EP4520206A1 - Système de distribution d'aérosol - Google Patents

Système de distribution d'aérosol Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4520206A1
EP4520206A1 EP23196068.3A EP23196068A EP4520206A1 EP 4520206 A1 EP4520206 A1 EP 4520206A1 EP 23196068 A EP23196068 A EP 23196068A EP 4520206 A1 EP4520206 A1 EP 4520206A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
user
controller
aerosol
aerosol generator
receipt
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
EP23196068.3A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Adam BARAGWANATH
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Imperial Tobacco Ltd United Kingdom
Original Assignee
Imperial Tobacco Ltd United Kingdom
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Imperial Tobacco Ltd United Kingdom filed Critical Imperial Tobacco Ltd United Kingdom
Priority to EP23196068.3A priority Critical patent/EP4520206A1/fr
Publication of EP4520206A1 publication Critical patent/EP4520206A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/53—Monitoring, e.g. fault detection
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/60—Devices with integrated user interfaces
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/10—Devices using liquid inhalable precursors
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A24—TOBACCO; CIGARS; CIGARETTES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES; SMOKERS' REQUISITES
    • A24F—SMOKERS' REQUISITES; MATCH BOXES; SIMULATED SMOKING DEVICES
    • A24F40/00—Electrically operated smoking devices; Component parts thereof; Manufacture thereof; Maintenance or testing thereof; Charging means specially adapted therefor
    • A24F40/50—Control or monitoring
    • A24F40/51—Arrangement of sensors

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to a system such as a smoking substitute system.
  • the smoking of tobacco is generally considered to expose a smoker to potentially harmful substances. It is generally thought that a significant amount of the potentially harmful substances are generated through the heat caused by the burning and/or combustion of the tobacco and the constituents of the burnt tobacco in the tobacco smoke itself.
  • Such smoking substitute systems can form part of nicotine replacement therapies aimed at people who wish to stop smoking and overcome a dependence on nicotine.
  • Smoking substitute systems which may also be known as electronic nicotine delivery systems, may comprise electronic systems that permit a user to simulate the act of smoking by producing an aerosol, also referred to as a "vapour", which is drawn into the lungs through the mouth (inhaled) and then exhaled.
  • the inhaled aerosol typically bears nicotine and/or flavourings without, or with fewer of, the odour and health risks associated with traditional smoking.
  • smoking substitute systems are intended to provide a substitute for the rituals of smoking, whilst providing the user with a similar experience and satisfaction to those experienced with traditional smoking and tobacco products.
  • smoking substitute systems are designed to resemble a traditional cigarette and are cylindrical in form with a mouthpiece at one end.
  • Other smoking substitute systems do not generally resemble a cigarette (for example, the smoking substitute device may have a generally box-like form).
  • a smoking substitute approach corresponds to the manner in which the substitute system operates for a user.
  • a smoking substitute system is the so-called “vaping” approach, in which a vaporisable liquid, typically referred to (and referred to herein) as “e-liquid", is heated by a heater to produce an aerosol vapour which is inhaled by a user.
  • An e-liquid typically includes a base liquid as well as nicotine and/or flavourings.
  • the resulting vapour therefore typically contains nicotine and/or flavourings.
  • the base liquid may include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.
  • a typical vaping smoking substitute system includes a mouthpiece, a power source (typically a battery), a tank or liquid reservoir for containing e-liquid, as well as a heater.
  • a power source typically a battery
  • a tank or liquid reservoir for containing e-liquid as well as a heater.
  • electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the heater, which heats the e-liquid to produce an aerosol (or "vapour") which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
  • Vaping smoking substitute systems can be configured in a variety of ways.
  • there are "closed system" vaping smoking substitute systems which typically have a heater and a sealed tank which is pre-filled with e-liquid and is not intended to be refilled by an end user.
  • One subset of closed system vaping smoking substitute systems include a device which includes the power source, wherein the device is configured to be physically and electrically coupled to a component including the tank and the heater. In this way, when the tank of a component has been emptied, the device can be reused by connecting it to a new component.
  • Another subset of closed system vaping smoking substitute systems are completely disposable and intended for one-use only.
  • vaping smoking substitute systems which typically have a tank that is configured to be refilled by a user, so the system can be used multiple times.
