US20230337751A1

US20230337751A1 - A system comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device

Info

Publication number: US20230337751A1
Application number: US18/043,754
Authority: US
Inventors: Connor BRUTON; Nicholas BENNING-ROSSER; Darryl BAKER
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Current assignee: Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Priority date: 2020-09-04
Filing date: 2021-09-01
Publication date: 2023-10-26
Also published as: JP2023540207A; GB202013969D0; MX2023002694A; WO2022049373A1; CA3174370A1; EP4199761A1; KR20230047167A

Abstract

A system including a non-combustible aerosol provision device for use with a consumable, the system including one or more controllers and an identifier reader configured to read an identifier associated with one or more consumables, wherein the one or more controllers are configured to record the number of readings of the identifier and perform an action in response to the recorded number of readings reaching a predetermined value. The device may include a power source and a heating assembly, and the controller may prevent power being supplied to the heating assembly until a reading of the identifier is recorded and/or in response to the recorded number of readings reaching a predetermined value. A package for the consumables includes comprises an electromagnetically interrogatable data storage, such as an RFID tag, which identifies the package and includes data regarding the number of consumables contained within the package.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

The present application is a National Phase entry of PCT Application No. PCT/GB2021/052256, filed Sep. 1, 2021, which claims priority from GB Application No. 2013969.7, filed Sep. 4, 2020, each of which hereby fully incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a system comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device; a non-combustible aerosol provision device; a package; and a control method of a non-combustible aerosol provision device.

BACKGROUND

Product packages can be provided with an electromagnetically interrogatable data storage, such as an RFID tag, which can contain information relating to the product package. An RFID reader can be used to interrogate the RFID tag by transmitting a radio frequency signal which is received at the antenna or inductive coil within the tag. The RFID tag then returns a signal to the RFID reader containing the information relating to the product package.

SUMMARY

In accordance with some embodiments described herein, in a first aspect there is provided a system comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device for use with a consumable, the system comprising: one or more controllers; and an identifier reader configured to read an identifier associated with one or more consumables, wherein the one or more controllers are configured to record the number of readings of the identifier and perform an action in response to the recorded number of readings reaching a predetermined value.
In accordance with some embodiments described herein, in a second aspect there is provided a package for consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, the package comprising an electromagnetically interrogatable data storage storing an identifier, wherein the identifier identifies the package and includes data regarding the number of consumables contained within the package.
In accordance with some embodiments described herein, in a third aspect there is provided a control method of a non-combustible aerosol provision device for use with a consumable, the method comprising: performing readings of an identifier associated with one or more consumables; recording the number of readings; and performing an action in response to the number of readings reaching a predetermined value.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

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

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a system comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device, together with a package of consumables.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configurations of the non-combustible aerosol provision device and the package shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the non-combustible aerosol provision device shown in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of a user terminal for use in the system shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 is a perspective illustration of a non-combustible aerosol provision device.

FIG. 6 illustrates the device of FIG. 5 with the outer cover removed.

FIG. 7 is a side view of the device of FIG. 5 in partial cross-section.

FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the device of FIG. 5 , with the outer cover omitted.

FIG. 9A is a cross sectional view of a portion of the device of FIG. 5 .

