WO2023067306A1

WO2023067306A1 - Aerosol provision system

Info

Publication number: WO2023067306A1
Application number: PCT/GB2022/052593
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick MOLONEY
Original assignee: Nicoventures Trading Limited
Priority date: 2021-10-22
Filing date: 2022-10-12
Publication date: 2023-04-27
Also published as: GB202115196D0; CA3234229A1

Abstract

A mouthpiece 33 for an aerosol provision system 1. The mouthpiece 33 comprises at least one aerosol outlet channel 62 for delivering an aerosol to a user of the mouthpiece 33. The mouthpiece 33 comprises at least one actuator 800, which may be configured to be actuated by the mouth of the user, while the mouthpiece 33 is in use, for controlling the operation of the aerosol provision system 1. The actuator 800 may define an external surface of the mouthpiece 33, and the actuator 800 may be configured to control the operation of an aerosol generator 40 of the aerosol provision system in some cases. In this way, the actuator 800 may allow for hands-free control of the aerosol provision system, such that the user can use their mouth, lips, or tongue to operate the aerosol provision system 1.

Description

AEROSOL PROVISION SYSTEM

Field

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

Background

Electronic aerosol provision systems often employ an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) or more generally an aerosol provision device. Such an aerosol provision system typically contains aerosolisable material (also called aerosol-generating material), such as a reservoir of fluid or liquid containing a formulation, typically but not necessarily including nicotine, or a solid material such as a tobacco-based product, from which a vapour/aerosol is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporisation. Thus, an aerosol provision system will typically comprise a vaporiser (also called an aerosol generator), e.g. a heating element, arranged to aerosolise a portion of aerosolisable material to generate a vapour.

Once a vapour has been generated, the vapour may be passed through flavouring material to add flavour to the vapour (if the aerosolisable material was not itself flavoured), after which the (flavoured) vapour may be then delivered to a user via a mouthpiece from the aerosol provision system.

A potential drawback of existing aerosol provision systems and associated aerosol provision devices is that, particularly for those with a physical disability, it may be challenging to perform certain operations therefrom. Various approaches are therefore described herein which seek to help address or mitigate some of the issues discussed above, through the use of an actuator on a mouthpiece of the aerosol provision system which can be useable to control the operation of the aerosol provision system by the user, via their mouth, lips, or tongue.

Summary

According to a first aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a mouthpiece for an aerosol provision system, the mouthpiece comprising an aerosol outlet channel for delivering an aerosol to a user of the mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece comprises at least one actuator configured to be actuated by the user whilst the mouthpiece is in use for controlling an operation of the aerosol provision system.

According to a second aspect of certain embodiments there is provided aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, comprising the mouthpiece according to the first aspect, and an aerosol generator for generating aerosol, wherein the aerosol outlet channel is configured to receive aerosol generated by the aerosol generator. According to a third aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and an aerosol provision device configured to receive the cartridge, wherein the cartridge comprises the mouthpiece according to the first aspect.

According to a fourth aspect of certain embodiments there is provided a method of controlling the operation of an aerosol provision system, wherein the method comprises: operating at least one actuator from a mouthpiece of the aerosol provision system to control an operation of the aerosol provision system.

It will be appreciated that features and aspects of the invention described above in relation to the various aspects of the invention are equally applicable to, and may be combined with, embodiments of the invention according to other aspects of the invention as appropriate, and not just in the specific combinations described herein.

Brief Description of the Drawings

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

Figure 1 schematically represents in perspective view an aerosol provision system comprising a cartridge and aerosol provision device (shown separated) in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 2 schematically represents in exploded perspective view of components of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1 ;

Figures 3A to 3C schematically represent various cross-section views of a housing part of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1 ;

Figures 4A and 4B schematically represent a perspective view and a plan view of a dividing wall element of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1 ;

Figures 5A to 5C schematically represent two perspective views and a plan view of a resilient plug of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1 ;

Figures 6A and 6B schematically represent a perspective view and a plan view of a bottom cap of the cartridge of the aerosol provision system of Figure 1 ;

Figure 7 schematically represents a mouthpiece comprising at least one actuator, which is usable with the aerosol provision systems described above with reference to Figures 1 -6B, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure; Figure 8 schematically represents a mouthpiece comprising an actuator that at least partially surrounds an aerosol outlet channel, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure;

Figure 9 schematically represents a mouthpiece comprising a plurality of actuators, the actuators being offset from one another in an axial direction of the mouthpiece, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure; and

Figure 10 schematically represents an aerosol provision system employing a mouthpiece comprising an actuator, such as the mouthpiece from Figures 7-9, in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure.

Detailed Description

Aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments are discussed / described herein. Some aspects and features of certain examples and embodiments may be implemented conventionally and these are not discussed / described in detail in the interests of brevity. It will thus be appreciated that aspects and features of apparatus and methods discussed herein which are not described in detail may be implemented in accordance with any conventional techniques for implementing such aspects and features.

The present disclosure relates to non-combustible aerosol provision systems (such as an e- cigarette). According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosolisable material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery to a user. Aerosolisable material, which also may be referred to herein as aerosol generating material or aerosol precursor material, is material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. The aerosolisable material may also be flavoured, in some embodiments.

Throughout the following description the term “e-cigarette” or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with an aerosol provision system. An electronic cigarette may also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosolisable material is not a requirement.

In some embodiments, the aerosol provision system is a hybrid device configured to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosolisable materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. In some embodiments, the hybrid device comprises a liquid or gel aerosolisable material and a solid aerosolisable material. The solid aerosolisable material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product. Typically, the (non-combustible) aerosol provision system may comprise a cartridge/consumable part and a body/reusable/aerosol provision device part, which is configured to releasably engage with the cartridge/consumable part.

The aerosol provision system may be provided with a means for powering a vaporiser therein, and there may be provided an aerosolisable material transport element for receiving the aerosolisable material that is to be vaporised. The aerosol provision system may also be provided with a reservoir for containing aerosolisable material, and in some embodiments a further reservoir for containing flavouring material for flavouring a generated vapour from the aerosol provision system.

In some embodiments, the vaporiser may be a heater/heating element capable of interacting with the aerosolisable material so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosolisable material to form a vapour/aerosol. In some embodiments, the vaporiser is capable of generating an aerosol from the aerosolisable material without heating. For example, the vaporiser may be capable of generating a vapour/aerosol from the aerosolisable material without applying heat thereto, for example via one or more of vibrational, mechanical, pressurisation or electrostatic means.

In some embodiments, the substance to be delivered may be an aerosolisable material which may comprise an active constituent, a carrier constituent and optionally one or more other functional constituents.

The active constituent may comprise one or more physiologically and/or olfactory active constituents which are included in the aerosolisable material in order to achieve a physiological and/or olfactory response in the user. The active constituent may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, and psychoactives. The active constituent may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained. The active constituent may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, a vitamin such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, a cannabinoid, or a constituent, derivative, or combinations thereof. The active constituent may comprise a constituent, derivative or extract of tobacco or of another botanical. In some embodiments, the active constituent is a physiologically active constituent and may be selected from nicotine, nicotine salts (e.g. nicotine ditartrate/nicotine bitartrate), nicotine-free tobacco substitutes, other alkaloids such as caffeine, or mixtures thereof.