  • An example vaping smoking substitute system is the myblu TM e-cigarette.
  • the myblu TM e cigarette is a closed system which includes a device and a consumable component.
  • the device and consumable component are physically and electrically coupled together by pushing the consumable component into the device.
  • the device includes a rechargeable battery.
  • the consumable component includes a mouthpiece, a sealed tank which contains e-liquid, as well as an aerosol generator, which for this system is a heating filament coiled around a portion of a wick which is partially immersed in the e-liquid.
  • the system is activated when a microprocessor on board the device detects a user inhaling through the mouthpiece. When the system is activated, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to the aerosol generator, which heats e-liquid from the tank to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
  • the blu PRO TM e-cigarette is an open system which includes a device, a (refillable) tank, and a mouthpiece.
  • the device and tank are physically and electrically coupled together by screwing one to the other.
  • the mouthpiece and refillable tank are physically coupled together by screwing one into the other, and detaching the mouthpiece from the refillable tank allows the tank to be refilled with e-liquid.
  • the system is activated by a button on the device. When the system is activated, electrical energy is supplied from the power source to an aerosol generator, which heats e-liquid from the tank to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
  • HT Heated Tobacco
  • HNB heat not burn
  • the tobacco may be leaf tobacco or reconstituted tobacco.
  • the intention is that the tobacco is heated but not burned, i.e. the tobacco does not undergo combustion.
  • the heating, as opposed to burning, of the tobacco material is believed to cause fewer, or smaller quantities, of the more harmful compounds ordinarily produced during smoking. Consequently, the HT approach may reduce the odour and/or health risks that can arise through the burning, combustion and pyrolytic degradation of tobacco.
  • a typical HT smoking substitute system may include a device and a consumable component.
  • the consumable component may include the tobacco material.
  • the device and consumable component may be configured to be physically coupled together.
  • heat may be imparted to the tobacco material by a heating element of the device, wherein airflow through the tobacco material causes components in the tobacco material to be released as vapour.
  • a vapour may also be formed from a carrier in the tobacco material (this carrier may for example include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine) and additionally volatile compounds released from the tobacco. The released vapour may be entrained in the airflow drawn through the tobacco.
  • some systems implement a locking feature in which the device enters a locked mode. While such locking features, can be useful in preventing unauthorised or accidental activation, they can reduce the usability of system for the user.
  • an aerosol delivery system e.g., a smoking substitute system
  • a smoking substitute system comprising:
  • an aerosol delivery system e.g., a smoking substitute system
  • a smoking substitute system comprising:
  • locked and unlocked modes may be useful for preventing unauthorised use of the system. It may also be useful to avoid unintended (i.e. accidental) operation of the system. As will be described below, for example, the system may be configured such that unlocking the system (i.e. toggling from locked to unlocked) must be performed in a manner that is unlikely to occur accidentally or may be difficult to perform for an unauthorised user.
  • the system may comprise the aerosol generator.
  • the controller may be configured to control the aerosol generator.
  • the aerosol generator In the unlocked mode, upon receipt of a puff signal from the puff sensor, the aerosol generator may be activated. In the unlocked mode, upon receipt of a puff signal from the puff sensor, the aerosol generator may not be activated.
  • the aerosol generator may form a removable and e.g. replaceable part of the system (e.g. may form part of a consumable of the system).
  • the aerosol generator may form a permanent part of the system (e.g. of a device of the system).
  • one or more of the puff sensor, user interface and controller may form part of a device configured to connect with a consumable component.
  • the puff sensor may be an airflow sensor.
  • the airflow sensor may be e.g. a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor.
  • the pressure sensor may be configured to detect a pressure drop within an airflow path extending through the system.
  • the system includes a mouthpiece and a mouthpiece sensor.
  • the mouthpiece sensor (when present) may, for example, be configured to detect contact with a user at the mouthpiece of the system.
  • the mouthpiece sensor (e.g. in combination with one or more further sensors) may be configured to detect concurrent contact with a user at the mouthpiece and at a region of the system that is distal from the mouthpiece. Such contact may be indicative of a user holding a portion of the system (e.g. a device of the system) with their hand while positioning the mouthpiece in their mouth.
