US20240188640A1

US20240188640A1 - Aerosol Generation Device Providing Puff Information

Info

Publication number: US20240188640A1
Application number: US18/287,961
Authority: US
Inventors: Layth Sliman Bouchuiguir
Original assignee: JT International SA
Current assignee: JT International SA
Priority date: 2021-04-29
Filing date: 2022-04-26
Publication date: 2024-06-13
Also published as: EP4329542A1; JP2024515461A; TW202306501A; CN117677314A; WO2022229200A1; KR20240004512A

Abstract

An aerosol generation device includes: an aerosol generation unit arranged for transforming an aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol that may be inhaled by a user through successive puffs during a vaping session,a notification unit arranged for notifying information about the device, anda control unit arranged for causing the notification unit, during the vaping session, to notify the user when the aerosol generation unit reaches a suitable state for the next puff.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an aerosol generation device, and more precisely to information notification during a vaping session.

BACKGROUND

Some aerosol generation devices comprise an aerosol generation unit arranged for transforming an aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol that may be inhaled by a user through successive puffs (or inhalation phases) during a vaping session, and a notification unit arranged for notifying information about them.
When this type of aerosol generation device is portable, i.e. usable when held by a user, it further comprises a battery (or power source) possibly rechargeable and storing electrical energy that is used by the aerosol generation unit for generating the aerosol. In this case the aerosol generation device may be a vaporizer or an electronic cigarette.
In the following description the term “aerosol-forming substance” is used to designate any substance that is aerosolizable in air to form an aerosol. It may, for instance, be in liquid form, in solid form, or in a semi liquid form. So, it may be a liquid, gel, paste or wax or the like, or any combination of these.
The aerosol-forming substance may comprise one or more of nicotine, polyol, caffeine or other active components. An active component may be carried by a carrier which may include propylene glycol or glycerin, for instance. A flavoring may also be present in the aerosol-forming substance. This flavoring may include Ethylvanillin (vanilla), menthol, Isoamyl acetate (banana oil) or similar, for instance.
Moreover, in the following description the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of substance as one or more of solid particles, liquid droplets and gas. Such a suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to, or include, a vapor, and may include one or more components of the aerosol-forming substance.
The quantity of available aerosol-forming substance being limited (typically less than twenty inhalation phases (or puffs) during a vaping session), the generation of aerosol is not permanent during a vaping session. In fact, the heater of the aerosol generation unit is only supplied with an electrical power adapted to the aerosol generation after a pre-heating phase and once the beginning of an inhalation phase (or puff) has been detected (i.e. each time the user starts to inhale).
During each inhalation phase the electrical power supplying the heater remains approximately constant, while the quantity of available aerosol-forming substance decreases after each inhalation phase. So, as the time interval between successive puffs generally varies, the aerosol temperature and/or the aerosol flavour and/or the percentages of aerosol constituents and/or the level of undesirable aerosol constituents and/or the quantity of aerosol may vary, possibly significantly, from a puff to another puff of the same vaping session. In other words, one or more aerosol parameters is/are not often optimal during a vaping session because the user does not take enough time or takes too much time to allow a suitable generation of aerosol between two successive puffs. So, output inconsistencies may cause a discomfort to the user.
As described in the patent document US-A1 2020/0000143, when a user starts using an aerosol generation device, it is possible to provide him with information relative to the time intervals between puffs on the screen of his smartphone, once the latter and his aerosol generation device have been previously paired. But such a solution requires the user's smartphone to be in the communication range of the aerosol generation device, and does not precisely indicate to the user when his aerosol generation device is effectively ready for the next puff. In other words, this solution does not avoid output inconsistencies during a vaping session.
Therefore, an object of this invention is to improve the situation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The proposed invention provides notably an embodiment of an aerosol generation device comprising an aerosol generation unit arranged for transforming an aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol that may be inhaled by a user through successive puffs during a vaping session, and a notification unit arranged for notifying information about this aerosol generation device.
This aerosol generation device is characterized in that it further comprises a control unit arranged for causing the notification unit, during the vaping session, to notify the user when the aerosol generation unit reaches a suitable state for a next puff.
That is, in addition to notifying a user when the aerosol generation device reaches a suitable state for a first puff of a vaping session, the control unit causes the notification unit, during the vaping session, to notify the user when the aerosol generation unit reaches a suitable state for each subsequent puff. So, during a vaping session the user knows always when his aerosol generation device is ready for a next puff, which allows to notably reduce, and even prevent, output inconsistencies.
The embodiment of aerosol generation device may comprise other aspects or features, considered separately or combined, as defined hereafter:

