EP4604776A1 - Sous-système de distribution d'aérosol - Google Patents

Sous-système de distribution d'aérosol

Info

Publication number
EP4604776A1
EP4604776A1 EP23797864.8A EP23797864A EP4604776A1 EP 4604776 A1 EP4604776 A1 EP 4604776A1 EP 23797864 A EP23797864 A EP 23797864A EP 4604776 A1 EP4604776 A1 EP 4604776A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
subsystem
aerosol
bracket
pair
power supply
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
EP23797864.8A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Ruifan LI
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.)
Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Original Assignee
Nicoventures Trading Ltd
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
Priority claimed from GBGB2307362.0A external-priority patent/GB202307362D0/en
Application filed by Nicoventures Trading Ltd filed Critical Nicoventures Trading Ltd
Publication of EP4604776A1 publication Critical patent/EP4604776A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

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
    • A24F40/40—Constructional details, e.g. connection of cartridges and battery parts
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to aerosol delivery systems such as, but not exclusively, nicotine delivery systems including e-cigarettes, tobacco heated products (THPs) and hybrid systems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a component mounting bracket for an aerosol delivery subsystem.
  • nicotine delivery systems including e-cigarettes, tobacco heated products (THPs) and hybrid systems.
  • THPs tobacco heated products
  • hybrid systems More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a component mounting bracket for an aerosol delivery subsystem.
  • Aerosol delivery systems such as electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) generally contain an aerosol generating material, such as a chamber of a source solid or liquid, which may contain an active substance and / or a flavour, from which an aerosol or vapour is generated for inhalation by a user, for example through heat vaporisation.
  • an aerosol delivery system will typically comprise an aerosol generation area containing an aerosol generator, e.g. a heating element, arranged to vaporise or aerosolise a portion of precursor material to generate a vapour or aerosol in the aerosol generation area.
  • Some electronic cigarettes may also include a flavour element in the air flow path through the device to impart additional flavours.
  • Such devices may sometimes be referred to as hybrid devices, and the flavour element may, for example, include a portion of tobacco arranged in the air flow path between the aerosol generation area and the mouthpiece such that aerosol I condensation aerosol drawn through the device passes through the portion of tobacco before exiting the mouthpiece for user inhalation.
  • a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned during use in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
  • a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosol-generating material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery of at least one substance to a user.
  • the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is an electronic cigarette, also known as a vaping device or electronic nicotine delivery system (END), although it is noted that the presence of nicotine in the aerosol-generating material is not a requirement.
  • END electronic nicotine delivery system
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosol-generating materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated.
  • Each of the aerosol-generating materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine.
  • the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosol-generating material and a solid aerosol-generating material.
  • the solid aerosolgenerating material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and a consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device.
  • the disclosure relates to consumables comprising aerosol-generating material and configured to be used with non-combustible aerosol provision devices. These consumables are sometimes referred to as articles throughout the disclosure.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system such as a non-combustible aerosol provision device thereof, may comprise a power source and a controller.
  • the power source may, for example, be an electric power source or an exothermic power source.
  • the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosol-generating material or to a heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source.
  • the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise an area for receiving the consumable, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the consumable for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosol-generating material, an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosolgenerating material transfer component, an aerosol generator, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a filter, a mouthpiece, and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
  • the delivery system is an aerosol-free delivery system that delivers at least one substance to a user orally, nasally, transdermally or in another way without forming an aerosol, including but not limited to, lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and oral products such as oral tobacco which includes snus or moist snuff, wherein the at least one substance may or may not comprise nicotine.
  • the substance to be delivered may be an aerosol-generating material or a material that is not intended to be aerosolised.
  • either material may comprise one or more active constituents, one or more flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and/or one or more other functional materials.
  • the substance to be delivered comprises an active substance.
  • the active substance as used herein may be a physiologically active material, which is a material intended to achieve or enhance a physiological response.
  • the active substance may for example be selected from nutraceuticals, nootropics, psychoactives.
  • the active substance may be naturally occurring or synthetically obtained.
  • the active substance may comprise for example nicotine, caffeine, taurine, theine, vitamins such as B6 or B12 or C, melatonin, cannabinoids, or constituents, derivatives, or combinations thereof.
  • the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of tobacco, cannabis or another botanical.
  • the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.
  • the active substance may comprise one or more constituents, derivatives or extracts of cannabis, such as one or more cannabinoids or terpenes.
  • the active substance may comprise or be derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof.