FIG. 9B is a close-up illustration of a region of the device of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a control method of a non-combustible aerosol provision device for use with a consumable.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
In some embodiments, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an aerosol-generating material heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system. An example of such a system is a tobacco heating system.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In some embodiments, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material. The solid aerosol-generating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
In some embodiments, the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure. Consumables may be provided in a package.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In some embodiments, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energized so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.
In some embodiments, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
In some embodiments, the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolized. As appropriate, either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavors, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.
An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating. For example, the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.
Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavorants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50 wt %, 60 wt % or 70 wt % of amorphous solid, to about 90 wt %, 95 wt % or 100 wt % of amorphous solid.
The aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavors, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.
The aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerin, 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 materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, coloring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.
The material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate. The support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the support comprises a susceptor. In some embodiments, the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.
An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavor, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol. The aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosol-modifying agent.
The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavorant, a colorant, water, and a carbon adsorbent. The aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel. The aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form. The aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.
A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.
Induction heating is a process in which an electrically-conductive object is heated by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. The process is described by Faraday's law of induction and Ohm's law. An induction heater may comprise an electromagnet and a device for passing a varying electrical current, such as an alternating current, through the electromagnet. When the electromagnet and the object to be heated are suitably relatively positioned so that the resultant varying magnetic field produced by the electromagnet penetrates the object, one or more eddy currents are generated inside the object. The object has a resistance to the flow of electrical currents. Therefore, when such eddy currents are generated in the object, their flow against the electrical resistance of the object causes the object to be heated. This process is called Joule, ohmic, or resistive heating. An object that is capable of being inductively heated is known as a susceptor.
In one embodiment, the susceptor is in the form of a closed circuit. It has been found that, when the susceptor is in the form of a closed circuit, magnetic coupling between the susceptor and the electromagnet in use is enhanced, which results in greater or improved Joule heating.
Magnetic hysteresis heating is a process in which an object made of a magnetic material is heated by penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field. A magnetic material can be considered to comprise many atomic-scale magnets, or magnetic dipoles. When a magnetic field penetrates such material, the magnetic dipoles align with the magnetic field. Therefore, when a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field, for example as produced by an electromagnet, penetrates the magnetic material, the orientation of the magnetic dipoles changes with the varying applied magnetic field. Such magnetic dipole reorientation causes heat to be generated in the magnetic material.
When an object is both electrically-conductive and magnetic, penetrating the object with a varying magnetic field can cause both Joule heating and magnetic hysteresis heating in the object. Moreover, the use of magnetic material can strengthen the magnetic field, which can intensify the Joule heating.
In each of the above processes, as heat is generated inside the object itself, rather than by an external heat source by heat conduction, a rapid temperature rise in the object and more uniform heat distribution can be achieved, particularly through selection of suitable object material and geometry, and suitable varying magnetic field magnitude and orientation relative to the object. Moreover, as induction heating and magnetic hysteresis heating do not require a physical connection to be provided between the source of the varying magnetic field and the object, design freedom and control over the heating profile may be greater, and cost may be lower.
Articles, for instance those in the shape of rods, are often named according to the product length: “regular” (typically in the range 68-75 mm, e.g. from about 68 mm to about 72 mm), “short” or “mini” (68 mm or less), “king size” (typically in the range 75-91 mm, e.g. from about 79 mm to about 88 mm), “long” or “super-king” (typically in the range 91-105 mm, e.g. from about 94 mm to about 101 mm) and “ultra-long” (typically in the range from about 110 mm to about 121 mm).
They are also named according to the product circumference: “regular” (about 23-25 mm), “wide” (greater than 25 mm), “slim” (about 22-23 mm), “demi-slim” (about 19-22 mm), “super-slim” (about 16-19 mm), and “micro-slim” (less than about 16 mm).
Accordingly, an article in a king-size, super-slim format will, for example, have a length of about 83 mm and a circumference of about 17 mm.
Each format may be produced with mouthpieces of different lengths. The mouthpiece length will be from about 30 mm to 50 mm. A tipping paper connects the mouthpiece to the aerosol generating material and will usually have a greater length than the mouthpiece, for example from 3 to 10 mm longer, such that the tipping paper covers the mouthpiece and overlaps the aerosol generating material, for instance in the form of a rod of substrate material, to connect the mouthpiece to the rod.
Articles and their aerosol generating materials and mouthpieces described herein can be made in, but are not limited to, any of the above formats.
The terms ‘upstream’ and ‘downstream’ used herein are relative terms defined in relation to the direction of mainstream aerosol drawn though an article or device in use.