- the control unit may be operable to determine that the aerosol generation unit has reached a suitable state for a next puff using a chosen parameter. The chosen parameter may vary, for example increase, as an elapsed time since the beginning of said vaping session increases.
- in a first example of embodiment, the chosen parameter may be a time since a last puff, and the control unit may cause the notification unit to notify a waiting time before the aerosol generation unit reaches the suitable state;
- in this first example of embodiment the control unit may cause the notification unit to notify a waiting time that gradually increases according to an elapsed time since the beginning of the vaping session (that is, the time since a last puff may increase as the vaping session progresses, such that time between a first and second puff is shorter than the time between a second and third puff). For instance, the control unit may be arranged for determining the increase depending on a type of the suitable state, this type being selected from a group comprising a suitable flavor and a suitable generated aerosol volume;
- in a second example of embodiment, the aerosol generation device may further comprise a measurement unit arranged for determining a value representative of a temperature of the aerosol generation unit. In this case, the chosen parameter may be a chosen value, and the control unit may cause the notification unit to notify the user when the determined value fulfills a predetermined condition;
- in this second example of embodiment the control unit may cause the notification unit to notify the user when the determined value reaches a chosen value since a last puff. For instance, this chosen value may vary according to an elapsed time since the beginning of the vaping session;
- in a first variant the chosen parameter may be a chosen time duration since a chosen value is reached, and the control unit may cause the notification unit to notify the user when a chosen time duration has elapsed since the determined value has reached a chosen value since a last puff. For instance, this chosen time duration may vary according to an elapsed time since the beginning of the vaping session;
- in a second variant the chosen parameter may be a chosen value increase, and the control unit may cause the notification unit to notify the user when the determined value corresponds to a chosen value increase since a last puff. For instance, this chosen value increase may vary according to an elapsed time since the beginning of the vaping session;
- the notification unit may be arranged for notifying the user by means of a displayed message and/or an audio message and/or a haptic feedback;
- the control unit may cause the notification unit to continue notifying the user for a predetermined period of time. For instance, this predetermined period of time may vary according to an elapsed time since the beginning of the vaping session;
- the aerosol-forming substance may comprise a tobacco material or at least one polyol;
- the aerosol generation device may further comprise a rechargeable power source storing electrical energy;
- the aerosol generation device may constitute an electronic cigarette.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention and its advantages will be better understood upon reading the following detailed description, which is given solely by way of non-limiting examples and which is made with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 (FIG. 1 ) schematically and functionally illustrates an example of embodiment of an aerosol generation device according to the invention, and