  • the mouthpiece sensor (and the one or more further sensors) may, for example, be a capacitive touch sensor.
  • the system may comprise a user input device for receipt of a user input.
  • the user input device may comprise e.g. a button, switch, or touchscreen.
  • the puff sensor may provide the user input device.
  • the system may be unlocked and/or locked (i.e. by the controller) in response to one or more user inputs received by the user input device.
  • references to being “unlocked” are references to the system being toggled from the locked mode to the unlocked mode.
  • References to being “locked” are references to the system being toggles from the unlocked mode to the locked mode.
  • the system may be toggles between the locked and unlocked modes in response to receipt (by the user input device) of a predetermined sequence of user inputs.
  • Unlocking and locking the system may be performed by different predetermined sequences or by the same predetermined sequence.
  • the controller may, for example, be configured to compare user inputs received by the user input device with the predetermined sequence.
  • the predetermined sequence of user inputs may be a predetermined number of consecutive user input (e.g. five).
  • the predetermined sequence may comprise each successive user input being received within a predetermined time of the preceding user input (e.g. five user inputs, each successive input being received within one second of the preceding user input).
  • the controller may be configured to compare the time between an input and a preceding input and compare the time to a maximum threshold time. If the time between the input and the preceding input is less than the threshold time, then the controller may increase a counter. The device may be locked or unlocked when the counter reaches a predetermined threshold (e.g. five).
  • the predetermined user input sequence may comprise a predetermined number of user inputs received within a predetermined amount of time.
  • the predetermined sequence of user inputs may comprise receipt of one or more user inputs for a predetermined period of time.
  • the predetermined sequence may comprise one or more button presses, each performed for a predetermined period of time.
  • the predetermined sequence may comprise a predetermined number of user inputs, each performed for a predetermined minimum amount of time.
  • the user interface may comprise visual user feedback element, such as a light source (e.g. one or more LEDs).
  • a light source e.g. one or more LEDs
  • the controller may be configured to cause the light source to illuminate to indicate to a user that the system in the locked mode.
  • the light source may be configured to illuminate a predetermined colour (e.g. red) to indicate that the system is in a locked mode (i.e. upon receipt of a detection signal when in the locked mode).
  • the user interface may comprise a haptic feedback device (e.g. a device configured to vibrate the system, such as an electric motor and a weight mounted eccentrically on a shaft of the electric motor).
  • a haptic feedback device e.g. a device configured to vibrate the system, such as an electric motor and a weight mounted eccentrically on a shaft of the electric motor.
  • the controller may be configured to activate the haptic feedback device upon receipt of a detection signal when the system is in the locked mode.
  • the system may comprise a source of power which may be a battery.
  • the source of power may be a capacitor.
  • the power source may be a rechargeable power source.
  • the system may comprise a charging connection for connection to an external power supply for recharging of the power source within the device.
  • the controller may be configured to control a power supply from the power source to the aerosol generator.
  • the aerosol generator may be activated by supply of power to the aerosol generator by the controller.
  • the controller may comprise one or more units for processing data, examples of which may include an ASIC, microcontroller, FPGA, microprocessor, digital signal processor (DSP) capability, state machine or other suitable component.
  • the controller may be configured to execute a computer program, e.g. which may take the form of machine readable instructions, which may be stored on a non-transitory memory and/or programmable logic.
  • the system may comprise a device body for housing the power source and/or other electrical components.
  • the user interface may be provided on the device body (e.g. may be provided at an external surface of the body).
  • the device body may be an elongate body i.e. with a greater length than depth/width. It may have a greater width than depth.
  • the device body may have a length of between 5 and 30 cm e.g. between 5 and 10 cm such as between 7 and 9 cm.
  • the maximum depth of the device body may be between 5 and 15 mm e.g. between 9 and 12 mm.
  • the device body of the system may have a front surface that is curved in the transverse dimension.
  • the device body may have a rear surface that is curved in the transverse dimension.
  • the curvatures of the front surface and rear surface may be of the opposite sense to one another. Both front and rear surfaces may be convex in the transverse dimension. They may have an equal radius of curvature.
  • the device body may have a substantially oval transverse cross-sectional shape.