The filamentary tow material described herein can comprise cellulose acetate fiber tow. The filamentary tow can also be formed using other materials used to form fibers, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), poly(1-4 butanediol succinate) (PBS), poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate)(PBAT), starch based materials, cotton, aliphatic polyester materials and polysaccharide polymers or a combination thereof. The filamentary tow may be plasticized with a suitable plasticizer for the tow, such as triacetin where the material is cellulose acetate tow, or the tow may be non-plasticized. The tow can have any suitable specification, such as fibers having a cross section which is ‘Y’ shaped, ‘X’ shaped or ‘0’ shaped. The fibers of the tow may have filamentary denier values between 2.5 and 15 denier per filament, for example between 8.0 and 11.0 denier per filament and total denier values of 5,000 to 50,000, for example between 10,000 and 40,000. The cross section of the fibers may have an isoperimetric ratio L2/A of 25 or less, such as 20 or less, and for example 15 or less, where L is the length of the perimeter of the cross section and A is the area of the cross section. Such fibers have a relatively low surface area for a given value of denier per filament, which improves delivery of aerosol to the consumer.
As used herein, the term “tobacco material” refers to any material comprising tobacco or derivatives or substitutes thereof. The term “tobacco material” may include one or more of tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco or tobacco substitutes. The tobacco material may comprise one or more of ground tobacco, tobacco fiber, cut tobacco, extruded tobacco, tobacco stem, tobacco lamina, reconstituted tobacco and/or tobacco extract.
In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.
The active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response. The active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives. The active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof. The active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco or another botanical.
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.
As noted herein, the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof. As used herein, the term “botanical” includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibers, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like. Alternatively, the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically. The material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like. Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, Ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon balm, lemon basil, chive, carvi, verbena, tarragon, geranium, mulberry, ginseng, theanine, theacrine, maca, ashwagandha, damiana, guarana, chlorophyll, baobab or any combination thereof. The mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, qMentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco.
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.
In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.
In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered comprises a flavor.
As used herein, the terms “flavor” and “flavorant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. 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 gas.
In some embodiments, the flavor comprises 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 comprises flavor components extracted from cannabis.
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 eucolyptol, WS-3.
In the figures described herein, like reference numerals are used to illustrate equivalent features, articles or components.
FIG. 1 shows a system comprising a non-combustible aerosol provision device, together with a package of consumables provided for use with the system. In broad outline, the non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 may be used to heat a replaceable article comprising an aerosol generating medium, for instance one of the consumables 400 described herein, to generate an aerosol or other inhalable medium which is inhaled by a user of the device 100. The device 100 and consumable 400 together form a non-combustible aerosol provision system.
As shown in FIG. 1 , the package 300 includes an electromagnetically interrogatable data storage 310. The electromagnetically interrogatable data storage 310 stores data relating to the consumables 400 and/or the package 300. Such data is referred to herein as an identifier. In the present example, the electromagnetically interrogatable data storage 310 stores data identifying the package. The identifier stored in the electromagnetically interrogatable data storage 310 can be read by an identifier reader, such as an identifier reader of the device 100. This operation will be described in more detail below. In some examples, the identifier also includes data regarding the number of consumables contained within the package as manufactured.
The electromagnetically interrogatable data storage 310 may be located on the outside of the package 300 or in between layers of the packaging, such as between an outer packaging layer and an inner packaging layer. Alternatively, the electromagnetically interrogatable data storage 310 may be located inside the internal space defined by an innermost packaging layer. When inserted into the internal space, the electromagnetically interrogatable data storage 310 may be located upon an item such as a card or film. Such a further item may be designed to fit within the package 300, for example via an interference fit within the packaging walls.
In the present example, the electromagnetically interrogatable data storage 310 is an RFID tag. RFID tags generally have an integrated circuit (IC) chip connected to an antenna or inductive coil. The IC chip includes non-volatile memory which stores a code. An RFID reader (e.g. the RFID reader described herein) may be used to interrogate the tag by transmitting a radio frequency signal which is received at the antenna or inductive coil. The RFID tag then returns a signal to the RFID reader containing the stored code. The RFID tag can be arranged to operate in accordance with the Near Field Communication (NFC) standards. The NFC communication may conform to any suitable standard (such as ECMA-340 and ISO/IEC 18092).
The RFID tag 310 can be arranged to be readable only within a maximum distance from the RFID tag 310. In the present example, the maximum distance is about 20 cm. In some examples, the maximum distance can be about 10 cm, about 5 cm, about 4 cm or about 3 cm.
In other examples, the electromagnetically interrogatable data storage 310 may be a bar code, for example a 2D bar code or a 3D bar code.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configurations of the non-combustible aerosol provision device and the package of consumables shown in FIG. 1 .
The device 100 comprises a controller 110 and an identifier reader 120. The controller 110 is configured to control the operation of the device 100 to provide the functionality described herein. In particular, the controller 110 is configured to control the identifier reader 120 to read the identifier stored within the electromagnetically interrogatable data storage 310 on the package 300. The identifier reader 120 may be configured to read the identifier using wireless communication (e.g. radio frequency communication). The identifier reader 120 may be omitted in some examples.
In the present example, the identifier reader 120 is an RFID tag reader, and the electromagnetically interrogatable data storage 310 of the package 300 is an RFID tag. The identifier reader 120 is configured to read the RFID tag according to conventional techniques when a user brings the device 100 into proximity with the package 300.
In other examples, the identifier reader may be a device such as a camera or a bar code reader which is configured to scan a code such as a bar code or a QR code on the package 300.
