedback provision system, with reference to at least some of these embodiments, the display 252 / feedback portion may be configured to display a graphical representation of the aerosol provision system 1 (as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 11 for instance). In this way, and in accordance with some embodiments, the feedback portion and/or the display 252 may be configured to display an identifier 266 (such as a graphical representation of 268, and/or a description/name 270) of the aerosol provision system 1 on the display 252, such to allow better allow the user to more easily associate any given feedback (such as the first feedback F1; second feedback F2; and/or third feedback F3) to the aerosol provision system 1 in question. Again, such potential embodiments are illustrated in the embodiments of FIGS. 11 and 12 for instance. In such embodiments, at least one of the first feedback F1 and second feedback F2 may be provided next to, such as above or below, the identifier 266.
Noting the above, it will also be seen that the present disclosure correspondingly also provides for a method of controlling the provision of feedback in aerosol feedback provision system comprising an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, wherein the method comprises: providing a feedback portion for providing first feedback and second feedback to a user of the aerosol provision system; not allowing the first feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion; and allowing the second feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion.
Appreciating the foregoing, there has accordingly been described aerosol feedback provision system comprising an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, and a feedback portion for providing first feedback and second feedback to a user of the aerosol provision system, wherein the feedback provision system is configured to not allow the first feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion; and is configured to allow the second feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion.
There has also been described an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises a feedback portion for providing first feedback and second feedback to a user of the aerosol provision system, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to not allow the first feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion; and is configured to allow the second feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion.
There has also been described an aerosol provision device, for use in an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol comprising the aerosol provision device and a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material for aerosolizing, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises: a feedback portion for providing first feedback and second feedback to a user of the aerosol provision system, wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to not allow the first feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion; and is configured to allow the second feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion.
There has also been described a feedback portion for a feedback provision system comprising an aerosol provision system 1. The feedback portion provides a first feedback and second feedback to a user of the aerosol provision system. The feedback provision system is configured to not allow the first feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion; and is configured to allow the second feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion. In this way, feedback relating, for example, to critical operating mechanisms of the aerosol provision system may be displayed in a mandatory manner in order to ensure safe operation of the aerosol provision system. On the other hand, feedback relating, for example, to useful but not critical information may be selectively provided by the feedback portion, such that the user has the option to decide whether this non-mandatory feedback is provided by the feedback portion.
In order to address various issues and advance the art, this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which that which is claimed may be practiced. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and to teach that which is claimed. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein, and it will thus be appreciated that features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims. For instance, any of the dependent claims relating to independent claim 1 (or other independent claims) may correspondingly be employed as corresponding features in any of the related independent claims listed in the claims, as required. Appreciably as well, the disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.
For instance, and at a more general level, it may be appreciated that aspects of the above disclosure may also provide for effective systems whereby the type and/or level of feedback which can be provided, can be effectively varied, and potentially as part of different modes of operation M1;M2.
Tying in with this, it is also envisaged for at least one of the first feedback F1 and/or the second feedback F2 (or third feedback), as part of any given mode of operation, to potentially comprise an indication 274 on a remaining amount of power in the power source 16 from the aerosol provision system 1. In accordance with some embodiments thereof, the indication on the remaining amount of power in the power source 16 from the aerosol provision system 1 may comprise a battery symbol 276, such to more easily visualize for the user the remaining amount of power left in this power source 16.
For also assisting the user on whether the aerosol provision system 1 is currently being powered, as part of any given mode of operation, in accordance with some embodiments at least one (or both) of the first feedback and the second feedback F1;F2 may comprise an indication 278 on whether, or that, the aerosol provision system is either i) currently being powered and/or ii) currently being charged. In these instances, in some embodiments thereof, the indication 278 might appreciably comprise comprises a lightning bolt 280 or potentially a power plug/socket symbol.
In some embodiments, at least one of the first feedback F1 and the second feedback F2 may comprise an indication 284 on whether the aerosol provision system is switched on. This may be achieved, in a very particular embodiment for instance, through the indication comprising a predetermined symbol.