In some embodiments, the active constituent is an olfactory active constituent and may be selected from a "flavour" and/or "flavourant" which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers. In some instances such constituents may be referred to as flavours, flavourants, flavouring material, cooling agents, heating agents, and/or sweetening agents. They may include naturally occurring flavour 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), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, liquid such as an oil, solid such as a powder, or gasone or more of extracts (e.g., licorice, hydrangea, Japanese white bark magnolia leaf, chamomile, fenugreek, clove, menthol, Japanese mint, aniseed, cinnamon, herb, Wintergreen, cherry, berry, peach, apple, Drambuie, bourbon, scotch, whiskey, spearmint, peppermint, lavender, cardamom, celery, cascarilla, nutmeg, sandalwood, bergamot, geranium, honey essence, rose oil, vanilla, lemon oil, orange oil, cassia, caraway, cognac, jasmine, ylang-ylang, sage, fennel, piment, ginger, anise, coriander, coffee, or a mint oil from any species of the genus Mentha), flavour enhancers, bitterness receptor site blockers, sensorial receptor site activators or stimulators, sugars and/or sugar substitutes (e.g., sucralose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, saccharine, cyclamates, lactose, sucrose, glucose, fructose, sorbitol, or mannitol), and other additives such as charcoal, chlorophyll, minerals, botanicals, or breath freshening agents. They may be imitation, synthetic or natural ingredients or blends thereof. They may be in any suitable form, for example, oil, liquid, or powder. In some embodiments, the flavouring material (flavour) may comprise menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises eugenol. In some embodiments, the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco. In some embodiments, the flavour may comprise a sensate, which is intended to achieve a somatosensorial sensation which are usually chemically induced and perceived by the stimulation of the fifth cranial nerve (trigeminal nerve), in addition to or in place of aroma or taste nerves, and these may include agents providing heating, cooling, tingling, numbing effect. A suitable heat effect agent may be, but is not limited to, vanillyl ethyl ether and a suitable cooling agent may be, but not limited to eucalyptol, WS-3.

The carrier constituent may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol. In some embodiments, the carrier constituent may comprise one or more of glycerine, glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso-Erythritol, ethyl vacillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.

The one or more other functional constituents may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

As noted above, aerosol provision systems (e-cigarettes) may often comprise a modular assembly including both a reusable part (body - or aerosol provision device) and a replaceable consumable (cartridge) part. Devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part devices. It is also common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure described herein may comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part device employing consumable parts. However, it will be appreciated the underlying principles described herein may equally be adopted for other electronic cigarette configurations, for example modular devices comprising more than two parts, as devices conforming to other overall shapes, for example based on so-called box- mod high performance devices that typically have a more boxy shape.

From the forgoing therefore, and with reference to Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example aerosol provision system (e-cigarette) 1 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure. Terms concerning the relative location of various aspects of the electronic cigarette (e.g. terms such as upper, lower, above, below, top, bottom etc.) are used herein with reference to the orientation of the electronic cigarette as shown in Figure 1 (unless the context indicates otherwise). However, it will be appreciated this is purely for ease of explanation and is not intended to indicate there is any required orientation for the electronic cigarette in use.

The e-cigarette 1 (aerosol provision system 1 ) comprises two main components, namely a cartridge 2 and an aerosol provision device 4. The aerosol provision device 4 and the cartridge 2 are shown separated in Figure 1 , but are coupled together when in use.

The cartridge 2 and aerosol provision device 4 are coupled by establishing a mechanical and electrical connection between them. The specific manner in which the mechanical and electrical connection is established is not of primary significance to the principles described herein and may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, bayonet, latched or friction-fit mechanical fixing with appropriately arranged electrical contacts / electrodes for establishing the electrical connection between the two parts as appropriate. For example electronic cigarette 1 represented in Figure 1 , the cartridge comprises a mouthpiece 33, a mouthpiece end 52 and an interface end 54 and is coupled to the aerosol provision device by inserting an interface end portion 6 at the interface end of the cartridge into a corresponding receptacle 8 / receiving section of the aerosol provision device. The interface end portion 6 of the cartridge is a close fit to be receptacle 8 and includes protrusions 56 which engage with corresponding detents in the interior surface of a receptacle wall 12 defining the receptacle 8 to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the aerosol provision device. An electrical connection is established between the aerosol provision device and the cartridge via a pair of electrical contacts on the bottom of the cartridge (not shown in Figure 1) and corresponding sprung contact pins in the base of the receptacle 8 (not shown in Figure 1). As noted above, the specific manner in which the electrical connection is established is not significant to the principles described herein, and indeed some implementations might not have an electrical connection between the cartridge and a aerosol provision device at all, for example because the transfer of electrical power from the reusable part to the cartridge may be wireless (e.g. based on electromagnetic induction techniques).

The electronic cigarette 1 (aerosol provision system) has a generally elongate shape extending along a longitudinal axis L. When the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol provision device, the overall length of the electronic cigarette in this example (along the longitudinal axis) is around 12.5 cm. The overall length of the aerosol provision device is around 9 cm and the overall length of the cartridge is around 5 cm (i.e. there is around 1 .5 cm of overlap between the interface end portion 6 of the cartridge and the receptacle 8 of the aerosol provision device when they are coupled together). The electronic cigarette has a crosssection which is generally oval and which is largest around the middle of the electronic cigarette and tapers in a curved manner towards the ends. The cross-section around the middle of the electronic cigarette has a width of around 2.5 cm and a thickness of around 1 .7 cm. The end of the cartridge has a width of around 2 cm and a thickness of around 0.6 mm, whereas the other end of the electronic cigarette has a width of around 2 cm and a thickness of around 1 .2 cm. The outer housing of the electronic cigarette is in this example is formed from plastic. It will be appreciated the specific size and shape of the electronic cigarette and the material from which it is made is not of primary significance to the principles described herein and may be different in different implementations. That is to say, the principles described herein may equally be adopted for electronic cigarettes having different sizes, shapes and / or materials.

The aerosol provision device 4 may in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure be broadly conventional in terms of its functionality and general construction techniques. In the example of Figure 1 , the aerosol provision device 4 comprises a plastic outer housing 10 including the receptacle wall 12 that defines the receptacle 8 for receiving the end of the cartridge as noted above. The outer housing 10 of the aerosol provision device 4 in this example has a generally oval cross section conforming to the shape and size of the cartridge 2 at their interface to provide a smooth transition between the two parts. The receptacle 8 and the end portion 6 of the cartridge 2 are symmetric when rotated through 180° so the cartridge can be inserted into the aerosol provision device in two different orientations. The receptacle wall 12 includes two aerosol provision device air inlet openings 14 (i.e. holes in the wall). These openings 14 are positioned to align with an air inlet 50 for the cartridge when the cartridge is coupled to the aerosol provision device. A different one of the openings 14 aligns with the air inlet 50 of the cartridge in the different orientations. It will be appreciated some implementations may not have any degree of rotational symmetry such that the cartridge is couplable to the aerosol provision device in only one orientation while other implementations may have a higher degree of rotational symmetry such that the cartridge is couplable to the aerosol provision device in more orientations.

The aerosol provision device further comprises a battery 16 for providing operating power for the electronic cigarette, control circuitry 18 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette, a user input button 20, an indicator light 22, and a charging port 24.

The battery 16 in this example is rechargeable and may be of a conventional type, for example of the kind normally used in electronic cigarettes and other applications requiring provision of relatively high currents over relatively short periods. The battery 16 may be recharged through the charging port 24, which may, for example, comprise a USB connector. The input button 20 in this example is a conventional mechanical button, for example comprising a sprung mounted component which may be pressed by a user to establish an electrical contact in underlying circuitry. In this regard, the input button may be considered an input device for detecting user input, e.g. to trigger aerosol generation, and the specific manner in which the button is implemented is not significant. For example, other forms of mechanical button or touch-sensitive button (e.g. based on capacitive or optical sensing techniques) may be used in other implementations, or there may be no button and the device may rely on a puff detector for triggering aerosol generation.

The indicator light 22 is provided to give a user with a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the electronic cigarette, for example, an indication of an operating state (e.g. on / off / standby), and other characteristics, such as battery life or fault conditions. Different characteristics may, for example, be indicated through different colours and / or different flash sequences in accordance with generally conventional techniques.

