Patent Application
20240373943
The present disclosure relates to an aerosol delivery device such as a smoking substitute device, and an aerosol delivery 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.
Combustion of organic material such as tobacco is known to produce tar and other potentially harmful by-products. There have been proposed various smoking substitute systems in order to avoid the smoking of tobacco.
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.
In general, 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.
The popularity and use of smoking substitute systems has grown rapidly in the past few years. Although originally marketed as an aid to assist habitual smokers wishing to quit tobacco smoking, consumers are increasingly viewing smoking substitute systems as desirable lifestyle accessories. Some 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).
There are a number of different categories of smoking substitute systems, each utilising a different smoking substitute approach. A smoking substitute approach corresponds to the manner in which the substitute system operates for a user.
One approach for 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. In use, 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. For example, 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.
There are also “open system” 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™ e-cigarette. The myblu™ 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 a vaporiser, 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 vaporiser, which heats e-liquid from the tank to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
Another example vaping smoking substitute system is the blu PRO™ e-cigarette. The blu PRO™ 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 a vaporiser, which heats e-liquid from the tank to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece.
An alternative to the “vaping” approach is the so-called Heated Tobacco (“HT”) approach in which tobacco (rather than an e-liquid) is heated or warmed to release vapour. HT is also known as “heat not burn” (“HNB”). The tobacco may be leaf tobacco or reconstituted tobacco. In the HT approach 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. In use, 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.
As the vapour passes through the consumable component (entrained in the airflow) from the location of vaporization to an outlet of the component (e.g. a mouthpiece), the vapour cools and condenses to form an aerosol for inhalation by the user. The aerosol may contain nicotine and/or flavour compounds.
There is a need to ensure the prevention of unwanted activation of smoking substitute systems. Specifically, it may be desirable to avoid activation of smoking substitute systems in certain environmental conditions, such as in a user's pocket or while travelling (e.g. on an aeroplane), or to stop unwanted activation from another user, for example if the system is lost or stolen, or if a child is attempting to use the system.
Accordingly, there is a need for an improved aerosol delivery device/system which addresses at least some of the problems of the known devices and systems.
In some known systems, the device component comprises a visual user feedback element in the form of one or more lights. As the one or more lights light up, they shine through the device body and provide feedback to the user.
There is a desire to develop a smoking substitute system with an improved visual user feedback.
According to a first aspect, there is provided an aerosol delivery device (e.g. a smoking substitute device) configured to engage with a consumable component to form an aerosol delivery (e.g. smoking substitute) system, the device comprising:
In this way, the device can lock and unlock the system to prevent unwanted activation of the system by harnessing the function of its connection with a consumable component to act as a switch to unlock the system. Specifically, the device may only unlock the system by the detection of a sequence of at least one engagement, and at least one disengagement, of a consumable with the device, and by recognizing that this sequence corresponds to the predefined sequence. This would help to avoid unwanted activation of the device in certain conditions, such as in a user's pocket, or to stop activation of the device from an unauthorised user, such as a child. In particular, requiring detection of the predefined sequence in order to switch between the locked and unlocked state is more complex than alternative child-lock features, such as a button, and therefore is much less likely to be learned by the child observing use of the system.
Optional features of the first aspect will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination.
It is to be understood that in the unlocked state, the electrical circuitry may be configured to control the supply of power to the aerosol generation unit to enable generation of an aerosol only if a user inhales through the system, and if the consumable component is engaged with the device. In the locked state, the electrical circuitry may be configured to control the supply of power to the aerosol generation unit to prevent generation of an aerosol both if a user inhales through the system and if a user does not inhale through the system (i.e. regardless of whether a user inhales through the system).
Therefore, the electrical circuitry may be configured to control the supply of power to the aerosol generation unit to enable generation of an aerosol only when the system is in the unlocked state and when a user inhales through the system.
The electrical circuitry may be configured to transition the system from the locked state to the unlocked state only if the predefined sequence of user actions is detected within a predetermined period of time, e.g. if the at least one disengagement and at least one engagement is detected within a predetermined period of time. The predetermined period of time may be 60 seconds, more preferably 45 seconds, more preferably 30 seconds, more preferably 20 seconds, more preferably 10 seconds, for example. In this way, a two-factor layer of security is provided; the correct sequence must be performed, and this correct sequence must be performed within the predetermined period of time.
The predefined sequence of user actions preferably comprises a plurality of disengagements of a consumable component with the device, and a plurality of engagements of a consumable component with the device. For example, the predefined sequence of user actions may comprise 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, etc. disengagements and re-engagements of a consumable with the device. In this way, a more complex predefined sequence is provided, and thus it is more unlikely that the predefined sequence can be performed by accident (e.g. in a user's pocket), or by a child. The at least one disengagement in the predefined sequence may last for (at least) a predetermined amount of time (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 . . . etc. seconds). Optionally, the at least one engagement in the predefined sequence may last for (at least) a predetermined amount of time (e.g. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 . . . etc. seconds).