It is noted that in some embodiments of aerosol provision system 1, the aerosol provision system 1 may be configured to be located in a case, such as a charging case, when the aerosol provision system 1 is not in use. Thus with respect to these embodiments, in some particular embodiments thereof, at least one of the first feedback F1 and/or the second feedback F2 may comprise an indication 286;286A;286B on whether i) a case for the aerosol provision system 1 has been detected; and/or ii) an indication on whether the aerosol provision system 1 is located in a case for holding the aerosol provision system 1.
With respect to any of the above embodiments, the indication(s) 274;278;286 may be provided at an appropriate location from the feedback provision system and/or part of the aerosol provision system 1, as required - such as on any provided display 252, and/or as part of the feedback portion, and/or as part of the electrical device 250 (where such an electrical device is employed). FIG. 12 at least illustrates an embodiment of feedback provision system comprising the above indications, which may differ as required between each selected mode of operation M1;M2. Appreciably therefore, it may be seen that where any permutation(s) of these indications are employed, as part of any of the first feedback F1; second feedback F2 (or further feedbacks, such as any employed third feedback F3), the extent to which these indications 274;278;286 are provided may be varied between any given mode of operation M1;M2 from the feedback provision system.
In this way, the feedback provision system (or aerosol provision system where all the components are located as part of the aerosol provision system 1) may be thus effectively configured to allow the user to modify each mode of operation M1;M2 to customize an amount of feedback provided as part of the mode of operation M1 ;M2, and to have any given feedback (whether this be the first feedback F1; the second feedback F2; and/or any other feedback such as a third feedback F3) as part of that mode of operation potentially include any of the herein described combinations of features or indications as part of each such feedback for that mode of operation. Appreciably therefore, the present disclosure thus also provides for an effective feedback provision system (or aerosol provision system 1) which allows for the convenient customization of the delivered feedback to the user as part of a plurality of modes of operation.
This may be seen with reference to the disclosure of FIG. 12 , which allows for the user to customize each of the first mode of operation M1 and the second mode of operation M2, to vary any of the level/amount/extent/type of feedback, and/or to vary the indication(s), provided as part of such feedback, for each mode of operation. Such customization, for instance, may be achieved through a display 252 from the feedback provision system (or the aerosol provision system 1 in some embodiments) being configured to display a feedback customization interface 290 for allowing at least one of the first feedback F1 and/or the second feedback F2 to be customized from the feedback customization interface as part of each of mode operation M1;M2.
Noting the forgoing therefore, it may be seen that described herein is a variety of different embodiments, as prescribed at least by the following additional embodiment clauses:
1. A feedback provision system comprising an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, and a feedback portion for providing first feedback and second feedback to a user of the aerosol provision system.
2. A feedback provision system according to clause 1, wherein the feedback provision system is configured to not allow the first feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion; and is configured to allow the second feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion.
3. The feedback provision system according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the feedback provision system is configured for allowing a user of the feedback provision system to toggle between a first mode of operation in which the second feedback is configured to be provided by the feedback portion, and a second mode of operation in which the first feedback is configured to be provided by the feedback portion.
4. The feedback provision system according to clause 3, wherein the first feedback is further configured to be provided by the feedback portion in the first mode of operation.
5. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the second mode of operation, the second feedback is configured to be prevented from being provided by the feedback portion.
6. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 3-5, wherein the feedback provision system further comprises a user interface portion for allowing a user of the feedback provision system to toggle between the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation.
7. The feedback provision system according to clause 6, wherein the user interface portion further comprises a toggling device for allowing a user of the feedback provision system to toggle between the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation.
8. The feedback provision system according to clause 7, wherein the toggling device comprises a moveable switch.
9. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 6-8, wherein the aerosol provision system comprises the user interface portion.
10. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 3-9, wherein the feedback provision system is further configured for allowing a user of the feedback provision system to toggle between the first mode of operation, the second mode of operation, and a third mode of operation in which the first feedback and third feedback is configured to be provided by the feedback portion.
11. The feedback provision system according to clause 10, wherein the level of the third feedback is different from the level of the second feedback.
12. The feedback provision system according to clause 11, wherein the level of the third feedback is less than the level of the second feedback.
13. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 10-12, wherein the third feedback is configured to be prevented from being provided by the feedback portion in the second mode of operation.
14. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 10-13, wherein the third feedback is configured to be prevented from being provided by the feedback portion in the first mode of operation.
15. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 10-14, wherein the type of the third feedback is different from the type of at least one of the first feedback and the second feedback.
16. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 10-15, wherein the type of the third feedback is the same as the type of the second feedback.
17. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the type of the first feedback is different from the type of the second feedback.
18. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the first feedback is configured to be provided in response to a first predetermined criterion being satisfied.
19. The feedback provision system according to clause 18, wherein the first predetermined criterion comprises a determination being made that the aerosol provision system is faulty.
20. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 18 or 19, wherein the first predetermined criterion comprises a temperature value exceeding a predetermined temperature.
21. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the second feedback is configured to be provided in response to a second predetermined criterion being satisfied.
22. The feedback provision system according to clause 21, wherein the second predetermined criterion comprises a determination being made that a power source from the aerosol provision system comprises less than a predetermined amount of remaining power.
23. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 21-22, wherein the second predetermined criterion comprises a determination being made that an amount of aerosol generating material in the aerosol provision system comprises less than a predetermined amount.
24. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 21-23, wherein the second predetermined criterion comprises a determination being made that an aerosol generator from the aerosol provision system has not been operated for generating an aerosol for a period of time which exceeds a predetermined period of time.
25. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the aerosol provision system comprises the feedback portion.
26. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, further comprising an electrical device which is operable to wirelessly communicate with the aerosol provision system.
27. The feedback provision system according clause 26, wherein the electrical device is operable to wirelessly communicate with the aerosol provision system via Bluetooth.
28. The feedback provision system according to clause 26 or 27, wherein the electrical device comprises a smartphone.
29. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 26-28, wherein the electrical device comprises a smartwatch.
30. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 26-29, wherein the electrical device comprises the feedback portion.
31. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 26-30, wherein the electrical device is configured to provide the first feedback.
32. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 26-31, wherein the electrical device is configured to provide the second feedback.
33. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises a consumable for storing aerosol-generating material, and an aerosol provision device which is configured to receive the consumable for generating the aerosol from the aerosol-generating material.
34. The feedback provision system according to clause 33, wherein the consumable comprises an aerosol generator for generating the aerosol from the aerosol-generating material.
35. The feedback provision system according to clause 34, wherein the aerosol generator comprises a susceptor.
36. The feedback provision system according to clause 35, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises a coil which is configured to inductively heat the susceptor located in the consumable.
37. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 33-37, wherein the consumable is substantially cylindrical.
38. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 33-38, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises a receptacle for releasably receiving the consumable.
39. The feedback provision system according to clause 39, when further dependent on clause 36, wherein the coil is configured to surround the receptacle.
40. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 33-39, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to supply power from the aerosol provision device to the cartridge wirelessly.
41. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 33-40, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to supply power from the aerosol provision device to the consumable by electromagnetic induction.
42. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 33-41, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises a solid material.
43. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 33-42, wherein the aerosol-generating material comprises tobacco.
44. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 33-43, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to releasably couple the consumable to the aerosol provision device via a friction-fit.
45. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 33-44, wherein the consumable is couplable to the aerosol provision device in more than one orientation.
46. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 33-45, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises the feedback portion.
47. The feedback provision system according to preceding clause, wherein the feedback portion comprises a loudspeaker for providing at least one of the first feedback and the second feedback.
48. The feedback provision system according to preceding clause, wherein the feedback portion comprises a haptic element for providing at least one of the first feedback and the second feedback.
49. The feedback provision system according to preceding clause, wherein the feedback portion comprises a display for providing at least one of the first feedback and the second feedback.
50. The feedback provision system according to clause 49, wherein the first feedback comprises a first indicia on the display.
51. The feedback provision system according to clause 49 or 50, wherein the second feedback comprises a second indicia on the display.
52. The feedback provision system according to clause 51, wherein the first indicia comprises a first color, and the second indicia comprises a second color which is different from the first color.