FIG. 2 (FIG. 2 ) schematically and functionally illustrates an example of embodiment of a control unit belonging to an aerosol generation device according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The invention aims, notably, at offering an aerosol generation device 1 capable of notifying its user when it is effectively ready for a next puff during a vaping session.
In the following description it will be considered that the aerosol generation device 1 is an electronic cigarette. But an aerosol generation device 1 according to the invention could be of another type, as soon as it is arranged for transforming an aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol that may be inhaled by a user through successive puffs during a vaping session. So, for instance, the aerosol generation device 1 could be an inhaler.
It is recalled that an “aerosol-forming substance” may be a liquid, a gel, a paste or a wax or the like, or any combination of these, and may comprise one or more components such as nicotinoid(s), polyol(s), cannabinoid(s), or caffeine, and/or a flavoring. For instance, the aerosol-forming substance may comprise a tobacco material. Also for instance, a polyol, which is an aerosol precursor, may be a glycerin or a propylene glycol. When the aerosol-forming substance is a liquid, it may be retained in an absorbent material having a porous or spongy structure. Such an absorbent material may comprise a porous ceramic, a heat-resistant polymer foam, or porous cellulose beads, for instance.
It is also recalled that the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of substance as one or more of solid (very small) particles, liquid droplets, vapor and gas, and that such a suspension may be in a gas including air.
As illustrated in FIG. 1 an aerosol generation device 1, according to the invention, comprises at least an aerosol generation unit 2, a notification unit 3 and a control unit (or controller) 4.
The aerosol generation unit 2 is arranged for transforming an aerosol-forming substance 5 into an aerosol that may be inhaled by a user through successive puffs during a vaping session.
For instance, the aerosol-forming substance 5 may be contained in a consumable 6 that must be manually replaced by the user when there is no more aerosol-forming substance 5 in it. This consumable 6 can be installed manually in a dedicated cavity 7 of the aerosol generation unit 2.
For instance, and as illustrated in FIG. 1 , this dedicated cavity 7 can be defined by a heating chamber 15 of the aerosol generation unit 2.
The aerosol-forming substance 5 is arranged for generating an aerosol when it is heated (without burning) and mixed with air. This heating is performed by a heater 8 supplied with electrical energy originating from a power source 9. This heater 8 belongs to the aerosol generation unit 2.
In the non limiting example illustrated in FIG. 1 , the heater 8 surrounds the heating chamber 15 and therefore the dedicated cavity 7 in the area comprising the aerosol-forming substance 5. For instance, the heater 8 may be a thin film heater wrapped around the outer surface of the heating chamber 15 to heat its side walls and at least a part of its internal volume (i.e. the dedicated cavity 7). For instance, this heater 8 may heat the aerosol-forming substance 5 at a temperature comprised between 150° C. and 350° C.
But in a variant the heater 8 could be located inside the heating chamber 15 and therefore inside the dedicated cavity 7.
For instance, the power source 9 belongs to an electrical and control device 10 which comprises also the notification unit 3 and the control unit 4.
Also for instance, the power source 9 may be a rechargeable battery. In this case the body of the electrical and control device 10 may comprise an electrical connector to which a charger cable may be connected during a charging session of the rechargeable battery 9. Such a charger cable may be coupled to an (AC) adapter or to a wall socket. The charger cable and/or the (AC) adapter may belong to the aerosol generation device 1.
The aerosol generation unit 2 is either coupled to the electrical and control device 10 or comprised into the electrical and control device 10 (as illustrated in the non-limiting example of FIG. 1 ).
The generated aerosol can be sucked by the user (to be inhaled) during a puff of a vaping session, through an outlet 11 of the aerosol generation unit 2. In the non-limiting example of FIG. 1 this outlet 11 is defined in the consumable 6. But this is not mandatory. More precisely, in the example the consumable 6 comprises an aerosol cooling region 12 and a filter 13, as an example. The aerosol cooling region 12 extends over a portion of the length of the consumable 6 and comprises a hollow tubular portion 14 of the consumable 6. This hollow tubular portion 14 allows an aerosol (generated by heating the aerosol-forming substance 5) to pass through the consumable 6 without leaking through the sides of the hollow tubular portion 14. The aerosol cooling region 12 does not overlap with the heating region, so aerosol will not continue to be heated within the aerosol cooling region 12. In addition, the hollow tubular portion 14 may be configured to further accelerate heat loss within the aerosol cooling region 12. For instance, by conducting heat away from the aerosol to other areas of the consumable 6. The length of the aerosol cooling region 12 and the dimensions of the hollow tubular portion 14 are configured such that, in use, a generated aerosol can be consistently provided within a desirable temperature range for inhalation by a user. In addition, a consumable 6 that includes an aerosol cooling region 12 can be provided with a shorter length than a consumable 6 without one as a generated aerosol is cooled to the desired temperature than would otherwise be possible. Consequently, a smaller heating chamber 15 is required to accommodate the shorter consumable 6. The aerosol-forming substance 5 is arranged at an end of the consumable 6 that is within the heating chamber 15 and furthest from the outlet 11. The filter 13 is arranged at the opposite end of the consumable 6 that comprises the outlet 11. The aerosol cooling region 12 extends along the length of the consumable 30 between the aerosol-forming substance 5 and the filter 13. This ensures that, in use, a generated aerosol may be sufficiently cooled before inhalation by a user. In other examples, the consumable 6 may not include the filter 13, or may further include additional components arranged throughout the consumable 6.