The predefined sequence of user actions may be a number of disengagement and engagements of a consumable component with the device, wherein the or each disengagement lasts for (at least) a predetermined amount of time, and/or wherein the or each engagement lasts for (at least) a predetermined amount of time. For example, to transition the system from the locked to the unlocked state, the user must disengage a consumable component for 5 seconds, re-engage the consumable component for 3 seconds, disengage the consumable component for 10 seconds, and then re-engage the consumable component.
The predefined sequence of user action may further comprise one or more rotations of device, one or more taps/presses of the device, and/or one or more shakes of the device, for example. In some examples, and in order to detect this movement, the device may comprise a movement detection unit (e.g. an accelerometer) for detecting a movement of the device.
The aerosol delivery device may further comprise a memory operatively connected to the circuitry and configured to store the predefined sequence of user actions. The circuitry may be configured to detect a sequence of user engagements and disengagements of a consumable component with the device, determine whether the detected user sequence corresponds to the predefined sequence of user actions, and transition the system from the locked state to the unlocked state if the detected sequence corresponds to the predefined sequence. The circuitry may be configured to maintain the system in the locked state if the detected sequence does not correspond to the predefined sequence stored in the memory.
The memory may be configured to store a plurality of predefined sequences of user actions. The circuitry may be configured to transition the system from the locked state to the unlocked state if the detected sequence corresponds to any one of the plurality of predefined sequences stored in the memory.
Alternatively, the predefined sequence of user actions may be stored elsewhere, such an external or remote device/system (e.g. a server), wherein the device is configured to communicate with external/remote device/system to determine whether the detected sequence corresponds to the predefined sequence.
Alternatively, the predefined sequence of user interactions may be set by a user. For example, the predefined sequence of user interactions may be set by a user via a user interface of the device, such as a button, or via communication with an external/remote device.
Optionally, the aerosol delivery device may comprise a visual feedback element, for example one or more lights e.g. one or more LEDs. The circuitry may be configured to control the visual feedback element to provide a first visual feedback to a user upon the detection of the predefined sequence of user actions. In other words, the circuitry may be configured to control the visual feedback element to provide the first visual feedback if the electrical circuitry determines that a detected sequence of user engagements and disengagements of a consumable component with the device corresponds to the predefined sequence of user actions. This first visual feedback may indicate to the user that they have engaged and disengaged a consumable component with the device in the correct sequence to unlock the system such that an aerosol can be generated upon inhalation through the system.
The first visual feedback may be one or more coloured flashes of the feedback element, for example 3 flashes e.g. 3 blue flashes.
Alternatively/additionally, the device may be configured to provide audible and/or haptic feedback upon detection of the predefined sequence of user actions,
The circuitry may be configured to control the visual feedback element to provide a second visual feedback to the user if the circuitry determines that a detected sequence of user engagements and disengagements does not correspond to the predefined sequences of user actions. The second visual feedback may be different from the first visual feedback. The second visual feedback may indicate to the user that they have not engaged and disengaged a consumable component with the device in the correct sequence and that the device remains locked.
The second visual feedback may be one or more coloured flashes of the feedback element, for example 3 flashes, e.g. 3 red flashes.
Alternatively/additionally, the device may be configured to provide audible and/or haptic feedback if the circuitry determines that a detected sequence of user engagements and disengagements does not correspond to the predefined sequences of user actions,
The circuitry may be configured to control the visual feedback element to indicate the predefined sequence to the user. For example, the circuitry may be configured to control the visual feedback element to output a sequence of visual flashes corresponding to the predefined sequence of user actions to indicate the predefined sequence of user actions to the user. In this way, the user does not have to remember the predefined sequence, but instead the device provides the sequence to the user via the visual feedback element.
When the memory is configured to store a plurality of predefined sequences of user actions, the circuitry may be configured to randomly choose a predefined sequence of user actions from the plurality of predefined sequences, and control the visual feedback element to output a sequence of flashes corresponding to the randomly chosen predefined sequence. Accordingly, the predefined sequence of user actions may change each time a user attempts to unlock the system, the user does not need to remember the predefined sequence, and further security of the system is ensured.
The sequence of visual flashes may be amber flashes, for example.
In the locked state, the circuitry may be configured to control the visual feedback element to provide a third visual feedback to the user if a user inhales through the system, and if the system is in an unlocked state. The third visual feedback may indicate to the user that the device is in a locked state, and no aerosol will be generated until it is unlocked.
The third visual feedback may be different from the first and/or second visual feedback elements. For example, the third visual feedback may be 1 red flash.
Alternatively/additionally, the device may be configured to provide audible and/or haptic feedback if a user inhales through the system, and if the system is in an unlocked state,
Optionally, the circuitry may be configured to transition the system from an off state to the locked state if a user inhales through the system when a consumable component is engaged with the device. In the off state, the circuitry may be configured to only be responsive to an engagement of a consumable component with the device, and a detection of a puff (i.e. inhalation from a user through the system) by an airflow sensor. In this way, a user can transition the system from the off state to the locked state by inhaling through the system when a consumable component is engaged with the device.