53. The feedback provision system according to clause 52, wherein the first color is at least one of black; purple; red; orange; amber; or yellow.
55. The feedback provision system according to clause 52 or 53, wherein the second color is at least one of blue; green; yellow; or white.
55. The feedback provision system according to clause 51, when further dependent on clause 50, wherein the first indicia is configured to be displayed more prominently than the second indicia.
56. The feedback provision according to any preceding clause, wherein the feedback portion is configured to provide an identifier of the aerosol provision system.
57. The feedback provision according to any preceding clause, when further dependent on clause 49 at least, wherein the feedback portion is configured to display an identifier of the aerosol provision system on the display.
58. The feedback provision according to any preceding clause, further comprising a display for displaying an identifier of the aerosol provision system on the display.
59. The feedback provision according to any of clauses 56-58, wherein the identifier is configured to be provided in each mode of operation.
60. The feedback provision according to any of clauses 58-59, wherein the identifier comprises a graphical representation of the aerosol provision system.
61. The feedback provision according to any of clauses 56-60, wherein the identifier comprises a description of the aerosol provision system.
62. The feedback provision according to any of clauses 56-61, wherein the identifier comprises a name of the aerosol provision system.
63. The feedback provision according to any of clauses 56-62, wherein at least one of the first feedback and second feedback is configured to be provided next to the identifier.
64. The feedback provision according to any of clauses 56-63, wherein at least one of the first feedback and second feedback is configured to provided above the identifier.
65. The feedback provision according to any of clauses 56-63, wherein at least one of the first feedback and second feedback is configured to provided below the identifier.
66. The feedback provision according to any of clauses 56-64, when further dependent on clauses 57 or 58 at least, wherein the identifier remains in the same location on the display for all of the modes of operation.
67. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the first feedback comprises haptic feedback.
68. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the first feedback comprises acoustic feedback.
69. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the first feedback comprises visual feedback.
70. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the second feedback comprises haptic feedback.
71. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the second feedback comprises acoustic feedback.
72. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the second feedback comprises visual feedback.
73. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the type of the first feedback is different to the type of the second feedback.
74. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the level of the first feedback is different from the level of the second feedback.
75. The feedback provision system according to clause 74, wherein the level of the first feedback is greater than the level of the second feedback.
76. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein at least one of the first feedback and the second feedback comprises an indication on a remaining amount of power in a power source from the aerosol provision system.
77. The feedback provision system according to clause 76, wherein the indication on the remaining amount of power in the power source from the aerosol provision system comprises a battery symbol.
78. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein at least one of the first feedback and the second feedback comprises an indication on whether the aerosol provision system is currently being powered.
79. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein at least one of the first feedback and the second feedback comprises an indication that the aerosol provision system is currently being charged.
80. The feedback provision system according to clause 79, wherein the indication that the aerosol provision system is currently being charged comprises a lightning bolt.
81. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein at least one of the first feedback and the second feedback comprises an indication on whether the aerosol provision system is switched on.
82. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein at least one of the first feedback and the second feedback comprises an indication on whether a case for the aerosol provision system has been detected.
83. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein at least one of the first feedback and the second feedback comprises an indication on whether the aerosol provision system is located in a case for holding the aerosol provision system.
84. The feedback provision system according to clause 82 or 83, wherein the case comprises a charging case for charging a power source from the aerosol provision system.
85. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the feedback provision system is configured for allowing the first feedback and/or the second feedback to be customized.
86. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the feedback provision system is configured for allowing the level of the first feedback and/or the level of the second feedback to be customized.
87. The feedback provision system according to any preceding clause, wherein the feedback provision system is configured for allowing the type of the first feedback and/or the type of the second feedback to be customized.
88. The feedback provision system according to any of clauses 85-87, wherein a display from the feedback provision system is configured to display a feedback customization interface for allowing the first feedback and/or the second feedback to be customized from the feedback customization interface.
89. The feedback provision system according to clause 88, wherein the feedback customization interface comprises an identifier of the aerosol provision system.
90. An aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises a feedback portion for providing first feedback and second feedback to a user of the aerosol provision system.