  • the device body may be formed of a metal e.g. of aluminium.
  • the system may comprise a movement detection unit (e.g. an accelerometer) for detecting a movement of the device body.
  • a movement detection unit e.g. an accelerometer
  • a memory may be provided and may be operatively connected to the controller.
  • the memory may include non-volatile memory.
  • the memory may include instructions which, when implemented, cause the controller to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.
  • the system may comprise a wireless interface, which may be configured to communicate wirelessly with another device, for example a mobile device, e.g. via Bluetooth ® .
  • the wireless interface could include a Bluetooth ® antenna.
  • Other wireless communication interfaces e.g. WiFi ® , are also possible.
  • the wireless interface may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote server.
  • the system may comprise an electrical connection (e.g. one or more contact pins) for connection of the power source to the aerosol generating unit.
  • an electrical connection e.g. one or more contact pins
  • the system may comprise a chassis within the device body and one or more of the electrical components of the system (e.g. one or more of the power source, charging connection, user interface, movement detection unit, controller, memory, wireless interface, puff sensor and/or electrical connection) may be mounted on or affixed to the chassis.
  • the electrical components of the system e.g. one or more of the power source, charging connection, user interface, movement detection unit, controller, memory, wireless interface, puff sensor and/or electrical connection
  • the system may comprise an aerosol generator that forms part of a consumable component.
  • the consumable component may be engageable with the device body (i.e. configured to be physically coupled together).
  • the consumable component may be at least partially received in a recess of the device body.
  • the consumable component may be configured for snap engagement with the device body.
  • the device body and the consumable component may be physically coupled together by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting.
  • the consumable component may comprise one or more engagement portions for engaging with the device body.
  • the device body and consumable component may be coupled together by magnetic attraction.
  • the device body may comprise at least one magnet whilst the component may comprise a magnet or ferrous plate.
  • the consumable component may comprise an electrical interface for interfacing with a corresponding electrical interface of the device body.
  • One or both of the electrical interfaces may include one or more electrical contacts.
  • the electrical interface may be configured to transfer electrical power from the power source to the aerosol generator (e.g. a heating element of the aerosol generator) of the consumable component.
  • activation of the aerosol generator by the controller may comprise controlling a supply of power to the electrical interface.
  • the electrical interface may also be used to identify the consumable component from a list of known types.
  • the electrical interface may additionally or alternatively be used to identify when the consumable component is connected to the device.
  • the device body may alternatively or additionally be able to detect information about the consumable component via an RFID reader, a barcode or QR code reader.
  • This interface may be able to identify a characteristic (e.g. a type) of the consumable.
  • the consumable component may include any one or more of an RFID chip, a barcode or QR code, or memory within which is an identifier and which can be interrogated via the interface.
  • each of the above component may be permanent components of a device body.
  • the aerosol former e.g. e-liquid
  • the aerosol former may be replenished by re-filling a tank that is integral with the device (rather than replacing the consumable).
  • Access to the tank (for re-filling of the e-liquid) may be provided via e.g. an opening to the tank that is sealable with a closure (e.g. a cap).
  • the airflow path may comprise a first portion extending from the air inlet towards the aerosol generator.
  • a second portion of the airflow path may pass the aerosol generator (e.g. over or around the aerosol generator) to a conduit that extends to the outlet.
  • the conduit may extend along the axial centre of the system (or of the component).
  • references to "downstream” in relation to the airflow path are intended to refer to the direction towards the outlet/mouthpiece portion.
  • the second portion of the airflow path is downstream of the first portion of the airflow path.
  • references to "upstream” are intended to refer to the direction towards the air inlet.
  • the first portion of the airflow path (and the air inlet) is upstream of the second portion of the airflow path (and the outlet/mouthpiece portion).
  • references to "upper”, “lower”, “above” or “below” are intended to refer to the system, device body or component when in an upright/vertical orientation i.e. with elongate (longitudinal/length) axis of the system, device body or component vertically aligned and with the mouthpiece vertically uppermost.
  • the component may comprise a tank for housing the aerosol precursor (e.g. a liquid aerosol precursor).
  • the aerosol precursor may comprise an e-liquid, for example, comprising a base liquid and e.g. nicotine.