The circuitry may be configured to transition the system from the off state to the locked state if a user inhales through the system when a consumable component is engaged with the device for at least a predetermined period of time, which may be in the range of 2-8 seconds, for example.
Optionally, the circuitry may be configured to transition from the locked state to the off state if the predefined sequence of user actions is not detected within a predetermined period of time from the transition of the system from the off state to the locked state.
The circuitry may be configured to transition the system from the unlocked state to the locked state if a predetermined period of time has elapsed since a last user inhalation through the system. In this way, the system may lock automatically after a period of inactivity, thus allowing the system to lock safely without the user having to perform any further user actions. Furthermore, this prevents generation of an aerosol if the system is lost or stolen, or if the system is attempted to be used by a child (even if the consumable component is engaged with the device).
Optionally, upon transition of the system from the unlocked state to the locked state, the circuitry may be configured to control the visual feedback element to provide a fourth visual feedback. The fourth visual feedback may be different from the first, second and/or third visual feedback, and may be for example, the visual feedback element flashing amber twice. Alternatively/additionally, the device may be configured to provide audible and/or haptic feedback upon transition of the system from the unlocked state to the locked state.
The device may be configured to provide feedback to the user upon each engagement of the consumable component with the device. For example, the circuitry may be configured to control the visual feedback element to provide a fifth visual feedback, which may be different from the first, second, third and/or fourth visual feedback. Alternatively/additionally, this feedback may be haptic and/or audible feedback. For example, the device may further comprise a haptic feedback generation unit (e.g. an electric motor and a weight mounted eccentrically on a shaft of the electric motor) configured to provide haptic feedback upon each engagement of the consumable component with the device.
Optionally, after a further predetermined period of time, the circuitry may be configured to transition the system from the locked state to the off state. This may conserve battery life.
According to a second aspect, there is provided an aerosol delivery device (e.g. a smoking substitute device) comprising:
By coupling the light source to a longitudinal end face of the light guide, light from the light source is transmitted from the end face longitudinally along the light guide, resulting in a fading effect of the light shining through the device body. The fading effect of the light is achieved due to the attenuation of the light as it travels through the light guide. This allows regulation of the longitudinal extent along the device body of the light.
Optional features of the second aspect will now be set out. These are applicable singly or in any combination.
The light source is coupled to the first longitudinal end face of the light guide such that light from the light source is received by the first longitudinal end face. The light source may be adjacent (e.g. immediately adjacent) the first longitudinal end face. The light source may be in direct contact (i.e. direct physical contact) with the first longitudinal end face. The light source may comprise one or more lights, e.g. one or more LEDs.
The light guide is formed of light transmitting material, for example a light transmitting plastics material (e.g. polycarbonate). The light guide may include an optical lighting film.
The light guide may comprise a coupling structure between the light source and the light guide. The coupling structure may include a sawtooth edge on the first longitudinal end face of the light guide. The sawtooth edge improves the coupling between the light source and the light guide and reduces the amount of light loss that may occur between the two.
The coupling structure may include one or more longitudinal prisms on an inner surface of the light guide (e.g. a series of aligned longitudinal prisms). The inner surface faces towards the interior of a cavity defined by the device body. An opposing outer surface faces/is proximal (e.g. adjacent) the device body.
The longitudinal prism(s) may extend longitudinally along the inner surface and may extend from the first longitudinal end face to the second longitudinal end face of the light guide. The longitudinal prism(s) may form part of (i.e. may be integral with) the inner surface of the light guide. The longitudinal prism(s) may be formed of light transmitting plastics material (e.g. polycarbonate).
The device may comprise a light guide housing which at least partly surrounds the light guide. For example, the light guide housing may cover the inner surface of the light guide. It may cover the second longitudinal end face of the light guide. The light guide housing may be opaque.
The housing may be of plastics material (e.g. polycarbonate material) such as opaque plastic material. The housing may be moulded.
In some embodiments, the light guide housing may comprise an opaque layer e.g. an opaque layer adjacent to the inner surface of the light guide.
The opaque layer and/or opaque housing may be coloured a light colour (e.g. white) or a dark colour (e.g. black) to block any light escaping from the light guide. For example, the device may comprise a white plastic opaque layer and/or housing.
The opaque layer (e.g. a black opaque layer) may be provided on an outwards-facing surface of the light guide housing i.e. on a surface facing towards the light guide. The opaque layer may be additionally or alternatively provided on an inwards-facing surface of the light guide housing i.e. on a surface facing the cavity defined by the device body.
In some embodiments, the housing may be adhered to the light guide. The opaque layer (e.g. black opaque layer) may be an adhesive layer on the outwards-facing surface of the housing for adhering the housing to the light guide.
The device may comprise a light reflecting layer e.g. a reflecting layer adjacent (e.g. affixed to) the inner surface of the light guide for reflecting light exiting the inner surface. The reflecting layer may be provided on the outwards-facing surface of the light guide housing i.e. on a surface facing towards the light guide. For example, in some embodiments, the light guide housing may comprise the reflecting layer on its outwards-facing surface and the opaque layer provided on the inwards-facing surface of the light guide housing.