  • botanical includes any material derived from plants including, but not limited to, extracts, leaves, bark, fibres, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, fruits, pollen, husk, shells or the like.
  • the material may comprise an active compound naturally existing in a botanical, obtained synthetically.
  • the material may be in the form of liquid, gas, solid, powder, dust, crushed particles, granules, pellets, shreds, strips, sheets, or the like.
  • Example botanicals are tobacco, eucalyptus, star anise, hemp, cocoa, cannabis, fennel, lemongrass, peppermint, spearmint, rooibos, chamomile, flax, ginger, ginkgo biloba, hazel, hibiscus, laurel, licorice (liquorice), matcha, mate, orange skin, papaya, rose, sage, tea such as green tea or black tea, thyme, clove, cinnamon, coffee, aniseed (anise), basil, bay leaves, cardamom, coriander, cumin, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, rosemary, saffron, lavender, lemon peel, mint, juniper, elderflower, vanilla, Wintergreen, beefsteak plant, curcuma, turmeric, sandalwood, cilantro, bergamot, orange blossom, myrtle, cassis, valerian, pimento, mace, damien, marjoram, olive, lemon
  • the mint may be chosen from the following mint varieties: Mentha Arventis, Mentha c.v., Mentha niliaca, Mentha piperita, Mentha piperita citrata c.v., Mentha piperita c.v, Mentha spicata crispa, Mentha cardifolia, Memtha longifolia, Mentha suaveolens variegata, Mentha pulegium, Mentha spicata c.v. and Mentha suaveolens.
  • the active substance comprises or is derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is tobacco. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from eucalyptus, star anise, cocoa and hemp.
  • the active substance comprises or derived from one or more botanicals or constituents, derivatives or extracts thereof and the botanical is selected from rooibos and fennel.
  • the substance to be delivered comprises a flavour.
  • flavour and “flavourant” refer to materials which, where local regulations permit, may be used to create a desired taste, aroma or other somatosensorial sensation in a product for adult consumers.
  • flavour materials 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,
  • the flavour comprises menthol, spearmint and/or peppermint.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components of cucumber, blueberry, citrus fruits and/or redberry.
  • the flavour comprises eugenol.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from tobacco.
  • the flavour comprises flavour components extracted from cannabis.
  • 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 eucolyptol, WS-3.
  • Aerosol-generating material is a material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosol-generating material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain an active substance and/or flavourants. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some embodiments, the amorphous solid may be a dried gel. The amorphous solid is a solid material that may retain some fluid, such as liquid, within it. In some embodiments, the aerosol-generating material may for example comprise from about 50wt%, 60wt% or 70wt% of amorphous solid, to about 90wt%, 95wt% or 100wt% of amorphous solid.
  • the aerosol-generating material may comprise one or more active substances and/or flavours, one or more aerosol-former materials, and optionally one or more other functional material.
  • the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more constituents capable of forming an aerosol.
  • the aerosol-former material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, erythritol, meso- Erythritol, ethyl vanillate, ethyl laurate, a diethyl suberate, triethyl citrate, triacetin, a diacetin mixture, benzyl benzoate, benzyl phenyl acetate, tributyrin, lauryl acetate, lauric acid, myristic acid, and propylene carbonate.
  • Functional material may comprise one or more of glycerol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, tetraethylene glycol, 1 ,3-butylene glycol, erythri
  • the one or more other functional materials may comprise one or more of pH regulators, colouring agents, preservatives, binders, fillers, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.
  • the material may be present on or in a support, to form a substrate.
  • the support may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy.
  • the support comprises a susceptor.
  • the susceptor is embedded within the material. In some alternative embodiments, the susceptor is on one or either side of the material.
  • a consumable is an article comprising or consisting of aerosol-generating material, part or all of which is intended to be consumed during use by a user.
  • a consumable may comprise one or more other components, such as an aerosol-generating material storage area, an aerosol-generating material transfer component, an aerosol generation area, a housing, a wrapper, a mouthpiece, a filter and/or an aerosol-modifying agent.
  • a consumable may also comprise an aerosol generator, such as a heater, that emits heat to cause the aerosol-generating material to generate aerosol in use.
  • the heater may, for example, comprise combustible material, a material heatable by electrical conduction, or a susceptor.