The control circuitry 18 is suitably configured / programmed to control the operation of the electronic cigarette to provide conventional operating functions in line with the established techniques for controlling electronic cigarettes. The control circuitry (processor circuitry) 18 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units / circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the electronic cigarette's operation. For example, depending on the functionality provided in different implementations, the control circuitry 18 may comprises power supply control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from the battery/power supply to the cartridge in response to user input, user programming circuitry for establishing configuration settings (e.g. user-defined power settings) in response to user input, as well as other functional units / circuitry associated functionality in accordance with the principles described herein and conventional operating aspects of electronic cigarettes, such as indicator light display driving circuitry and user input detection circuitry. It will be appreciated the functionality of the control circuitry 18 can be provided in various different ways, for example using one or more suitably programmed programmable computer(s) and / or one or more suitably configured application-specific integrated circuit(s) / circuitry / chip(s) / chipset(s) configured to provide the desired functionality.

Figure 2 is an exploded schematic perspective view of the cartridge 2 (exploded along the longitudinal axis L). The cartridge 2 comprises a housing part 32, an air channel seal 34, a dividing wall element 36, an outlet tube 38, a vaporiser/heating element 40, an aerosolisable material transport element 42, a plug 44, and an end cap 48 with contact electrodes 46. Figures 3 to 6 schematically represents some of these components in more detail. Figure 3A is a schematic cut-away view of the housing part 32 through the longitudinal axis L where the housing part 32 is thinnest. Figure 3B is a schematic cut-away view of the housing part 32 through the longitudinal axis L where the housing part 32 is widest. Figure 3C is a schematic view of the housing part along the longitudinal axis L from the interface end 54 (i.e. viewed from below in the orientation of Figures 3A and 3B).

Figures 4A is a schematic perspective view of the dividing wall element 36 as seen from below. Figure 4B is a schematic cross-section through an upper part of the dividing wall element 36 as viewed from below.

Figure 5A is a schematic perspective view of the plug 44 from above and Figure 5B is a schematic perspective view of the plug 44 from below. Figure 5C is a schematic view of the plug 44 along the longitudinal axis L seen from the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (i.e. viewed from above for the orientation in Figures 1 and 2).

Figure 6A is a schematic perspective view of the end cap 48 from above. Figure 6B is a schematic view of the end cap 48 along the longitudinal axis L seen from the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge (i.e. from above).

The housing part 32 in this example comprises a housing outer wall 64 and a housing inner tube 62 which in this example are formed from a single moulding of polypropylene. The housing outer wall 64 defines the external appearance of the cartridge 2 and the housing inner tube 62 defines a part the air channel through the cartridge. The housing part is open at the interface end 54 of the cartridge and closed at the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge except for a mouthpiece opening / aerosol outlet 60, from the mouthpiece 33, which is in fluid communication with the housing inner tube 62. The housing part 32 includes an opening in a sidewall which provides the air inlet 50 for the cartridge. The air inlet 50 in this example has an area of around 2 mm². The outer surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 includes the protrusions 56 discussed above which engage with corresponding detents in the interior surface of the receptacle wall 12 defining the receptacle 8 to provide a releasable mechanical engagement between the cartridge and the aerosol provision device. The inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing part includes further protrusions 66 which act to provide an abutment stop for locating the dividing wall element 36 along the longitudinal axis L when the cartridge is assembled. The outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 further comprises holes which provide latch recesses 68 arranged to receive corresponding latch projections 70 in the end cap to fix the end cap to be housing part when the cartridge is assembled.

The outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 includes a double-walled section 74 that defines a gap 76 in fluid communication with the air inlet 50. The gap 76 provides a portion of the air channel through the cartridge. In this example the doubled-walled section 74 of the housing part 32 is arranged so the gap defines an air channel running within the housing outer wall 64 parallel to the longitudinal axis with a cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of around 3 mm². The gap / portion of air channel 76 defined by the doublewalled section of the housing part extends down to the open end of the housing part 32.

The air channel seal 34 is a silicone moulding generally in the form of a tube having a through hole 80. The outer wall of the air channel seal 34 includes circumferential ridges 84 and an upper collar 82. The inner wall of the air channel seal 34 also includes circumferential ridges, but these are not visible in Figure 2. When the cartridge is assembled the air channel seal 34 is mounted to the housing inner tube 62 with an end of the housing inner tube 62 extending partly into the through hole 80 of the air channel seal 34. The through hole 80 in the air channel seal has a diameter of around 5.8 mm in its relaxed state whereas the end of the housing inner tube 62 has a diameter of around 6.2 mm so that a seal is formed when the air channel seal 34 is stretched to accommodate the housing inner tube 62. This seal is facilitated by the ridges on the inner surface of the air channel seal 34.

The outlet tube 38 comprises a tubular section, for instance made of ANSI 304 stainless steel or polypropylene, with an internal diameter of around 8.6 mm and a wall thickness of around 0.2 mm. The bottom end of the outlet tube 38 includes a pair of diametrically opposing slots 88 with an end of each slot having a semi-circular recess 90. When the cartridge is assembled the outlet tube 38 mounts to the outer surface of the air channel seal 34. The outer diameter of the air channel seal is around 9.0 mm in its relaxed state so that a seal is formed when the air channel seal 34 is compressed to fit inside the outlet tube 38. This seal is facilitated by the ridges 84 on the outer surface of the air channel seal 34. The collar 80 on the air channel seal 34 provides a stop for the outlet tube 38.

The aerosolisable material transport element 42 comprises a capillary wick and the vaporiser (aerosol generator) 40 comprises a resistance wire heater wound around the capillary wick. In addition to the portion of the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick, the vaporiser comprises electrical leads 41 which pass through holes in the plug 44 to contact electrodes 46 mounted to the end cap 54 to allow power to be supplied to the vaporiser via the electrical interface the established when the cartridge is connected to an aerosol provision device. The vaporiser leads 41 may comprise the same material as the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick, or may comprise a different material (e.g. lower- resistance material) connected to the resistance wire wound around the capillary wick. In this example the heater coil 40 comprises a nickel iron alloy wire and the wick 42 comprises a glass fibre bundle. The vaporiser and aerosolisable material transport element may be provided in accordance with any conventional techniques and is may comprise different forms and I or different materials. For example, in some implementations the wick may comprise fibrous or solid a ceramic material and the heater may comprise a different alloy. In other examples the heater and wick may be combined, for example in the form of a porous and a resistive material. More generally, it will be appreciated the specific nature aerosolisable material transport element and vaporiser is not of primary significance to the principles described herein.

When the cartridge is assembled, the wick 42 is received in the semi-circular recesses 90 of the outlet tube 38 so that a central portion of the wick about which the heating coil is would is inside the outlet tube while end portions of the wick are outside the outlet tube 38.

The plug 44 in this example comprises a single moulding of silicone, may be resilient. The plug comprises a base part 100 with an outer wall 102 extending upwardly therefrom (i.e. towards the mouthpiece end of the cartridge). The plug further comprises an inner wall 104 extending upwardly from the base part 100 and surrounding a through hole 106 through the base part 100.