In some embodiments, both the reflecting layer and opaque layer may be provided on the outwards-facing surface of the light guide housing with the opaque later interposed between the light guide housing and the reflecting layer.
The light reflecting layer may comprise a mirror effect layer/coating. The light reflecting layer may comprise a reflector foil. The light reflecting layer is highly reflective for wavelengths between 350-950 nm.
The device may comprise a diffusing layer located on the outer surface of the light guide. The diffusing layer may comprise a diffuser film.
The device body may be an elongate body i.e. with a greater length than depth/width. The light guide may be disposed (i.e. assembled) longitudinally within the device body (i.e. a longitudinal axis of the light guide may be parallel to a longitudinal axis of the device body). The longitudinal axis of the light guide may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the device body.
The first longitudinal end face of the light guide may towards a lower end of the device body. The ‘lower’ and an ‘upper’ end of the device body are relative to the device when in use. The second longitudinal end face of the light guide may be towards the upper end of the device body (i.e. the second longitudinal end face is closer to the upper end of the device body than the first longitudinal end face). In this way, the fading effect of the light may be axially up the device, i.e. the intensity of the light shining through the device body decreases from the first end to the second end of the device body.
The device may comprise a chassis within the cavity defined by the device body. The light guide may be mounted on the chassis. For example, the light guide housing may be mounted on (e.g. affixed to) the chassis. The light guide may be mounted to the chassis by means of a locating pin so as to restrict longitudinal and vertical movement of the light guide with respect to the chassis.
The light source may be mounted on the chassis. For example, the light source may be mounted on a PCB and the PCB mounted on the chassis.
The chassis may be elongate and may be disposed longitudinally within the device body (i.e. a longitudinal axis of the chassis may be parallel or coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the device body).
The PCB may be mounted towards a lower end of the chassis. A lower end of the light guide (proximal the first longitudinal end face) may be mounted on (e.g. affixed to) the PCB such that the PCB may restrict movement of the light guide at the lower end of the chassis.
The locating pin may be located towards an upper end of the chassis. The ‘upper’ and ‘lower’ ends of the chassis are relative to the device when in use.
The chassis may include at least one longitudinally extending guide. For example, the chassis may include a pair of longitudinally extending guides. The longitudinally extending guide(s) may be located along a longitudinal edge of the light guide (e.g. a first longitudinally extending guide may be located at a first longitudinal edge of the light guide and a second longitudinally extending guide may be located at a second longitudinal edge of the light guide). In embodiments including a light guide housing, the longitudinally extending guide(s) may be located along a longitudinal edge of the housing. The longitudinally extending guide(s) may restrict the transverse movement of the light guide with respect to the chassis.
The following features are applicable to the first or second aspect singly or in in any combination.
The device may comprise a power source which may be a battery. The power source may be a capacitor. The power source may be a rechargeable power source. The device may comprise a charging connection for connection to an external power supply for recharging of the power source within the device.
The electrical circuitry may be configured to control the supply of power from the power source to an aerosol generation unit.
The device may comprise a device body for housing the power source and/or other electrical components. 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 10 and 20 cm such as between 10 and 13 cm. The maximum depth of the device body may be between 5 and 30 mm e.g. between 10 and 20 mm.
The device body 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 radius of curvature of the front surface may be between 10 and 50 mm, preferably between 10 and 40 mm, preferably between 10 and 30 mm, preferably been 10 and 20 mm, more preferably between 10 and 15 mm, more preferably substantially 13.5 mm.
The front and rear surfaces may meet at opposing transverse edges of the device body. This leads to a mandorla-/lemon-/eye-shaped cross-sectional shape of the device body.
The transverse edges may have a radius of curvature that is significantly smaller than the radius of curvature of either the front or rear surface. This leads to the transverse edges being substantially “pointed” or “sharp”. The transverse edges may have a radius of curvature in the transverse dimension of less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, preferably less than 2 mm, preferably less than 1 mm.
The transverse edges may extend substantially the full longitudinal length of the device body. However, in some embodiments, the transverse edges may only extend along a longitudinal portion of the device body.
The device body may have a curved longitudinal axis i.e. curved in a direction between the front and rear faces.
The front and/or rear surface of the device body may include the at least one visual feedback element. The visual feedback element may be for example one or more lights e.g. one or more LEDs.
In some embodiments, the device body may include an illumination region (e.g. on the front surface) configured to allow light provided by the visual feedback element (e.g. one or more lights/LEDs in the first aspect or the light source and light guide in the second aspect) within the device body to shine through. The illumination region may comprise translucent material.
In the second aspect, the illumination region may be located adjacent to the outer surface of the light guide. In embodiments including a diffusing layer, the diffusing layer may be located between the outer surface of the light guide and the illumination region.
The device may comprise a movement detection unit (e.g. an accelerometer) for detecting a movement of the device, and a haptic feedback generation unit (e.g. an electric motor and a weight mounted eccentrically on a shaft of the electric motor).