  • An aerosol-modifying agent is a substance, typically located downstream of the aerosol generation area, that is configured to modify the aerosol generated, for example by changing the taste, flavour, acidity or another characteristic of the aerosol.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may be provided in an aerosol-modifying agent release component, that is operable to selectively release the aerosolmodifying agent.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be an additive or a sorbent.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, comprise one or more of a flavourant, a colourant, water, and a carbon adsorbent.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may, for example, be a solid, a liquid, or a gel.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may be in powder, thread or granule form.
  • the aerosol-modifying agent may be free from filtration material.
  • An aerosol generator is an apparatus configured to cause aerosol to be generated from the aerosolgenerating material.
  • the aerosol generator is a heater configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to heat energy, so as to release one or more volatiles from the aerosol-generating material to form an aerosol.
  • the aerosol generator is configured to cause an aerosol to be generated from the aerosol-generating material without heating.
  • the aerosol generator may be configured to subject the aerosol-generating material to one or more of vibration, increased pressure, or electrostatic energy.
  • aerosol delivery systems (which may also be referred to as vapour delivery systems) such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes.
  • e- cigarette or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system I device and electronic aerosol delivery system I device.
  • aerosol delivery systems such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes.
  • vapour delivery systems such as nebulisers or e-cigarettes.
  • e- cigarette or “electronic cigarette” may sometimes be used, but it will be appreciated this term may be used interchangeably with aerosol delivery system I device and electronic aerosol delivery system I device.
  • aerosol and vapour and related terms such as “vaporise”, “volatilise” and “aerosolise” may generally be used interchangeably.
  • Cartridges are electrically and mechanically coupled to the control unit for use, for example using a screw thread, bayonet, or magnetic coupling with appropriately arranged electrical contacts.
  • the cartridge When the aerosol generating material in a cartridge is exhausted, or the user wishes to switch to a different cartridge having a different aerosol generating material, the cartridge may be removed from the reusable part and a replacement cartridge attached in its place.
  • Systems and devices conforming to this type of two-part modular configuration may generally be referred to as two-part systems/devices. It is common for electronic cigarettes to have a generally elongate shape. For the sake of providing a concrete example, certain embodiments of the disclosure will be taken to comprise this kind of generally elongate two-part system employing disposable cartridges.
  • the claimed invention generally provides a sub-assembly or subsystem 100 suitable for use in an aerosol delivery system 1 , or configured for use in an aerosol delivery system 1.
  • the subsystem 100 comprises a bracket 110 and may generally form part of an aerosol delivery system 1 and in particular may form part of a reusable device part 2 and/or the consumable cartridge part 4 in a two-part system, or form part of a disposable aerosol delivery system 1 .
  • Figure 1 is a schematic cross-section view of an aerosol delivery system 1 comprising a bracket 110 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.
  • FIGS 2, 3 and 4 are schematic perspective views of an aerosol delivery subsystem 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure, illustrating the bracket 110 in more detail.
  • Figure 5 is a vertical cross-section view of the aerosol delivery subsystem 100 of figure 4.
  • Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a modular power supply for an aerosol delivery subsystem 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Figure 7 is an exploded perspective view of an aerosol delivery system 1 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Figure 8 is a schematic side view of an assembled aerosol delivery system 1 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of the assembly process for an aerosol delivery system 1 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view through an example aerosol delivery system 1 in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure, providing an introduction to two-part aerosol delivery systems, the components therein and their functionality.
  • the system 1 comprises a bracket 110 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the bracket 110 is described in detail later, with reference to the subsequent figures.
  • the aerosol delivery system 1 comprises two main parts, namely a reusable part 2 and a replaceable I disposable consumable cartridge part 4.
  • the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 are releasably coupled together at an interface 6.
  • the cartridge part 4 may be removed from the reusable part 2 and a replacement cartridge part 4 attached to the reusable part 2 in its place.
  • the interface 6 provides a structural, electrical and airflow path connection between the two parts 2, 4 and may be established in accordance with conventional techniques, for example based around a screw thread, magnetic or bayonet fixing with appropriately arranged electrical contacts and openings for establishing the electrical connection and airflow path between the two parts 2, 4 as appropriate.
  • the cartridge part 4 mechanically mounts to the reusable part 2 is not significant to the principles described herein, but for the sake of a concrete example is assumed here to comprise a magnetic coupling (not represented in figure 1). It will also be appreciated the interface 6 in some implementations may not support an electrical and I or airflow path connection between the respective parts 2, 4.
  • an aerosol generator may be provided in the reusable part 2 rather than in the cartridge part 4, or the transfer of electrical power from the reusable part 2 to the cartridge part 4 may be wireless (e.g. based on electromagnetic induction), so that an electrical connection between the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 is not needed.