91. An aerosol provision system according to clause 90, wherein the aerosol provision system is configured to not allow the first feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion; and is configured to allow the second feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion.
92. An aerosol provision device, for use in an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol comprising the aerosol provision device and a consumable comprising aerosol-generating material for aerosolizing, wherein the aerosol provision device comprises:
a feedback portion for providing first feedback and second feedback to a user of the aerosol provision system.
93. An aerosol provision device according to clause 92, wherein the aerosol provision device is configured to not allow the first feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion; and is configured to allow the second feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion.
94. A method providing feedback in a feedback provision system comprising an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, wherein the method comprises:
providing a feedback portion for providing first feedback and second feedback to a user of the aerosol provision system.
95. A method according to clause 94, wherein the method is a method controlling the provision of feedback in the feedback provision system.
96. A method according to clause 94 or 95, wherein the method further comprises:
not allowing the first feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion.
97. A method according to any of clauses 94-96, wherein the method further comprises allowing the second feedback to be selectively prevented from being provided by the feedback portion.
98. The method according to any of clauses 94-97, wherein the method further comprises: toggling between a first mode of operation in which the second feedback is configured to be provided by the feedback portion, and a second mode of operation in which the first feedback is configured to be provided by the feedback portion.
99. The method according to any of clauses 94-98, wherein the method further comprises:
toggling between a first mode of operation in which the second feedback is configured to be provided by the feedback portion, and a second mode of operation in which the second feedback is configured to be prevented from being provided by the feedback portion.
100. The method according to clause 98 or 99, wherein the method further comprises:
toggling a user interface portion from the feedback provision system between the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation.
101. The method according to clause 100, wherein the aerosol provision system comprises the user interface portion.
102. The method according to any of clauses 94-101, wherein the feedback portion is provided as part of an electrical device which is operable to wirelessly communicate with the aerosol provision system.
103. The method according to clause 102, wherein the electrical device comprises a smartphone.
104. The method according to any of clauses 94-103, wherein the type of the first feedback is different from the type of the second feedback.
105. The method according to clause 104, wherein the type of the first feedback comprises acoustic feedback, and the type of the second feedback comprises at least of visual feedback and/or haptic feedback.
106. The method according to any of clauses 94-105, wherein the method further comprises: displaying an identifier of the aerosol provision system on a display from the feedback provision system.
107. The method according to clause 106, when further dependent on clause 98 at least, wherein the method further comprises:
displaying the identifier in each of the first and second modes of operation.
108. The method according to clause 106 or 107, wherein the feedback portion comprises the display.
109. The method according to any of clauses 106-108, when further dependent on clause 102 at least, wherein the electrical device comprises the display.
110. The method according to any of clauses 94-109, wherein the first feedback is provided more prominently than the second feedback.
Purely for completeness, in terms of how any toggle indicator; user interface portion; feedback portion; or may be powered (if they are present at all), it will be appreciated that each such portion (as required) may be powered using either the power supply / battery 16, or each powered with its own power source.
Equally, and with regard to the positioning of any such toggle indicator; user interface portion; feedback portion; or, as alluded to above, it will be appreciated that their locations may be provided anywhere in the aerosol provision system 1 (or as part of a wider feedback provision system, where such a latter system is employed) as may be required to allow them to provide their required functionality. This may even include a location where the feedback portion or sensor is not actually located on the aerosol provision system 1; consumable 2; or aerosol provision device 4 (e.g. in a separate electrical device which is attachable to the user, such as a strap or some other patch or device which may be secured (releasably if needs be, e.g. via an adhesive patch), to the user.
Equally, and where the aerosol provision system 1 comprises the consumable 2 and the aerosol provision device 4, any provided toggle indicator; user interface portion; feedback portion 702 a;702 b; or sensor may be located in either the consumable 2 or the aerosol provision device 4, as needed so as to allow the required functionality of the toggle indicator 706 a;706 b; feedback portion 702 a;702 b; or sensor 1002 a;1002 b;1002 c.
For the sake of completeness as well, in respect of any toggle indicator; user interface portion; feedback portion; or sensor 1002 a;1002 b;1002 c in the aerosol provision device 4 or aerosol provision system 1, it will be appreciated that any power or signals sent thereto may be provided using either a wired or wireless connection between the control circuitry 18 and the relevant device. In the particular embodiments shown in the Figures, for instance, a wired connection is provided between each of the toggle indicator/user interface portion/feedback portion/sensor and the control circuitry 18, and which extends in the case of the toggle indicator/user interface portion/feedback portion/sensor being located in the consumable 2 across the interface end 54, via the contact electrodes 46 located on each of the aerosol provision device 4 and the consumable 2.