The electrical circuitry may comprise a controller, or other processing resource. The controller may be configured to identify an operation of the device; and control the visual feedback element (e.g. one or more lights or the light source) contained within the device body, (e.g. to illuminate the illumination region) based on the operation of the device identified.
The electrical circuitry (e.g. controller) may be configured to control the haptic feedback generation unit to generate the haptic feedback in response to the detection of movement of the device by the movement detection unit.
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 electrical circuitry (e.g. controller) to perform certain tasks or steps of a method.
The device may comprise a wireless interface, which may be configured to communicate wirelessly with another device, for example a mobile device, e.g. via Bluetooth®. To this end, 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 device may comprise an airflow (i.e. puff) sensor that is configured to detect a puff (i.e. inhalation from a user). The airflow sensor may be operatively connected to the electrical circuitry/controller so as to be able to provide a signal to the electrical circuitry/controller that is indicative of a puff state (i.e. puffing or not puffing). The airflow sensor may, for example, be in the form of a pressure sensor or an acoustic sensor.
The electrical circuitry/controller may control the supply of power to the aerosol generation unit (e.g. a vaporiser) in response to airflow detection by the sensor. The control may be in the form of activation of the aerosol generation unit/vaporiser in response to a detected airflow.
The device may comprise an electrical connection (e.g. one or more contact pins) for connection of the power source to the heating element/vaporiser.
The device may comprise a chassis within the device body and one or more of the electrical components of the device (e.g. one or more of the power source, charging connection, visual feedback element, movement detection unit, haptic feedback generation unit, electrical circuitry (e.g. controller), memory, wireless interface, puff sensor and/or electrical connection) may be mounted on or affixed to the chassis.
In a third aspect, there is provided an aerosol delivery system comprising a device according to the first or second aspect and a consumable component for containing an aerosol precursor. The consumable component may be configured to be reversibly engageable with the aerosol delivery device to form the aerosol delivery system.
The component may be an aerosol-delivery (e.g. a smoking substitute) consumable.
The device may be configured to receive the consumable component. The device and the consumable component may be configured to be physically coupled together. For example, the consumable component may be at least partially received in a recess of the device, such that there is snap engagement between the device and the consumable component. Alternatively, the device and the consumable component may be physically coupled together by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting.
Thus, the consumable component may comprise one or more engagement portions for engaging with the device.
The consumable component may comprise the aerosol generation unit/vaporiser. The aerosol generation unit/vaporiser may comprise a heating element. Alternatively, the aerosol generation unit/vaporiser may be an ultrasonic or flow expansion unit, or an induction heating system.
The consumable component may comprise an electrical interface for interfacing with a corresponding electrical interface of the device. One or both of the electrical interfaces may include one or more electrical contacts (which may extend through the transverse plate of the lower portion of the insert).
Thus, when the device is engaged with the consumable component, the electrical interface may be configured to transfer electrical power from the power source to an aerosol generating unit/vaporiser (e.g. heating element) of the consumable component. The electrical interface may also be used to identify the consumable component from a list of known types.
The electrical interface may be used to identify when the consumable component is connected to the device.
The device 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. In this respect, 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.
In some embodiments of the second aspect, the component may be integrally formed with the aerosol-delivery (e.g. a smoking substitute) device to form the aerosol-delivery (e.g. s smoking substitute) system. In such embodiments, the aerosol former (e.g. e-liquid) 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 smoking substitute system may comprise an airflow path therethrough, the airflow path extending from an air inlet to an outlet. The air inlet may be provided in the device body. The outlet may be at a mouthpiece portion of the component. In this respect, a user may draw fluid (e.g. air) into and along the airflow path by inhaling at the outlet (i.e. using the mouthpiece).
The airflow path passes the aerosol generation unit/vaporiser between the air inlet and the outlet. The vaporiser may be provided in the component.
The airflow path may comprise a first portion extending from the air inlet towards the aerosol generation unit/vaporiser. The second portion of the airflow path passes through a vaporising chamber to a conduit that extends to the outlet. The conduit may extend along the axial centre of the component.
References to “downstream” in relation to the airflow path are intended to refer to the direction towards the outlet/mouthpiece portion. Thus the second and third portions of the airflow path are downstream of the first portion of the airflow path. Conversely, references to “upstream” are intended to refer to the direction towards the air inlet. Thus the first portion of the airflow path (and the air inlet) is upstream of the second/third portions of the airflow path (and the air outlet/outlet portion).
References to “upper”, “lower”, “above” or “below” are intended to refer to the component when in an upright/vertical orientation i.e. with elongate (longitudinal/length) axis of the 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.
At least a portion of one of the walls defining the tank may be translucent or transparent.
The conduit may extend through the tank with the conduit walls defining an inner region of the tank. In this respect, the tank may surround the conduit e.g. the tank may be annular. As discussed above, the air flow path passes the aerosol generation unit (e.g. heating element) between the air inlet to the outlet. The aerosol generation unit may comprise a wick e.g. an elongate wick which may have a cylindrical shape.