  • the airflow through the electronic cigarette might not go through the reusable part 2, so that an airflow path connection between the reusable part 2 and the cartridge part 4 is not needed.
  • a portion of the airflow path may be defined at the interface between portions of the reusable part 2 and cartridge part 4 when these are coupled together for use.
  • the cartridge I consumable part 4 may in accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosure be broadly conventional.
  • the cartridge part 4 comprises a cartridge housing 42 formed of a plastics material.
  • the cartridge housing 42 supports other components of the cartridge part 4 and provides the mechanical interface 6 with the reusable part 2.
  • the cartridge housing 42 is generally circularly symmetric about a longitudinal axis along which the cartridge part 4 couples to the reusable part 2.
  • the cartridge part 4 has a length of around 4 cm and a diameter of around 1 .5 cm.
  • the specific geometry, and more generally the overall shapes and materials used, may be different in different implementations.
  • the reservoir 44 stores a supply of liquid aerosol generating material.
  • the liquid reservoir 44 has an annular shape with an outer wall defined by the cartridge housing 42 and an inner wall that defines an airflow path 52 through the cartridge part 4.
  • the reservoir 44 is closed at each end with end walls to contain the aerosol generating material.
  • the reservoir 44 may be formed in accordance with conventional techniques, for example it may comprise a plastics material and be integrally moulded with the cartridge housing 42.
  • the cartridge part 4 may comprise a portion of aerosol generating material, and an aerosol generator 48 comprising a heater is at least partially inserted into or at least partially surrounds the portion of aerosol generating material as the cartridge part 4 is engaged with the reusable part 2.
  • a wick 46 in contact with the aerosol generator 48 extends transversely across the cartridge airflow path 52 with its ends extending into the reservoir 44 of the liquid aerosol generating material through openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44.
  • the openings in the inner wall of the reservoir 44 are sized to broadly match the dimensions of the wick 46 to provide a reasonable seal against leakage from the liquid reservoir 44 into the cartridge airflow path without unduly compressing the wick 46, which may be detrimental to its fluid transfer performance.
  • the wick 46 and aerosol generator 48 are arranged in the cartridge airflow path 52 such that a region of the cartridge airflow path 52 around the wick 46 and heater 48 in effect defines a vaporisation region for the cartridge part 4.
  • Aerosol generating material in the reservoir 44 infiltrates the wick 46 through the ends of the wick extending into the reservoir 44 and is drawn along the wick by surface tension I capillary action (i.e. wicking).
  • the aerosol generator 48 in this example comprises an electrically resistive wire coiled around the wick 46.
  • the heater 48 comprises a nickel chrome alloy (Cr20Ni80) wire and the wick 46 comprises a glass fibre bundle, but it will be appreciated the specific aerosol generator configuration is not significant to the principles described herein.
  • electrical power may be supplied to the aerosol generator 48 to vaporise an amount of aerosol generating material (aerosol generating material) drawn to the vicinity of the aerosol generator 48 by the wick 46. Vaporised aerosol generating material may then become entrained in air drawn along the cartridge airflow path from the vaporisation region towards the mouthpiece outlet 50 for user inhalation.
  • aerosol generating material aerosol generating material
  • the rate at which aerosol generating material is vaporised by the aerosol generator 48 will depend on the amount (level) of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48.
  • electrical power can be applied to the aerosol generator 48 to selectively generate aerosol from the aerosol generating material in the cartridge part 4, and furthermore, the rate of aerosol generation can be changed by changing the amount of power supplied to the aerosol generator 48, for example through pulse width and/or frequency modulation techniques.
  • the reusable part 2 comprises an outer housing 12 having with an opening that defines an air inlet 28 for the e-cigarette, a power source 26 (for example a battery) for providing operating power for the electronic cigarette, control circuitry / controller 22 for controlling and monitoring the operation of the electronic cigarette, a first user input button 14, a second user input button 16, and a visual display
  • the device part 2 also comprises a mounting bracket 110 (not shown in figure 1) configured to receive the power source 26, and is described in more detail later, with reference to the subsequent figures.
  • the outer housing 12 may be formed, for example, from a plastics or metallic material and in this example has a circular cross section generally conforming to the shape and size of the cartridge part 4 so as to provide a smooth transition between the two parts 2, 4 at the interface 6.
  • the reusable part 2 has a length of around 8 cm so the overall length of the e-cigarette when the cartridge part 4 and the reusable part 2 are coupled together is around 12 cm.
