AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to an aerosol provision device and a method of using such a device.

BACKGROUND

Smoking articles, such as cigarettes, cigars and the like burn tobacco during use to create tobacco smoke. Attempts have been made to provide alternatives to these articles by creating products that release compounds without combusting. For example, tobacco heating devices heat an aerosol generating substrate such as tobacco to form an aerosol by heating, but not burning, the substrate.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, this disclosure describes an apparatus for an aerosol generating device, the apparatus comprising a control module and a charging controller, wherein the charging controller is configured to control charging of a battery at a first charging rate in a first charging mode and to control charging of the battery at a second charging rate, lower than the first charging rate, in a second charging mode; and the control module is configured to determine (or obtain) information relating to usage of the aerosol generating device, wherein the charge controller is configured to operate in the first charging mode or the second charging mode depending, at least in part, on the information relating to the use of the aerosol generating device. The control module may form part of the charging controller.

The determined information may relate to an amount of use of the aerosol generating device in a preceding period. Alternatively, or in addition, the determined information may relate to one or more of: frequency of usage of the apparatus, power consumption per day, periods of time when the apparatus is used most often etc. The preceding period may be the previous 24 hours, but other periods (shorter or longer than 24 hours, such as 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours or 48 hours) are possible is some example embodiments.

Some embodiments further comprise a user interface, wherein the user interface allows a user to provide information relating to the usage of the aerosol generating device.

The apparatus may further comprises a battery. Alternatively, or in addition, the apparatus may further comprise an aerosol generator.

In a second aspect, this disclosure describes a method comprising obtaining or determining information relating to use of an aerosol generating device; and setting a charging current of a charge controller to a first charging mode or a second charging mode depending, at least in part, on the obtained or determined information relating to usage of the aerosol generating device, wherein a charging rate of a battery of the aerosol generating device is set to a first charging rate in the first charging mode and is set to a second charging rate, lower than the first charging rate, in the second charging mode. The obtained or determined information may relate to an amount of use of the aerosol generating device in a preceding period (e.g. the previous 24 hours or some other period, such as 1 hour, 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, 12 hours or 48 hours).

The method may further comprise obtaining information relating to the usage of the aerosol generating device from a user interface. The method may further comprise charging said battery.

In a third aspect, this disclosure describes a non-combustible aerosol generating device comprising an apparatus (e.g. a tobacco heating system) including any of the features of the first aspect. The aerosol generating device may be configured to receive a removable article comprising an aerosol generating material. The aerosol generating material may comprise an aerosol generating substrate and an aerosol forming material.

In a fourth aspect, this disclosure describes an aerosol provision system for generating aerosol from an aerosolizable material, the aerosol provision system comprising an apparatus including any of the features of the first aspect described above or a device including any of the features of the third aspect described above.

In a fifth aspect, this disclosure describes computer-readable instructions which, when executed by a computing apparatus, cause the computing apparatus to perform any method as described with reference to the second aspect.

In a sixth aspect, this disclosure describes a kit of parts comprising an article (e.g. a removable article comprising an aerosol generating material) for use in a non-combustible aerosol generating system, wherein the non-combustible aerosol generating system comprises an apparatus including any of the features of the first aspect described above or a device or system including any of the features of the third or fourth aspects described above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following schematic drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system according to one example.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are flow charts showing algorithms according to one example.

FIG. 4 is a plot demonstrating a use of one example embodiment.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are block diagrams of systems according to one example.

FIGS. 7 and 8 show user interfaces according to one example.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing an algorithm according to one example.