The wick may be oriented so as to extend in the direction of the width dimension of the component (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the component). Thus the wick may extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of airflow in the airflow path.
The heating element/vaporiser may be disposed in the vaporising chamber. The vaporising chamber may form part of the airflow path.
The wick may comprise a porous material. A portion of the wick may be exposed to airflow in the airflow path. The wick may also comprise one or more portions in contact with liquid aerosol precursor stored in the tank. For example, opposing ends of the wick may protrude into the tank and a central portion (between the ends) may extend across the airflow path so as to be exposed to airflow. Thus, fluid may be drawn (e.g. by capillary action) along the wick, from the tank to the exposed portion of the wick.
The heating element may be in the form of a filament wound about the wick (e.g. the filament may extend helically about the wick). The filament may be wound about the exposed portion of the wick. The heating element is electrically connected (or connectable) to the power source. Thus, in operation, 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.
In a fourth aspect there is provided a method of controlling a smoking substitute system comprising a smoking substitute device and a consumable component. The method comprises:
The method of the fourth aspect may be a method of controlling a smoking substitute system according to the third aspect. The smoking substitute device may be a smoking substitute device according to the first aspect.
The method may further comprise transitioning the system from the unlocked state to the locked state if a predetermined period of time has elapsed since a last user inhalation through the system.
The method may further comprise transitioning the system from an off state to the locked state if a user inhales through the system when the consumable component is engaged with the aerosol delivery device. The step of transitioning from an off state to the locked state may only occur if a user inhales through the system for a predetermined period of time (e.g. 2-8 seconds).
Optionally, the method may further comprise transitioning from the locked state to the off state if the predefined sequence of user action is not detected within a predetermined period of time from the transition of the system from the off state to the locked state.
The method may further comprise providing visual feedback via a visual feedback element, as described above with respect to the first aspect. In particular, the method may comprise indicating the predefined sequence to the user by controlling the visual feedback element.
According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a method of using the aerosol-delivery (e.g. smoking substitute) system according to the second aspect, the method comprising:
In a sixth aspect there is provided a method of using the aerosol-delivery (e.g. smoking substitute) system according to the second aspect, the method comprising engaging the consumable component with an aerosol-delivery (e.g. smoking substitute) device (as described above) having a power source so as to electrically connect the power source to the consumable component (i.e. to the vaporiser 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.
So that further aspects and features thereof may be appreciated, embodiments will now be discussed in further detail with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:
Aspects and embodiments will now be discussed with reference to the accompanying figures. Further aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.
In this example, 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).
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. In other examples, the device 102 and the component may be coupled by screwing one onto the other, or through a bayonet fitting.
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 tank 106 includes a window 112, which allows the amount of e-liquid in the tank 106 to be visually assessed. The device 102 includes a slot 114 so that the window 112 of the component 104 can be seen whilst the rest of the tank 106 is obscured from view when the component 104 is inserted into the cavity at the upper end 108 of the device 102.
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. Whilst not shown, 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.
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 wireless interface 124 is preferably configured to communicate wirelessly with another device, for example a mobile device, e.g. via Bluetooth®. To this end, the wireless interface 124 could include a Bluetooth® antenna. Other wireless communication interfaces, e.g. WiFi®, are also possible. The wireless interface 124 may also be configured to communicate wirelessly with a remote server.
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. When the device 102 is physically coupled to the component 104, 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. For example, 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. Additionally, or alternatively, there may be a separate communication interface provided in the device 102 and a corresponding communication interface in the component 104 such that, when connected, the component 104 can identify itself to the device 102.
The additional components 128 of the device 102 may comprise the light 116 discussed above.
The additional components 128 of the device 102 also comprises 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. However, 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 sensor, such as an airflow (i.e. puff) sensor 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 may be configured to be activated when airflow is detected by the airflow sensor. This sensor could alternatively be included in the component 104. The airflow sensor can be used to determine, for example, how heavily a user draws on the mouthpiece or how many times a user draws on the mouthpiece in a particular time period.
The additional components 128 of the device 102 may include a user input, e.g. a button. The smoking substitute system 100 may be configured to be activated when a user interacts with the user input (e.g. presses the button). This provides an alternative to the airflow sensor as a mechanism for activating the smoking substitute system 100.
As shown in
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
The aerosol generation unit/vaporiser 132 is configured to heat and vaporise e-liquid contained in the tank 106 using electrical energy supplied from the power source 118. As will be described further below, the aerosol generation unit 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. When the component 104 is physically coupled to the device 102, the air inlets 134 receive air, which flows to the air inlets 134 along a gap between the device 102 and the lower end 111 of the component 104.
In operation, a user activates the smoking substitute system 100, e.g. through interaction with a user input forming part of the device 102 or by inhaling through the mouthpiece portion 136 as described above. Upon activation, the controller 120 may supply electrical energy from the power source 118 to the aerosol generation unit 132 (via electrical interfaces 126, 130), which may cause the aerosol generation unit 132 to heat e-liquid drawn from the tank 106 to produce a vapour which is inhaled by a user through the mouthpiece portion 136.