The consumable 6 and the heating chamber 15 are configured to define an air channel 25 between the consumable 6 and the heating chamber 15. In use, i.e. when the user inhales an aerosol generated from the consumable 6, this allows air to enter the heating chamber 15 through an opening 26 and pass through the air channel 25 to reach the aerosol-forming substance 5. The air channel 25 passes the heating region and so provides a pre-heating effect on incoming air before it enters the consumable 6. This further increases the heating efficiency of the aerosol generation device 1, reducing the power required for operation.
The notification unit 3 is arranged for notifying information about the aerosol generation device 1.
The control unit 4 is arranged for causing the notification unit 3, during the vaping session, to notify the user when the aerosol generation unit 2 reaches a suitable state for the next puff.
So, thanks to the invention during a vaping session the user receives puff information indicating when his aerosol generation device 1 is (or will be) ready for a next puff, which allows to notably reduce, and even prevent, output inconsistencies.
The term “suitable state” means here a state of the aerosol generation device 1 which allows all the puffs of a vaping session to not have significant changes.
The control unit 4 may be informed of the beginning and end of each inhalation phase (or puff) by a signal sent by an inhalation sensor 20 that may be positioned in the air channel 25, for instance under the aerosol-forming substance 5, as illustrated non limitatively. This inhalation sensor 20 may be a flow or pressure sensor or a microphone or else a thermistor detecting drops of temperature, for instance.
In a first example of embodiment, the control unit 4 may, for instance, cause the notification unit 3 to notify a waiting time before the aerosol generation unit 2 reaches the suitable state. So, the control unit 4 estimates after each puff when the aerosol generation unit 2 will again be in its suitable state, and then deduces the waiting time from this estimation.
In this first example of embodiment, the control unit 4 may, for instance, cause the notification unit 3 to notify a waiting time that gradually increases according to an elapsed time since the beginning of the vaping session. In other words, one considers that the greater the elapsed time the lesser the quantity of available aerosol-forming substance 5 and therefore the greater the time necessary for generating a suitable aerosol.
In an example, the control unit 4 may be arranged for determining the waiting time increase depending on a type of the suitable state. This type is a parameter that may be chosen between a suitable flavor and a suitable generated aerosol volume, for instance.
In a variant or in addition the waiting time increase may also depend on the type or physical state of the aerosol-forming substance 5, for instance. This substance type or substance physical state is another parameter.
So, the control unit 4 may be arranged for determining the waiting time by means of a predetermined equation having one or more parameters.
In a second example of embodiment, the aerosol generation device 1 may also comprise a measurement unit 16 arranged for determining a value representative of a temperature of the aerosol generation unit 2. In this case, the control unit 4 may cause the notification unit 3 to notify the user when the determined value fulfills a predetermined condition. So, in this second example of embodiment, it is the aerosol temperature that is taken into account for determining the suitability of the state of the aerosol generation unit 2, but not the time when the aerosol generation unit 2 will again be in its suitable state (as in the first example of embodiment).
For instance, the measurement unit 16 may be a temperature sensor determining temperature values. But it is possible to use other physical parameters that are indirectly representative of the temperature.
Also for instance, the measurement unit 16 may determine its values inside the dedicated cavity 7 of the aerosol generation unit 2, for instance on the inner wall of the heating chamber 15. But in a variant the measurement unit 16 could determine its values on an external surface of the dedicated cavity 7, for instance on the outer wall of the heating chamber 15.
In an option of the second example of embodiment, the control unit 4 may cause the notification unit 3 to notify the user when the value determined by the measurement unit 16 reaches a chosen value since the last puff. For instance, this chosen value may vary according to the elapsed time since the beginning of the vaping session. Here it is considered that the greater the elapsed time the lesser the quantity of available aerosol-forming substance 5 and therefore the greater the temperature for generating a suitable aerosol.
In another option of the second example of embodiment, the control unit 4 may cause the notification unit 3 to notify the user when a chosen time duration has elapsed since the determined value has reached a chosen value since the last puff. For instance, this chosen time duration may vary according to the elapsed time since the beginning of the vaping session.
In still another option of the second example of embodiment, the control unit 4 may cause the notification unit 3 to notify the user when the determined value corresponds to a chosen value increase since the last puff. For instance, this chosen value increase may vary according to the elapsed time since the beginning of the vaping session.
It should be noticed that the notification unit 3 may be arranged for notifying the user by means of a displayed message and/or an audio message and/or a haptic feedback.