  • the base liquid may include propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerine.
  • the conduit may extend through the tank with the conduit walls defining an inner region of the tank.
  • the tank may surround the conduit e.g. the tank may be annular.
  • the tank may be transparent or translucent.
  • the aerosol generator may comprise a heating element.
  • the aerosol generator may comprise an ultrasonic or flow expansion unit, or an induction heating system.
  • the air flow path passes (e.g. passes over or around) the aerosol generator between the air inlet and the outlet.
  • the aerosol generator may be within an aerosol generation chamber.
  • the aerosol generator may comprise a wick.
  • the wick may form the base of the tank so that the aerosol precursor may be in contact with the wick.
  • the wick may comprise one or more channels on its upper surface (facing the tank), the channels being in fluid communication with the tank.
  • the wick may have a length and width defining its upper surface with a depth aligned with the longitudinal axis of the component.
  • the upper surface and opposing lower surface of the wick may lie in respective planes that are perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of component and longitudinal to the first and third portions of the airflow path.
  • the wick may comprise a porous material e.g. a ceramic material.
  • a portion of the wick e.g. at least a portion of the lower surface and/or at least a portion of at least one side wall extending between the upper and lower surface (in a depth direction) may be exposed to airflow in the second portion of the airflow path.
  • the heating element may be in the form of a heater track on the wick e.g. on the lower surface of the wick.
  • the heating element is electrically connected (or connectable) to the power source.
  • the power source may supply electricity to (i.e. apply a voltage across) the heating element so as to heat the heating element. This may cause liquid stored in the wick (i.e. drawn from the tank) to be heated so as to form a vapour and become entrained in airflow along the airflow path. This vapour may subsequently cool to form an aerosol e.g. in the conduit.
  • a method of operating an aerosol delivery system comprising
  • the system may comprise an unlocked mode.
  • the method may comprise activating an aerosol generator of the system, when in the unlocked mode, in response to detection of a user drawing air through the system.
  • the method may comprise preventing an aerosol generator of the system from activating (e.g. by not activating the aerosol generator) in response to detection of a user drawing air through the system.
  • the method may comprise toggling the system between the locked mode and the unlocked mode in response to a predetermined sequence of user inputs received by the system (e.g. received by a user input device of the system).
  • the predetermined sequence may be as described above with respect to the first aspect.
  • the system may be as otherwise described above with respect to the first aspect.
  • the method may comprise engaging the consumable component with the aerosol delivery device (as described above) having a power source so as to electrically connect the power source to the consumable component (i.e. to the aerosol generator of the consumable component).
  • the invention includes the combination of the aspects and preferred features described except where such a combination is clearly impermissible or expressly avoided.
  • Fig. 1A shows a first embodiment of a smoking substitute system 100.
  • the smoking substitute system 100 includes a device body 102 (referred to henceforth as the device) and a component 104.
  • the component 104 may alternatively be referred to as a "pod", “cartridge” or “cartomizer”. It should be appreciated that in other examples (i.e. open systems), the device may be integral with the component. In such systems, a tank of the aerosol delivery system may be accessible for refilling the device.
  • the smoking substitute system 100 is a closed system vaping system, wherein the component 104 includes a sealed tank 106 and is intended for single-use only.
  • the component 104 is removably engageable with the device 102 (i.e. for removal and replacement).
  • Fig. 1A shows the smoking substitute system 100 with the device 102 physically coupled to the component 104
  • Fig. 1B shows the device 102 of the smoking substitute system 100 without the component 104
  • Fig. 1C shows the component 104 of the smoking substitute system 100 without the device 102.
  • the device 102 and the component 104 are configured to be physically coupled together by pushing the component 104 into a cavity at an upper end 108 of the device 102, such that there is an interference fit between the device 102 and the component 104.
  • the device 102 and the component may be coupled by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting.
  • the cavity in the device houses a magnet and the component 104 comprises a metal portion (e.g. a metal base) and the component 104 is coupled to the device by magnetic attraction between the magnet and the metal portion of the component 104.
  • the component 104 includes a mouthpiece portion at an upper end 109 of the component 104, and one or more air inlets (not shown) in fluid communication with the mouthpiece portion such that air can be drawn into and through the component 104 when a user inhales through the mouthpiece portion.