FIG. 10 is a plot demonstrating a use of one example embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision device according to one example.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision device according to one example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “delivery system” is intended to encompass systems that deliver a substance to a user, and includes, combustible aerosol provision systems, such as cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, and tobacco for pipes or for roll-your-own or for make-your-own cigarettes (whether based on tobacco, tobacco derivatives, expanded tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, tobacco substitutes or other smokable material), non-combustible aerosol provision systems that release compounds from an aerozolizable material without combusting the aerozolizable material, such as electronic cigarettes, tobacco heating products, and hybrid systems to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosolizable materials, articles comprising aerosolizable material and configured to be used in one of these non-combustible aerosol provision systems, and aerosol-free delivery systems, such as lozenges, gums, patches, articles comprising inhalable powders, and smokeless tobacco products such as snus and snuff, which deliver a material to a user without forming an aerosol, wherein the material may or may not comprise nicotine.

According to the present disclosure, a “combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosolizable material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery to a user.

According to the present disclosure, a “non-combustible” aerosol provision system is one where a constituent aerosolizable material of the aerosol provision system (or component thereof) is not combusted or burned in order to facilitate delivery to a user.

In examples described herein, the delivery system is a non-combustible aerosol provision system, such as a powered non-combustible aerosol provision system.

In one example, 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 aerosolizable material is not a requirement.

In one example, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a tobacco heating system, also known as a heat-not-burn system.

In one example, the non-combustible aerosol provision system is a hybrid system to generate aerosol using a combination of aerosolizable materials, one or a plurality of which may be heated. Each of the aerosolizable materials may be, for example, in the form of a solid, liquid or gel and may or may not contain nicotine. In one example, the hybrid system comprises a liquid or gel aerosolizable material and a solid aerosolizable material. The solid aerosolizable material may comprise, for example, tobacco or a non-tobacco product.

Typically, the non-combustible aerosol provision system may comprise a non-combustible aerosol provision device and an article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision system. However, it is envisaged that articles which themselves comprise a means for powering an aerosol generating component may themselves form the non-combustible aerosol provision system.

In one example, the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a power source and a controller. The power source may be an electric power source or an exothermic power source. In one example, the exothermic power source comprises a carbon substrate which may be energised so as to distribute power in the form of heat to an aerosolizable material or heat transfer material in proximity to the exothermic power source. In one example, the power source, such as an exothermic power source, is provided in the article so as to form the non-combustible aerosol provision.

In one example, the article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise an aerosolizable material, an aerosol generating component, an aerosol generating area, a mouthpiece, and/or an area for receiving aerosolizable material.

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

In one example, the aerosolizable material may comprise an active material, an aerosol forming material and optionally one or more functional materials. The active material may comprise nicotine (optionally contained in tobacco or a tobacco derivative) or one or more other non-olfactory physiologically active materials. A non-olfactory physiologically active material is a material which is included in the aerosolizable material in order to achieve a physiological response other than olfactory perception. 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. In some examples, the active substance comprises nicotine. In some embodiments, the active substance comprises caffeine, melatonin or vitamin B12.

The aerosol forming material may comprise one or more of glycerine, 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.

The one or more functional materials may comprise one or more of flavours, carriers, pH regulators, stabilizers, and/or antioxidants.

In one example, the article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise aerosolizable material or an area for receiving aerosolizable material. In one embodiment, the article for use with the non-combustible aerosol provision device may comprise a mouthpiece. The area for receiving aerosolizable material may be a storage area for storing aerosolizable material. For example, the storage area may be a reservoir. In one example, the area for receiving aerosolizable material may be separate from, or combined with, an aerosol generating area.

Aerosolizable material, which also may be referred to herein as aerosol generating material, is material that is capable of generating aerosol, for example when heated, irradiated or energized in any other way. Aerosolizable material may, for example, be in the form of a solid, liquid or gel which may or may not contain nicotine and/or flavorants. In some examples, the aerosolizable material may comprise an “amorphous solid”, which may alternatively be referred to as a “monolithic solid” (i.e. non-fibrous). In some examples, 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.

The aerosolizable material may be present on a substrate. The substrate may, for example, be or comprise paper, card, paperboard, cardboard, reconstituted aerosolizable material, a plastics material, a ceramic material, a composite material, glass, a metal, or a metal alloy.