The controller 110 is configured to record the number of readings of the identifier and perform an action based on the recorded number of readings. The controller can record the number of readings in a memory within the device, for example the memory described below in relation to FIG. 3 . This allows the device to associate the number of readings of the identifier with the number of consumables used from a given package, without the need for RFID tags to be placed on each consumable. This reduces manufacturing costs.
The controller 110 is configured to perform an action in response to the recorded number of readings of the identifier reaching a predetermined value. The predetermined value may be a value which is stored in a memory within the device 100.
In the present example, the controller 110 is configured to determine the initial number of consumables 400 contained within the package 300 (i.e. the number of consumables contained within the package upon purchase) based on data received from an initial reading of the identifier stored within the electromagnetically interrogatable data storage 310. The controller 110 sets the initial number of consumables 400 contained within the package 300 as the predetermined value. For example, the controller 110 may determine that the initial number of consumables contained within the package is 20, and sets the number ‘20’ as the predetermined value.
The controller 110 records the number of readings of the identifier (including the initial reading). When the controller 110 determines that the number of readings of the identifier has reached the predetermined value, the controller 110 may determine that all of the consumables 400 initially present in the package 300 have now been used. In other words, the controller 110 may determine that the number of consumables remaining in the packaging 300 is zero.
In some examples, the predetermined value may be a value stored in a memory of the device 100 when the device is manufactured. For example, the device 100 may be configured to be used with consumables that come in a standard number, e.g. 20, within a package. This number of consumables may be set as the predetermined value during manufacture of the device 100.
In some examples, the identifier reader 120 is configured to read a plurality of identifiers, each of the identifiers associated with a corresponding type of consumable. For example, one identifier may be associated with a package of “standard” consumables, while another identifier may be associated with a package of flavored consumables. In such examples, the controller 110 is configured to record the number of readings of each of the identifiers and to perform the action in response to any of the recorded numbers of readings reaching the predetermined value. In some examples, each identifier may have its own corresponding predetermined value.
In some examples, the controller 110 is configured to discount some of the readings of the identifier. That is, the controller 110 may be configured to ignore some of the readings of the identifier. The controller 110 may be configured to discount any reading that is performed in a predetermined time interval after the previous reading. For example, the controller may ignore a reading that is performed two minutes after a previous reading. The predetermined time interval may be set as any suitable time value, for example 1 minute, 2 minutes, 3 minutes, 4 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes or 30 minutes.
This arrangement allows the controller 110 to ignore readings of the identifier which may not correspond to a usage of a new consumable; for example, when a user brings the device 100 into proximity with the package 300 to select a new consumable 400 and then brings the device 100 into proximity with the package 300 without selecting a new consumable 400. Ignoring such readings allows the controller 110 to better determine the number of consumables used from a given package.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the non-combustible aerosol provision device shown in FIG. 2 .
As shown in FIG. 3 , the device 100 may comprise a memory 111, a control element 112, a sensor 115, a power source 118, a heating assembly 130 and a feedback element 140, in addition to the controller 110 and the identifier reader 120 shown in FIG. 2 . Some of these features may be omitted in some examples.
The memory 111 is connected to the controller 110, and can be accessed by the controller 110. The memory 111 may be a non-volatile memory. In the present example, the memory 111 is a flash memory device. The memory 111 stores operation information of the device 100, such as instructions which can be executed by the processor 110 to control the device 100. In particular, the memory 111 may store a predetermined value associated with the number of readings of an identifier.
In some examples, the device 100 comprises a control element 112. The control element 112 is operable by a user to send a command signal to the controller 110. The control element may be, for example, a button or a switch. The controller 110 can record a reading of the identifier in response to receiving the command signal from the control element 112. This allows the user to confirm that a new consumable from the package 300 has been inserted into the device 100.
In some examples, the device 100 comprises a sensor 115. The sensor 115 is configured to detect the engagement of a consumable with the device 100. In some examples, the consumable is engaged with the device by being inserted into the device.
In the present example, the sensor 115 is an optical sensor which detects the consumable as the consumable is engaged with the device 100. In other examples, the sensor 115 may be a switch which is triggered as the consumable is engaged with the device.
The sensor 115 can generate a command signal in response to detecting the engagement of a consumable with the device 100, and the controller 110 can record a reading of the identifier in response to receiving the command signal from the sensor 115. This allows the device to automatically determine that a new consumable from the package 300 has been engaged with the device 100.
The power source 118 may be, for example, a battery, such as a rechargeable battery or a non-rechargeable battery. Examples of suitable batteries include, for example, a lithium battery (such as a lithium-ion battery), a nickel battery (such as a nickel-cadmium battery), and an alkaline battery. In the present example, the power source 118 is a rechargeable battery.
The power source 118 is electrically connected to the heating assembly 130 to supply electrical power when required and under control of the controller 110, in order to heat aerosol generating material of a consumable engaged with the device 100.
In some examples, the controller 110 controls the power source 118 to prevent the power source 118 from supplying power to the heating assembly 130 until a reading of the identifier is recorded. In other words, if the controller 110 does not record a reading of the identifier, the heating assembly 130 is not activated. This reduces the chance of the user activating the heating assembly unintentionally.
In some examples, when the controller 110 determines that the number of readings of the identifier has reached the predetermined value stored in the memory 111, the controller 110 controls the power source 118 to prevent the power source 118 from supplying power to the heating assembly 130.
The feedback element 140 is electrically coupled to the power source 118, and is controlled by the controller 110. The controller 110 is configured to control the feedback element 140 to provide feedback to a user in response to recording a reading of the identifier. The feedback element 140 may be omitted in some examples.