  • the tank 106 containing e-liquid is located at the lower end 111 of the component 104.
  • the lower end 110 of the device 102 also includes a light 116 (e.g. an LED) located behind a small translucent cover.
  • the light 116 may be configured to illuminate when the smoking substitute system 100 is activated and/or when charging.
  • the component 104 may identify itself to the device 102, via an electrical interface, RFID chip, or barcode.
  • the lower end 110 of the device 102 also includes a charging connection 115, which is usable to charge a battery within the device 102.
  • the charging connection 115 can also be used to transfer data to and from the device, for example to update firmware thereon.
  • Figs. 2A and 2B are schematic drawings of the device 102 and component 104.
  • the device 102 includes a power source 118, a controller 120, a memory 122, a user interface 124, an electrical interface 126, a puff sensor 140, and, optionally, one or more additional components 128.
  • the power source 118 is preferably a battery, more preferably a rechargeable battery.
  • the controller 120 may include a microprocessor, for example.
  • the memory 122 preferably includes non-volatile memory.
  • the memory may include instructions which, when implemented, cause the controller 120 to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.
  • the electrical interface 126 of the device 102 may include one or more electrical contacts.
  • the electrical interface 126 may be located in a base of the aperture in the upper end 108 of the device 102.
  • the electrical interface 126 is configured to transfer electrical power from the power source 118 to the component 104 (i.e. upon activation of the smoking substitute system 100).
  • the electrical interface 126 may also be used to identify the component 104 from a list of known components.
  • the component 104 may be a particular flavour and/or have a certain concentration of nicotine (which may be identified by the electrical interface 126). This can be indicated to the controller 120 of the device 102 when the component 104 is connected to the device 102.
  • the puff sensor 140 which may be an airflow (e.g. pressure sensor), is for detecting airflow in the smoking substitute system 100, e.g. caused by a user inhaling through a mouthpiece portion 136 of the component 104.
  • the smoking substitute system 100 is configured to be activated when a puff (i.e. a user inhale) is detected by the puff sensor 140.
  • This sensor 140 could alternatively be included as part of the component 104.
  • the puff sensor 140 can also be configured, for example, to determine how heavily a user inhales or how many times a user inhales in a particular time period.
  • the user interface 124 (which may otherwise form part of the component 104) may comprise a light source (such as the light 116 of Figures 1A and 1B discussed above).
  • the user interface 124 may additionally or alternatively comprise a haptic feedback device (e.g. a device configured to vibrate the system, such as an electric motor and a weight mounted eccentrically on a shaft of the electric motor).
  • the additional components 128 of the device 102 may comprise a wireless interface, e.g. configured to communicate wirelessly with another device, for example a mobile device, e.g. via Bluetooth ® .
  • the wireless interface could include a Bluetooth ® antenna.
  • Other wireless communication interfaces, e.g. WiFi ® are also possible.
  • the wireless interface may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote server.
  • the additional components 128 of the device 102 may also comprise the charging connection 115 configured to receive power from the charging station (i.e. when the power source 118 is a rechargeable battery). This may be located at the lower end 110 of the device 102.
  • the additional components 128 of the device 102 may, if the power source 118 is a rechargeable battery, include a battery charging control circuit, for controlling the charging of the rechargeable battery.
  • a battery charging control circuit could equally be located in a charging station (if present).
  • the additional components 128 of the device 102 may include a user input, e.g. a button, which may be operatively connected to the controller.
  • the user input may provide means for a user to control the system 100.
  • the user input may allow toggling between a locked mode and an unlocked mode as will be discussed further below.
  • the additional components 128 of the system 100 may include, in some embodiments, a mouthpiece sensor configured to detect receipt of the mouthpiece portion 136 in a user's mouth.
  • the mouthpiece sensor may be configured to detect user contact at the mouthpiece portion 136.
  • the additional components 128 may also comprise one or more additional sensors for detecting contact with a region of the system 100 that is distal from the mouthpiece portion 136 (e.g. may be part of the device 102).
  • the component 104 includes the tank 106, an electrical interface 130, an aerosol generator 132, one or more air inlets 134, a mouthpiece portion 136 (which may include an air outlet), and one or more additional components 138.