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.

A susceptor is a material that is heatable by penetration with a varying magnetic field, such as an alternating magnetic field. The susceptor may be an electrically-conductive material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes induction heating of the heating material. The heating material may be magnetic material, so that penetration thereof with a varying magnetic field causes magnetic hysteresis heating of the heating material. The susceptor may be both electrically-conductive and magnetic, so that the susceptor is heatable by both heating mechanisms. The device that is configured to generate the varying magnetic field is referred to as a magnetic field generator, herein.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 10, according to one example. The system 10 comprises a charging controller 14, an aerosol generator 15, a battery 16, a control module 17 and a power source 18. The charging controller 14, the aerosol generator 15, the battery 16 and the control module 17 may form an aerosol generating device 12. Alternatively, the charging controller 14, the aerosol generator 15 and the control module 17 may form an aerosol generating device 12′ having an external battery 16.

As discussed in detail below, the charging controller 14 is configured to charge the battery 16 (e.g. under the control of the control module 17). For example, the charging controller 14 may charge the battery using the power supply 18 at a charging current dependent on information relating to the use of the aerosol generating device. It should be noted that, in some examples, the functionality of the control module 17 is implemented by the charging controller 14. Indeed, the control module 17 may be omitted from some examples.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart showing an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 20, according to one example. The algorithm 20 may be implemented by the system 10 described above. The algorithm 20 starts at operation 22, where a charging mode is set, for example by the control module 17 or by the charging controller 14, perhaps in response to an input from the control module. The operation 22 may be implemented by setting a charging mode to a first charging mode (e.g. a higher power charging mode) or a second charging mode (e.g. a lower power charging mode). Thus, the charging rate of charging the battery 16 may be higher in the first charging mode than in the second charging mode. There may be more than two charge levels (and hence more than one threshold) in some examples.

At operation 24, the battery 16 is charged based on the charging mode set in the operation 22. A number of options are possible for setting the charging mode in the operation 22 described above.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 30, according to one example. The algorithm 30 may be implemented by the system 10 described above. The algorithm 30 starts at operation 32, where the charging controller 14 (or the control module 17) determines or obtains usage information of the device 12 or 12′. The usage information may relate to usage of the aerosol generator and/or to charging of the battery 16, as discussed further below. At operation 34, the charging mode is set based, at least in part, on the usage information determined or obtained in the operation 32.

FIG. 4 is a plot, indicated generally by the reference numeral 40, demonstrating a use of an example embodiment. The plot 40 shows the charging rate in different charging modes. In a first charging mode, indicated generally by the reference numeral 42, the charging rate is relatively high (such that the battery 16 is charged at a first, relatively high, charging rate in the first charging mode). In a second charging mode, indicated generally by the reference numeral 44, the charging rate is lower than the charging rate in the first charging mode. Finally, in a third charging mode, indicated generally by the reference numeral 46, the charging rate is lower than the charging rate in either the first or second charging mode.

Thus, the plot 40 shows charging rates of three possible charging modes that could be set in the operation 22 or 34. Of course, the three charging rates are provided by way of example only; more or fewer charging rates could be provided in an example embodiment. Moreover, although the plot 40 shows discrete charging rate changes in different charging modes this is not essential to all examples, a more gradual change may be implemented, as discussed further below.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 50, to according to one example. The system 50 shows the charging controller 14, the aerosol generator 15, the control module 17, an external input 52 and data storage 54. The control module 17 may set the charging mode based on a variety of inputs, such as some or all of the inputs shown in the system 50, as discussed further below. Note that, in some examples, the functionality of the control module 17 is implemented by the charging controller 14, such that the charging controller 14 is in the centre of the system 50.