The outer wall 102 of the plug 44 conforms to an inner surface of the housing part 32 so that when the cartridge is assembled the plug in 44 forms a seal with the housing part 32. The inner wall 104 of the plug 44 conforms to an inner surface of the outlet tube 38 so that when the cartridge is assembled the plug 44 also forms a seal with the outlet tube 38. The inner wall 104 includes a pair of diametrically opposing slots 108 with the end of each slot having a semi-circular recess 110. Extended outwardly (i.e. in a direction away from the longitudinal axis of the cartridge) from the bottom of each slot in the inner wall 104 is a cradle section 112 shaped to receive a section of the aerosolisable material transport element 42 when the cartridge is assembled. The slots 108 and semi-circular recesses 110 provided by the inner wall of the plug 44 and the slots 88 and semi-circular recesses 90 of the outlet tube 38 are aligned so that the slots 88 in the outlet tube 38 accommodate respective ones of the cradles 112 with the respective semi-circular recesses in the outlet tube and plug cooperating to define holes through which the aerosolisable material transport element passes. The size of the holes provided by the semi-circular recesses through which the aerosolisable material transport element passes correspond closely to the size and shape of the aerosolisable material transport element, but are slightly smaller so a degree of compression is provided by the resilience of the plug 44. This allows aerosolisable material to be transported along the aerosolisable material transport element by capillary action while restricting the extent to which aerosolisable material which is not transported by capillary action can pass through the openings. As noted above, the plug 44 includes further openings 114 in the base part 100 through which the contact leads 41 for the vaporiser pass when the cartridge is assembled. The bottom of the base part of the plug includes spacers 116 which maintain an offset between the remaining surface of the bottom of the base part and the end cap 48. These spacers 116 include the openings 114 through which the electrical contact leads 41 for the vaporiser pass.

The end cap 48 comprises a polypropylene moulding with a pair of gold-plated copper electrode posts 46 mounted therein.

The ends of the electrode posts 44 on the bottom side of the end cap are close to flush with the interface end 54 of the cartridge provided by the end cap 48. These are the parts of the electrodes to which correspondingly aligned sprung contacts in the aerosol provision device 4 connect when the cartridge 2 is assembled and connected to the aerosol provision device 4. The ends of the electrode posts on the inside of the cartridge extend away from the end cap 48 and into the holes 114 in the plug 44 through which the contact leads 41 pass. The electrode posts are slightly oversized relative to the holes 114 and include a chamfer at their upper ends to facilitate insertion into the holes 114 in the plug where they are maintained in pressed contact with the contact leads for the vaporiser by virtue of the plug.

The end cap has a base section 124 and an upstanding wall 120 which conforms to the inner surface of the housing part 32. The upstanding wall 120 of the end cap 48 is inserted into the housing part 32 so the latch projections 70 engage with the latch recesses 68 in the housing part 32 to snap-fit the end cap 48 to the housing part when the cartridge is assembled. The top of the upstanding wall 120 of the end cap 48 abuts a peripheral part of the plug 44 and the lower face of the spacers 116 on the plug also abut the base section 124 of the plug so that when the end cap 48 is attached to the housing part it presses against the resilient part 44 to maintain it in slight compression.

The base portion 124 of the end cap 48 includes a peripheral lip 126 beyond the base of the upstanding wall 112 with a thickness which corresponds with the thickness of the outer wall of the housing part at the interface end of the cartridge. The end cap also includes an upstanding locating pin 122 which aligns with a corresponding locating hole 128 in the plug to help establish their relative location during assembly.

The dividing wall element 36 comprises a single moulding of polypropylene and includes a dividing wall 130 and a collar 132 formed by projections from the dividing wall 130 in the direction towards the interface end of the cartridge. The dividing wall element 36 has a central opening 134 through which the outlet tube 38 passes (i.e. the dividing wall is arranged around the outlet tube 38). In some embodiments, the dividing wall element 36 may be integrally formed with the outlet tube 38. When the cartridge is assembled, the upper surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44 engages with the lower surface of the dividing wall 130, and the upper surface of the dividing wall 130 in turn engages with the projections 66 on the inner surface of the outer wall 64 of the housing part 32. Thus, the dividing wall 130 prevents the plug from being pushed too far into the housing part 32 - i.e. the dividing wall 130 is fixedly located along the longitudinal axis of the cartridge by the protrusions 66 in the housing part and so provides the plug with a fixed surface to push against. The collar 132 formed by projections from the dividing wall includes a first pair of opposing projections / tongues 134 which engage with corresponding recesses on an inner surface of the outer wall 102 of the plug 44. The protrusions from the dividing wall 130 further provide a pair of cradle sections 136 configured to engage with corresponding ones of the cradle sections 112 in the part 44 when the cartridge is assembled to further define the opening through which the aerosolisable material transport element passes.

When the cartridge 2 is assembled an air channel extending from the air inlet 50 to the aerosol outlet 60 through the cartridge is formed. Starting from the air inlet 50 in the side wall of the housing part 32, a first section of the air channel is provided by the gap 76 formed by the double-walled section 74 in the outer wall 64 of the housing part 32 and extends from the air inlet 50 towards the interface end 54 of the cartridge and past the plug 44. A second portion of the air channel is provided by the gap between the base of the plug 44 and the end cap 48. A third portion of the air channel is provided by the hole 106 through the plug 44. A fourth portion of the air channel is provided by the region within the inner wall 104 of the plug and the outlet tube around the vaporiser 40. This fourth portion of the air channel may also be referred to as an aerosol/aerosol generation region, it being the primary region in which aerosol is generated during use. The air channel from the air inlet 50 to the aerosol generation region may be referred to as an air inlet section of the air channel. A fifth portion of the air channel is provided by the remainder of the outlet tube 38. A sixth portion of the air channel is provided by the outer housing inner tube 62 which connects the air channel to the aerosol outlet 60, which is located at an end of the mouthpiece 33. The air channel from the aerosol generation region to be the aerosol outlet may be referred to as an aerosol outlet section of the air channel.

Also, when the cartridge is assembled a reservoir 31 for aerosolisable material is formed by the space outside the air channel and inside the housing part 32. This may be filled during manufacture, for example through a filling hole which is then sealed, or by other means. The specific nature of the aerosolisable material, for example in terms of its composition, is not of primary significance to the principles described herein, and in general any conventional aerosolisable material of the type normally used in electronic cigarettes may be used. The present disclosure may refer to a liquid as the aerosolisable material, which as mentioned above may be a conventional e-liquid. However, the principles of the present disclosure apply to any aerosolisable material which has the ability to flow, and may include a liquid, a gel, or a solid, where for a solid a plurality of solid particles may be considered to have the ability to flow when considered as a bulk.

The reservoir is closed at the interface end of the cartridge by the plug 44. The reservoir includes a first region above the dividing wall 130 and a second region below the dividing wall 130 within the space formed between the air channel and the outer wall of the plug. The aerosolisable material transport element (capillary wick) 42 passes through openings in the wall of the air channel provided by the semi-circular recesses 108, 90 in the plug 44 and the outlet tube 38 and the cradle sections 112, 136 in the plug 44 and the dividing wall element 36 that engage with one another as discussed above. Thus, the ends of the aerosolisable material transport element extend into the second region of the reservoir from which they draw aerosolisable material through the openings in the air channel to the vaporiser 40 for subsequent vaporisation.

In normal use, the cartridge 2 is coupled to the aerosol provision device 4 and the aerosol provision device activated to supply power to the cartridge via the contact electrodes 46 in the end cap 48. Power then passes through the connection leads 41 to the vaporiser 40. The vaporiser is thus electrically heated and so vaporises a portion of the aerosolisable material from the aerosolisable material transport element in the vicinity of the vaporiser. This generates aerosol in the aerosol generation region of the air path. Aerosolisable material that is vaporised from the aerosolisable material transport element is replaced by more aerosolisable material drawn from the reservoir by capillary action. While the vaporiser is activated, a user inhales on the mouthpiece end 52 of the cartridge. This causes air to be drawn through whichever aerosol provision device air inlet 14 aligns with the air inlet 50 of the cartridge (which will depend on the orientation in which the cartridge was inserted into the aerosol provision device receptacle 8). Air then enters the cartridge through the air inlet 50, passes along the gap 76 in the double-walled section 74 of the housing part 32, passes between the plug 44 and the end cap 48 before entering the aerosol generation region surrounding the vaporiser 40 through the hole 106 in the base part 100 of the plug 44. The incoming air mixes with aerosol generated from the vaporiser to form a condensation aerosol, which is then drawn along the outlet tube 38 and the housing part inner 62 before exiting through the mouthpiece outlet/aerosol outlet 60 for user inhalation.