In some examples, the feedback element 140 is a light source (e.g. a light-emitting diode (LED) device) which is capable of producing visible light. In the present example, feedback element 140 is an LED device capable of emitting multiple colors of visible light (e.g. green light and red light). In other examples, the feedback element 140 may be another form of feedback element such as an audio output device (e.g. a speaker), or a haptic feedback device.
The controller 110 may be configured to control the feedback element 140 to operate in a first mode when the recorded of number of readings is less than the predetermined value, and to operate in a second mode when the recorded number of readings is equal to or greater than the predetermined value. The feedback element can provide different forms of feedback in the first mode and the second mode, thereby providing the user with an indication that all of the consumables 400 which were initially contained within the packaging 300 have now been used.
In the present example, the controller 110 is configured to control the light-emitting diode device 140 to operate in a first mode in which the light-emitting diode device 140 emits light of a first color (e.g. green) in response to recording an initial reading of the identifier, and in response to recording subsequent readings. When the controller 110 determines that the number of readings of the identifier has reached the predetermined value stored in the memory 111, the controller 110 may control the light-emitting diode device 140 to operate in a second mode in which the light-emitting diode device emits light of a second color (e.g. red) different from the first color in response to recording a reading of the identifier. This provides the user with a visual indication that all of the consumables 400 which were initially contained within the packaging 300 have now been used.
FIG. 4 shows a detailed configuration of a user terminal for use in the system shown in FIG. 1 . In the present example, the user terminal is a mobile phone.
The user terminal 200 comprises a controller 210, a memory 211, a control element 212, a power source 218 and a feedback element 240. In the present example, the user terminal 200 also comprises an identifier reader 220. In examples in which the user terminal 200 comprises an identifier reader, the identifier reader 120 may be omitted from the non-combustible aerosol provision device 100. In examples in which the non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 comprises an identifier reader, the identifier reader 220 may be omitted from the user terminal 200.
The controller 210 is configured to control the operation of the user terminal 200. The controller 210 is configured to perform similar functions to the controller 110 of the device 100. In particular, the controller 210 is configured to control the identifier reader 220 to read the identifier stored within the electromagnetically interrogatable data storage 310 on the package 300. The identifier reader 220 may be configured to read the identifier using wireless communication (e.g. radio frequency communication).
In the present example, the identifier reader 220 is an RFID tag reader, and is configured to read the RFID tag 310 according to conventional techniques when a user brings the terminal 200 into proximity with the package 300.
In other examples, the identifier reader of the terminal 200 may be a device such as a camera or a bar code reader which is configured to scan a code such as a bar code or a QR code on the package 300.
The controller 210 is configured to record the number of readings of the identifier in a similar manner to the controller 110 of the device 100 described above. The controller 210 can record the number of readings in the memory 211.
In the present example, if the controller 210 determines that the recorded number of readings of the identifier has reached a predetermined value, the controller 210 can transmit this information to the device 100. This may be achieved using wireless communication (e.g. Bluetooth communication). Upon receiving this information, the controller 110 of the device 100 can then perform a predetermined action, such as any of the predetermined actions described above.
In other examples, the controller 210 may record the number of readings of the identifier and transmit this information to the device 100. The controller 110 of the device can then determine whether the recorded number of readings of the identifier has reached a predetermined value and perform an action accordingly.
The control element 212 is operable by a user to send a command signal to the controller 210. The control element 212 may be, for example, a button or a touch screen.
The controller 210 can record a reading of the identifier in response to receiving the command signal from the control element 112.
The power source 218 may be any rechargeable battery commonly used in the art for mobile phones.
The feedback element 240 is electrically coupled to the power source 218, and is controlled by the controller 210. The controller 210 is configured to control the feedback element 240 to provide feedback to a user in response to recording a reading of the identifier. The feedback element 240 may be omitted in some examples.
In the present example, the feedback element 240 is a touch screen. In other examples, the feedback element 240 may be a light source (e.g. an LED device such as the LED device described above in relation to the device 100), an audio output device (e.g. a speaker), or a haptic feedback device.
The display screen may provide a visual indication of a reading of the identifier being recorded. For example, the display screen may display a notification when a reading of the identifier is recorded. When the controller 210 determines that the number of readings of the identifier has reached the predetermined value stored in the memory 211, the controller 210 may control the display screen to display a notification informing the user that all of the consumables 400 which were initially contained within the packaging 300 have now been used.
FIG. 5 shows a perspective drawing of the non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 described above.
The device 100 comprises a housing 102 (in the form of an outer cover) which surrounds and houses various components of the device 100. The device 100 has an opening 104 in one end, through which an article 400 may be inserted for heating by a heating assembly. In use, the article 400 may be fully or partially inserted into the heating assembly where it may be heated by one or more components of the heater assembly. When the article 400 is inserted into the device 100, the minimum distance between the one or more components of the heater assembly and a tubular element of the article 400 may be in the range 3 mm to 10 mm, for example 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 7 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm or 10 mm.
The device 100 of this example comprises a first end member 106 which comprises a lid 108 which is moveable relative to the first end member 106 to close the opening 104 when no article 400 is in place. In FIG. 5 , the lid 108 is shown in an open configuration, however the lid 108 may move into a closed configuration. For example, a user may cause the lid 108 to slide in the direction of arrow “B”.
In the present example, the device 100 includes a user-operable control element 112 in the form of a button. The button 112 causes the device 100 to operate when pressed. For example, a user may turn on the device 100 by pressing the button 112.