The external input 52 may be used to provide input to an algorithm used by the control module 17 (or the charging controller 14) for setting the charging mode. For example, the external input 52 may provide information relating to the usage of the aerosol generating device 12 or 12′ or the usage of the aerosol generator 15. As discussed below, the external input 52 may take the form of a user interface that enables a user of an aerosol generating device to provide information relating to the usage of the device.

Similarly, the charging controller 14 may be used to provide input to an algorithm used by the control module 17 for setting the charging mode. For example, the charging controller may provide information relating to the usage of the aerosol generating device 12 or 12′ or the usage of the aerosol generator 15. The data storage 54 may be used by the control module 17 in an implementation of the algorithms 20 and 30. For example, charging rate settings may be stored in the data storage 54. Also, information for converting usage information into a charging mode may be stored.

The aerosol generator 15 may provide information to the control module 17 that may be used in setting the charging mode. For example, the current level of charge of the aerosol generator (e.g. the battery 16) may be provided to the control module 17 by the aerosol generator 15 in addition to, or instead of, usage information of the aerosol generator.

It is not essential to all examples that all of the elements of the system 50 are provided. As discussed above, the functionality of the control module 17 may, in fact, be provided by the charging controller 14. Further, there may be no communication between the aerosol generator 15 and the control module 17. Similarly, one or more of the external input 52 and the data storage 54 may be omitted if not required.

FIG. 6 shows a system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 60, according to one example. The system 60 comprises the aerosol generating device 12 (or the device 12′) described above and a remote device 62, such as a mobile communication device, mobile phone, laptop, or some other mobile device etc.

As discussed further below, the aerosol generating device has an output that transmits a signal (such as a Bluetooth signal). That signal may be detected by the remote device 62 such to that the aerosol generating device can communicate with the remote device. Similarly, the remote device 62 is able to transmit to the aerosol generating device 12. It should be noted that although the configuration shown in FIG. 6 provides two-way communications between the aerosol generating device 12 and the remote device 62, the communication may be one-way (e.g. from the aerosol generating device to the remote device or vice-versa).

The system 60 may enable communications between the remote device 62 and the control module 17 and/or the charging controller 14. For example, the system 60 may enable data regarding the aerosol generating device 12 to be displayed to a user using the remote device 62 (which may have a better and/or more interactive display than the aerosol generating device itself). Similarly, the system 60 may enable the user to provide inputs to the aerosol generating device.

FIG. 7 shows a user interface, indicated generally by the reference numeral 70, according to one example. The user interface 70 shows an example display in highly schematic form that shows data relating to the aerosol generating device (e.g. as a battery charge level in percentage and time remaining terms) and usage data of the device. Thus, the user interface enables, for example, the charging controller 14 or the control module 17 to provide information to a user of the aerosol generating device.

FIG. 8 shows a user interface, indicated generally by the reference numeral 70′, according to one example. The user interface 70′ shows an example display in highly schematic form that a data input form that enables a user to provide information (such as information relating to the usage of the aerosol generating device) to the charging controller 14 or the control module 17. Thus the user interface 70′ enables a user to input usage information that may be used in the algorithm 30 described above or the algorithm 80 described below.

In the example user interface 70′, the user is able to indicate whether they are a “frequent user”, a “moderate user” or an “infrequent user” of the aerosol generating device. (FIG. 8 shows the “moderate user” input selected.) The user defined usage level may be used, at least in part, in the setting of the charging mode.

The user interfaces 70 and 70′ are provided by way of example only and are highly schematic. Many alternative display configurations could be provided, including displaying other forms of data. For example, information such as one or more of battery capacity, maximum charging current or maximum charging voltage for a battery (such as the battery 16 described above) may be input via the user interface; this might be particularly useful, for example, if the battery was a replaceable battery (such that those details may change).

FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 80, to according to one example. The algorithm 80 is an example implementation of the operation 32 of the algorithm 30 described above. The algorithm 80 starts at operation 82, where user settings are obtained, for example from a user interface such as the user interface 70′ described above. The user settings may include an indication of whether the user is a frequent user, a moderate user or an infrequent user. Of course, many other user settings of relevance to the usage of the aerosol generating device could be provided in alternative embodiments.