Displaying a message requires that the aerosol generation device 1 comprise a user interface screen that is used for providing the user with any information relative to its working during a vaping session or a possible charging session. In this case the notification unit 3 comprises preferably this user interface screen. For instance, a displayed message may be of the type “1 s” or “next puff in 2 s” or “ok” or “ok for puffing” or “ready” or “ready for the next puff”.
Broadcasting an audio message requires that the aerosol generation device 1 comprise a loud speaker, which may be part of a user interface that is used for providing the user with at least a part of the information relative to its working during a vaping session or a possible charging session or which may be only dedicated to the notifications. So, the notification unit 3 may comprise this user interface loud speaker or a dedicated loud speaker. For instance, a broadcasted audio message may be of the type “1 s” or “next puff in 2 s” or “ok” or “ok for puffing” or “ready” or “ready for the next puff”.
The haptic feedback may be dedicated to the notifications or may be part of a user interface that is used for providing the user with at least a part of the information relative to its working during a vaping session or a possible charging session. So, the notification unit 3 may comprise this user interface haptic feedback or a dedicated haptic feedback. For instance, the haptic feedback may generate a vibration indicating that the aerosol generation device 1 is ready for the next puff or will be ready in 1 s or 2 s, or a number of successive vibrations indicating the number of seconds the user will have to wait before starting the next puff.
It should be also noticed that the control unit 4 may cause the notification unit 3 to continue notifying the user for a predetermined period of time. For instance, this predetermined period of time may vary according to the elapsed time since the beginning of the vaping session.
As illustrated in FIG. 2 the control unit (or controller) 4 may comprise at least a processor 17 and a memory 18 arranged for performing operations for controlling the notification unit 3 and the aerosol generation unit 2 (and notably its heater 8) during a vaping session and also the power source 9 during a possible charging session.
For instance, the processor 17 may be a digital signal processor (or DSP), or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or else a field programmable gate array (FPGA). More generally, the processor 17 may comprise integrated (or printed) circuits, or several integrated (or printed) circuits connected therebetween through wired or wireless connections. The term “integrated (or printed) circuits” refers here to any type of device capable of carrying out at least one electric or electronic operation.
Also for instance, the memory 18 may be a random access memory (or RAM). But it may be any type of device arranged for storing program instructions for the processor 17.
Generally speaking, the functions of the control unit (or controller) 4 may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually (by the user). These functions may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing software in association with appropriate software.
As illustrated in the non-limiting example of FIG. 1 , the control unit (or controller) 4 (and notably its processor 17 and memory 18) may be fixed onto a printed circuit board (or PCB) 19 (here housed in the body of the electrical and control device 10). The notification unit 3 may be also fixed, at least partly, onto this printed circuit board 19 to ease and simplify its connections with the control unit (or controller) 4. But the notification unit 3 may have its own printed circuit board connected to the printed circuit board 19 by wires of flexible circuit(s) in order to be positioned anywhere.
As illustrated in FIG. 2 , the control unit (or controller) 4 may also comprise, in addition to its processor 17 and memory 18, an input interface 21, notably for receiving the signals delivered by the inhalation sensor 20 and the values determined by the possible measurement unit 16, for using them in calculus and processing, possibly after having processed and/or demodulated and/or amplified them, in a manner known by those skilled in the art, by means of an additional digital signal processor 22. The control unit 4 may also comprise a mass memory 23, notably for storing any useful time (and notably the starting time of the vaping session and the starting time and ending time of each puff), and also intermediate data produced during its calculus and processing. The control unit 4 may also comprise an output interface 24 for delivering messages and instructions at least for controlling the notification unit 3, the aerosol generation unit 2 (and notably its heater 8) and the electronic component(s) (such as switch(es)) supplying the electrical power (stored in the power source 9) to the aerosol generation unit 2 and notification unit 3.
It should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that some block diagrams of FIGS. 1 and 2 herein represent conceptual views of illustrative circuitry embodying the principles of the invention.
The description and drawings merely illustrate the principles of the invention. It will thus be appreciated that those skilled in the art will be able to devise various arrangements that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the invention and are included within its spirit and scope. Furthermore, all examples recited herein are principally intended expressly to be only for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor(s) to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. An aerosol generation device comprising an aerosol generation unit arranged for transforming an aerosol-forming substance into an aerosol configured to be inhaled by a user through successive puffs during a vaping session, and a notification unit arranged for notifying information about said device, and