Different operations of the control element 112 may be required to turn on the device and record a reading of the identifier respectively. For example, a single press of the button 112 may turn on the device 100, and a double press may cause the device 100 to record a reading of the identifier.
The device 100 may also comprise an electrical component, such as a socket/port 114, which can receive a cable to charge a battery of the device 100. For example, the socket 114 may be a charging port, such as a USB charging port.
FIG. 6 depicts the device 100 of FIG. 5 with the outer cover 102 removed and without an article 400 present. The device 100 defines a longitudinal axis 101.
As shown in FIG. 6 , the first end member 106 is arranged at one end of the device 100 and a second end member 116 is arranged at an opposite end of the device 100. The first and second end members 106, 116 together at least partially define end surfaces of the device 100. For example, the bottom surface of the second end member 116 at least partially defines a bottom surface of the device 100. Edges of the outer cover 102 may also define a portion of the end surfaces. In this example, the lid 108 also defines a portion of a top surface of the device 100.
The end of the device closest to the opening 104 may be known as the proximal end (or mouth end) of the device 100 because, in use, it is closest to the mouth of the user. In use, a user inserts an article 400 into the opening 104, operates the user-operable control element 112 to begin heating the aerosol generating material of the article 400, and draws on the aerosol generated in the device 100. This causes the aerosol to flow through the device 100 along a flow path towards the proximal end of the device 100.
The other end of the device 100 furthest away from the opening 104 may be known as the distal end of the device 100 because, in use, it is the end furthest away from the mouth of the user. As a user draws on the aerosol generated in the device 100, the aerosol flows away from the distal end of the device 100.
The device 100 further comprises the battery 118 described above. In this example, the battery is connected to a central support 119 which holds the battery 118 in place.
The device 100 further comprises at least one electronics module 109. The electronics module 109 may comprise, for example, a printed circuit board (PCB). The PCB 109 may support the controller 110 and/or the memory 111 described above. The PCB 109 may also comprise one or more electrical tracks to electrically connect together various electronic components of the device 100. For example, the battery terminals may be electrically connected to the PCB 109 so that power can be distributed throughout the device 100. The socket 114 may also be electrically coupled to the battery via the electrical tracks.
In the example device 100, the heating assembly 130 is an inductive heating assembly and comprises various components to heat the aerosol generating material of the article 400 via an inductive heating process. Induction heating is a process of heating an electrically conducting object (such as a susceptor) by electromagnetic induction. An induction heating assembly may comprise an inductive element, for example, one or more inductor coils, and a device for passing a varying electric current, such as an alternating electric current, through the inductive element. The varying electric current in the inductive element produces a varying magnetic field. The varying magnetic field penetrates a susceptor suitably positioned with respect to the inductive element, and generates eddy currents inside the susceptor. The susceptor has electrical resistance to the eddy currents, and hence the flow of the eddy currents against this resistance causes the susceptor to be heated by Joule heating. In cases where the susceptor comprises ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, heat may also be generated by magnetic hysteresis losses in the susceptor, i.e. by the varying orientation of magnetic dipoles in the magnetic material as a result of their alignment with the varying magnetic field. In inductive heating, as compared to heating by conduction for example, heat is generated inside the susceptor, allowing for rapid heating. Further, there need not be any physical contact between the inductive heater and the susceptor, allowing for enhanced freedom in construction and application.
The induction heating assembly 130 of the example device 100 comprises a susceptor arrangement 132 (herein referred to as “a susceptor”), a first inductor coil 134 and a second inductor coil 134. The first and second inductor coils 134, 136 are made from an electrically conducting material. In this example, the first and second inductor coils 134, 136 are made from Litz wire/cable which is wound in a helical fashion to provide helical inductor coils 134, 136. Litz wire comprises a plurality of individual wires which are individually insulated and are twisted together to form a single wire. Litz wires are designed to reduce the skin effect losses in a conductor. In the example device 100, the first and second inductor coils 134, 136 are made from copper Litz wire which has a rectangular cross section. In other examples the Litz wire can have other shape cross sections, such as circular.
The first inductor coil 134 is configured to generate a first varying magnetic field for heating a first section of the susceptor 132 and the second inductor coil 136 is configured to generate a second varying magnetic field for heating a second section of the susceptor 132. In this example, the first inductor coil 134 is adjacent to the second inductor coil 136 in a direction along the longitudinal axis 101 of the device 100 (that is, the first and second inductor coils 134, 136 do not overlap). The susceptor arrangement 132 may comprise a single susceptor, or two or more separate susceptors. Adjacent ends 134 a, 136 a of the first and second inductor coils 134, 136 can be connected to the PCB 109.
It will be appreciated that the first and second inductor coils 134, 136, in some examples, may have at least one characteristic different from each other. For example, the first inductor coil 134 may have at least one characteristic different from the second inductor coil 136. More specifically, in one example, the first inductor coil 134 may have a different value of inductance than the second inductor coil 136. In FIG. 6 , the first and second inductor coils 134, 136 are of different lengths such that the first inductor coil 134 is wound over a smaller section of the susceptor 132 than the second inductor coil 136. Thus, the first inductor coil 134 may comprise a different number of turns than the second inductor coil 136 (assuming that the spacing between individual turns is substantially the same). In yet another example, the first inductor coil 134 may be made from a different material to the second inductor coil 136. In some examples, the first and second inductor coils 134, 136 may be substantially identical.
In this example, the first inductor coil 134 and the second inductor coil 136 are wound in opposite directions. This can be useful when the inductor coils are active at different times. For example, initially, the first inductor coil 134 may be operating to heat a first section/portion of the article 400, and at a later time, the second inductor coil 136 may be operating to heat a second section/portion of the article 400. Winding the coils in opposite directions helps reduce the current induced in the inactive coil when used in conjunction with a particular type of control circuit. In FIG. 6 , the first inductor coil is a right-hand helix and the second inductor coil 136 is a left-hand helix. However, in another embodiment, the inductor coils 134, 136 may be wound in the same direction, or the first inductor coil 134 may be a left-hand helix and the second inductor coil 136 may be a right-hand helix.