  • the overall shape and scale of an electronic cigarette implementing an embodiment of the disclosure is not significant to the principles described herein.
  • the air inlet 28 connects to an airflow path 51 through the reusable part 2.
  • the reusable part airflow path 51 in turn connects to the cartridge airflow path 52 across the interface 6 when the reusable part 2 and cartridge part 4 are connected together.
  • air is drawn in through the air inlet 28, along the reusable part airflow path 51 , across the interface 6, through the aerosol generation area in the vicinity of the aerosol generator 48 (where vaporised aerosol generating material becomes entrained in the air flow), along the cartridge airflow path 52, and out through the mouthpiece opening 50 for user inhalation.
  • the power source or supply 26 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 power source 26 may be recharged through a charging connector in the reusable part housing 12, for example a USB connector.
  • the power source 26 has a body with a pair of electrodes extending therefrom, for example as illustrated in figure 6.
  • First and/or second user input buttons 14, 16 may be provided, which in this example are conventional mechanical buttons, for example comprising a spring mounted component which may be pressed by a user to establish an electrical contact.
  • the input buttons may be considered input devices for detecting user input and the specific manner in which the buttons are implemented is not significant.
  • the buttons may be assigned to functions such as switching the aerosol delivery system 1 on and off, and adjusting user settings such as a power to be supplied from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48.
  • the inclusion of user input buttons is optional, and in some embodiments buttons may not be included.
  • a display 24 may be provided to give a user with a visual indication of various characteristics associated with the aerosol delivery system, for example current power setting information, remaining power source power, and so forth.
  • the display may be implemented in various ways.
  • the display 24 comprises a conventional pixilated LCD screen that may be driven to display the desired information in accordance with conventional techniques.
  • the display may comprise one or more discrete indicators, for example LEDs, that are arranged to display the desired information, for example through particular colours and / or flash sequences.
  • the manner in which the display 24 is provided and information is displayed to a user using the display is not significant to the principles described herein.
  • some embodiments may not include a visual display and/or may include other means for providing a user with information relating to operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system, for example using audio signalling, or may not include any means for providing a user with information relating to operating characteristics of the aerosol delivery system.
  • a controller 22 is suitably configured I programmed to control the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1 to provide functionality in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure as described further herein, as well as for providing conventional operating functions of the aerosol delivery system 1 in line with the established techniques for controlling such devices.
  • the controller (processor circuitry) 22 may be considered to logically comprise various sub-units I circuitry elements associated with different aspects of the operation of the aerosol delivery system 1 .
  • the controller 22 comprises power supply control circuitry for controlling the supply of power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 in response to user input, user programming circuitry 20 for establishing configuration settings (e.g.
  • the controller 22 may comprise an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or microcontroller, for controlling the aerosol delivery device.
  • the microcontroller or ASIC may include a CPU or micro-processor.
  • the operations of a CPU and other electronic components are generally controlled at least in part by software programs running on the CPU (or other component).
  • software programs may be stored in nonvolatile memory, such as ROM, which can be integrated into the microcontroller itself, or provided as a separate component.
  • the CPU may access the ROM to load and execute individual software programs as and when required.
  • the reusable part 2 comprises an airflow sensor 30 which is electrically connected to the controller 22.
  • the airflow sensor 30 comprises a so-called “puff sensor”, in that the airflow sensor 30 is used to detect when a user is puffing on the device.
  • the airflow sensor 30 comprises a switch in an electrical path providing electrical power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48.
  • the airflow sensor 30 generally comprises a pressure sensor configured to close the switch when subjected to a particular range of pressures, enabling current to flow from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 once the pressure in the vicinity of the airflow sensor 30 drops below a threshold value.
  • the threshold value can be set to a value determined by experimentation to correspond to a characteristic value associated with the initiation of a user puff.
  • the airflow sensor 30 is connected to the controller 22, and the controller distributes electrical power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 in dependence of a signal received from the airflow sensor 30 by the controller 22.
  • the specific manner in which the signal output from the airflow sensor 30 (which may comprise a measure of capacitance, resistance or other characteristic of the airflow sensor, made by the controller 22) is used by the controller 22 to control the supply of power from the power source 26 to the aerosol generator 48 can be carried out in accordance with any approach known to the skilled person.
  • the airflow sensor 30 is mounted to a printed circuit board (PCB) 31 , but this is not essential.