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. As discussed above, 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.
It should be appreciated that the smoking substitute system 100 shown in
A tank housing 142 of the tank 106 defines an outer casing of the component 104, whilst a conduit wall 144 defines the conduit 140. The tank housing 142 extends from the lower end 111 of the component 104 to the mouthpiece portion 136 at the upper end 109 of the component 104. At the junction between the mouthpiece portion 136 and the tank housing 142, the mouthpiece portion 136 is wider than the tank housing 142, so as to define a lip 146 that overhangs the tank housing 142. This lip 146 acts as a stop feature when the component 104 is inserted into the device 102 (i.e. by contact with an upper edge of the device 102).
The tank 106, the conduit 140 and the mouthpiece portion 136 are integrally formed with each other so as to form a single unitary component and may e.g. be formed by way of an injection moulding process. Such a component may be formed of a thermoplastic material such as polypropylene.
The mouthpiece portion 136 comprises a mouthpiece aperture 148 defining an outlet of the conduit 140. The aerosol generation unit 132 is fluidly connected to the mouthpiece aperture 148 and is located in a vaporising chamber 156 of the component 104. The vaporising chamber 156 is downstream of the inlet 134 of the component 104 and is fluidly connected to the mouthpiece aperture 148 (i.e. outlet) by the conduit 140.
The aerosol generation unit 132 comprises a porous wick 150 and a heater filament 152 coiled around the porous wick 150. The wick 150 extends transversely across the chamber vaporising 156 between sidewalls of the chamber 156 which form part of an inner sleeve 154 of an insert 158 that defines the lower end 111 of the component 104 that connects with the device 102. The insert 158 is inserted into an open lower end of the tank 106 so as to seal against the tank housing 142.
In this way, the inner sleeve 154 projects into the tank 106 and seals with the conduit 140 (around the conduit wall 144) so as to separate the vaporising chamber 156 from the e-liquid in the tank 106. Ends of the wick 150 project through apertures in the inner sleeve 154 and into the tank 106 so as to be in contact with the e-liquid in the tank 106. In this way, e-liquid is transported along the wick 150 (e.g. by capillary action) to a central portion of the wick 150 that is exposed to airflow through the vaporising chamber 156. The transported e-liquid is heated by the heater filament 152 (when activated e.g. by detection of inhalation), which causes the e-liquid to be vaporised and to be entrained in air flowing past the wick 150. This vaporised liquid may cool to form an aerosol in the conduit 140, which may then be inhaled by a user.
The front surface 201 of the device body 200 is curved in the transverse dimension. The rear surface 202 of the device body 200 is curved in the transverse dimension. The curvatures of the front surface 201 and rear surface 202 are of the opposite sense to one another. Both front and rear surfaces 201, 202 are convex in the transverse dimension. This leads to a mandorla-/lemon-/eye-shaped cross sectional shape of the device body 200.
The front surface 201 and rear surface 202 meet at two transverse edges 205. The transverse edges 205 have a radius of curvature that is significantly smaller than the radius of curvature of either the front 201 or rear surface 202. This leads to the transverse edges being substantially “pointed” or “sharp”. The transverse edges may have a radius of curvature in the transverse dimension of less than 1 millimetre.
As illustrated in
The front surface 201 of the device body 200 may include an illumination region through which at least one light source may be visible.
The radius of curvature of the front surface 201 may be between 10 and 15 mm.
The method shown in
At S601, the smoking substitute system is in an off state, in which the controller is configured to only supply power to the airflow sensor and its electrical interface for determining whether the consumable component is engaged with the device. In other words, in the off state, the device is inactive and unresponsive, except for in response to both an engagement of a consumable component with the device, and a detection of airflow through the system by the airflow sensor.
As shown in
In some embodiments, the LED on the device body may provide feedback to the user that the system has transitioned from the off state to the locked state. For example, the LED may flash (e.g. amber) once to indicate that the system has transitioned to the locked state.
In the locked state (S602), the controller prevents the battery from supplying power to the aerosol generation unit to enable generation of an aerosol, regardless of whether the user inhales through the system or not. Therefore, in the locked state, no aerosol can be generated.
In order to unlock the smoking substitute system, the user must then perform a predefined sequence of user actions, which includes a number of disengagements and re-engagements of the consumable component with the device, within a predetermined period of time. As an example, in order to unlock the system, the user must disconnect and reconnect the consumable component from the device 3 times within 60 seconds. Each disengagement must last at least a predetermined period of time, e.g. 5 seconds. In some examples, the predefined sequence of user actions also comprises one or more taps, rotations, and/or one or more shakes of the device. This movement is detected by the accelerometer.
Each time the user engages the consumable component with the device, haptic feedback may be provided by the haptic feedback component and/or visual feedback may be provided via the LED.
If the user performs the correct predefined sequence of disengagements and re-engagements of the consumable component with the device within the predetermined period, the system transitions to the unlocked state (S603).