From the above Figures 1 -6B, it can be seen a possible embodiment construction of aerosol provision system 1 which is configured for generating an aerosol, which is suitable for use in the context of the present disclosure (alongside potentially other forms of aerosol provision system). Turning now to Figures 7-10, the present disclosure also provides for a mouthpiece 33, which may be useable with any of the cartridges 2 or aerosol provision systems herein described, such as any of those from the embodiments of Figures 1 -6B for instance. At a general level therefore, the mouthpiece 33 may comprise at least one actuator 705A;705B configured to be actuated, such as by the mouth of the user, whilst the mouthpiece 33 is in use for controlling an operation of the aerosol provision system. In this way, and at a general level, the actuator 705A;705B may be configured such that a user of the aerosol provision system may operate the aerosol provision system in a convenient way, and potentially without using their hands. Appreciating the above therefore, it may be seen that the provision of the actuator 705A;705B may allow for an improvement in user experience by allowing the user to control various aspects of the operation of the aerosol provision system in a number of different ways as explained in more detail below.

According to the present disclosure, and in accordance with some embodiments, the one or more actuators 705A;705B may comprise a plurality of actuators 705A;705B. In some particular embodiments, the plurality of actuators 705A;705B may be provided at various locations and orientations around the mouthpiece as set out in greater detail herein. As will be described, in some very particular embodiments, different actuators 705A;705B may be configured to provide different functionality depending on their respective location on the mouthpiece 33.

For instance, in accordance with some embodiments, the at least one actuator may comprise a first actuator 705A, which may be configured to be actuated, potentially by the mouth of the user, whilst the mouthpiece is in use, for controlling a first operation of the aerosol provision system. The at least one actuator in some embodiments may then comprise a second actuator 705B, again which may be configured to be actuated, potentially by the mouth of the user, whilst the mouthpiece is in use, for controlling a second operation of the aerosol provision system. In some embodiments, the second operation may be different to, or the same as, the first operation. For instance, in a very particular embodiment, the first actuator 705A may be configured to enable; disable; and/or control the operation of the aerosol generator, and the second actuator 705B may be configured to control the rate of aerosol generation by the aerosol generator 40.

In some embodiments, each actuator 705A;705B may be configured to be actuated by a lip of the user whilst the mouthpiece 33 is in use for controlling an operation of the aerosol provision system. Configured in this way, the actuators 705A;705B may operate the aerosol provision system upon contact of the user’s lips with the actuator. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments each actuator 705A;705B may be configured to be actuated by the tongue of the user whilst the mouthpiece 33 is in use for controlling an operation of the aerosol provision system.

In view of the above, it will be appreciated that in particular embodiments, a subset of the actuators may be configured for tongue actuation and another subset configured for lip actuation. In this instance, the two subsets may or may not be mutually exclusive.

As to the exact construction of any employed actuator(s), it will be appreciated that a number of different actuator types and/or combinations may be used, as required. For instance, in accordance with some embodiments, any (or all) of the at least one actuator 705A;705B may comprise a touch sensor. It will be appreciated that a number of different types of touch sensor may be employed to act as an actuator 705A;705B for the mouthpiece 33.

Equally, in accordance with some embodiments, any (or all) of the at least one actuator 705A;705B may comprise a moveable sensor, which is moveable between a first position and a second position.

Yet further still, in accordance with some embodiments, any (or all) of the at least one actuator 705A;705B may comprise a resistive sensor. In this context for instance, any employed resistive sensor may in some particular embodiments comprise two conductive films separated by a short distance whereby a voltage is applied across the films. When pressure is applied to one of the conductive films by the user’s lips or tongue the conductive film distorts and, if a threshold amount of pressure is applied, touches the opposing conductive film, thus generating a voltage drop across the films which may be detected by control circuitry. This arrangement may have the advantage of requiring simpler control circuitry for detecting actuation of the sensor.

Appreciably as well, according to some embodiments, any (or all) of the at least one actuator 705A;705B may comprise a switch, such as a mechanical switch in a very particular embodiment.

In some embodiments, any given actuator(s) 705A;705B may each comprise a first position in which the actuator 705A;705B is not actuated, and a second position in which the actuator 705A;705B is actuated for controlling the operation of the aerosol provision system.

To help prevent any unwanted or unintentional actuation of any provided actuator(s), in accordance with some embodiments, any or all of the actuator(s) 705A;705B may each be biased from the second position towards the first position. For instance, in accordance with some embodiments, any or each given actuator(s) may comprise a resilient member (such as a spring, in a very particular embodiment) for biasing the actuator from the second position towards the first position.

Appreciating the foregoing therefore, it may be seen that these may allow for arrangements whereby any given actuator may be operated a first time for starting the operation of the aerosol provision system. In this way, and in accordance with some embodiments, the actuator may be then operated a second time (after the first time) for stopping the operation of the aerosol provision system. This arrangement may additionally be beneficial in the sense that the aerosol provision system may be continuously operated via the actuator without the user needing to maintain pressure on the actuator 705A;705B.

In some embodiments, any employed actuator 705A;705B may comprise a piezoelectric module. In this context, a piezoelectric module may in accordance with some embodiments comprise a piezoelectric material (for example, but not limited to, piezoelectric ceramics, single crystal materials and/or thin film piezoelectric materials) which generates an electric voltage proportional to the amount of pressure exerted on the material. According to a particular aspect of this embodiment, the piezoelectric sensor may output an electrical signal proportional to the amount of pressure applied by the user via their lips or tongue. In this way, the user may advantageously apply continuous control over the operation of the aerosol provision system as opposed to discrete control offered by “binary” switches.

In view of the above, and at a more general level, it will be appreciated that in some embodiments the at least one actuator 705A;705B may comprise a pressure sensor.

Turning to the geometry of the mouthpiece 33, in accordance with some embodiments (such as the embodiments shown in Figures 7-9 at least), the mouthpiece 33 may comprise a first end 52 and a second end 710 opposite the first end 52. In some particular embodiments, which may be particularly effective for ensuring generated aerosol is effectively delivered to the user’s mouth, the first end 52 may comprise an outlet 60 which is configured to deliver aerosol received from the aerosol outlet channel 62 to the user. It is to be appreciated, however, that any employed outlet 60 need not expressly be located at the first end 52, and so could be located in other parts of the mouthpiece 33, as required.

Building on the above, to help improve the access of any employed actuator on the mouthpiece 33, in accordance with some particular embodiments, each actuator 705A;705B may be positioned closer to the first end 52, than the actuator is located to the second end 710. In this way, the user may find it easier to reach the actuator with their lips or tongue.

In more numerical terms, according to some embodiments, for allowing the user to more easily reach the actuator with their lips and/or tongue, each actuator(s) 705A;705B may be located no more than 60mm; no more than 50mm; no more than 40mm; no more than 30mm; no more than 20mm; no more than 15mm; no more than 10mm; no more than 8mm; and/or no more than 5mm, from the outlet 60 and/or the first end 52. An example of this separation may be seen with reference to the distance D1 in the particular embodiment shown in Figure 7. For completeness, by the phrase ‘no more than’ here, this may be interpreted to mean that at least one part of each actuator is no more than the specified distance from the outlet 60 and/or the first end 52, as opposed to all parts of each actuator needing to be no more than the specified distance from the outlet 60 and/or the first end 52. In this way, this ensures that each actuator is operable to be actuated in some form, as required, through being sufficiently close to the first end 52.