At operation 84, usage data is obtained, for example related to usage of the aerosol generating device 12 or 12′ or relating to usage of the aerosol generator 15. The usage data may take many forms, such as the amount of use in a preceding period (e.g. the previous 24 hours, although other time periods, longer or shorter than 24 hours, could be considered). Other examples of usage that might be monitored include frequency of usage, power consumption per day, periods of time when the device is used most often etc. Other possibilities will be apparent to the skilled person.

At operation 86, a usage level is determined, for example based on the user settings and/or the usage data. The usage level may form at least part of the usage information determined in the operation 32 described above. The algorithm 80 is provided by way of example only; many modifications and alternatives will be apparent to the person skilled in the art. For example, the operations 82 and 84 and may be carried out in a different order, one or more additional operations may be provided and one of more of the operations 82 and 84 may be omitted.

FIG. 10 is a plot, indicated generally by the reference numeral 87, demonstrating a use of an example embodiment. The plot 87 shows the charging rate changing as the charging mode changes. In a first charging mode, indicated generally by the reference numeral 88, the charging rate is relatively high (such that the battery 16 is charged at a first, relatively high, charging rate in the first charging mode). In other charging modes, indicated generally by the reference numeral 89, the charging rate is lower than the charging rate in the first charging mode. However, in the other charging modes 89, the charging rate varies smoothly, rather than in steps as discussed above with reference to the plot 40. Thus, the plot 87 shows charging rates of two possible charging modes that could be set in the operation 22 or 34, wherein the charging rate is variable in the second charging mode.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision device, indicated generally by the reference numeral 90, according to one example. The aerosol provision device 90 is an example implementation of the aerosol generating device 12 or 12′ described above. The device 90 is a modular device, comprising a first part 91a and a second part 91b.

The first part 91a of the device 90 includes a control circuit 92 (which may include the charging controller 14 and the control module 17 of the device 12) and a battery 93 (such as the battery 16 described above). The second part 91b of the device 90 includes a heater 94 and a liquid reservoir 95 (that may collectively form of the aerosol generator 15 of the system 10 described above).

The first part 91a includes a first connector 96a (such as a USB connector). The first connector 96a may enable connection to be made to a power source (such as the power source 18 described above) for charging the battery 93, for example under the control of the control circuit 92 (e.g. under the control of the charging controller 14). The first part 91a also includes a second connector 96b that can be removably connected to a first connector 97 of the second part 91b.

In the use of the device 90, air is drawn into an air inlet of the heater 94, as indicated by the arrow 98. The heater is used to heat the air (e.g. under the control of the circuit 93). The heated air is directed to the liquid reservoir 95, where an aerosol is generated. The aerosol exits the device at an air outlet, as indicated by the arrow 99 (for example into the mouth of a user of the device 90).

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of an aerosol provision device, indicated generally by the reference numeral 100, according to one example. The aerosol provision device 100 is an alternative example implementation of the aerosol generating device 12 or 12′ described above and may also include other elements of the system 10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the aerosol provision device 100 without an outer cover. The aerosol provision device 100 may comprise a replaceable article 101 that may be inserted in the aerosol provision device 100 to enable heating of the article 101. The aerosol provision device 100 further comprises one or more heating elements 103 and one or more air tube extenders 104. The heating elements 103 may be heaters that directly heat the article 101. Alternatively, the heating elements 103 may be inductive heating elements that are configured to interact with a susceptor comprised within the article 101 (or provided elsewhere). The two alternative aerosol provision devices 90 and 100 are provided by way of example only; many further variants and alternatives are possible. Many variants to the embodiments described above are possible.

The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and/or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and/or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilized and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc, other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future.

AEROSOL PROVISION DEVICE

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