The susceptor 132 of this example is hollow and therefore defines a receptacle within which aerosol generating material is received. For example, the article 400 can be inserted into the susceptor 132. In this example the susceptor 132 is tubular, with a circular cross section.
The susceptor 132 may be made from one or more materials. In some examples the susceptor 132 comprises carbon steel having a coating of nickel or cobalt.
In some examples, the susceptor 132 may comprise at least two materials capable of being heated at two different frequencies for selective aerosolization of the at least two materials. For example, a first section of the susceptor 132 (which is heated by the first inductor coil 134) may comprise a first material, and a second section of the susceptor 132 which is heated by the second inductor coil 136 may comprise a second, different material. In another example, the first section may comprise first and second materials, where the first and second materials can be heated differently based upon operation of the first inductor coil 134. The first and second materials may be adjacent along an axis defined by the susceptor 132, or may form different layers within the susceptor 132. Similarly, the second section may comprise third and fourth materials, where the third and fourth materials can be heated differently based upon operation of the second inductor coil 136. The third and fourth materials may be adjacent along an axis defined by the susceptor 132, or may form different layers within the susceptor 132. Third material may the same as the first material, and the fourth material may be the same as the second material, for example. Alternatively, each of the materials may be different. The susceptor may comprise carbon steel or aluminum for example.
The device 100 of FIG. 6 further comprises an insulating member 138 which may be generally tubular and at least partially surround the susceptor 132. The insulating member 138 may be constructed from any insulating material, such as plastic for example. In this particular example, the insulating member is constructed from polyether ether ketone (PEEK). The insulating member 138 may help insulate the various components of the device 100 from the heat generated in the susceptor 132.
The insulating member 138 can also fully or partially support the first and second inductor coils 134, 136. For example, as shown in FIG. 6 , the first and second inductor coils 134, 136 are positioned around the insulating member 138 and are in contact with a radially outward surface of the insulating member 138. In some examples the insulating member 138 does not abut the first and second inductor coils 134, 136. For example, a small gap may be present between the outer surface of the insulating member 138 and the inner surface of the first and second inductor coils 134, 136.
In a specific example, the susceptor 132, the insulating member 138, and the first and second inductor coils 134, 136 are coaxial around a central longitudinal axis of the susceptor 132.
FIG. 7 shows a side view of device 100 in partial cross-section. The outer cover 102 is present in this example. The rectangular cross-sectional shape of the first and second inductor coils 134, 136 is more clearly visible.
The device 100 further comprises a support 166 which engages one end of the susceptor 132 to hold the susceptor 132 in place. The support 166 is connected to the second end member 116.
The device may also comprise a second printed circuit board 113 associated within the control element 112.
The device 100 further comprises a second lid/cap 150 and a spring 152, arranged towards the distal end of the device 100. The spring 152 allows the second lid 150 to be opened, to provide access to the susceptor 132. A user may open the second lid 150 to clean the susceptor 132 and/or the support 166.
The device 100 further comprises an expansion chamber 164 which extends away from a proximal end of the susceptor 132 towards the opening 104 of the device. Located at least partially within the expansion chamber 164 is a retention clip 176 to abut and hold the article 400 when received within the device 100. The expansion chamber 164 is connected to the end member 106.
FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the device 100 of FIG. 7 , with the outer cover 102 omitted.
FIG. 9A depicts a cross section of a portion of the device 100 of FIG. 7 . FIG. 9B depicts a close-up of a region of FIG. 9A. FIGS. 9A and 9B show the article 400 received within the susceptor 132 of the device 100.
The article 400 is dimensioned so that the outer surface of the article 400 abuts the inner surface of the susceptor 132. This ensures that the heating is most efficient. The article 400 of this example comprises aerosol generating material 400 a. The aerosol generating material 400 a is positioned within the susceptor 132. The article 400 may also comprise other components such as a filter, wrapping materials and/or a cooling structure.
FIG. 9B shows that the outer surface of the susceptor 132 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the inductor coils 134, 136 by a distance D1, measured in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 133 of the susceptor 132. In one particular example, the distance D1 is about 3 mm to 4 mm, about 3 to 3.5 mm, or about 3.25 mm.
FIG. 9B further shows that the outer surface of the insulating member 138 is spaced apart from the inner surface of the inductor coils 134, 136 by a distance D2, measured in a direction perpendicular to a longitudinal axis 133 of the susceptor 132. In one particular example, the distance D2 is about 0.05 mm. In another example, the distance D2 is substantially zero, such that the inductor coils 134, 136 abut and touch the insulating member 138.
In one example, the susceptor 132 has a wall thickness D3 of about 0.025 mm to 1 mm, or about 0.05 mm.
In one example, the susceptor 132 has a length of about 40 mm to 60 mm, about 40 mm to 45 mm, or about 44.5 mm.
In one example, the insulating member 138 has a wall thickness D4 of about 0.25 mm to 2 mm, 0.25 mm to 1 mm, or about 0.5 mm.
In use, an article 400 described herein can be inserted into a non-combustible aerosol provision device such as the device 400 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 9 . At least a portion of a mouthpiece of the article 400 protrudes from the non-combustible aerosol provision device 100 and can be placed into a user's mouth. An aerosol is produced by heating the aerosol generating material of the article 400 using the device 100. The aerosol produced by the aerosol generating material passes through the mouthpiece of the article 400 to the user's mouth.
FIG. 10 is a flow chart showing a control method of a non-combustible aerosol provision device.
The method comprises the following: performing readings of an identifier associated with one or more consumables (S101); recording the number of readings of the identifier (S102); and performing an action in response to the recorded number of readings reaching a predetermined value (S103).
In some examples, all of the activities of the control method may be performed by a non-combustible aerosol provision device. In some examples, some of the activities of the control method may be performed by a user terminal, such as a mobile phone, and some activities may be performed by a non-combustible aerosol provision device.
In some examples, the identifier is associated with a package of consumables.
The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of 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 of the disclosure may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