Mindful of the above, in accordance with some embodiments, each actuator may be elongate to better allow the user to spot the actuator on the mouthpiece, and to more easily actuate the actuator at different relative locations between the user’s mouth and the mouthpiece. With respect to any such length of the actuator, in accordance with some embodiments the (or each) actuator may comprise a maximum length LMAX of no more than 55mm; no more than 50mm; no more than 40mm; no more than 30mm; no more than 25mm; no more than 20mm; and/or no than 15mm.

Equally, in accordance with some additional/alternative embodiments, the (or each) actuator may comprise a maximum width WMAX of no more than 20mm; no more than 18mm; no more than 15mm; no more than 12mm; and/or no more than 10mm.

With respect to any particular thickness for the (or each) actuator, again this may be selected so as to not make the actuator occupy too much space on the mouthpiece 33, which could thus risk the actuator being damaged in instances where the actuator is unduly thick, such to unduly project from the mouthpiece 33. Thus in accordance with some embodiments, the (or each) actuator may comprise a maximum thickness of no more than 10mm; no more than 8mm; no more than 6mm; no more than 4mm; and/or no more than 2mm. With such maximum thicknesses, the (or each) actuator may thus act to not unduly occupy valuable space on the mouthpiece 33.

In more general terms, the (or each) actuator may comprise a maximum dimension which is no more than 70mm; no more than 65mm; no more than 60mm; no more than 55mm; no more than 50mm; no more than 40mm; no more than 30mm; no more than 25mm; no more than 20mm; and/or no than 15mm, in accordance with some embodiments. By the term ‘maximum dimension’ here, this may be understood as meaning that none of the maximum length LMAX; maximum width WMAX; or maximum thickness are larger than then specified amount. According to some embodiments, to help make any given actuator easier to access by the user's mouth, the actuator may define, and/or be located on, an external surface of the mouthpiece 33. This means that the user may easily operate the actuator 705A;705B by placing the mouthpiece 33 in or near their mouth and operating the actuator with their lips or tongue. It will be appreciated that the actuator 705A;705B may not necessarily be required to be located on an external surface in all embodiments. For example, when the actuator 705A;705B comprises a piezoelectric module, the piezoelectric material itself may be located within the mouthpiece 33 such that pressure exerted by the user is transferred through the body of the mouthpiece 33 to the piezoelectric actuator. Thus at a more general level, it may be also appreciated that in accordance with some embodiments, the actuator may be recessed into an external surface of the mouthpiece 33, and/or may be at least partially (or fully) embedded in the mouthpiece 33.

Staying with the possible locations of any employed actuator(s), in accordance with some embodiments (such as that shown in Figures 8 and 9), the at least one actuator 800 (or each actuator) may at least partially surround, or fully surround in some narrower embodiments, the aerosol outlet channel 62. This arrangement may be advantageous in that when the mouthpiece 33 is inserted into the user’s mouth such that the aerosol outlet channel 62 is encircled by the user’s lips, a greater surface area of the actuator 800 is able to be reached by the user for operating the actuator 800, thus improving the usability of the mouthpiece 33. Related to the above, in accordance with some embodiments, such as those shown in the embodiments of Figures 8 and 9, the actuator(s) may be annular and/or tubular.

As noted above, it is envisaged that in some embodiments, the at least one actuator may comprise a first actuator and a second actuator. In accordance with some embodiments thereof, the aerosol outlet channel 62 may be located between the first and second actuators. In this way, two actuators may be positioned on opposing first and second sides of the mouthpiece 33 with the aerosol outlet channel 62 disposed between them.

Where the first and second actuators are employed, according to some particular embodiments, the two actuators 900A;900B may be operated independently from one another to provide either the same or different functionality for operating the aerosol provision system. This particular arrangement may be advantageous in that the two actuators 900A;900B may be easily operated by the user when the mouthpiece 33 is inserted into the user’s mouth, during use, such that either actuator 900A;900B may be operated by the user’s lips.

According to the disclosure, the mouthpiece 33 disclosed in the aforementioned embodiments may form part of an aerosol provision device or system for generating an aerosol, comprising the mouthpiece 33, and a aerosol generator 40 for generating aerosol, wherein the aerosol outlet channel 62 is configured to receive aerosol generated by the aerosol generator 40. Although not necessarily, in accordance with some embodiments, the aerosol provision system may further comprise a cartridge 2, and an aerosol provision device 4 configured to receive the cartridge 2, wherein the cartridge 2 comprises the mouthpiece 33 (as shown in the embodiment from Figure 10, for instance).

In some embodiments, the aerosol provision system 1 may further comprise control circuitry (such as the control circuitry 18 described above with reference to the embodiments from Figures 1 -6B) which is configured to: receive a first signal from the at least one actuator 1000; and generate an output signal for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator 40 (and/or the aerosol provision system, more generally), based off the first signal from the at least one actuator 1000. In this way, the user of the aerosol provision system 1 is able to selectively control the operation of the aerosol generator (and/or the aerosol provision system) with the at least one actuator 1000. As set out in greater detail below, the control circuitry 18 may be configured to control a number of different aspects of the aerosol provision system 1 and to varying degrees.

In some configurations, the control circuitry 18 may be further configured to: receive the first signal from the at least one actuator 1000; determine, using the first signal, whether the aerosol generator 40 (and/or the aerosol provision system) should be operated; and generate an output signal for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator 40 (and/or the aerosol provision system), based off the first signal from the at least one actuator 1000, and in response to determining that the aerosol generator 40 (and/or the aerosol provision system) should be operated. This provides a means for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator 40 (and/or the aerosol provision system) in a particularly effective way.

For example, and in accordance with some embodiments, the operation for a given actuator(s) as herein described may comprise an operation to disable the operation of the aerosol generator 40 (and/or an operation to disable the operation of the aerosol provision system). Disabling the aerosol generator may include, for example, reducing or removing electrical power supplied to the aerosol generator from power supply 16 such that aerosol is no longer generated. Additionally or alternatively, disabling the aerosol generator 40 may include mechanically isolating the aerosol generator 40 from the aerosol outlet channel 62. Any other suitable means of disabling the aerosol generator 40 may be employed, depending on the required particular embodiment.

Additionally or alternatively, the operation for a given actuator(s) may comprise an operation to enable the operation of the aerosol generator 40 (and/or an operation to enable the operation the aerosol provision system). Essentially the reverse operations to those examples set out above may be employed to enable the operation of the aerosol generator 40, i.e. increase the electrical power supplied to the aerosol generator 40, release mechanical isolation, or the like.

The operation for a given actuator(s) may additionally or alternatively comprise, according to some embodiments, an operation to control the rate of aerosol generation by the aerosol generator 40. In very particular embodiments, the rate of aerosol generation may be proportional to a strength or magnitude of the first signal received from the actuator 1000. As explained above, for example, a piezoelectric actuator may output a signal proportional to the pressure exerted on the actuator 1000. In this way, the rate of aerosol generation from the aerosol generator 40 may be configured to be increased or decreased by the user modulating the amount of pressure applied to the actuator 1000. In another particular embodiment, the rate of aerosol generation by the aerosol generator 40 may be configured to be proportional to an amount of time that the user applies pressure to the actuator 1000. For example, if the user applies pressure to the actuator 1000 for a first predetermined threshold amount of time, the flow rate may be changed to a first flow rate value. If the user maintains pressure on the actuator 1000 for an additional second threshold amount of time, the flow rate may be increased again to a second flow rate value, and so on. When changing the flow rate, the aerosol provision system may be configured to provide feedback to the user to indicate that the flow rate has been adjusted as a result of the actuator causing the operation to occur. Appreciably, this feedback may comprise an acoustic, visual, thermal, haptic, or any other suitable form of feedback.