  • the electrical interface 130 of the component 104 may include one or more electrical contacts.
  • the electrical interface 126 of the device 102 and an electrical interface 130 of the component 104 are configured to contact each other and thereby electrically couple the device 102 to the component 104 when the lower end 111 of the component 104 is inserted into the upper end 108 of the device 102 (as shown in Fig. 1A ).
  • electrical energy e.g. in the form of an electrical current
  • the aerosol generator 132 is configured to heat and vaporise e-liquid contained in the tank 106 using electrical energy supplied from the power source 118.
  • the aerosol generator 132 includes a heating filament and a wick. The wick draws e-liquid from the tank 106 and the heating filament heats the e-liquid to vaporise the e-liquid.
  • the one or more air inlets 134 are preferably configured to allow air to be drawn into the smoking substitute system 100, when a user inhales through the mouthpiece portion 136.
  • the air inlets 134 receive air, which flows to the air inlets 134 e.g. along a gap between the device 102 and the lower end 111 of the component 104. Aerosol that is generated by the aerosol generator 132 is entrained in the airflow received through the inlet 134, which then flows to the mouthpiece portion 136 (and from an outlet thereof) to be inhaled by a user.
  • a user activates the aerosol generator 132 by inhaling through the mouthpiece portion 136.
  • the controller 120 permits electrical energy to be supplied from the power source 118 to the aerosol generator 132 (via electrical interfaces 126, 130), to cause the aerosol generator 132 to heat e-liquid drawn from the tank 106 to produce an aerosol which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece portion 136.
  • the system 100 also includes a locked mode (that can be toggled by a user using the user input) in which the aerosol generator 132 does not generate an aerosol in response to detection of an inhalation (e.g. the controller 120 prevents the supply energy to the aerosol generator 132 in the locked mode).
  • a locked mode may avoid unauthorised and/or unintentional activation of the aerosol generator 132.
  • the user interface 124 is controlled by the controller 120 to indicate to a user that the system 100 is in the locked mode.
  • An example of one of the one or more additional components 138 of the component 104 is an interface for obtaining an identifier of the component 104.
  • this interface may be, for example, an RFID reader, a barcode, a QR code reader, or an electronic interface which is able to identify the component.
  • the component 104 may, therefore include any one or more of an RFID chip, a barcode or QR code, or memory within which is an identifier and which can be interrogated via the electronic interface in the device 102.
  • the smoking substitute system 100 shown in figures 1A to 2B is just one exemplary implementation of a smoking substitute system.
  • the system could otherwise be in the form of an entirely disposable (single-use) system or an open system in which the tank is refillable (rather than replaceable).
  • the system 100 can be toggled between a locked mode and an unlocked mode by the controller 120, which occurs in response to a user input received by a user (this is discussed further below with respect to Figure 5 ).
  • One purpose of providing a locked mode is to prevent unauthorised or unintended use of the system 100.
  • the controller 120 In the unlocked mode, the controller 120 is configured to control the supply of power so as to activate the aerosol generator 132 upon receipt of a signal from the puff sensor 140, but in the locked mode the aerosol generator 132 is not activated in response to a detected puff (i.e. preventing use of the system 100).
  • FIG. 3 illustrates operation of the controller 120 in response to detection of a puff (at step 202).
  • the controller 120 determines whether the system 100 is in a locked mode or an unlocked mode.
  • the state of the system 100 i.e. the selected mode
  • the controller 120 may be configured to read a stored value in the memory that is indicative of the state of the system 100.
  • the controller 120 activates the aerosol generator 132 (i.e. by controlling a supply of power from the power source 118 to the aerosol generator 132). This allows a user to user the system 100 (i.e. to inhale generated aerosol from the system 100).
  • the controller 120 determines whether the system 100 to be in the locked mode. If the controller 120 deems the system 100 to be in the locked mode, then at step 208, the controller 120 does not activate the aerosol generator 132 (i.e. preventing a user from using the system 100 to inhale generated aerosol). Instead, the controller 120 controls the user interface 124 to indicate to a user that the system 100 is in the locked mode (e.g. the controller 120 may control a light source to illuminate and/or a haptic feedback device to vibrate).