Claims

1. A feedback provision system comprising:

an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol; and

a feedback portion for providing a first feedback and a second feedback to a user of the aerosol provision system;

wherein the feedback provision system is configured for allowing the user of the feedback provision system to toggle between a first mode of operation in which the second feedback is configured to be provided by the feedback portion, and a second mode of operation in which the first feedback is configured to be provided by the feedback portion.

2. The feedback provision system according to claim 1, wherein a type of the first feedback is different from a type of the second feedback.

3. The feedback provision system according to claim 1, wherein a level of the first feedback is different from a level of the second feedback.

4. The feedback provision system according to claim 3, wherein the level of the first feedback is greater than the level of the second feedback.

5. The feedback provision system according to claim 1, wherein the feedback provision system is configured for allowing at least one of the first feedback or the second feedback to be customized.

6. The feedback provision system according to claim 3, wherein the feedback provision system is configured for allowing at least one of the level of the first feedback or the level of the second feedback to be customized.

7. The feedback provision system according to claim 2, wherein the feedback provision system is configured for allowing at least one of the type of the first feedback or the type of the second feedback to be customized.

8. The feedback provision system according to claim 1, wherein a display from the feedback provision system is configured to display a feedback customization interface for allowing at least one of the first feedback or the second feedback to be customized using the feedback customization interface.

9. The feedback provision system according to claim 8, wherein the feedback customization interface comprises an identifier of the aerosol provision system.

10. The feedback provision system according to claim 8, further comprising an electrical device which is operable to wirelessly communicate with the aerosol provision system, wherein the electrical device comprises the display for displaying the feedback customization interface.

11. The feedback provision system according to claim 1, further comprising an electrical device which is operable to wirelessly communicate with the aerosol provision system.

12. The feedback provision system according to claim 11, wherein the electrical device comprises a smartphone.

13. The feedback provision system according to claim 1, wherein the first feedback comprises haptic feedback.

14. The feedback provision system according to claim 1, wherein the first feedback comprises acoustic feedback.

15. The feedback provision system according to claim 1, wherein the first feedback comprises visual feedback.

16. The feedback provision system according to claim 1, wherein the second feedback comprises haptic feedback.

17. The feedback provision system according to claim 1, wherein the second feedback comprises acoustic feedback.

18. The feedback provision system according to claim 1, wherein the second feedback comprises visual feedback.

19. An aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, wherein the aerosol provision system comprises:

a feedback portion for providing a first feedback and a second feedback to a user of the aerosol provision system,

wherein the aerosol provision system is configured for allowing the user of the aerosol provision system to toggle between a first mode of operation in which the second feedback is configured to be provided by the feedback portion, and a second mode of operation in which the first feedback is configured to be provided by the feedback portion.

20. A method of providing feedback in a feedback provision system comprising an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, the method comprising:

providing a feedback portion for providing a first feedback and a second feedback to a user of the aerosol provision system; and

toggling between a first mode of operation in which the second feedback is configured to be provided by the feedback portion, and a second mode of operation in which the first feedback is configured to be provided by the feedback portion.

21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising:

using a feedback customization interface from the feedback provision system to customize at least one of the first feedback or the second feedback.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the feedback provision system further comprises an electrical device which is operable to wirelessly communicate with the aerosol provision system, wherein the electrical device comprises a display for displaying the feedback customization interface, wherein the method further comprises:

using the feedback customization interface on the display of the electrical device to customize at least one of the first feedback or the second feedback.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein the electrical device comprises a smartphone.

24. The method according to claim 22, further comprising:

displaying an identifier of the aerosol provision system on the display from the feedback provision system.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein the identifier remains in the same location on the display for the first mode of operation and second mode of operation.

26. The method according to claim 20, wherein the first feedback is provided more prominently than the second feedback.