a control unit arranged for causing said notification unit, during said vaping session, to notify said user when said aerosol generation unit reaches a suitable state for a next puff.

2. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is operable to determine that the aerosol generation unit has reached a suitable state for a next puff using a chosen parameter, wherein the chosen parameter varies as an elapsed time since the beginning of said vaping session increases.

3. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein said control unit is configured to cause said notification unit to notify a waiting time before said aerosol generation unit reaches said suitable state.

4. The aerosol generation device according to claim 3, wherein said control unit is configured to cause said notification unit to notify a waiting time that gradually increases according to an elapsed time since the beginning of said vaping session.

5. The aerosol generation device according to claim 4, wherein said control unit is arranged for determining said increase depending on a type of said suitable state, said type being selected from a group consisting of a suitable flavor and a suitable generated aerosol volume.

6. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, further comprising a measurement unit arranged for determining a value representative of a temperature of said aerosol generation unit, and wherein said control unit is configured to cause said notification unit to notify said user when said determined value fulfills a predetermined condition.

7. The aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein said control unit is configured to cause said notification unit to notify said user when said determined value reaches a chosen value since a last puff, wherein said chosen value varies according to an elapsed time since the beginning of said vaping session.

8. The aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein said control unit is configured to cause said notification unit to notify said user when a chosen time duration has elapsed since said determined value has reached a chosen value since a last puff.

9. The aerosol generation device according to claim 8, wherein said chosen time duration varies according to an elapsed time since the beginning of said vaping session.

10. The aerosol generation device according to claim 6, wherein said control unit causes is configured to cause said notification unit to notify said user when said determined value corresponds to a chosen value increase since a last puff.

11. The aerosol generation device according to claim 10, wherein said chosen value increase varies according to an elapsed time since the beginning of said vaping session.

12. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein said notification unit is arranged for notifying said user by a displayed message and/or an audio message and/or a haptic feedback.

13. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein said control unit causes is configured to cause said notification unit to continue notifying said user for a predetermined period of time.

14. The aerosol generation device according to claim 13, wherein said predetermined period of time varies according to an elapsed time since the beginning of said vaping session.

15. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1, further comprising a rechargeable power source storing electrical energy.