  • FIG 4 illustrates a process 300 that is a variation of process 200 shown in Figure 3 .
  • This process may be used in replacement of, or in addition to, the process 200 of Figure 3 .
  • the process 300 concerns the controller's 120 response to a detection signal (received at step 302) which may be a signal received from a mouthpiece sensor of the system 100 (i.e. a sensor configured to detect receipt part of the system 100, such as the mouthpiece portion 136, in a user's mouth).
  • a detection signal received from a mouthpiece sensor of the system 100 (i.e. a sensor configured to detect receipt part of the system 100, such as the mouthpiece portion 136, in a user's mouth).
  • the detection signal may (in some cases) be generated upon detection by the mouthpiece sensor (of part of the system 100 in a user's mouth) and concurrent detection by an additional sensor of a user holding a part of the system 100 that is remote from a user's mouth.
  • the controller 120 Upon receipt of such a detection signal, at step 304, the controller 120 checks the state of the system 100 (e.g. in the same manner as described above) to determine whether the system 100 is in the locked mode or the unlocked mode.
  • the controller 120 takes no further action. If the system 100 is in the locked mode (at step 306) the controller 120 takes no further action. If the system 100 is in the locked mode, the controller 120 (at step 308) controls the user interface 124 to indicate to a user that the system 100 is in the locked mode (e.g. via illumination of a light source or haptic feedback as described above).
  • Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary process for toggling the system 100 between the locked and unlocked modes.
  • the system 100 is configured to toggle between these modes in response to receipt of five button presses, each for over 20ms, and each occurring within one second of the previous button press.
  • the process begins with detection of a button of the device 102 being depressed (at step 404). This triggers a delay of e.g. 20ms (at 406), after which the controller 120 checks whether the button remains depressed (at step 408). If the button is no longer depressed, this is indicative of the button not being depressed for the minimum required time and so the controller 120 returns to a state in which it awaits the next button press.
  • a delay of e.g. 20ms at 406
  • the controller 120 checks whether the button remains depressed (at step 408). If the button is no longer depressed, this is indicative of the button not being depressed for the minimum required time and so the controller 120 returns to a state in which it awaits the next button press.
  • the controller 120 registers the button press by increasing a counter (e.g. stored in the memory 122) by one count at step 410. At this point, (at step 412) the controller 120 also resets a timer that is used to determine how much time has occurred between button presses.
  • the controller 120 simply awaits a further button press. Once, however, the timer does exceed one second, the controller 120 checks at step 416 whether the counter has been incremented to a predetermined value (in this case five). If the counter has a value that is less or more than five (indicating that fewer than, or more than, five button presses have been received) then the counter is reset at step 418 and the controller 120 simply awaits further button presses (i.e. the process begins again).
  • a predetermined value in this case five
  • the controller 120 toggles the system between the locked and unlocked modes. In other words, if the system 100 is in the unlocked mode, then the controller 120 enters the locked mode, and if the system 100 is in the locked mode the controller 120 enters the unlocked mode.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
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EP23196068.3A 2023-09-07 2023-09-07 Système de distribution d'aérosol Pending EP4520206A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP23196068.3A EP4520206A1 (fr) 2023-09-07 2023-09-07 Système de distribution d'aérosol

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP23196068.3A EP4520206A1 (fr) 2023-09-07 2023-09-07 Système de distribution d'aérosol

Publications (1)

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EP4520206A1 true EP4520206A1 (fr) 2025-03-12

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Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150181945A1 (en) * 2013-12-31 2015-07-02 Martin Tremblay Electronic vaping device
EP3711500A1 (fr) * 2019-03-22 2020-09-23 Nerudia Limited Système de substitution du tabac
WO2023041448A1 (fr) * 2021-09-15 2023-03-23 Nerudia Limited Dispositif/système de distribution d'aérosol

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20150181945A1 (en) * 2013-12-31 2015-07-02 Martin Tremblay Electronic vaping device
EP3711500A1 (fr) * 2019-03-22 2020-09-23 Nerudia Limited Système de substitution du tabac
WO2023041448A1 (fr) * 2021-09-15 2023-03-23 Nerudia Limited Dispositif/système de distribution d'aérosol

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