Claims

1. A system comprising:

a non-combustible aerosol provision device for use with a consumable;

one or more controllers; and

an identifier reader configured to read an identifier associated with one or more consumables,

wherein the one or more controllers are configured to record the number of readings of the identifier and perform an action in response to the recorded number of readings reaching a predetermined value.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more controllers are configured to record a reading of the identifier in response to receiving a command signal.

3. The system according to claim 2, further comprising a user-operable control element, wherein the user-operable control element is configured to generate the control signal.

4. The system according to claim 2, wherein the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises a sensor configured to detect engagement of the consumable with the non-combustible aerosol provision device and generate the command signal in response to detecting the engagement of the consumable.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more controllers are configured to determine a number of consumables contained within a package based on data received from an initial reading of the identifier.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the one or more controllers are configured to set the determined number of consumables as the predetermined value.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the identifier reader is configured to read a plurality of identifiers, each of the identifiers associated with a corresponding type of the one or more consumables, and

wherein the one or more controllers are configured to record the number of readings of each of the identifiers and to perform the action in response to any of the recorded numbers of the readings reaching the predetermined value.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more controllers are configured to not record any reading performed in a predetermined time interval after a previous reading.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises a power source and a heating assembly connected to the power source.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the one or more controllers are configured to prevent the power source from supplying power to the heating assembly until a reading of the identifier is recorded.

11. The system according to claim 9, wherein the one or more controllers are configured to, in response to the recorded number of readings reaching the predetermined value, prevent the power source from supplying power to the heating assembly.

12. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a feedback element, wherein the one or more controllers are configured to control the feedback element to provide feedback to a user in response to recording a reading of the identifier.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the one or more controllers are configured to control the feedback element to operate in a first mode when the recorded of number of readings is less than the predetermined value, and to operate in a second mode when the recorded number of readings is equal to or greater than the predetermined value.

14. The system according to claim 12, wherein the feedback element comprises a light source.

15. The system according to claim 1, wherein the identifier reader is configured to read the identifier using wireless communication.

16. The system according to claim 1, wherein the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises the one or more controllers and the identifier reader.

17. The system according to claim 1,

wherein the system comprises a user terminal and a plurality of the controllers, and

wherein the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises one of the plurality of the controllers and the user terminal comprises another one of the plurality of the controllers.

18. The system according to claim 17, wherein the non-combustible aerosol provision device comprises the identifier reader or the user terminal comprises the identifier reader.

19. A package for consumables for use with a non-combustible aerosol provision device, the package comprising:

an electromagnetically interrogatable data storage storing an identifier, wherein the identifier identifies the package and includes data regarding a number of consumables contained within the package.

20. The package according to claim 19, wherein the electromagnetically interrogatable data storage is an RFID tag.

21. A control method of a non-combustible aerosol provision device for use with a consumable, the method comprising:

performing readings of an identifier associated with one or more consumables;

recording a number of the readings; and

performing an action in response to the number of the readings reaching a predetermined value.