  • the airflow sensor 30 may comprise any sensor which is configured to determine a characteristic of airflow in an airflow path 51 disposed between air inlet 28 and mouthpiece opening 50, for example a pressure sensor or transducer (for example a membrane or solid-state pressure sensor), a combined temperature and pressure sensor, or a microphone (for example an electret-type microphone), which is sensitive to changes in air pressure, including acoustical signals.
  • the airflow sensor 30 is situated within a sensor cavity or chamber 32, which comprises the interior space defined by one or more chamber walls 34.
  • the sensor cavity 32 comprises a region internal to one or more chamber walls 34 in which an airflow sensor 30 can be fully or partially situated.
  • the PCB 31 comprises one of the chamber walls of a sensor housing comprising the sensor chamber / cavity 32.
  • the communication circuitry is configured to support communication between the aerosol delivery system 1 and one or more further electronic devices over a wireless interface.
  • the communication circuitry may be configured to support wireless communications between the aerosol delivery system 1 and other electronic devices such as a case, a dock, a computing device such as a smartphone or PC, a base station supporting cellular communications, a relay node providing an onward connection to a base station, a wearable device, or any other portable or fixed device which supports wireless communications.
  • Wireless communications between the aerosol delivery system 1 and a further electronic device may be configured according to data transfer protocols such as Bluetooth®, ZigBee, WiFi®, Wifi Direct, GSM, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, LTE, NFC, RFID, or generally any other wireless, and/or wired, network protocol or interface.
  • the communication circuitry may comprise any suitable interface for wired data connection, such as USB-C, micro-USB or Thunderbolt interfaces, and may comprise pin or contact pad arrangements configured to engage cooperating pins or contact pads on a dock, case, cable, or other external device which can be connected to the aerosol delivery system 1 .
  • FIGS 2, 3 and 4 are schematic top-down, bottom-up and side perspective views (respectively) of an aerosol delivery subsystem 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure, illustrating the bracket 110 in more detail.
  • the bracket 110 is a substantially tubular or cylindrical mounting bracket 110 and is configured to receive a power supply 26, the power supply 26 having a body with a pair of electrodes 27 extending therefrom (shown separately in figure 6).
  • the bracket 110 comprises a first (upper) portion 110a having a pair of apertures 120 configured to receive the pair of electrodes 27 and present them for connection at an end of the bracket 110, and a second portion 110b having a cavity 130 configured to receive the power supply body.
  • the pair of apertures 120 extend substantially axially and are configured to receive the pair of electrodes 27 and present them for connection at an axial end of the bracket 110, proximal to the first portion 110a.
  • the bracket 110 additionally comprises a third, lower portion 110c having an aperture for providing the air inlet 28 into the subsystem 100, which has a flow path therethrough to deliver the air to the aerosol generator 48 (not shown).
  • the platform 142 thereby axially spaces at least the conductive portion of the electrodes 27 from the catchment area in use, advantageously minimising the risk of short-circuiting the power supply 26 in use.
  • the first, second and/or third portions 110a-110c may generally comprise one or more protrusions and/or recesses arranged for receiving, connecting to, interfering or interlocking with an additional component. As shown in figure 2, the first portion 110a comprises a plurality of internal protrusions
  • an outer side wall 150a of the first portion 110a comprises one or more external protrusions or recesses for engaging with other components, such as an outer shell 200, in use. Such components may optionally comprise complementary protrusions or recesses.
  • any of the portions 110a-110c, but particularly the first (upper) portion 110a may be asymmetrical in cross-section and/or when viewed from a proximal end, perpendicular to an axial axis of extent thereof.
  • this can provide a one-way fit for the portion to engage with other components (such as the upper portion 110a engaging with the cartridge part 4), which is detectable by a camera to automate assembly, i.e. a camera assembly can uniquely detect the orientation of the first portion 110a and a robotic arm can then position/rotate it as necessary to fit to other components during assembly.
  • the orientation of the first portion 110a may be uniquely identifiable by being asymmetrical in cross-section, particularly with asymmetrical or an otherwise orientation-unique arrangement of the visible features, i.e. the apertures 120, the circumferential wall 144, the platform 142, the surface 140 and/or the protrusions and recesses 145, 146.
  • each of the apertures 120, the platforms 142a, 142b and/or the protrusions and recesses 145, 146 may be of different shapes and/or sizes to one other.
  • the second portion 110b forms an intermediate portion between the first (upper) portion 110a and the third (lower) portion 110c.