When the system transitions to the unlocked state, the LED flashes a first colour (e.g. blue) to indicate to the user that the correct user sequence was performed and that the system is unlocked. The LED may flash between 1 and 10 times, for example 2, 3, 4, 5 etc. times.
If, within the predetermined period of time, the user performs an incorrect user sequence, or does not perform a user sequence of disconnections and reconnections at all, the controller transitions from the locked state back to the off state (S601).
When the system transitions from the locked state to the off state (e.g. when an incorrect user sequence is performed, or no user sequence is performed within the predetermined period of time), the LED may flash a second colour (e.g. red) to indicate to the user that the correct user sequence was not performed and that the system is not unlocked. The LED may flash between 1 and 10 times, for example, 2, 3, 4, 5 etc. times.
Once back in the off state, the user must repeat the process above in order to unlock the system, specifically reconnect the consumable component and inhale through the system to transition the system from the off state to the locked mode (S602), and then perform the correct user sequence within the predetermined period to transition the system from the locked mode to the unlocked mode (S603).
The predefined sequence of user actions is stored in the memory of the device.
When the user performs a user sequence of disconnections and reconnections of the consumable component with the device, the controller detects the user sequence of disconnections and reconnections performed by the user, and compares the detected user sequence with the predefined sequence stored in the memory. If the detected user sequence corresponds with the stored predefined sequence, the controller transitions the system to the unlocked state (S603). If the detected user sequence does not correspond with the stored predefined sequence, the controller transitions the system back to the off state (S601).
In some embodiments, the device may indicate the predefined sequence of user actions to the user via the LED. For example, the controller may control the LED to flash a number of times, wherein the number of flashes corresponds to the number of disconnections and/or reconnections in the predefined sequence. In this way, the user is not required to remember the predefined sequence, but is instead provided the predefined sequence by the number and/or timing of flashes of the LED.
The LED may flash in a third colour (e.g. amber) to indicate the predefined sequence to the user.
The controller may control the LED to indicate the full predefined sequence by flashes, and then wait to detect the full predefined sequence performed by the user. Alternatively, the controller may wait to detect each disengagement and/or re-engagement of the consumable component after each flash, each flash indicating to the user one of the disengagements and/or re-engagements of the consumable component with the device required in the predefined sequence.
The controller may control the LED to provide feedback to the user after each correct and/or incorrect disengagement and/or re-engagement of the consumable component (e.g. blue flash for a correct re-engagement/disengagement and red flash for an incorrect re-engagement/disengagement).
In the unlocked state (S603), the controller controls the supply of power from the power source to the aerosol generation unit, such that an aerosol is generated if the airflow sensor detects a user inhalation through the system.
Therefore, in the unlocked state, if the airflow sensor in the device detects a user inhalation through the system, the controller transitions the system to the on state (S604), such that power is provided to the aerosol generation unit, and aerosol is generation for inhalation by the user.
If no user inhalation is detected by the airflow sensor, the controller does not transition to the on state, and power from the power source to the aerosol generation unit is prevented such that no aerosol is generated.
As shown in
The controller may control the LED to provide feedback to the user that the device has transitioned from the unlocked state (S603) to the locked state (S604) in response to no user inhalation for a predetermined period of time. For example, the controller may control the LED to flash (e.g. amber) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 . . . etc. times to indicate that system has transitioned to the locked state.
If the airflow sensor detects a user inhalation while the system is in the locked state, the controller may control the LED to flash (e.g. red) to indicate to the user that the system is in the locked state and that no aerosol can be generated in the locked state.
Referring first to
A front surface 312 of the device body 200 is located adjacent to the outer surface 310b of the light guide 302. In use, the light guide 302 transmits light from the first longitudinal end face 304a and along the elongate light guide. Light exiting the outer surface 310b is allowed to shine through the front surface 312 of the device body 200.
In the embodiment of
In the embodiment of
In the embodiment of
The device 102 includes a diffusing layer 322 located on the outer surface 310b of the light guide 302. The diffusing layer 322 comprises a diffuser film.
As shown in
As shown by
As shown by
While exemplary embodiments have been described above, many equivalent modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art when given this disclosure. Accordingly, the exemplary embodiments set forth above are considered to be illustrative and not limiting.
Throughout this specification, including the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “have”, “comprise”, and “include”, and variations such as “having”, “comprises”, “comprising”, and “including” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.
It must be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another embodiment includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by the use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment. The term “about” in relation to a numerical value is optional and means, for example, +/−10%.
The words “preferred” and “preferably” are used herein refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits under some circumstances. It is to be appreciated, however, that other embodiments may also be preferred under the same or different circumstances. The recitation of one or more preferred embodiments therefore does not mean or imply that other embodiments are not useful, and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, or from the scope of the claims.
Further aspects and embodiments are disclosed in the following number paragraphs in which:
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21196969.6 | Sep 2021 | EP | regional |
| 21196995.1 | Sep 2021 | EP | regional |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/EP2022/075173 | 9/9/2022 | WO |