The operation may additionally or alternatively comprise, according to some embodiments, an operation to control the power delivered to the aerosol generator 40. In very particular embodiments, changing the power delivered to the aerosol generator 40 from the power supply 16 may cause the temperature of the generated aerosol to change in turn. In some particular embodiments, and in a similar way to changing the flow rate of the aerosol as described above, the power delivered to the aerosol generator 40 may be proportional to the amount of pressure exerted by the user on the actuator 1000. In this way, for example, the power delivered to the aerosol generator 40 may be increased or decreased by the user modulating the amount of pressure applied to the actuator 1000. In another particular embodiment, the power delivered to the aerosol generator 40 may be proportional to an amount of time that the user applies pressure to the actuator 1000. For example, if the user applies pressure to the actuator 1000 for a first predetermined threshold amount of time, the power may be changed to a first power value. If the user maintains pressure on the actuator 1000 for an additional second threshold amount of time, the power may be increased again to a second power value, and so on. When changing the delivered power, the aerosol provision system may be configured to provide feedback to the user to indicate that the power has been adjusted as a result of the actuator 1000 causing the operation to occur. This feedback may comprise an acoustic, visual, thermal, haptic, or any other suitable form of feedback.

In accordance with the above, and in very particular embodiments, the mouthpiece 33 may comprise at least two actuators, each configured to perform an operation comprising one of: disabling the operation of the aerosol generator 40, enabling the operation of the aerosol generator 40; controlling the rate of aerosol generation by the aerosol generator 40; and/or controlling the power delivered to the aerosol generator 40.

In further particular embodiments, in embodiments where more than one actuator is employed, in some embodiments thereof, there may be provided two actuators positioned on opposing sides of the mouthpiece 33 with the aerosol outlet channel 62 positioned between them. In this way, the user can then more easily distinguish, and separately actuate each of the two actuators independently of each other.

Additionally/alternatively, in embodiments where more than one actuator is employed, the actuators may in accordance with some embodiments be offset from one another with respect to channel longitudinal axis L of the mouthpiece 33 / cartridge 2 (as shown in the embodiment of Figure 9, for instance). In this respect, and in accordance with some embodiments where a first actuator and a second actuator is employed, the first actuator may be separated from the second actuator by a predetermined minimum distance D2, which in some very particular embodiments may be a distance which is parallel to the longitudinal axis L - as shown in the particular embodiment from Figure 9.

Where such a minimum distance D2 is employed, in accordance with some particular embodiments, the minimum distance may be no more than 40mm; no more than 30mm; no more than 20mm; no more than 15mm; no more than 10mm; and/or no more than 8mm.

Additionally/alternatively, where such a minimum distance is employed, in accordance with some particular embodiments, the minimum distance may be at least 5mm; at least 8mm; at least 10mm; at least 15mm; at least 20mm; at least 25mm; and/or at least 30mm.

In accordance with the above minimum distances therefore, this may conveniently allow the user to appropriately distinguish the first actuator from the second actuator based on feel using their mouth as opposed to visually inspecting the mouthpiece 33.

By the term ‘minimum distance’ D2 here, this may be interpreted to mean that at least one part of the first actuator is no more than the specified distance from at least one part of the second actuator, as opposed to all parts of each actuator needing to be no more than the specified distance away from all parts of the other actuator. In this way, this minimum distance ensures an appropriate spacing between the two actuators, to better avoid accidental actuation of one actuator in place of the other.

According to some embodiments, there is provided a cartridge 2 for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge 2 and an aerosol provision device 4, wherein the cartridge 2 comprises the mouthpiece 33 disclosed above.

Noting the above disclosures, it will be appreciated that these also provide for a corresponding method of controlling the operation of an aerosol provision system, wherein the method comprises: operating at least one actuator from a mouthpiece of the aerosol provision system to control an operation of the aerosol provision system. In general terms, the method causes the actuator to control the operation of the aerosol provision system upon activation of the actuator by the user. Furthermore, the use of the actuator to control the operation of the aerosol provision system allows for the improvement in user experience when using the aerosol provision system by allowing the user direct control over the operation of the aerosol provision system. Thus, the use of an actuator on or in the mouthpiece 33 may help to increase the operability/usability of the aerosol provision system.

In some embodiments, the method may comprise operating the at least one actuator from the mouthpiece, using the mouth of the user of the aerosol provision system, to control the operation of the aerosol provision system. As will be appreciated, this may allow the user to operate the aerosol provision system without the use of their hands, thus improving the operability/usability of the system.

In a similar fashion to the embodiments described with reference to the aerosol provision system disclosed herein, the method may further comprise a control circuitry from the aerosol provision system: receiving a first signal from the at least one actuator; and generating an output signal for controlling the operation of the aerosol generator, based off the first signal from the at least one actuator.

For instance, and in accordance with some embodiments, the method may further comprise: controlling the operation of the aerosol generator in response to the aerosol generator receiving the output signal.

With reference to the foregoing disclosure, there has accordingly been described a number of different possible implementations for an actuator for use in a mouthpiece 33 which is configured for use in any of the herein described aerosol provision devices or systems. Appreciating the foregoing, there has accordingly been described a mouthpiece for an aerosol provision system, the mouthpiece comprising an aerosol outlet channel for delivering an aerosol to a user of the mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece comprises at least one actuator configured to be actuated by the user whilst the mouthpiece is in use for controlling an operation of the aerosol provision system.

There has also been described an aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, comprising the mouthpiece as set out above, and an aerosol generator for generating aerosol, wherein the aerosol outlet channel is configured to receive aerosol generated by the aerosol generator.

There has also been described a cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and an aerosol provision device configured to receive the cartridge, wherein the cartridge comprises the mouthpiece as set out above.

There has also been described a method of controlling the operation of an aerosol provision system, wherein the method comprises: operating at least one actuator from a mouthpiece of the aerosol provision system to control an operation of the aerosol provision system.

There has also been described a mouthpiece 33 for an aerosol provision system 1 . The mouthpiece 33 comprises at least one aerosol outlet channel 62 for delivering an aerosol to a user of the mouthpiece 33. The mouthpiece 33 comprises at least one actuator 800, which may be configured to be actuated by the mouth of the user, while the mouthpiece 33 is in use, for controlling the operation of the aerosol provision system 1 . The actuator 800 may define an external surface of the mouthpiece 33, and the actuator 800 may be configured to control the operation of an aerosol generator 40 of the aerosol provision system in some cases. In this way, the actuator 800 may allow for hands-free control of the aerosol provision system, such that the user can use their mouth, lips, or tongue to operate the aerosol provision system 1 .

In order to address various issues and advance the art, this disclosure shows by way of illustration various embodiments in which the claimed invention(s) may be practiced. The advantages and features of the disclosure are of a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. They are presented only to assist in understanding and to teach the claimed invention(s). It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects of the disclosure are not to be considered limitations on the disclosure as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claims. Various embodiments may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, various combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc. other than those specifically described herein, and it will thus be appreciated that features of the dependent claims may be combined with features of the independent claims in combinations other than those explicitly set out in the claims. The disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

For instance, in terms of how any provided actuator(s) may be powered (if it is employed at all), it will be appreciated that each actuator may be powered using either the power supply 16, or powered with its own power source (not shown in the Figures).

Equally, with regard to the positioning of any such actuator(s) which may be employed herein, it will be appreciated that their locations may be provided anywhere in the aerosol provision system as may be required to allow them to provide their required functionality.