  • the second portion 110b generally comprises opposing tubular side walls 150b, which extend around only a partial circumference of the substantially tubular or cylindrical bracket 110, providing the power supply cavity 130 configured to receive the power supply body in use.
  • the third (lower) portion 110c generally comprises a truncated tube or cylinder having an aperture for providing the air inlet 28 into the subsystem 100.
  • the third portion 110c also comprises an optional sensor cavity 32 for receiving the fluid flow sensor 30, surrounded by a fluid flow sensor seal 33.
  • the third portion 110c additionally comprises a flange 164 for abutting against the outer shell 200 which is received when assembling the system 1 (as shown in figure 9), and protrusions in the form of shoulders 162 on an outer wall 150c of the third portion 110c, the shoulder protrusions 162 for engaging with the outer shell 200 and providing an interference fit therewith, securing the outer shell 200 over the subsystem 100.
  • the other portions 110a, 110b may comprise protrusions, recesses, flanges and/or shoulders for engaging with or abutting against other components such as the outer shell 200.
  • Figure 3 additionally shows a baffle cavity 135 for receiving a user-operable baffle 138 (not shown, see figure 5), which is slidable to adjust the air flow into the device through the inlet 28.
  • a baffle cavity 135 for receiving a user-operable baffle 138 (not shown, see figure 5), which is slidable to adjust the air flow into the device through the inlet 28.
  • Figure 4 illustrates the subsystem 100 in use, additionally comprising the power supply 26 and electrodes 27, which extend axially and protrude beyond the axial extent of the first portion 110a, for connection at an axial, proximal end of the bracket 110.
  • the bracket 110 in figure 4 also further comprises additional recesses for receiving flexible, resilient and/or absorbent inserts 170a and 170c. In figure 4, these comprise two recesses extending radially, one above and one below the power supply cavity 130, for receiving the inserts 170a, 170c above and below the power supply body, respectively.
  • the subsystem 100 also further comprises an insert 170b alongside the power supply body.
  • the subsystem 100 may comprise a recess extending axially, alongside the power supply cavity 130, for receiving an insert 170b alongside the power supply body.
  • the inserts 170a-170c provide padding between components, to provide solid fitment (e.g. aiding an interference fit), and may be used to reduce/prevent leaks when used with liquid cartridge systems.
  • the inserts 170a-170c comprise Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA).
  • Figure 5 is a vertical cross-section view of the aerosol delivery subsystem 100 of figure 4.
  • figure 5 shows the optional fluid flow sensor 30 in the air flow path from the air inlet 28, and the fluid flow sensor seal 33 for sealing around the fluid flow sensor 30.
  • the sensor 30 comprises a microphone or a pressure sensor.
  • Figure 5 also illustrates the baffle 38 and a baffle seal 39 for sealing around the baffle 38.
  • the seals 33, 39 comprise silicone.
  • Figure 6 is a schematic side view of a modular power supply for an aerosol delivery subsystem 100 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Figure 6 illustrates the power supply 26 comprising a body with a pair of electrodes 27 extending therefrom, which are locatable in the pair of apertures 120 for connection to an aerosol generator 48.
  • This arrangement thus provides both an electrical and non-permanent (readily reversible) mechanical connection securing the power supply 26 within the system 1 .
  • the electrodes comprising the pair of electrodes 27 are of different shapes and/or sizes to one another, to facilitate assembly, i.e. each electrode can be fitted in only one of the apertures 120.
  • FIG 7 is an exploded perspective view of an aerosol delivery system 1 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the device part 2 is itself a modular subsystem 100 and comprises the component mounting bracket 110.
  • the cartridge part 4 comprises the cartridge housing 42 which contains aerosol-generating material such as tobacco (for a THP system), or a liquid comprising nicotine (for an e-cigarette) and includes complementary electrically conductive pins 227 for electrically connecting to the electrodes 27 of the power supply 26, to provide power to the aerosol generator 48 therein.
  • the cartridge part 4 also comprises a mouthpiece shell 60 having the mouthpiece outlet 50. As shown in figure 9, the mouthpiece shell 60 may be separable from the cartridge housing 42.
  • both the device part 2 and the cartridge part 4 are operable to engage an outer shell 200 (shown in figure 8) with an interference fit, by both the device part 2 and the cartridge part 4 comprising protrusions 162, 262, 362.
  • the device part 2 comprises protrusions 162 on a distal portion 110c of the bracket 110
  • the cartridge housing 42 of the cartridge part 4 comprises a protrusion 262
  • the mouthpiece shell 60 of the cartridge part 4 comprises protrusions 362.
  • the protrusions 162, 262, 362 extend radially to engage the shell 200 with an interference fit.
  • the cartridge part 4 also comprises protrusions 245 and recesses 246 for engaging or interlocking with complementary protrusions 145 and recesses 146 extending from the wall 144 of the first portion 110a, to secure and/or prevent rotation of the parts 2,4 with respect to one another when joined.
  • Figure 8 is a schematic side view of an aerosol delivery system 1 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.
  • Figure 8 illustrates a substantially tubular or cylindrical example of an elongate disposable or reusable e-cigarette or THP system 1 , comprising a collar 210 securing the outer shell 200 enclosing the aerosol delivery system 1 .
  • the outer shell 200 secures over both the device part 2 and the cartridge 4 part.
  • the whole system 1 can thus readily be disassembled, without tools, by removing the push-fit end collar 210 and then extracting the bracket 110 from the shell 200, which removes all of the interconnected subsystem components.
  • the cartridge part 4 can similarly be removed from the other end of the outer shell 200.
  • Figure 9 is a schematic illustration of the assembly process for an aerosol delivery system 1 in accordance with some embodiments of the disclosure.
  • the overall system 1 can readily be assembled and disassembled because the subsystem 100 comprises the bracket 110 which houses the components of the device part 2, enabling these to be installed/removed in/from the system 1 collectively.
  • the various components and/or parts are retained with an interference fit to provide a tool-less assembly.
  • the subsystem 100 receives the cartridge housing 42 at a proximal axial end of the subsystem 100, connecting the electrodes 27 to the aerosol generator 48 within the cartridge housing 42.
  • the outer shell 200 is then secured to the subsystem 100 with an interference fit at the bracket protrusions 162 and pressed axially to abut the bracket flange 164 at the end of the bracket 110.
  • the mouthpiece shell 60 is similarly secured to the outer shell 200 with an interference fit at the mouthpiece shell protrusions 362, thereby securing the outer shell 200 between the bracket flange 164 and the mouthpiece shell 60.
  • the modular nature of the overall system 1 and particularly of the subsystem 100 thus allows easy installation and removal of the individual components, such as the power supply body and electrodes 27. In prior arrangements, these connections would typically be soldered and fixed in place within the subsystem 100 directly, one-by-one, and thus be more time-consuming and fiddly to assemble and disassemble, increasing the likelihood of damage when assembling/disassembling.
  • the various components can be connected together as a modular subsystem 100 which can then be assembled into the whole system 1 collectively, providing a faster, more convenient and less damaging assembly process.
  • the process is reversible and thus increases recyclability, which is particularly important for disposable devices which are normally single-use and discard as complete units (and so not recycled). Accordingly, the present invention greatly increases recyclability since the various components can readily be removed and sent to appropriate recycling centres.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne un sous-système de distribution d'aérosol comprenant un support de montage sensiblement tubulaire ou cylindrique, le support étant conçu pour recevoir un bloc d'alimentation ayant un corps avec une paire d'électrodes s'étendant à partir de celui-ci, le support comprenant une première partie ayant une paire d'ouvertures conçues pour recevoir la paire d'électrodes et les présenter pour une connexion à une extrémité du support ; et une seconde partie ayant une cavité conçue pour recevoir le bloc d'alimentation.
EP23797864.8A 2022-10-19 2023-10-16 Sous-système de distribution d'aérosol Pending EP4604776A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN202211281430 2022-10-19
GBGB2307362.0A GB202307362D0 (en) 2022-10-19 2023-05-17 Aerosol delivery subsystem
PCT/GB2023/052684 WO2024084194A1 (fr) 2022-10-19 2023-10-16 Sous-système de distribution d'aérosol

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4604776A1 true EP4604776A1 (fr) 2025-08-27

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP23797864.8A Pending EP4604776A1 (fr) 2022-10-19 2023-10-16 Sous-système de distribution d'aérosol

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EP (1) EP4604776A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2024084194A1 (fr)

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP6647435B1 (ja) * 2019-01-17 2020-02-14 日本たばこ産業株式会社 エアロゾル吸引器用の電源ユニット
CN114652018A (zh) * 2022-03-28 2022-06-24 深圳市斯科尔科技股份有限公司 雾化装置及雾化设备
CN115153100B (zh) * 2022-06-13 2025-11-14 深圳市吉迩科技有限公司 一种电子雾化装置及其雾化器、主机

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