For the sake of completeness as well, in respect of any actuator(s) employed herein, it will be appreciated that any power or signals sent thereto may be provided using either a wired or wireless connection between the control circuitry 18 and the respective actuator. In the particular embodiments shown in Figure 10, for instance, a wired connection is provided between the relevant actuator and the control circuitry 18, and which extends in the case of the component being located in the cartridge 2 across the interface end 54, via the contact electrodes 46 located on each of the aerosol provision device 4 and the cartridge 2 as shown in Figure 6B.

Finally, whilst a number of aerosol provision system embodiments have been described herein as comprising a cartridge 2 and an aerosol provision device 4, this need not necessarily be the case such that the aerosol provision system may, in some embodiments, define essentially a single component comprising all the vaporising features from the cartridge 2 and an aerosol provision device 4 in this single component.

Claims

1 . A mouthpiece for an aerosol provision system, the mouthpiece comprising an aerosol outlet channel for delivering an aerosol to a user of the mouthpiece, wherein the mouthpiece comprises at least one actuator configured to be actuated by the user whilst the mouthpiece is in use for controlling an operation of the aerosol provision system.

2. A mouthpiece according to claim 1 , wherein the at least one actuator is configured to be actuated by user whilst the mouthpiece is in use for controlling an operation of the aerosol provision system the mouth of the user whilst the mouthpiece is in use for controlling an operation of the aerosol provision system.

3. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one actuator comprises a plurality of actuators.

4. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein each actuator is configured to be actuated by a lip of the user whilst the mouthpiece is in use for controlling an operation of the aerosol provision system.

5. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein each actuator is configured to be actuated by the tongue of the user whilst the mouthpiece is in use for controlling an operation of the aerosol provision system.

6. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one actuator comprises a mechanical switch.

7. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein each actuator comprises a first position in which the actuator is not actuated, and a second position in which the actuator is actuated, wherein the actuator is biased towards the first position.

8. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one actuator comprises a piezoelectric module.

9. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one actuator comprises a pressure sensor.

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10. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the mouthpiece comprises a first end and a second end opposite the first end.

11. A mouthpiece according to claim 10, wherein the mouthpiece further comprises an outlet which is configured to deliver aerosol received from the aerosol outlet channel to the user, wherein the first end comprises the outlet.

12. A mouthpiece according to claim 10 or 11 wherein each actuator is located no more than 50mm from the first end.

13. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein each actuator defines, or is located on, an external surface of the mouthpiece.

14. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the mouthpiece comprises an external surface, wherein each actuator is at least partially recessed into the external surface.

15. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein each actuator is at least partially embedded in the mouthpiece.

16. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one actuator at least partially surrounds the aerosol outlet channel.

17. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein each actuator at least partially surrounds the aerosol outlet channel.

18. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein each actuator is annular.

19. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein the at least one actuator comprises a first actuator and a second actuator.

20. A mouthpiece according to claim 19, wherein the aerosol outlet channel is located between the first actuator and the second actuator.

21 . A mouthpiece according to claim 19 or 20, when further dependent on claim 13: wherein the first actuator defines, or is located on, a first external surface of the mouthpiece; and wherein the second actuator defines, or is located on, a second external surface of the mouthpiece.

22. A mouthpiece according to any of claims 19-21 , wherein the first actuator is located on a first side of the mouthpiece, and the second actuator is located on a second side of the mouthpiece.

23. A mouthpiece according to claim 22, wherein the first side is opposite the second side.

24. A mouthpiece according to any of claims 19-23, wherein: the first actuator is configured to be actuated, by the mouth of the user whilst the mouthpiece is in use, for controlling a first operation of the aerosol provision system; and the second actuator is configured to be actuated, by the mouth of the user whilst the mouthpiece is in use, for controlling a second operation of the aerosol provision system.

25. A mouthpiece according to any of claims 19-23, wherein: the first actuator is configured to be actuated, whilst the mouthpiece is in use, for controlling a first operation of the aerosol provision system; and the second actuator is configured to be actuated, whilst the mouthpiece is in use, for controlling a second operation of the aerosol provision system.

26. A mouthpiece according to claim 24 or 25 wherein the first operation is different from the second operation.

27. A mouthpiece according to any of claims 20-26, wherein the first actuator is separated from the second actuator by a minimum distance of at least 5mm.

28. A mouthpiece according to any of claims 20-27, wherein the first actuator is separated from the second actuator by a minimum distance of no more than 40mm.

29. A mouthpiece according to any of claims 20-28, when further dependent on claim 11 , wherein the first actuator is located closer to the first end than the second actuator is located to the first end.

30. A mouthpiece according to any of claims 20-29, when further dependent on claim 12, wherein the first actuator is located closer to the outlet than the second actuator is located to the outlet.

31 . A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein each actuator comprises a maximum dimension of no more than 40mm.

32. A mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, wherein each actuator is elongate.

33. An aerosol provision system for generating an aerosol, comprising the mouthpiece according to any preceding claim, and an aerosol generator for generating aerosol, wherein the aerosol outlet channel is configured to receive aerosol generated by the aerosol generator.

34. An aerosol provision system according to claim 33, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises a cartridge, and an aerosol provision device configured to receive the cartridge, wherein the cartridge comprises the mouthpiece.

35. An aerosol provision system according to claim 33 or 34, further comprising control circuitry which is configured to: receive a first signal from the at least one actuator; and generate an output signal for controlling the operation of the aerosol provision system, based off the first signal from the at least one actuator.

36. An aerosol provision system according to claim 35, wherein the control circuitry is further configured to: receive the first signal from the at least one actuator; determine, using the first signal, whether the operation should be operated; and generate an output signal for controlling the operation of the aerosol provision system, based off the first signal from the at least one actuator, and in response to determining that the operation should be operated.

37. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 33-36, wherein the operation comprises an operation of the aerosol generator.

38. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 33-37, wherein the operation comprises an operation to disable, and/or enable, the operation of the aerosol generator.

39. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 33-38, wherein the operation comprises an operation to control the rate of aerosol generation by the aerosol generator.

40. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 33-39, wherein the operation comprises an operation to vary the power delivered to the aerosol generator.

41 . An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 33-40, wherein the aerosol provision system further comprises a reservoir for containing aerosol-generating material for aerosolising by the aerosol generator.

42. An aerosol provision system according to claim 41 , wherein the reservoir is annular.

43. An aerosol provision system according to claim 41 or 42, wherein the reservoir surrounds the aerosol outlet channel.

44. An aerosol provision system according to any of claims 41 -43, when further dependent on claim 10, wherein the reservoir is located between the first end and the aerosol generator.

45. A cartridge for an aerosol provision system comprising the cartridge and an aerosol provision device configured to receive the cartridge, wherein the cartridge comprises the mouthpiece according to any of claims 1 -32.

46. A cartridge according to claim 45, wherein the cartridge further comprises an aerosol generator for generating aerosol, wherein the aerosol outlet channel is configured to receive aerosol generated by the aerosol generator.

47. A cartridge according to claim 45 or 46, wherein the cartridge comprises a reservoir for containing aerosol-generating material for aerosolising by the aerosol generator.

48. A method of controlling the operation of an aerosol provision system, wherein the method comprises: operating at least one actuator from a mouthpiece of the aerosol provision system to control an operation of the aerosol provision system.

49. A method according to claim 49, wherein the method further comprises:

31 operating the at least one actuator from the mouthpiece, using the mouth of the user of the aerosol provision system, to control the operation of the aerosol provision system.

50. A method according to claim 48 or 49, wherein the method further comprises a control circuitry from the aerosol provision system: receiving a first signal from the at least one actuator; and generating an output signal for controlling the operation of the aerosol provision system, based off the first signal from the at least one actuator.

51. A method according to any of claims 48-50 wherein the operation of the aerosol provision system comprises an operation of an aerosol generator from the aerosol provision system.

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